National Football League

2017 NFL Draft: Best Fit for Top 30 Prospects

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:31 p.m. ET

Fansided, Randy Gurzi/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Shuffling through the top 30 prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft and figuring out where the best place for them to play would be

The 2017 NFL Draft will be here before we know, which will be awesome because we all need some football after this long break. Free agency is cool and all, but teams are built through the draft. Fans should be pumped not just for team building but really because it's the step right before offseason activities begin.

After the draft is completed, rookie camps begin and it finally feels like football is back. It's also exciting to imagine what a player will be like on your favorite team. However, imagine yourself as a player and having no say so whatsoever in your future. You are picked by a franchise and that city becomes where you make your life.

There's also times where a player gets selected to a team he simply doesn't fit with. We have all seen the early round busts who fail at their original stop, but then can have some form of success once they move one.

Here we are going to look at where the top 30 prospects—as previously ranked by our own Justin Coccia—would best fit. It's not necessarily where they will go, but where would be best for them.

Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

30. Quincy Wilson, CB — Florida: Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders need a cornerback and Quincy Wilson is a really good one. It's not just a fit for the team though, as the Raiders would be a really good landing spot for the 6-1, 211-pound corner.

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Oakland is a young team that's developing into a really threatening franchise. They're led on offense by star quarterback Derek Carr and receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. Defensively there's a ton of room for improvement, but they do feature an amazing pass rusher in Khalil Mack.

Adding someone as talented as Wilson only makes them a tougher team to try and beat as he is able to take advantage of passes coming out quickly thanks to the edge rush provided by Mack.

29. Budda Baker, FS — Washington: New Orleans Saints

It's no surprise that the New Orleans Saints were unhappy with how their secondary performed in 2016. They were the worst in the league and they were fed up enough to cut safety Jairus Byrd. He has not yet been replaced so a player like Budda Baker makes sense for them.

It makes sense for him too. Baker is an undersized safety who would excel on a team like New Orleans. The Saints are always putting up points which means there's a lot of games that become shootouts. For a guy who is a rangy centerfielder, there will be plenty of passes in the air for the taking should he march down to New Orleans.

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) attempts to throw the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

28. DeShone Kizer, QB — Notre Dame: Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback DeShone Kizer was at one point a much higher prospect. He may in fact be out of the top 30 now thanks to a less-than-stellar combine performance. Even so, he is a big name, from a big school and plays a big position.

That makes him interesting. What would make him more interesting is getting selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. They don't have a starting spot open just yet, but they could eventually. They also have a head coach in Andy Reid, who works wonders with quarterbacks.

Ending up as Reid's next project could be the best thing to ever happen to Kizer.

27. David Njoku, TE — Miami: New York Giants

They just signed wide receiver Brandon Marshall to go along with Odell Beckham, Jr out wide and Sterling Shepard in the slot. That means there will be a ton of attention paid to wideouts in the Big Apple. A player like Miami tight end David Njoku would thrive with such openings to run through.

He's a 246-pound tight end that ran a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash. Not only would he become a favorite target of quarterback Eli Manning, but he would be on a winning franchise should he wind up with the G-Men.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive end Takkarist Mckinley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

26. Takkarist McKinley, Edge — UCLA: Atlanta Falcons

UCLA defensive end/outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley got a bad break when it was discovered he needed shoulder surgery. He put it off until after the combine so he could showcase how incredible of an athlete he is, but could still miss some time early as he recovers.

This could be good for him because a better team may take him now as higher picks are used on players who can help now. For McKinley there's a chance he could now be on the board when Atlanta picks 31st overall—and that would be a great fit.

He would be able to take his time in his recovery and would join a really good team once he was fully healthy.

25. Charles Harris, Edge — Missouri: Kansas City Chiefs

Another Kansas City Chiefs fit as edge rusher Charles Harris would be an excellent addition to their team. It would also feel like staying local as it's roughly a two-hour drive from where he played his college ball to the home of the Chiefs.

Kansas City also runs a 3-4 defense, and Harris would fare much better as an outside linebacker than a hand in the dirt defensive end on a 4-3 defense. There are also several veterans on this team for him to learn from like pass rushers Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Dee Ford.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

24. Deshaun Watson, QB — Clemson: New York Jets

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is high on his former pupil Deshaun Watson, and for good reason. The National Championship winning quarterback had an excellent career for the Tigers and played his best games in the biggest moments.

That quality led to Swinney comparing Watson to NBA great Michael Jordan. Of course, that's a crazy claim, but Swinney is right that Watson is a winner that excels when the lights are brightest.

Nowhere would the spotlight shine brighter than in New York. Imagine Watson being the new face of the franchise for the Jets, and think of the attention he would get should he return them to prominence. He's the kind of player that he could really shine in such a spotlight.

23. Forrest Lamp, OG — Western Kentucky: Seattle Seahawks

It's not often a Western Kentucky kid is a top-25 NFL prospect, but Forrest Lamp sure is. He's an excellent offensive lineman and if he were projected at tackle at the next level rather than guard he would be much higher on this list.

For a guard though, what better place to go than Seattle? You can help quarterback Russell Wilson avoid getting sacked 41-times next season. There's also looking to be a new commitment to the running game as they recently brought in the bruising Eddie Lacy to play running back. Lamp would be a great addition here.

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

22. Mitchell Trubisky, QB — North Carolina: Cleveland Browns

Remember when the Cleveland Browns had their hometown hero for a few games in quarterback Brian Hoyer? He wasn't spectacular, but he was a capable passer which is something they have lacked since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Well, now they can get another hometown hero, but this time it could last longer than a month. Mitchell Trubisky has made it clear that he loves all things Cleveland, and joining his favorite team in need of a quarterback would be like a fairy tale.

With 11 picks in the next two seasons they could also surround Trubisky with some real talent so he could actually contend. This one is a fit for all and makes so much sense that it would be a shocker to see the Browns not mess it up.

21. Tim Williams, Edge — Alabama: Pittsburgh Steelers

Alabama edge rusher Tim Williams is great at getting after the quarterback. He isn't great at much else. There's also rumors that he struggled with the complex playbook given to him by the Tide coaching staff, so they basically just told him to rush the passer.

In Pittsburgh he could do the same thing. They have some talent all around at the outside linebacker spot and already have a guy in Bud Dupree that can do all the jobs asked of him. For Williams it would be nice to have a guy like him—as well as a Ryan Shazier in the middle of the linebacking corps—to mask any of his shortcomings.

There's also some off field concerns related to marijuana. This makes Pittsburgh an ideal place to play because of the limit on suspensions there. If you smoke pot with Dallas, Miami, or Cleveland you will be suspended indefinitely. If you do so in Pittsburgh you get reduced suspensions every year that never count towards future violations —see Le'Veon Bell. Just a perk of being a Steeler!

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

20. Marlon Humphrey, CB — Alabama: Dallas Cowboys

After losing both starting corners Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr, the Dallas Cowboys are in desperate need of some help there. Marlon Humphrey would be an excellent player to provide them that help.

It would also be a fit for him as he would go from one of the most recognizable college franchises to one of the most recognizable NFL franchises. He would be able to step in as a day-one starter for a team that is considered a legitimate contender after going 13-3 last season. Plus, defensive players love working with defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, which is another positive.

19. John Ross, WR — Washington: Washington Redskins

Washington wide receiver John Ross broke the 2008 40-yard dash record during the combine and would fit perfectly with the Washington Redskins. For a team that's lost a lot of talent out wide, he would be an instant starter and would be their new version of receiver DeSean Jackson who just left for he Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For Ross, it makes even more sense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for over 4,900 yards last season and shows no signs of holstering his rifle. This team likes to throw it a lot and Cousins has no problems airing it out deep. Fans, team and player all would win with this pairing.

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Taco Charlton goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

18. Taco Charlton, Edge — Michigan: Miami Dolphins

After the experiment with defensive end Mario Williams failed, the Miami Dolphins are in need of more edge rushers. Taco Charlton is in need of an NFL home where he can blossom into a star.

A pairing of the two would be excellent, especially for Charlton. The 277-pound defender had just one season at Michigan with double-digit sacks, which means he is still honing his skills. Who better for him to learn from than 35-year0old Cameron Wake.

The Dolphins defensive end recorded 11.5 sacks last season and isn't letting his age slow him down. Learning more techniques from a guy that good would be excellent for Charlton.

17. Malik McDowell, DT — Michigan State: Detroit Lions

Malik McDowell is hard to figure out. He's easily one of the most gifted defensive linemen in the draft, but questions remain about his desire. Surely he has the talent to be great and one team where he could work with incredibly well is the Detroit Lions.

Right now Detroit is thin on the defensive line, but they do have a quality edge rusher in Ziggy Ansah. Despite his bad season in 2016, Ansah still has all the tools to get the job done. The attention he takes from offensive linemen would help McDowell and vice versa.

Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

16. Sidney Jones, CB — Washington: Seattle Seahawks

Again this isn't about where the player will be picked, but where they would best fit. For cornerback Sidney Jones that could very well be the Seattle Seahawks.

Jones is currently recovering from surgery after tearing his Achilles during the Washington pro day. He was a sure fire top pick before the injury according to ESPN draft guru Todd McShay, pre Adam Jude of The Seattle Times:

"I know Sidney Jones had a torn Achilles the other day at his pro day, which is terrible. The timing of it is brutal for him, because he was a lock, I thought, as a first-round pick"

Staying in state would allow Jones to continue his recovery unhindered. He would also then be able to become a part of one of the best secondaries in all of football once healthy.

15. Ryan Ramczyk, OT — Wisconsin: Denver Bronos

After left tackle Russell Okung bolted foe the Los Angeles Chargers, there became a big opening at the position. The best prospect to play that spot is Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk.

For him it would make more sense to go to Denver than many of the other spots with an opening. Mostly that's because Denver is already a winning franchise and Ramczyk would only improve them.

Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) celebrates the win over the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

14. Teez Tabor, CB — Florida: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills recently lost Stephon Gilmore in free agency, so there's a need for a cornerback there. They also hired a defensive minded coach in Sean McDermott, who has worked well with corners in the past.

For a guy like Teez Tabor, both of those facts could be rather intriguing. McDermott was a part of the Panthers defense that went to the Super Bowl just a couple of seasons ago on the heels of that stout defense. The former defensive coordinator helped cornerback Josh Norman make huge strides in his game. Could he help Tabor in the same way?

13. O.J. Howard, TE — Alabama: Tennessee Titans

A run-first team just like his Alabama Crimson Tide team who underutilized him in the passing game. Why would O.J. Howard want to go to another team that runs first?

Because this one is more explosive in the passing game. With a young franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota, things are looking up for the Titans. His favorite target last year was veteran tight end Delanie Walker, so Howard has to know the ball will come his way.

All he needs to do is be patient and after teams are zeroed in on the running game, a nice play-action pass could help Howard get free deep. It would be fun to watch.

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

12. Solomon Thomas, DE — Stanford: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots let defensive ends Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard walk this offseason. As of now, they only brought in former Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy via trade for the line. Of course, they have no picks until Round 3, so this one is so much more about what the player would want.

For defensive end Solomon Thomas, New England makes a ton of sense. This is a team that can use his size to move him around the line and get maximum productivity out of him. Another plus is the simple fact that this team wins all the time, and winning is fun.

11. Derek Barnett, Edge — Tennessee: Carolina Panthers

While the Thomas fit is a pipe dream, this one could happen. The Carolina Panthers pick early enough that they can get themselves a stud player like Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett.

Barnett would excel with this team as he could work with veterans defensive ends Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson. Both those players are nearing the end of their respective careers, and Barnett could just keep the lineage of good defenders in Carolina going for the next decade.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

10. Mike Williams, WR — Clemson: Indianapolis Colts

Wide receiver Mike Williams is an excellent prospect to be a No. 1 wide receiver. Like most No. 1 wideouts, he wants the ball to come his way. There's no better place for that to happen for him than the Indianapolis Colts.

Quarterback Andrew Luck throws the ball nearly 600-times per year (when he plays all 16 games that is) and he is without a true number one guy. Of course T.Y. Hilton is an option for Luck, but he is limited by his size. Joining the deep threat Hilton, Williams would find a ton of room to work on an offense that will throw it as much as any other.

9. Marshon Lattimore, CB — Ohio State: New York Jets

A guy like Marshon Lattimore is a game changer at quarterback. Like Deshaun Watson earlier, he was able to play his best against some of the elite talent out there. Heading to his professional career, a team like the New York Jets makes sense.

Head coach Todd Bowles likes to bring pressure and counts on his corners to excel in man coverage. That's what Lattimore does best and would instantly help a very depleted Jest secondary.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of the 2017 Cotton Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

8. Corey Davis, WR — Western Michigan: Baltimore Ravens

Corey Davis is another kid from a smaller school that should crack the first round. The Western Michigan wideout has all the skills of a top NFL receiver and could very well go in the first 15 picks. Where he fits best though is with the Baltimore Ravens.

After seeing veteran Steve Smith, Sr. retire, the Ravens are in need of someone to step up and be their number one target. Last season free agent addition Mike Wallace was a pleasant surprise, but he's always been more of a deep threat than an all-around receiver.

With a quarterback capable of getting him the ball, and a deep threat in Wallace to attract safety help, Davis could excel with the Ravens.

7. Reuben Foster, ILB — Alabama: Arizona Cardinals

A once-feared defense in the desert, the Arizona Cardinals are in the process of trying to regain their form. One guy who could fit nicely into their scheme is Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster.

Foster is most famous for his outburst during a medical exam at the combine which got him sent home early. Throwing that aside you have an incredibly talented playmaker who learned under head coach Nick Saban at the collegiate level. Regardless of how he acted during the combine, he is a great player and would help remake the Cards defense.

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) makes a cut in order to avoid a tackle by Syracuse Orange defensive back Rodney Williams (6) and defensive lineman De'Jon Wilson (93) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Florida State won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

6. Dalvin Cook, RB — Florida State: Philadelphia Eagles

An offense on the rise, the Philadelphia Eagles have made a lot of tweaks since firing former head coach Chip Kelly. They moved on from all his awful pick ups and even traded for the second pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. They mortaged their future for quarterback Carson Wentz but somehow got a first pick out of the Minnesota Vikings for quarterback Sam Bradford in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.

Philadelphia also added wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. They are getting more dangerous by the minute but still would love to pick up a stud running back. Enter Florida State's Dalvin Cook. He makes sense because he's not just a runner who can help by churning yards on the ground, but is also a great option for a young quarterback like Wentz to go to when things break down. Cook was an excellent receiver at FSU and should continue to be so in the pros.

5. Jamal Adams, S — LSU: San Francisco 49ers

Things in San Francisco may finally be looking up. General manager John Lynch and head coach Mike Shanahan have done some decent work in their attempt to rebuild things. They got themselves a quarterback and a receiver in Brian Hoyer and Pierre Garcon, but still need to work on the defense.

One guy who could bring quick change is LSU safety Jamal Adams. He has the ability to play center field but can also line up in the box and stuff the run. Adams could return some toughness and skill to the Niners secondary.

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Malik Hooker, S — Ohio State: Houston Texans

Malik Hooker is a ball hawk. He recorded seven interceptions for the Ohio State Buckeyes last season and will be one of the top safeties to come off the board in the 2017 NFL Draft. If it were all about fits though, he could wind up with the Houston Texans.

Houston just lost starting safety Quintin Demps in free agency to the Chicago Bears, and he took some game changing skill with him. Demps had six picks last season for the Texans, but Hooker would still be an upgrade.

3. Jonathan Allen, DL — Alabama: Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears used to be known for tough defenses. Lately though, that hasn't been the case. Instead they now struggle to stop anyone at all. Head coach John Fox is a defensive minded guy who wins at the line of scrimmage. Fox is trying to rebuild this franchise, and hopes to do so with defense as the primary focus.

One player who would instantly help him win more of those battles on defense is Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen. The 290-pound Allen recorded 22.5 sacks over the past two seasons playing in a pro style system.

Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball against Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Brandon Bryant (1) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Leonard Fournette, RB — LSU: Jacksonville Jaguars

Not many prospects have been as impressive as LSU running back Leonard Fournette in recent seasons. The one exception could very well be the fourth overall pick from last year, Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke went to the Dallas Cowboys and helped them improve from 4-12 to 12-4, despite losing starting quarterback Tony Romo.

That kind of turnaround is nothing to scoff at and maybe if the Jacksonville Jaguars ever want to get out of the rut they are in they will make Fournette the fourth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. If so, they could look incredibly smart.

Jacksonville has talent all over the field, but the one area they struggle is running back. After spending a 2015 second-round pick on T.J. Yeldon and signing Chris Ivory last season they thought the problem was fixed. It isn't, but could be with the 240-pound Fournette.

He would allow the team to stop relying so heavily on the pass. It would also bring safeties closer to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop Fournette. As Dallas proved last year, it will also help the defense. The more times Fournette moves the chains, the longer the defense rests on the sideline and the fresher they are at the end of close games.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Myles Garrett, Edge — Texas A&M: Dallas Cowboys

This one is the biggest dream scenario of them all. There's no way the Dallas Cowboys end up with Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a great fit there.

Not only would he stay home —Garrett was born and raised in Arlington, Texas where the Cowboys stadium is— but he also is the best player at the biggest position of need for the Cowboys. Since moving on from DeMarcus Ware prior to the 2014 season, Dallas has been without an elite edge rusher.

Garret is one of the best prospects in recent memory and on top of that, he wants to play in Dallas. Garrett said as much when he begged the Cowboys to trade up and select him in the 2017 NFL Draft, per Pro Football Talk.

"I'm speaking to you, Jerry," Garrett says on the video. "Mr. [Jason] Garrett, make it happen. Dak Prescott is leading our team right now. I need you to take Tony Romo, take a couple picks, and give them to Cleveland so you can pick me up, please. I'd love to play in Dallas. Let's make it happen."

Again, this is one that will never happen, but Garrett and Dallas would be a perfect fit. If the player had any say so at all in his own future, that's where he would most likely end up.