USA TODAY International Edition
Trades could shake up Round 1
The NFL draft draws ever closer, and the nearer it gets, the more hot trade rumors and piein- the- sky scenarios will abound. In all likelihood, no more significant deals will materialize until the first round commences April 27. But just for kicks, our latest Round 1 prognostications include a few logical — we think — moves to shake up the board. Here’s mock draft 6.0 for 2017.
1. Cleveland Browns — Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A& M: Coach Hue Jackson indicated the top pick is not for sale, even in a year when the type of polished quarterback prospect the Browns so desperately need isn’t worthy of the selection. ( Naturally, an ESPN report last week suggested team officials were strongly considering North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky first overall.) But barring a huge upset, it’s hard to envision anyone going No. 1 other than Garrett, an elite athlete who produced like one for the Aggies and who would address a primary need for the Browns defense.
2. * Trade with San Francisco 49ers* Carolina Panthers — Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: This move would allow the Niners to accrue valuable picks for their rebuilding process while dropping only a few spots — the transaction probably would cost the Panthers their No. 8 overall selection this year, next year’s first- rounder and maybe a fourthrounder, too. But Carolina is built to win now, and Fournette is a compelling talent who could launch them back to the Super Bowl. And given the desire to reduce the pounding on quarterback Cam Newton and fragile running back Jonathan Stewart’s advancing age, Fournette would fit like a glove in this offense.
3. Chicago Bears — Jamal Adams, S, LSU: Though Chicago’s defense has shown steady improvement during two years under coordinator Vic Fangio, it lacks an identity. Adams’ highlight reel is full of big hits and disruptive plays, and with a sub- 4.4second 40- yard time at his pro day, he answered any lingering questions about his athleticism and ability to range for deep balls. His swagger and reputation as a strong leader could vault this unit to the next tier.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars — O. J. Howard, TE, Alabama: Fournette seems like the perfect addition to this team. But with him off the board in this scenario, the new brain trust of Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone could go in another direction to support struggling quarterback Blake Bortles. Howard projects to be at least as good a receiver as departed Julius Thomas, and his superior blocking ability should keep him on the field and perhaps also help unleash Jacksonville’s recently dormant ground game.
5. * Trade with Tennessee Titans* Browns — Trubisky, QB, North Carolina: Cleveland forfeited its opportunity to take Carson Wentz in 2016. But this year we’ll have them exchange part of their cache of picks to leap up from No. 12 — past the New York Jets, the first team that seems reasonably likely to pick a quarterback this year. Trubisky’s accuracy and decision- making in college were first- rate and could make the Ohio native the best choice to operate this playbook. ( This pick originally belonged to the Los Angeles Rams before the Titans acquired it last year.)
6. New York Jets — Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford: As was the case with defensive lineman Leonard Williams, the sixth overall choice two years ago, the Jets might find themselves staring at a player too good to pass up at this spot. Teamed with Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson, Thomas would allow New York’s front to remain imposing, and his arrival could hasten a timeline to offload Sheldon Richardson.
7. * Trade with Los Angeles Chargers* Seattle Seahawks — Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State: If Seattle is serious about trading cornerback Richard Sherman, this could be one way to make it happen. The Legion of Boom surrenders its 29- year- old Pro Bowler in order to obtain the pick that nets Lattimore, this year’s premier corner. Let’s say general manager John Schneider also obtains a veteran blocker, maybe Orlando Franklin or Joe Barksdale. The Chargers would pick up Seattle’s No. 26 pick, while new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would reunite with Sherman, the big- bodied cover man the Bolts don’t have to combat wide receivers Demaryius Thomas, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree in the AFC West. Sherman returns to his native Los Angeles, giving the Chargers a recognizable talent as they get established in their new home, not to mention someone who could help quarterback Philip Rivers make one more Super Bowl push.
8. * Trade with Panthers* 49ers — Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: The buzz surrounding McCaffrey has steadily grown since his sterling combine and pro- day outings, which showcased his abilities as a runner, returner and receiver. New Niners GM John Lynch, a Stanford alum, could replicate the one- two tailback punch new coach Kyle Shanahan enjoyed in Atlanta if McCaffrey is coupled with power back Carlos Hyde.
9. Cincinnati Bengals — Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama: This would be a gift for Marvin Lewis’ defense. Despite being an interior player, Allen piled up 22 1⁄2 sacks over the last two seasons, several courtesy of his tireless effort. He’d more than fill the hole alongside Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins and give this team two wrecking balls in the trenches.
10. Buffalo Bills — Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State: The Bills haven’t had much production from their safeties since saying goodbye to Jairus Byrd after the 2013 season. Hooker covers a ton of ground, gets his hands on the ball ( seven interceptions in 2016) and makes things happen when he does ( three touchdowns). The only question is his health after having shoulder and sports hernia surgeries.
11. New Orleans Saints — Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama: A sideline- to- sideline defender brings the ability and attitude this defense has noticeably lacked in recent seasons. If he fulfills his potential, Foster could be a centerpiece in the mold of Ray Lewis or Luke Kuechly.
12. * Trade with Browns* Titans — Haason Reddick, LB, Temple: An undersized defensive end for the Owls, the 6- 1, 237- pounder will be a linebacker in the NFL. And during an offseason full of impressive exploits, Reddick has displayed the athleticism to play in space in base packages while reverting to his quarterback- hunting background on passing downs. ( Note: This pick originally belonged to the Philadelphia Eagles before Cleveland acquired it last year.)
13. Arizona Cardinals — Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: Ankle surgery prevented Davis from showcasing his ample skills at the scouting combine or at his pro day. But he’ll run just about any pattern and will separate from and/ or overpower most defensive backs. Davis averaged 13 touchdowns and nearly 80 catches during his fouryear college career and amassed a Football Bowl Subdivision- record 5,278 career receiving yards. A nice piece of clay for Bruce Arians and Larry Fitzgerald to mold.
14. Eagles ( from Minnesota Vikings) — Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: Philadelphia spent much of its free agent capital obtaining weapons for secondyear quarterback Carson Wentz. Cook could be the cherry on top, a threat out of the backfield who can hit home runs on running or receiving plays. And if he seems a luxury pick, the Eagles could afford him this year given how deep the draft is with the corner help their secondary will require.
15. Indianapolis Colts — Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky: This draft is stocked with defensive depth, and new Colts GM Chris Ballard will surely partake. But before he addresses that side of the ball, it might be best to pluck one of the few elite offensive line prospects. Lamp could plug in at right tackle or guard to bolster the protection of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck and his surgically repaired shoulder.
16. * Trade with Baltimore Ravens* Detroit Lions — Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: How productive was Barnett for the Volunteers? He broke Reggie White’s school sack record. He’s a better football player than athlete, and his hardworking style would play well in Detroit and be a boon to the Lions defensive line.
17. Washington Redskins — Kevin King, CB, Washington: Josh Norman can’t cover everyone. King ( 6- 3, 200) is talented and provides the kind of size that matches up favorably against the likes of Dez Bryant, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery in the NFC East. Bringing him aboard also could allow Bashaud Breeland to move into a nickel role that might suit him better.
18. Titans — John Ross, WR, Washington: The latest reason he’s a fit in Nashville? Ross indicated on NFL Network last week that he’d really like to play with quarterback Marcus Mariota, a fellow Pac- 12 alum. Personal preferences aside, Ross makes so much sense for this team considering the way his 4.22- second 40 speed could rip defenses stretched to the breaking point by Tennessee’s “exotic smashmouth” running game. Whether on deep routes, screens or as a returner, he is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the ball.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: Is there any division where it’s more imperative to have an effective pass rush than the NFC South? The Bucs will see Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Drew Brees a total of six times next season, and an edge presence such as Harris could get their attention. No Buc had more than 6 1⁄2 sacks in 2016.
20. Denver Broncos — Garett Bolles, OT, Utah: He probably has the most upside of any tackle prospect this year. With Russell Okung off to the Chargers, Denver has a gaping blindside vacancy. After overcoming a rough childhood, Bolles should find adapting to the NFL a breeze.
21. * Trade with Lions* Ravens — Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA: Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs still gets it done, but he’s 34. Elvis Dumervil is no longer a Raven. McKinley’s ever- revving motor is made to order for a defense with an attacking reputation.
22. Miami Dolphins — Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida: Yes, Miami just signed veteran line- backer Lawrence Timmons and extended Kiko Alonso’s contract. But the Dolphins still have room for improvement in their linebacking corps, and Davis is the kind of athlete and leader who could solidify the entire defense.
23. New York Giants — David Njoku, TE, Miami ( Fla.): It’s not hard to imagine GM Jerry Reese licking his chops if this New Jersey native is available when the Giants pick. Njoku is an explosive athlete loaded with potential. And a 20- year- old prospect couldn’t ask for a better scenario than being allowed to develop as the third or fourth receiving option for an offense that likes to put the ball in the air.
24. * Trade with Oakland Raiders* Rams — Mike Williams, WR, Clemson: Los Angeles would have to make a deal to get back into the first round. And despite signing Robert Woods, the Rams lack a No. 1- caliber wideout. Williams is big ( 6- 4, 218), fast enough, effective in the red zone and — perhaps — exactly the type of forgiving target who could accelerate second- year quarterback Jared Goff’s development. And what do the Raiders stand to gain? A high secondround pick — the Rams’ own No. 37 — and probably an extra third- rounder, which would help GM Reggie McKenzie patch numerous holes on defense.
25. Houston Texans — Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson: Not only did the Texans fail to obtain Tony Romo, they also don’t have a quarterback under contract beyond the 2017 season. This is the right time to acquire a promising player who might need a year to get ready.
26. * Trade with Seahawks* Chargers — Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin: Even if the Bolts hadn’t divested a blocker in our hypothetical Richard Sherman trade, it still makes sense to upgrade the protection in front of Rivers. Ramczyk could step in at right tackle and theoretically succeed Russell Okung on the left side down the road.
27. Kansas City Chiefs — Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech: In some ways, strongarmed Mahomes might be the antithesis of K. C. incumbent Alex Smith, 32. Yet that might be exactly what the Chiefs need to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Coach Andy Reid, who once was tasked with taming young Brett Favre, has experience tutoring undisciplined passers. Mahomes will need time, which dovetails with Smith’s contract; it expires after the 2018 season if Kansas City doesn’t opt out first.
28. Dallas Cowboys — Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State: Dallas lost four key defensive backs in free agency, including both starting corners. Chances are they’ll target cover guys early. Conley might be good enough to take over the No. 1 role immediately.
29. Green Bay Packers — Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU: The Packers secondary was in tatters by season’s end, a reality the Atlanta Falcons exposed in their NFC Championship Game romp. Losing Micah Hyde in free agency didn’t help. But White can help as a highly capable defender and an impact punt returner.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan: The last time we saw Pittsburgh’s defense, it was being diced through the air for 384 yards and three TDs by Tom Brady. It has lacked a difference- maker on the back end since Troy Polamalu retired, and Peppers might be the man to change that. ( And maybe he’d even give Le’Veon Bell an occasional breather.)
31. Atlanta Falcons — Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama: The NFC champs have plucked Crimson Tide assistant Steve Sarkisian, so why not also turn to Tuscaloosa for a massive, highly capable lineman to take over for retired G Chris Chester?
32. Saints (from New England Patriots) — Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: With the second level benefiting from New Orleans’ first pick, now it’s time to add juice to the pass rush. Only the Lions had fewer sacks than the Saints’ 30 among NFC teams in 2016. ( And it might be awfully tempting here to take DeShone Kizer or Davis Webb as Drew Brees’ eventual replacement.)