2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense dominates for the Packers

Notable Remaining Players

There are plenty of good players left out of this mock draft, and even some with first-round buzz.

The running back position was clearly undervalued in our mock draft. Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook are still on the board. While it’s understandable that Cook fell out of the first round because of off-field and injury red flags, McCaffrey’s absence may be a surprise for some. While I view the former Stanford halfback as an early second-round prospect, there are plenty of draft analysts that feel he’s a first-round lock.

The edge rusher position also has a handful of highly talented prospects left on the board. I view Carl Lawson as a top-five edge prospect in this draft, but some people are low on him, especially when considering his injury history and lack of length at the position.

Tim Williams is another talented edge rusher left out of the first round, and this could have been because of off-field concerns and lackluster workout numbers. At one time, people spoke of him as a middle-first round talent.

T.J. Watt, Derek Rivers, and Taco Charlton also didn’t make the cut, but as you saw with the Packers pick at 29, there were some of us who would have selected them in the first round.

Sidney Jones would have undoubtedly been a first-round selection if it wasn’t for the injury he suffered at his pro day. The torn Achilles may bump him down a few rounds in the draft. UCLA cornerback Fabian Moreau could have also made a case for the end of the first round if he hadn’t tore his pectoral muscle at his pro day.

Regardless, we still had six cornerbacks going in the first round, which sounds about par for the course with other mock drafts around the media. Kevin King may make a case for the first day, given his rare size and athleticism, but his game is still very raw. He’s more likely a Day 2 pick on draft day.

Tight Evan Engram, defensive lineman Malik McDowell, and linebacker Jarrad Davis are a few more players with second-round grades that could have a chance to go on the first day if a team in the latter half likes them enough.

I would have expected Washington safety Budda Baker to have been selected in the first, but his size (5-10, 192) might scare some teams away and cause him to drop in the draft. Nonetheless, he’s still an outstanding player and could be a steal on Day 2 if he’s not snatched up by a team on Thursday night.

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