2017 NFL Mock Draft: Options for the Top Pick

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Options for the Top Pick: Thanks to their continued tradition of awfulness, the Cleveland Browns own the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The franchise isn’t exactly known for hitting it big in the draft, and unfortunately for the Browns, there isn’t an obvious choice for this year’s top pick. On the plus side, they have a laundry list of needs, which basically ensures that they will upgrade their roster to some degree as long as they manage to pick a decent player. The upcoming Scouting Combine and individual workouts and interviews will go a long way to deciding who is the top pick, but in the meantime, here is a closer look at the players who figure to be in the mix.

Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M Aggies

In the pass-happy era we live in, finding ways to the pressure the quarterback is a must when building a successful defense. The Browns don’t have anything close to a dynamic pass-rusher on their roster, and Garrett has the tools to be a force of the edge and completely wreck opponent game plans. His production in college was off the charts, and he is an elite athlete. Any franchise with the top pick wants to land a difference-maker, and Garrett has that type of ceiling.

Jonathan Allen, DT/DE, Alabama Crimson Tide 

Despite playing on the interior of Alabama’s defensive front, Allen managed 15 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks last year. He absolutely dominates at the line of scrimmage, clogging up running lanes and putting pressure on quarterbacks. Allen can play outside or inside along the defensive line, and his combination of versatility and production probably make him the safest option among the top prospects. For a team that has whiffed on so many picks, sacrificing a bit of upside could be worth it, especially when Allen still has the ability to transform a defensive front.

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina Tar Heels

The knock on Trubisky is that he started just a single season at the collegiate level, but he showed a lot of favorable traits in that one year. He displayed accuracy, a quick release and quick decision making, which could make him a perfect fit for Hue Jackson’s run-heavy offense. Granted, he doesn’t have an elite arm, but he has the arm strength to make all the throws. Quarterback is the most important position in the NFL, and until Cleveland finds a reliable signal caller, this team isn’t going to be a serious contender.

DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Kizer’s college career was marred by inconsistency, but when he was on his game, he had scouts drooling. From a physical standpoint, Kizer has the huge arm and the big, athletic body teams look for in a dominant pocket passer. Yes, he is a little raw, but he has a chance to be special if he can put it all together. For a franchise constantly rebuilding, it does make a lot of sense to take a swing on the quarterback with the highest ceiling.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson Tigers

He threw a lot of interceptions the last couple of seasons, which has scouts questioning his accuracy and decision making. On the flip side, he carried Clemson to back-to-back national title game appearances, hoisting the championship trophy is his final collegiate game. Watson can make plays with his arm and his legs, and there is something to be said about leadership and being a winner, especially for a Cleveland franchise that knows nothing but losing. I think Watson is in play for the top pick.

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