Here we are, on the eve of the draft, which means it’s time to post my one and only mock draft of the year. Let’s get started

1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett – DE, Texas A&M

   Garrett is the highest rated talent in the draft, and a special talent in this draft, Cleveland isn’t going to draft a QB when Garrett has Julius Peppers-like upside.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas – DE, Stanford

   The 49ers try to trade out of this pick, but no takers on this occasion, too much capital to give up in a deep draft. Thomas adds a high-motor player to the 49ers defense who won’t quit.

3. Chicago Bears: Marshon Lattimore – CB, Ohio State

   The Bears need secondary help in the worst way, so why not take the best rated cover-man in the draft? Prince Amukamura, Kyle Fuller, and Marshon Lattimore as a group would help slow down some of the passing offenses in the NFC North.

4. Carolina Panthers (TRADE): Leonard Fournette – RB, LSU

   The first trade in this mock draft sees the Panthers moving up to get the top running back in the draft. Fournette brings a presence to the Panthers running game that was sorely missed last year. (Panthers trade the 8th and 40th overall picks for the Jaguars 4th and 110th)

5. Tennessee Titans: Jamal Adams – S, LSU

   The Titans have 2 huge needs coming into this draft: defensive back and wide receiver. They could easily go Mike Williams, Corey Davis, O.J Howard, or even Malik Hooker is Adams isn’t available in this spot. Adams adds a much needed leader and playmaker to the Titans defense

6. Cleveland Browns (TRADE): Mitchell Trubisky – QB, UNC

   The Browns get their quarterback of the future by trading up with the New York Jets, who are happy to move down after the selections of Lattimore and Adams. Trubisky brings Hue Jackson the type of quarterback he likes in his offense, the additions on the offensive line this offseason will help keep Trubisky upright for the foreseeable future. Browns trade the 12th, 52nd, and 185th pick for the Jets 6th overall pick)

7. LA Chargers: Malik Hooker – S, Ohio State

   The Chargers have an up and coming defense, with Joey Bosa emerging as a star, Denzel Perryman and Melvin Ingram showing their potential last year, this team needs a playmaker at safety to man the deep middle of the defense, particularly in Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme. Hooker can be that playmaker.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (TRADE): O.J. Howard – TE, Alabama

   After the Jaguars traded away Julius Thomas to the Dolphins, there was a hole created at the tight-end position, enter O.J. Howard. He has the potential to be that next great tight-end, so the Jaguars move down, and still get one of the top-rated players in the draft.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Allen – DL, Alabama

   The Bengals have lost many good players in the trenches on both sides of the ball, Allen re-stocks the talent on the defensive line, brings a nastiness to the Bengals defense that it needs (not the kind Vontaze Burfict provides, mind you). Great value for a potential top-5 pick in the draft.

10. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams – WR, Clemson

    Some people think it could be fellow Clemson Tiger DeShaun Watson being picked here, instead, they go with the big wide receiver to line up across from Sammy Watkins to give Tyrod Taylor a pair of big-time playmakers to throw to, plus the reliable Charles Clay underneath. Williams opens things up for Shady McCoy in the backfield as well. Gareon Conley and Marlon Humphrey could be consideration here as well.

11. New Orleans Saints: Takkarist McKinley – DE/OLB, UCLA

    Tak McKinley brings a much needed pass-rushing presence to NOLA opposite Cameron Jordan that the Saints have needed since Junior Galette was released. McKinley has the speed and skills to help improve a Saints defense that’s been a major liability over the last few years.

12. New York Jets (TRADE): Gareon Conley – CB, Ohio State

    Despite accusations coming out against Conley, he’s still among the top corners available in this draft, Marlon Humphrey was in consideration here, but after Dee Milliner, the Jets brass may be soured on Alabama corners. Conley gives the Jets secondary a good, smart foundation to build on.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes – QB, Texas Tech

    Despite needs on defense after a ton of losses this offseason, Bruce Arians needs to draft his quarterback of the future in Pat Mahomes. Carson Palmer isn’t getting any younger, so why not give Mahomes a year or two to learn before throwing him to the wolves?

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian McCaffrey – RB, Stanford

    Doug Pederson loves running backs who can catch the ball, run hard, and who are elusive. McCaffrey brings all of those things to the table for the Eagles.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Barnett – DE, Tennessee

    It’s no secret that the Colts need help on defense, they haven’t been able to consistently get after the quarterback since Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were terrorizing the AFC quarterbacks, Barnett helps the cause, plus the Colts have had good history with talented players from Tennessee.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Cam Robinson – T, Alabama

    Ozzie Newsome loves his Alabama alums, and to help fill a need on the Ravens offensive line, Robinson makes sense, especially with Rick Wagner counting his millions in Detroit. Robinson brings toughness to the Ravens offensive line, and they hope with that added toughness, they can improve their 28th rated rushing attack.

17. Washington Redskins: Haason Reddick – LB, Temple

    The Redskins needed someone other than Ryan Kerrigan who can get after the quarterback, especially after losing Chris Baker in the offseason: enter Hasaan Reddick. Reddick has the speed and technique to get around the edge and get after the other QB’s in the NFC East.

18. Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis – WR, Western Michigan

    The Titans missed out on Mike Williams in favor of taking the best safety in the draft at the 5th overall pick, but they add the big playmaker from Western Michigan here in Davis, giving Marcus Mariota the #1 receiver he’s been hoping for. The Titans are a much better team after the first round of this draft.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook – RB, Florida State

    The Buccaneers could use a running back after Doug Martin’s struggles last year and subsequent suspension effective the first 4 games of the 2017 season. So why not just go up US-98 North to Tallahassee and pick Dalvin Cook, a back very similar to the division rival Falcons’ Devonta Freeman? Seems like a dream fit for Jameis Winston and company.

20. Houston Texans (TRADE): DeShaun Watson – QB, Clemson

    The Texans desperately need a quarterback, especially after not only the free agent bust that was Brock Osweiler struggled mightily this season, but when Tony Romo, widely believed to be available at one time, decided to retire. Watson brings legitimacy to the position, and doesn’t have to be the Texans savior immediately, as the Texans have a good team to put around Watson (Broncos trade the 20th and 203rd overall picks for the Texans 25th and 57th overall picks)

21. Detroit Lions: Reuben Foster – LB, Alabama

    After DeAndre Levy’s release, there’s a big hole in the Lions defense, Paul Worrilow was brought in to be a part of the linebacking group, but as he proved in Atlanta, he’s a tackler, not a playmaker, Foster brings both to the Lions.

22. Denver Broncos (TRADE): Ryan Ramczyk – T, Wisconsin

    The Broncos jump back up with the Dolphins to get ahead of the Giants for Ramczyk’s services on their offensive line. (Broncos trade the 25th, 126th and 203rd overall picks for the Dolphins 22nd overall pick.) Elway has shown a willingness to trade in the draft.

23. New York Giants: Garrett Bolles – T, Utah

    Despite missing out on Ramczyk, the Giants still get a potential quality tackle in Bolles to help protect Eli Manning in the twilight of his career. Bolles could play either tackle position, depending on what the Giants decide to do with Ereck Flowers.

24. Oakland Raiders: Charles Harris – DE, Missouri

    The Raiders finished last in the NFL in sacks last year, Harris is a ferocious pass rusher to pair with Khalil Mack, and will help the Raiders secondary since they won’t have to cover as long. Harris is too good of a value to pass up here.

25. Miami Dolphins: Kevin King – CB, Washington

    It’s no secret that the Miami Dolphins need help at the cornerback position, after the release of Brent Grimes last offseason, they’ve needed to find someone to play opposite of Byron Maxwell. King brings size and presence to a Dolphins secondary that was lacking both this past season, especially with Rashad Jones injured.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Forrest Lamp – OG, Western Kentucky

    The Seahawks offensive line has been… well, offensive to watch for years now, it was so bad, it got Marshawn Lynch to retire early, only to have him come back and play for the Raiders (who are not only his hometown team, but have a very good line). Lamp helps start the rebuilding process with a blue-chip prospect who can start day-1.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Jarrad Davis – LB, Florida

    Derrick Johnson is 34 years old and coming off a major Achilles injury, it may be time to start thinking about a new player to man the middle of the Chiefs defense (To Chief the Chiefs, so to speak). Jarrad Davis is that guy, he’s extremely athletic, is a leader and a great team guy. Perfect fit for Kansas City.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Jabrill Peppers – S/LB, Michigan

    Peppers brings flexibility, speed, and an attitude to Dallas that it’s been missing for a long, long time (In a good way, T.O doesn’t count). Peppers can play Safety in base packages, and linebacker when the defense goes to the nickel (5 defensive backs on the field). Dallas lost a lot of players on that already thin defense last season, Peppers helps fill a few holes.

29. Cleveland Browns (TRADE): David Njoku – TE, Miami

    Once again, the Browns trade up to get their guy in Njoku, who helps Trubisky tremendously by giving him a supremely athletic tight-end to throw to from day 1. The Browns also ensure that they get a 5th year option on a guy with a huge ceiling. (Packers trade the 29th and 182nd overall picks for the Browns 33rd and 108th overall picks)

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt – LB, Wisconsin

    If Watt can be anything like his older brother, this pick could be the “steel” of the draft (I know, it’s steal, but I’m a hopeless semantic). Watt would give James Harrison a bookend rusher, and at age 38, I’m sure Harrison would appreciate that.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Taco Charlton – DE, Michigan

    Charlton gives the Falcons a bookend rusher to pair with Vic Beasley, who can also play the run extremely well. Charlton can help solidify Dan Quinn’s vision of a fast and physical defense. Vic Beasley, Dontari Poe, Grady Jarrett, and Taco Charlton, sounds like a defensive line the NFC would fear.

32. New Orleans Saints: Marlon Humphrey – CB, Alabama

    The Saints desperately need to overhaul their defense, between the pick of Tak McKinley and Marlon Humphrey, they’ve infused a ton of young talent onto that side of the ball. This pick could also be easily traded back the Patriots for Malcolm Butler, or if the Saints were to shock the world, sent to Seattle for Richard Sherman. Humphrey is the best corner available, and would give them some size to match up with the big receivers of the NFC South.

As we approach the 2017 NFL Draft, there will be countless mock drafts and best player lists by position, but this list will be a little different: this is a list of players that will be drafted too early for their position or talent. This isn’t to say that any of these players will be busts, they could be talented players drafted too soon, or above players that may be overlooked and a better value later in the draft. This list is going to be limited to players with realistic shots at being taken in the first or second round, think of players like Christian Hackenberg who was drafted last year in the 2^nd round by the New York Jets, when they could have had players like Deion Jones, Su’a Cravens, Joe Thuney, and even Dak Prescott was available. Without further ado, let’s get into the list.

15. Jonathan Allen – Defensive End, Alabama: Before you take out your torches and pitchforks, I think Allen will be a fine NFL player and a good run-stuffer, but based on his tape and his combine numbers, Allen may struggle as a pass rusher from the tackle position, or even as a 3-4 DE. He seems more of a complimentary rusher as opposed to a star pass rusher (A Robin instead of a Batman, if you will). It helps to play on the Alabama defense, which features a ton of NFL caliber talent, which could lead to why he’s a bit overhyped. All of this is fine from a defensive lineman taken late in the 1^st round or early 2^nd round, but for someone who, in most mock drafts, is going between the 2^nd and 8^th overall pick, he could be a disappointment with expectations that high.

14. Marshon Lattimore – Cornerback, Ohio State: Lattimore has the physical tools to be a very good NFL corner, he’s got great speed and athleticism, good size, and played on against Big Ten competition, so why is he on this list? He was a 1-year starter at Ohio State, he’s had issues in off coverage, did not see the opposing teams’ best receivers, that job mostly fell to Gareon Conley. The biggest issue with Lattimore is his health, he’s had multiple hamstring issues in his career, most significantly in 2015, which caused him to miss 7 games. He also pulled up lame at the NFL Combine, which raises red flags as to how well he’ll hold up over a 16-game schedule at the next level.

13. John Ross – Wide Receiver, Washington: Ross is the man who broke Chris Johnson’s combine record in the 40-yard dash, does that make him a top-15 player? No. He’s got great speed, but has no answer to press coverage, has below average strength for a receiver, gets too emotional on the field over drops and missed throws, however, he does play with the same speed in-game that he showed off at the combine. The biggest thing working against him, he could be drafted ahead of players like Corey Davis and Mike Williams, guys who are more prototypical players who could be special talents. Ross can be the next DeSean Jackson, or he could be the next Brandin Cooks, and Cooks was just traded for the 32^nd pick. Who would you rather have? Cooks with the 32^nd pick, or Ross with as high as the 13^th overall pick?

12. Deshaun Watson – Quarterback, Clemson: I think Watson is the best QB prospect in this class, he should be a mid to late first round pick, but I could see a team take him or trade up for him in the top-10 picks of the draft, which is too early for a quarterback that might need to sit for a year and learn the pro game from a veteran QB. A team like Kansas City would be ideal for Watson, as Alex Smith is 33 going on 34, and Andy Reid has a history of developing quarterbacks into pro level passers, like Donovan McNabb, and a rehabbed Michael Vick. If a team like the Jets, 49ers, or Browns take him, he could be forced to start before he’s ready.

11. Obi Melifonwu – Cornerback/Safety, UConn: Melifonwu comes in at 6’4”, runs a 4.40 second 40-yard dash, and can hit, which all sounds great, until you remember that Taylor Mays came in with a very similar draft profile and combine performance, but Mays is currently out of football. Not exactly the player you’d want your 1^st round pick to be compared to. Melifonwu seems to have better ball instincts than Mays, but he also gets tied up when it’s time to turn and run with receivers deep. He needs to be coached up, but there’s a ton of potential if he goes to the right team, and, more importantly, without the pressure of being a 1^st round pick in this draft.

10. Christian McCaffrey – Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey is a good football player for sure, but he’s a solid 2^nd round player, not a top-15 or even top-10 pick as some mock drafts have seen him go. McCaffrey has proven to be a multidimensional player, who can have an impact as a back, a receiver, and a returner. A team that tries to use him as a primary back will be very disappointed, as he will not hold up under a workload involving more than 300 carries and 40-50 catches a season. McCaffrey also lacks that next gear, and that burst to get away from defenders. In the right offenses, he can be downright scary, but if he’s asked to be the lead guy, he won’t hold up.

9. Jordan Willis – EDGE, Kansas State: Billed as a “tweener” (A player who can play defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on scheme), Willis has a lot of potential as a developmental “Robin” type of pass rusher, but due to the ever-growing need for pass-rushers among teams could be drafted to be a “Batman”, or worse yet, he could be asked to cover if he’s drafted into a 3-4 scheme, something Willis was not asked to do in college, could present problems at the next level. He has not yet developed enough pass rushing moved to consistently beat tackles in the NFL.

8. Cam Robinson – Offensive Tackle, Alabama: In a weak Tackle class, there are bound to be some reaches in this draft, Tackles were overpaid in Free Agency this year, but for those teams desperate to improve their offensive lines, they might look at Robinson as a left tackle, when he might be better off as a right tackle, as his technique is raw, he loses balance lunging at opposing pass rushers, he ducks his head as a run-blocker, but is a solid road grader. Road graders play right tackle, they don’t protect the Quarterback’s blindside. Robinson could be a top-20 pick, but for someone who plays similarly to Ereck Flowers of the NY Giants, I wouldn’t take him in the first round, let alone the top-20.

7. Ryan Ramczyk – Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: Ramczyk can appear to be the ideal NFL left tackle with his size, his game speed, and his ability to keep rushers off his QB in 1-on-1 blocking, that is until you realize how easily he’s beaten by a spin-move, in watching game film against Michigan game, along with some issues getting to the next level and staying on his blocks at times. He might be better off as a right tackle, much like Cam Robinson. Also like Cam Robinson, Ramczyk could be over drafted to play left tackle.

6. Alvin Kamara – Running Back, Tennessee: Kamara seems to be more of a 2^nd round player in most mock drafts, but Kamara is more of a day 3 pick based on film and most scouting reports, especially with his lack of field vision and fumbling issues at the college level, he also has durability concerns at a position that’s prone to injury. He could find a role as a solid platoon back who can play on any down, as he is a good pass protector and receiver out of the backfield. He’s also been known as a leader at Tennessee, which could serve him well in whatever locker room he ends up in.

5. Mitch Trubisky – Quarterback, North Carolina: Trubisky could be a very good quarterback in the NFL, if he goes to a team with a decent offensive line and doesn’t need to play early, as he will need time to learn to play under center, and he needs to get better at recognizing blitzes and knowing when the pocket is breaking down. He’s got a good, strong-arm, he can read coverages effectively. The biggest red flag about Trubisky is that he’s only been a 1-year starter in college, not giving teams time to adjust to him, meaning he hasn’t necessarily had to adjust his game to defenses exposing his weaknesses. As a late 1^st round, early 2^nd round QB, he should be fine, but if he’s taken in the first 10-15 picks (Looking at you, NY Jets) he could be in trouble.

4. Jabrill Peppers – LB/S/KR/Offensive Weapon, Michigan: Peppers is a solid football player, he’s got the versatility to play linebacker, safety, he can return kicks, and even played a bit of offense for the Wolverines, so what’s the issue? Lack of impact plays in pass defense, he had 1 career interception and only 10 passes defensed in his entire career. This isn’t a guy you take in the first round, as he is an electric return man, even Devin Hester, the best return man in NFL history, was a 2^nd round pick. The idea that Peppers is the next Charles Woodson is a pipe dream. He can be a fine NFL player, but Peppers is a solid player, not a playmaker. Playmakers are special talents worth a 1^st round pick, Peppers isn’t that guy right now, could he be? Maybe, but that’s too big a risk for a top pick.

3. Joe Mixon – Running Back, Oklahoma: We’ve all heard about Mixon’s off-the-field issues, which is a part of the reason he’s this high on the list, the other reasons are that he doesn’t have great feet or great vision to find holes and creases in the run game. He doesn’t create plays in the running game the way other top backs in this class do, Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette do that, that’s why they’re possible first round picks. Mixon also hops around into his cuts as opposed to planting his foot in the ground for clean cuts. He’s a very good receiver out of the backfield, and has been a very good player at Oklahoma, but will that translate to the next level? That’s too many questions and issues for a borderline 1^st possible 2^nd round pick.

2. Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback, Mahomes is alarmingly similar to Jay Cutler in terms of his physical talent, which is good, but he can also be Cutler-like in how he makes decisions, which is bad, and he is inconsistent in terms of how much touch he puts on the ball, which is ugly at times. He’s very mobile, but is not a running QB, he’s the kind of player that will drive fans and coaches crazy early on in his career, like all the other top quarterbacks in this draft, he needs a good amount of time to adapt to the pro game before he gets thrown to the wolves. A team like Houston at 25 could take him and thrust him into the starting lineup before he’s ready, or if Arizona takes him at 13, he may be expected to take over for Carson Palmer before he’s ready to play. He should be a 2^nd round pick at the highest, but we could see a 2011 NFL Draft like run on quarterbacks.

1. Deshone Kizer – Quarterback, Notre Dame: Kizer should scare teams more than he does, he struggled to hold down the starting job, his own coach has admitted he needs time to develop as a quarterback prospect, not to mention the mechanical and mental issues in his game. He doesn’t lead his receivers the way he should, he doesn’t have the anticipation needed to play early on. Quarterbacks that need as much time as Kizer will need typically go in the 3^rd and 4^th round, but he is still touted as a potential 1^st round pick. He’s also had at least 1 interception in 15 of his 23 starts.