The 2017 NFL Draft may not take place until April, but with the college football season all but over and the NFL playoffs just kicking off, there’s never been a better time to start thinking about who your team might take when they are on the clock.
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll start to have a clearer picture of which college players scouts think will shine on the next level, and which needs teams will look to fill with their early picks.
In the meantime, what better way to prepare for the draft than a first-round mock draft?
To do that, we looked at the current first-round mocks of eight experts, and tried to discern if there are any early consensuses. While the top of the draft already looks to have some clarity, with four months until Draft Day far more is up in the air. Still, our expert consensus is a useful way to determine what positions teams might look to fill early.
And because the back half of the draft order is not yet set (with each playoff game, more and more slots will be filled in), we determind the order based on a combination of regular season record, playoff seeding, and odds to make the Super Bowl.
Our experts are: Emily Kaplan (MMQB), Rob Rang and Dane Brugler (CBS), Matt Miller (Bleacher Report), Jason McIntyre (The Big Lead), Chris Burke (Sports Illustrated), Todd McShay (ESPN), and Dan Kadar (SB Nation).
No. 1 Cleveland Browns — Myles Garrett (DE)
Experts: 5 of 8
School: Texas A&M
Other possibilities: Johnathan Allen (DL, Alabama), Mitch Trubisky (QB, UNC)
Key expert quote: Kaplan: "What Cleveland really needs is a star. How good is Garrett? If he was eligible for the 2016 draft, he might have gone No. 1."
No. 2 San Francisco 49ers — Mitch Trubisky (QB)
Experts: 4 of 8
School: North Carolina
Other possibilities: Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M), Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
Key expert quote: Brugler: "San Francisco desperately needs to life at the quarterback position, regardless of the front office and coaching situations. Despite only one season of starting experience, Trubisky has all the traits to be a successful NFL starter."
No. 3 Chicago Bears — Jonathan Allen (DL)
Experts: 4 of 8
School: Alabama
Other possibilities: Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan), Mitch Trubisky (QB, UNC), DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame), Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
Key expert quote: Rang: "The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder offers unique position versatility to go along with the production and intangibles the current regime prioritized in draft picks last spring. Allen is stout against the run and a proven pass rusher with 19 sacks in his past 26 games."
No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars — Jamal Adams (Safety)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: LSU
Other possibilities: Jonathan Allen (DL, Alabama), Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M), Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.)
Key expert quote: McShay: "[Adams] can stuff the run as an in-the-box safety, he can cover and he's a great leader to bring into your locker room. The Jaguars need to continue to invest resources in their secondary."
No. 5 Tennessee Titans (via LA Rams) — Mike Williams (WR)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Clemson
Other possibilities: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State), Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama), Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama), Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
Key expert quote: Miller: "With this first-rounder from Los Angeles, the Titans can grab a go-to threat for quarterback Marcus Mariota to grow with while focusing on other needs with their own pick later in the round."
No. 6 New York Jets — DeShaun Watson (QB)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Clemson
Other possibilities: Tim Williams (DE, Alabama), DeShone Kizer (QB, Alabama), Jamal Adams (S, LSU), Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Key expert quote: Rang: "Youngsters Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg have shown little evidence that either is the long-term answer at quarterback and with veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith set to hit the open market, at least one addition to the position group is likely coming."
No. 7 San Diego Chargers — Malik Hooker (Safety)
Experts: 4 of 8
School: Ohio State
Other possibilities: Ryan Ramcyzk (OT, Wisconsin), Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
Key expert quote: Kadar: "It's hard to see why Hooker wouldn't get a first-round draft grade despite starting just a season with the Buckeyes. His speed closing on the ball is elite, and the Ed Reed comparisons aren't unfounded."
No. 8 Carolina Panthers — Leonard Fournette (RB)
Experts: 5 of 8
School: LSU
Other possibilities: Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee), Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
Key expert quote: Miller: "The Panthers have other needs to fill on defense and on the offensive line, but taking Fournette would give them a very dangerous one-two punch in the backfield."
No. 9 Cincinnati Bengals — Derek Barnett (DE)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Tennessee
Other possibilities: Malik Hooker (CB, Ohio St.), Tim Williams (DE, Alabama), Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
Key expert quote: McShay: "Barnett's production was outstanding in his first two seasons at Tennessee, but he has taken it to another level in 2016 with an SEC-leading 12.0 sacks."
No. 10. Buffalo Bills — Jabrill Peppers (Safety)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Michigan
Other possibilities: Mike Williams (WR, Clemson), Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford), Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson), Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin)
Key expert quote: McIntyre: "More and more NFL teams are finding holes in his game - he's not excellent in coverage, he tends to freelance a bit - but the guy makes plays, and he can be a factor in special teams."
No. 11 New Orleans Saints — Tim Williams (DE, Alabama)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Alabama
Other possibilities: Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford), Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee), Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama), Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA), Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Key expert quote: Burke: "Based on what he can do as a pass rusher (and better-than-advertised run defender), Williams is top-10 worthy. Whether it's here or later on, the Saints have to add help off the edge."
No. 12 Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles) — DeShone Kizer (QB) or Teez Tabor (CB)
Experts: 2 of 8 each
School: Notre Dame (Kizer), Florida (Tabor)
Other possibilities: Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan), Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee), Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA)
Key expert quote: Brugler: "The Browns' secondary has been routinely torched this season with upgrades needed across the board."
No. 13 Arizona Cardinals — Reuben Foster (LB)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Alabama
Other possibilities: DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame), Jamal Adams (S, LSU) , Mike Williams (WR, Clemson), Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan),
Key expert quote: McShay: [Foster is] one of the 10 best players in this class, but positional value could cause him to slip a little bit. QB is also a possibility for Arizona, given Carson Palmer's age (37) and declining play.
T-14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings) — Marlon Humphrey (CB) or Corey Davis (WR)
Experts: 2 of 8 each
School: Alabama (Humphrey), Western Michigan (Davis)
Other possibilities: Sidney Jones (CB, Washington), Mike Williams (WR, Clemson), Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.), Teez Tabor (CB, Florida)
Key expert quote: Kadar: "The Eagles have gone years without drafting a highly rated cornerback, and the lack of secondary talent really shows."
T-14. Indianapolis Colts — No consensus yet!
Possibilities: Tim Williams (DE, Alabama), Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.), Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee), Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU), Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford), Malik Hooker (S, Ohio St.), Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA)
Key expert quote: Burke: "The Colts' defense in general has to become faster, more athletic."
No. 16 Baltimore Ravens — Dalvin Cook (RB) or Takkarist McKinley (DE)
Experts: 2 of 8 each
School: Florida State (Cook), UCLA (McKinley)
Other possibilities: Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama), Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford), Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan), Charles Harris (DE, Missouri)
Key expert quote: Kadar: "Terrell Suggs' career is winding to a close, and fellow pass rusher Elvis Dumervil could be a salary cap casualty. McKinley is a talented player who would fit because he can play standing up or with his hand down."
No. 17 Washington Redskins — Solomon Thomas (DE)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Stanford
Other possibilities: Montravius Adams (DT, Auburn), Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan St.), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
Key expert quote: Rang: "At 6-2, 275 pounds, Thomas may lack ideal size but his quickness, power and technique are top 20 caliber."
No. 18 Tennessee Titans — John Ross (WR)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Washington
Other possibilities: Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida), Cordrea Tankersley (CB, Clemson), Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan), Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.).
Key expert quote: Brugler: "The Titans have plenty of bodies on the wide receiver depth chart, but no true difference-maker. Ross has elite speed, but it is his polish routes that allow him to create separation and make plays."
No. 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Corey Davis (WR)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Western Michigan
Other possibilities: OJ Howard (TE, Alabama), Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan), Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama), John Ross (WR, Washington), Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan St.)
Key expert quote: Brugler: "Mike Evans is the top target of Jameis Winston, but he needs help. Davis is very well-rounded with the athleticism to be a threat before and after the catch."
No. 20 Denver Broncos — Ryan Ramczyk (OT)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Wisconsin
Other possibilities: Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida), Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.), DeMarcus Walker (S, Kentucky), Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
Key expert quote: Burke: "He's long and athletic on the move as run blocker and was an absolute rock in pass protection this season."
No. 21 Detroit Lions — Taco Charlton (DE)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Michigan
Other possibilities: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.), Teez Tabor (CB, Florida), Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt), Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida), Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan St.)
Key expert quote: Rang: "Only emerging as a full-time starter for Michigan this season, Charlton has developed into the country's better edge rushing prospects, boasting exciting initial quickness and bend given his 6-5, 272 pound frame."
No. 22 Miami Dolphins — OJ Howard (TE)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Alabama
Other possibilities: Teez Tabor (CB, Florida), Harold Landry (DE, BC), Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan), Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama), Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
Key expert quote: Kaplan: "He's already a quality blocker and don't read too much into his receiving stats; he was under-utilized in the Crimson Tide's passing game."
No. 23 New York Giants — Cam Robinson (OT)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Alabama
Other possibilities: Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan St.), Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford), Taco Charlton (E, Michigan), Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt), OJ Howard (TE, Alabama), D'onta Foreman (RB, Texas)
Key expert quote: Kadar: "The Ereck Flowers experiment has been rocky. If Robinson slides into the 20s, the Giants could grab him to play left tackle while deciding whether Flowers can be moved to guard or, perhaps more likely, the right side."
No. 24 Oakland Raiders — Zach Cunningham (LB)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Vanderbilt
Other possibilities: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.), Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan St.), Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida), Desmond King (CB, Iowa), Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan)
Key expert quote: Brugler: "The Raiders have invested several high picks in the front seven and should again if Oakland has a chance to draft an impact middle linebacker. Cunningham's Vandy tape is a clinic for how to play the position."
No. 25 Houston Texans — Malik McDowell (DT)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Michigan St.
Other possibilities: Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida), Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt), Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama), Jamal Adams (S, LSU), Taco Charlton (DE, Michigan), Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
Key expert quote: Rang: "At 6-5, 282 pounds, McDowell has the size and athleticism to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line. Talented but inconsistent and injury-prone, he could blossom under Watt's wing."
No. 26 Green Bay Packers — No consensus yet!
Possibilities: OJ Howard (TE, Alabama), Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA), Taco Charlton (DE, Michigan), Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.), Teez Tabor (CB, Florida), Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.)
Key expert quote: Rang: "With edge rushers Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones all in the final year of their respective deals, the Packers will once again be looking for help at the position."
No. 27 Seattle Seahawks — Garrett Bolles (OT)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Utah
Other possibilities: Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin), Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida), Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio St.), Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
Key expert quote: Rang: "Though it is far from the only concern, the Seahawks' decision to invest their salary cap space in every position other than the offensive line has been the single biggest factor in the team's struggles this season."
No. 28 Pittsburgh Steelers — Charles Harris (DE)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Missouri
Other possibilities: Ryan Anderson (LB, Alabama), Carl Lawson (DE, Alabama), Takkarist McKinley (DE, UCLA), Tim Williams (DE, Alabama), Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan), Taco Charlton (DE, Michigan)
Key expert quote: Kaplan: "At 6' 6", 255 pounds, Harris is a bit undersized for an NFL defensive end, but he has the instincts and repertoire of moves to contribute. With great quickness off the edge, he'd fit well in Pittsburgh."
No. 29 Atlanta Falcons — DeMarcus Walker (DL)
Experts: 3 of 8
School: Florida St.
Other possibilities: Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida), Charles Harris (DE, Missouri), Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.), Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
Key expert quote: Miller: "A strong-side defensive end with the size (6'2", 273 lbs) to sometimes bump inside in sub-package situations, [Walker] would be a fantastic addition to a defense that has the NFL's sack leader in Vic Beasley."
No. 30 Kansas City Chiefs — No consensus yet!
Possibilities: Budda Baker (S, Washington), Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio St.), Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama), Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida), Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan), Teez Tabor (CB, Florida), Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford), Mitch Trubinsky (QB, UNC)
Key expert quote: McIntyre: "You could say they need to improve the front seven on defense - which is still living off reputation, but wasn't very good this year - but at some point, you've got to move the ball on offense."
No. 31 New England Patriots — Christian McCaffrey (RB)
Experts: 4 of 8
School: Stanford
Other possibilities: Sidney Jones (CB, Washington), DeMarcus Walker (DL, Florida St.), Ryan Anderson (LB, Alabama), Carl Lawson (DE, Alabama)
Key expert quote: Kaplan: "McCaffrey's vision is something Bill Belichick covets. Plus, the ex-Stanford running back can contribute as a runner or line up in the slot. With that versatility, this just feels like a very Belichickian pick."
No. 32 Dallas Cowboys — Sidney Jones IV (CB)
Experts: 2 of 8
School: Washington
Other possibilities: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio St.), Dawuane Smoot (DE, Illinois), Charles Harris (DE, Missouri), Jake Butt (TE, Michigan), Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
Key expert quote: Rang: "Teams drafting late in the first round have the advantage of simply taking the best player available. In this draft, that very well could be at cornerback, a position Dallas could use greater depth."
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