By Evan Biancardi
The time has finally come. The 2017 NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, April 27, so it’s only right that we analyze some of the biggest storylines ahead of the big day. All 32 teams entered the offseason looking to improve their squad, and there’s no better chance to do so than on draft day. After researching mock drafts for months, we think we know what to expect, but as we’ve seen countless times before, teams often surprise us.
It’s safe to assume that DE Myles Garrett will be the Cleveland Browns’ number one overall pick, but subsequent picks are still somewhat up in the air. There are potentially four teams in the top 10 that may pursue taking one of the top quarterbacks, but it’s also possible that none will get drafted early in the first round. The consensus number one quarterback is North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, but after gaining serious interest from the Browns and 49ers, it seems as though both teams may go in a different direction.
Defensive end Solomon Thomas now appears to be the favorite to be taken at number two, and the Bears will likely pursue a defensive back with the third pick. The Jaguars, with the number four pick in the draft, will almost certainly select either Thomas or DE/DT Jonathan Allen, and the Titans will most likely use the Rams’ pick to take WR Mike Williams.
The Jets have the sixth pick, and here’s where things get tricky. New York has a gaping hole at the quarterback position, so it is possible that Trubisky could be taken here, but if the quarterback is selected earlier in the draft, what do the Jets do? While it’s also possible that the Jets trade up to ensure drafting Trubisky, considering the talent in this year’s draft, moving down and acquiring more picks may be a wise move.
From there, it’s seemingly easier to predict who will be taken, as guys like S Malik Hooker and CB Mashon Lattimore likely go within the first ten picks. The New York Giants will make their first selection with the 23rd overall pick, and it shouldn’t be any surprise that they’ll be looking to improve their offense line. Tight end David Njoku appears to be the consensus pick.
Since the combine, many players’ stocks have changed. Some have seen their projections lower in the draft, but many have seen their stock rise in recent weeks. Cornerback Gareon Conley has seen a spike interest, especially from the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently holds the 14th overall pick. Linebacker Reuben Foster is another player on the rise, as after multiple controversies surrounding his health and draft status, he is a potential top-10 pick. Running back Christian McCaffrey was originally projected to fall out of the first round, but he was then slated to be a late first round pick and a possible fit in New England. Since then, McCaffrey has been linked to numerous teams, including the Panthers. Meanwhile, Michigan’s star player, Jabrill Peppers, will likely have to wait to hear his name called and may even be on the board heading into Friday.
