2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense dominates for the Packers

Patrick Mahomes. 13. player. 32. All signs seem to be pointing to 2017 being Carson Palmer’s swan song as an NFL quarterback and Drew Stanton isn’t anyone’s idea of an heir apparent. In selecting Mahomes, the Cardinals are banking on a healthy year out of Palmer to help bring along the mechanically raw rookie with tremendous upside. The Texas Tech product has the big arm favored by coach Bruce Arians’ system that requires its signal caller to stretch the field with deep passes. In addition, Mahomes has the footwork to deliver the ball from a variety of angles and platforms. – Ralph Mancini. Quarterback. Texas Tech

Ohio State. Gareon Conley. 14. player. 54. It was tempting here to take a wide receiver like Corey Davis, but Philadelphia did just sign Alshon Jeffery. They also have Jordan Matthews and Torrey Smith on the roster. Instead, the Eagles go cornerback here and take one of the top cover players in the draft. I’m not convinced Jalen Mills is a starting-caliber defensive back in the NFL. – Dan Dahlke. Cornerback

Cornerback. Alabama. Marlon Humphrey. 15. player. 46. I would have loved to get Conley at this spot, who went one pick earlier, but Humphrey isn’t a bad fall back plan. The former Alabama standout has NFL caliber size, speed and athleticism, which should translate into a day one contributor for the Colts. – Andrew Hanlon

Missouri. Charles Harris. 16. player. 26. Harris fits the mold of a Ravens pass rusher. He’s aggressive, finds the quarterback fast, and plays through the whistle. He needs to bulk up, but would be a great fit opposite Terrell Suggs. – Thomas Friesen. Edge Rusher