2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense dominates for the Packers

35. The fifth overall pick is very high to take a tight end. What Howard has shown in the biggest of moments, makes this reach a great one. He will be a dangerous weapon for Marcus Mariota for years to come. – Josh McPeak. Tight End. Alabama. O.J. Howard. 5. player

While some may be clamoring for a quarterback in this spot, one can argue that there’s isn’t one worthy of being picked this high. The other factor here is: what good is taking on another young quarterback when you don’t have the bodies to protect him? Enter Ramczyk, who solidifies the front line with his combination of balance, agility and ability to move the pile. With the newly-signed Kelvin Beachum on the blindside, the Jets can offer the 314-pound bookend a year of seasoning at right tackle. – Ralph Mancini. Offensive Tackle. Wisconsin. Ryan Ramczyk. 6. player. 30

player. 13. The Chargers ranked 20th in pass defense and 29th in points allowed last year. They could use a backend defender like Hooker with range and playmaking ability in coverage. The Ohio State product is one of the most gifted defensive backs in the draft, and he’d be a nice fit in the Chargers secondary. – Dan Dahlke. Safety. Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 7

Defensive End. Stanford. Solomon Thomas. 8. player. 87. If this scenario plays out on draft day, the Carolina war room might collectively shed tears of joy. Thomas is a top-3 prospect who may be second only to Garrett. This is the ideal combination of best available, best fit and value for the Panthers. – Andrew Hanlon