Nov 19, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N'Keal Harry (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Take a look at the biggest steal for each team following the results of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Between all of the surprise trades and selections, the 2017 NFL Draft certainly didn't disappoint for the most part, especially when it came to the value picks for teams in the later rounds. They say one of the most difficult parts of the draft is evaluating the best talent when the later picks come around. Thus, it's only a matter of time before realizing which teams ended up with the best steals.
From the Green Bay Packers landing one of the top cornerbacks in Kevin King during the second round to the Tennessee Titans finding a dangerous weapon for Marcus Mariota to take advantage of in Taywan Tayor, it's safe to say just about every team feels confident enough in landing at least one steal this year. And when seeing the level of impact these so called "steals" were able to make at the college level, all 32 teams can't wait to see what these rookies bring to the table during their first season in the big leagues.
With this year's draft officially in the books, it's crazy to think training camp is only a few months away, which means football fans are that much close to the start of the 2017 regular season. To help pass some of that time over the next few months, take a look at each team's biggest steal from the recent 2017 NFL Draft, and see who has the potential to make an impact right away.
Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Chad Williams of Grambling State (84) catches a pass against safety Justin Evans of Texas A&M (14) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals: Chad Williams, WR (Round 3, No. 98)
At some point down the road, the Arizona Cardinals are going to have to adjust to life without Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer in the passing game. And while the team failed to land the quarterback they were hoping to draft in the first round in Patrick Mahomes II, the Cardinals have to be pleased with selecting Chad Williams in the third round.
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The Grambling State standout was expected to be selected in the mid rounds of this year's drafts, but when looking at all of the teams searching for help in the wide receiver department, there was always that risk he would have been taken earlier on. After catching 90 passes for 1,337 yards to go along with 11 touchdowns last year at Grambling State, it only seems like a matter of time before he emerges as one of Palmer's favorite targets on offense.
Keep in mind this is an Arizona team that lost a dangerous weapon in Michael Floyd last year after the team released the wideout following a DUI arrest. But now that Williams is on board, the Cardinals offense will hopefully return to a dominant level to help make the team serious contenders in the NFC once again.
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons: Duke Riley, LB (Round 3, No. 75)
As bad as it sounds, it's almost going to be impossible for the Atlanta Falcons to recover from what went down last February in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots unless they figure out a way to win the title next season. The good news for the Falcons is, they're talented enough on both sides of the football to make another run at the Super Bowl. And hopefully the addition of LSU's Duke Riley will turn into another key factor to what was already a young defense with a ton of potential.
Despite playing at a high level in the two postseason games before their matchup against New England, Atlanta's defense seemed to be gassed out in the second half of the Super Bowl, which was one of the main reason's behind the team's historic collapse. But at least the experience over time will hopefully help the defense live up to their true potential, especially with Riley in the picture.
Riley has received heavy praise for his blazing speed along with his ability to stop the run, and will add much-needed depth to the Falcons at linebacker. Between Riley and using a first-rounder on Takkarist McKinley, Atlanta made out pretty well with their first two picks in the draft to boost the defense.
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Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB (Round 3, No. 78)
Over the years, the Baltimore Ravens have established a reputation for having one of the top defenses in the league, and despite falling short of reaching the playoffs in 2016, the unit still managed to rank near the top of the league. If all goes well over the next few months, the Ravens defense should rank near the top of the league once again, and when it comes to rookies to keep an eye on, former Alabama star Tim Williams is a name to remember.
Most teams passed on Williams due to all of his issues off the field ranging from gun charges to drug use, but Baltimore wouldn't have taken the risk on the linebacker in the third round if they didn't feel confident enough in him changing his ways. For the sake of the Ravens, hopefully the chance to fulfill an NFL dream was a big wakeup call for Williams to get his head on straight to leave his troubled past behind him.
For a player with his type of effective pass-rushing skills, it would be a shame to see Williams' talent go to waste as a rookie just because of some foolish decisions. Baltimore clearly sees something special in the linebacker that recorded 18.5 sacks along with 27.5 tackles for loss during his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide, and if all goes well, this could turn out to be a huge steal for the third round.
Nov 19, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) gets ready for a play during the third quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Navy defeated East Carolina 66-31. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills: Zay Jones, WR (Round 2, No. 37)
At No. 37, early signs pointed to the Los Angeles Rams considering Zay Jones when considering how desperate the team was in need of help at the wide receiver position. Instead, it was the Buffalo Bills who traded up to select the former East Carolina star with the intention of Jones making life easier for Tyrod Taylor with a dangerous threat to work with on offense.
Prior to the start of the draft, Jones was considered one of the most underrated receivers from this year's draft since there's always some concern over playing at a smaller school like East Carolina, but his numbers alone give the Bills every reason to be thrilled with this selection. During his final two seasons with the Pirates, Jones caught 256 passes for 2,845 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns, and it's easy to see why Buffalo was willing to trade up in the second round after seeing all of the inconsistency surrounding Sammy Watkins.
The Bills were wise not to pickup the fifth-year option on Watkins since he still has a lot to prove when it comes to deserving a spot on this team down the road, but hopefully it all works out with the former first-round pick stepping up his game in 2017. Just imagine the possibilities surrounding Buffalo's offense if Watkins can stay healthy and Jones jumps out to a hot start as a rookie to give this team a better chance of competing in the AFC East.
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Moton speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers: Taylor Moton, OL (Round 2, No. 64)
If he wasn't selected in the first round at No. 8, there's no question Christian McCaffrey would have been on this list for the Carolina Panthers when looking at what he brings to the table from being a threat at multiple positions. But since McCaffrey seemed to be the guy the Panthers wanted all along, and was selected in the top 10 as expected, it's technically not much of a steal.
Instead, Taylor Moton is going to take home the honors for Carolina's steal selection from this year's draft since the former Western Michigan star will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. When it comes to the Panthers, Ron Rivera realizes the importance of protecting Cam Newton after seeing all of the hits the quarterback took last year, and it really wasn't that much of a surprise to see them use one of two second round picks on the offensive line with Moton.
Last year, Carolina was arguably one of the biggest disappointments after failing to reach the playoffs, despite earning a trip to the Super Bowl the year before. After seeing how competitive the NFC South could be in 2017, Newton better hope his offensive line provides better protection this upcoming season to give the Panthers a fighting chance.
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears: Tarik Cohen, RB (Round 4, No. 119)
For a team that signed Mike Glennon to a hefty contract in free agency, the last thing anyone expected from the Chicago Bears in this year's draft was to trade up and select a quarterback like they did at No. 2 in Mitchell Trubisky. Of all the questionable picks in the first round, the selection of Trubisky will certainly be a head-scratcher over the next few months, but there's no need to get into that at the moment.
Instead, let's talk about how the Bears hope to have a sleeper in the fourth round with running back Tarik Cohen, who many compare to Darren Sproles of the Philadelphia Eagles. One of the toughest things about defending Sproles over the years is his small size with blazing speed to make him almost impossible for opponents to tackle at times.
Chicago was fortunate enough to land one of the biggest steals from the 2016 NFL Draft in Jordan Howard, and there's nothing they would love more than to see the same happen with Cohen. Obviously, Howard's job isn't in jeopardy after breaking out as a rookie last year, but at least the addition of Cohen could provide the Bears with a dangerous duo at running back.
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Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Mixon, RB (Round 2, No. 48)
Everybody knew it was only a matter of time before a team would be willing to take a chance on Joe Mixon despite his troubled past, and as bad as it sounds, it really wasn't that much of a surprise to see that team being the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the years, the Bengals have established a reputation for giving troubled players chances to redeem themselves, and while the argument can be made Marvin Lewis hasn't done the best job, this could turn into a major steal when it comes to Mixon.
Obviously, what Mixon has done in the past is absolutely terrible, and there's no way to defend his actions. But that aside, there's a reason why Mixon was considered one of the top running backs from this year's draft class, and if he can figure out a way to turn his life around like previous NFL players in similar situations, Cincinnati's backfield could end up with a major upgrade.
With all due respect to Jeremy Hill, there's no guarantee his job at running back is safe when seeing how inconsistent he's been over the years. But at least for now, expect the Bengals to take advantage of the duo at running back with Hill and Mixon.
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Cleveland Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT (Round 3, No. 65)
Never in a million years could anyone have predicted it would be the Cleveland Browns of all teams to end up as winners of an NFL Draft, but that was exactly the case in 2017. After already entering the draft with two first-round picks, the Browns decided to grab one more before the end of the round to give them three total.
While the presence of Myles Garrett and Jabrill Peppers should have an immediate impact on the defense, the one defender to keep an eye on in Cleveland heading into their rookie season is defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. Even if he fell into the third round and spent his college days playing at a smaller school in Charlotte, Ogunjobi's surprising speed made him one of the most dangerous players at his position, and the Browns were thrilled to see him fall to No. 65.
After years of frustrating results, it's great to finally see Cleveland seem to be moving in the right direction after a disastrous 2016 campaign in which they only finished with one win. They may need another year or two to get back into conversation of contenders, but the Browns will hopefully get there sooner rather than later.
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after a touchdown catch in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys: Ryan Switzer, WR (Round 4, No. 133)
The Dallas Cowboys emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the NFC last year by finishing with the best record during the regular season before an early exit to the Green Bay Packers. But even with a devastating loss to the Packers, the Cowboys have every reason in the world to be excited over where the direction of the offense thanks to the potential surrounding Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
Of course, an offense can only do so much without a reliable defense, and give Dallas credit for focusing on the defensive side of the football with their first three picks in this year's draft. Finding a solid pass rusher was a high priority from the start of the offseason, and while Taco Charlton has the chance to shine right away, the one pick that stands out as a steal came in the fourth round with a wide receiver out of North Carolina.
It may seem like a questionable move to draft another dangerous player in the slot like Ryan Switzer with Cole Beasley already on the roster, but Prescott will never complain over having too many weapons to work with. But one of the of main reasons why Dallas was so blown away by Switzer was due to his ability to be useful on special teams as well, but at least that should set him apart from the rest of the competition.
Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) rushes in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos: Jake Butt, TE (Round 5, No. 145)
If it wasn't for a torn ACL suffered in the Orange Bowl, the argument can be made that Jake Butt would have easily been selected in the first round of this year's draft. To see a potential first rounder fall all the way into the fifth round over an injury is crushing to see, but the Denver Broncos certainly weren't disappointed to see Butt still available in the fifth round.
As one of the nation's top pass-catching tight ends, Butt has also received heavy praise for his ability as a blocker, and will hopefully help improve a ground game for Denver that ranked 27th during the 2016 season. The Broncos' defense was the main reason behind the team's Super Bowl run two years ago, but the only way this team is going to return to the postseason after missing out last year is with an improved offense.
Even if he's not ready to go by the time the regular season begins, Denver hopes to see Butt suit up at some point during his rookie season to help this late selection payoff. And if the tight end finds a way to return to full strength at some point during training camp, this selection of Butt could turn out to be an even bigger steal in the fifth round.
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toledo tight end Michael Roberts speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions: Michael Roberts, TE (Round 4, No. 127)
Many believed the Detroit Lions would take a major step back in 2016 after the surprise retirement of Calvin Johnson, but that obviously wasn't the case after Matthew Stafford led the team to earning one of the two Wild Card spots in the NFC. In fact, the Lions were even in position to win the NFC North before losing their final three regular-season games to allow the Green Bay Packers to clinch the title themselves.
Detroit entered this year's draft knowing the best way to make another run at the postseason was to provide Stafford with the necessary weapons on offense to succeed. And after using one of their earlier selections on wide receiver Kenny Golladay, using a fourth-round pick on tight end Michael Roberts was a great move by the Lions.
Just look at the numbers displayed by Roberts during his senior season at Toledo after finding the end zone 16 times, and it's easy to see why Detroit was thrilled over this selection. Assuming Roberts can make a similar impact in the red zone at the NFL level, Stafford is going to love this new addition to the Lions' offense to help this team compete for the division title once again.
Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) points to the stands after making a tackle for a loss against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers: Kevin King, CB (Round 2, No. 33)
Based off their performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship last January, it was obvious the Green Bay Packers were going to focus on the cornerback position in the draft. And luckily for them, the Packers were able to land one of the top cornerbacks from this year's class in Kevin King, who many believed would have been way off the board by the conclusion of the first round.
For a team that ranked 31st in 2016 when it came to stopping the pass, the former Washington cornerback finds himself in position to be the top starter right off the bat for Green Bay. As usual, the Packers are going to be considered one of the top contenders in the NFC, but when looking at some of the other offenses they're going to have to compete with, it's clear the defense needed improvement for their best shot at making a run at the Super Bowl.
Aaron Rodgers carried this team on his shoulders in the second half of the regular season last year along with the postseason, but as the NFC Championship showed, there's only so much an individual can do on his own. Rodgers is fortunate enough to be loaded with talent to work with on offense, but hopefully the addition of King turns out to be one of those moves to help improve the defense from the start.
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans: Zach Cunningham, LB (Round 2, No. 57)
The good news for the Houston Texans is after winning the AFC South title in each of the last two seasons, Bill O'Brien's squad has the potential to make another run in 2017 thanks to having one of the league's top defensive units. After trading up in the first round to hopefully land their quarterback of the future in Deshaun Watson, the Texans used their next pick in the second round to select a linebacker many believed would have been off the board this late in Zach Cunningham.
Linebacker may not have been a top need for Houston, but seeing the former Vanderbilt star still available at No. 57 was too good to pass on. If anything, this just provides the Texans with another potential star to work with on what already happens to be a dominant defense, especially when seeing how well they played in 2016 without J.J. Watt.
After seeing how well this defensive unit performed against the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last January, the argument can be made Houston would have advanced to the AFC Championship with anyone else besides Brock Osweiler at quarterback. But on a positive note, at least the defense should rank near the top of the league once again, and the addition of Cunningham could work wonders during his rookie year.
Oct 28, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) runs the ball in the first half as Navy Midshipmen safety Sean Williams (6) defends at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts: Marlon Mack, RB (Round 4, No. 143)
Of all the teams facing the most pressure to bounce back in 2017, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves near the top of that list after failing to make the playoffs in each of the last two seasons while playing in a favorable division in the AFC South. Defense has been a major concern for this team over the years after the Colts finished near the bottom of the league last year, but hopefully using their first three picks from this year's draft, including the selection of safety Malik Hooker, on defense, the unit will improve heading into next year.
Indianapolis may have benefitted from playing in a favorable division in the past, but there's a good chance the AFC South is going to become one of the most competitive divisions to play in during the 2017 season. And while the Colts deserve plenty of credit for focusing on defense early on, one of their most valuable picks may have come in the later rounds after landing former South Florida running back Marlon Mack.
At some point, Indianapolis is going to have to figure out a plan for life without Frank Gore since the veteran running back may only have a few solid years left in him. After seeing Mack's production over the last three years with the Bulls (3,609 rushing yards to go along with 32 touchdowns), this was a safe pick for the Colts to at least give the rookie a chance to prove himself worthy in the backfield.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) against Clemson Tigers defensive end Austin Bryant (91) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Robinson, OT (Round 2, No. 34)
Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars have every reason to be thrilled over the addition of Leonard Fournette when considering he proved to be a workhorse during his time spent at LSU. It's been a long time since the Jaguars could say they had a reliable running back in the backfield, and hopefully Fournette wastes no time making an impact to actually give this team a fighting chance in the AFC South.
Of course, if Fournette is going to reach his true potential, it's going to be up to Jacksonville's offensive line to pave the way in the ground attack, and one of those players opening up the holes could be Cam Robinson. The former member of the Crimson Tide seemed worthy of being selected in the first round, which is why the Jaguars didn't hesitate to select Robinson when he was available this early in the second round.
Assuming he manages to stay healthy, Robinson's style of play will give him plenty of opportunities for legitimate playing time as a rookie in 2017 to help Jacksonville's offense emerge out of the basement in the AFC. Even if it takes Robinson a little longer to adjust to playing in the NFL, the Jaguars know it will hopefully be worth it.
Nov 25, 2016; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) runs in for a touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt, RB (Round 3, No. 86)
In what turned out to be an extremely competitive AFC West, it was the Kansas City Chiefs who emerged on top, but Andy Reid realizes the team needed to improve in numerous areas for any chance to that happen again. After trading up in the first round to hopefully have found their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs waited until the third round to fill another one of their needs at running back with Toledo's Kareem Hunt.
Now that Jamaal Charles is no longer part of the picture, Kansas City knew they would have numerous options to consider at running back in the draft, and despite playing at a smaller school in Toledo, Hunt has the chance to see significant playing time as a rookie. The fact that Hunt recorded double-digit rushing touchdowns in each of the previous three seasons with the Rockets shows what he can bring to the table for the Chiefs.
Offense was a major issue for Kansas City at times last season when considering they found a way to lose a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite failing to allow a single touchdown, and Reid's squad simply can't afford to see these struggles happen again. Just like Jordan Howard did with the Chicago Bears last year, here's to hoping the Chiefs found a diamond in the rough with Hunt, and see him waste no time being effective in his new offense.
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Dan Feeney speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Chargers: Dan Feeney, OL (Round 3, No. 71)
First off, the Los Angeles Chargers were beyond thankful to see the Tennessee Titans pass on arguably the top wide receiver from the draft in Mike Williams so they could select the former Clemson star at No. 7 in the first round. There's no question Williams will quickly become one of the new favorite targets for Philip Rivers in the passing game, but that wasn't even the biggest need for the Chargers heading into the draft.
To say the offensive line was horrendous for Los Angeles (or San Diego) last season would be a major understatement, and it wasn't a surprise to see them focus on fixing that issue early on in the draft. After using their second round pick on Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp, the Chargers decided to continue focusing on the offensive line in the next round as well after going with Dan Feeney out of Indiana.
When seeing how reliable Feeney was in four years as a starter with the Hoosiers, Los Angeles hopes to see him compete for playing time early on as a rookie while hopefully providing a boost to the ground game. On paper, the Chargers always seem to have the potential to be competitive in the AFC West, and hopefully Feeney along with some of the other rookies can help the team live up to the hype in 2017.
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp, WR (Round 3, Pick 69)
After ranking at the bottom of the league in 2016 by only averaging 14 points per game, the Los Angeles Rams knew finding Jared Goff better weapons to work with was a top priority this offseason. Sure, the addition of Robert Woods in free agency was a start following the departure of Kenny Britt, but the Rams still needed more to help Goff reach the next level as an effective starter.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles found themselves at a disadvantage by not having a first-round pick this year thanks to last year's deal with the Tennessee Titans to land Goff, but overall they still made out pretty well. Not only do the Rams have high expectations for Gerald Everett at tight end, but Sean McVay hopes the selection of Cooper Kupp in the third round turns out to be one of the biggest steals from the draft.
Don't be fooled over the fact that Kupp doesn't have what it takes to make the transition to the NFL after playing at Eastern Washington when considering he caught 73 touchdown passes. If Tavon Austin continues to struggle to live up to the expectations of a No. 1 wideout, Kupp could end up being the answer Los Angeles has been looking for.
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Isaac Asiata speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins: Isaac Asiata, OG (Round 5, No. 164)
The Miami Dolphins are smart enough to realize the only chance of overtaking the New England Patriots in the AFC East is to load up on defense, so it really wasn't that much of a surprise to see the team use their first three picks of the draft on the defensive side of the football. To watch the Dolphins emerge as one of the top contenders in the AFC last year after a 1-4 start to the season was one of the biggest surprises in 2016, and give the squad plenty of reasons to feel confident moving forward.
If only Ryan Tannehill was healthy heading into the playoffs, the argument can be made that Miami would have given the Pittsburgh Steelers more of a battle in the postseason, but there's nothing they can do about it other than focus on the future. Instead of wondering what could have been, the Dolphins need to focus on making sure their beloved quarterback in Tannehill receives the best protection possible from the offensive line.
Isaac Asiata may have been selected in the fifth round, but when seeing what Miami currently has to work with at guard, the former Utah standout has a shot to actually be a starter during his rookie season. And if that does end up happening, this selection of Asiata could turn into an even bigger steal than originally expected.
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Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook, RB (Round 2, No. 41)
Prior to the start of last season, the Minnesota Vikings made a bold move to surrender their first-round pick in 2017 to land Sam Bradford since they believed the former No. 1 pick gave the team a chance to be strong contenders in the NFC. If only the Vikings could have avoided key injuries on both sides of the football, there's a good chance they would have ended up earning one of the playoff spots in the conference, especially after a 5-0 start.
Moving on from Adrian Peterson was no easy decision, but at the end of the day, it was necessary for Minnesota after looking at the age concern along with the amount of money they would have spent in 2017. Signing Latavius Murray will certainly give the backfield a much needed boost, but the Vikings all of a sudden find themselves in position to have a great one-two punch at running back after Dalvin Cook slipped to the second round.
Like some of the other players in the draft, there were some concerns over Cook being mature enough to be ready for the NFL, but from a talent perspective, this seemed like a no brainer for Minnesota. If Cook's numbers in college are any indication of what's in store for his NFL career, the new Vikings running back could have a bright future, assuming he can avoid any issues off the football field.
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots: Derek Rivers, DE (Round 3, No. 83)
Leave it to the New England Patriots to wait until the third round of the draft to make their first selection, but when looking at all of the big additions they made over the last few months with free agency and trades, it's hard to feel sorry for them. Clearly, the defending Super Bowl champions will be fine despite not having a first or second round pick, but that doesn't mean the Patriots still didn't make out well in the draft.
For starters, New England entered the draft knowing they could use some help on the defensive side of the football, and if Derek Rivers can figure out a way to get to the quarterback as much as he did in college, this could turnout to be a great addition to the defense. Bill Belichick has always been one of the best when it comes to evaluating talent, and if he's willing to bring Rivers on board, it's obvious the potential for success is high.
At the moment, it's easy to make the Patriots the early favorites to repeat as champions, but even they know the competition is going to be much more difficult in 2017. Not to mention, New England realized how much their defense needed improvement after falling behind the Atlanta Falcons early on in the Super Bowl last February.
Nov 12, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) runs for a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 49 to 36. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara, RB (Round 3, No. 67)
Defense seemed to be the main focus for the New Orleans Saints heading into this year's draft, and thanks to the trade that sent Brandin Cooks to the New England Patriot, Sean Payton and company were lucky enough to land an extra first-round pick. Not even the Saints could have predicted Marshon Lattimore would still be available at No. 11 in the first round, and even though defense was a high priority, the one steal in the draft may have come in the third round with Alvin Kamara.
Obviously, New Orleans seemed to be set with Mark Ingram at running back, but also keep in mind he's been the subject of trade talks over the years, and is recently coming off his first 1,000-yard season for the first time in his career. For a running back that's been in the league for six years, it's easy to understand why the Saints have some doubts over Ingram, and want to see how the situation with Kamara plays out.
During his two seasons with the Volunteers, Kamara recorded 1,686 yards from the line of scrimmage, and found his way into the end zone 23 times. Assuming he manages to bring that level of production to New Orleans, Kamara could one day work his way into being the top running back for this team down the road.
Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Davis Webb (7) drops back for a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants: Davis Webb, QB (Round 3, No. 87)
Finding the future replacement for Eli Manning was never going to be an easy task when considering the veteran quarterback played a big role in helping the New York Giants land two Super Bowls, but the organization knew they had to consider all options in this year's draft. After using their first selection on a dangerous pass-catching tight end for Manning to work with in Evan Engram, the Giants hope Davis Webb does in fact turn into that quarterback to build the franchise around down the road.
As bad as it sounds, Manning may only have a good two or three years left in him since he's going to turn 37 next January, but at least New York has put him in good position to go out with a bang. With Engram already joining a loaded passing game led by Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard, one can only imagine how many touchdowns Manning is going to throw in 2017 when looking at the receivers he gets to work with on offense.
What makes this even more intriguing for New York is while Marshall may not be around for the long run, Webb will hopefully develop into the starter the Giants are hoping for down the road with an opportunity to work with Beckham and Shepard for years to come. Believe it or not, many believe Webb was the better quarterback at California when compared to Jared Goff, which makes this selection even more likable for New York.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) runs past Clemson Tigers linebacker Kendall Joseph (34) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets: ArDarius Stewart, WR (Round 3, No. 79)
For a team that was expected to take the next step to become contenders in the AFC last year, the New York Jets took a major step in the wrong direction after only finishing with five wins. Luckily, the franchise was smart enough to move on from Ryan Fitzpatrick. But with Brandon Marshall now a member of the New York Giants, the Jets appear to be heading towards rebuilding mode for the next year or so.
With that being said, a rebuilding phase means plenty of players will now receive an opportunity to prove themselves worthy, and the one player on offense to keep an eye on heading into 2017 is former Alabama star ArDarius Stewart. During his final year with the Crimson Tide, Stewart recorded 54 catches for 864 yards to go along with eight touchdowns, and finds himself in position to make a splash from the beginning with his new offense.
Quarterback may still be an issue for New York, but when looking at their current situation in the wide receiver department, Stewart seems to have just as good of a shot as the rest of them. Now, all that's left for the Jets is to figure out which quarterback is going to be throwing Stewart and the rest of the receivers the football during the 2017 season.
Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Obi Melifonwu runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders: Obi Melifonwu, S (Round 2, No. 56)
From a talent perspective, if everything checks out with Gareon Conley, there's a good chance the Oakland Raiders could end up with one of the biggest steals of the first round since the former Ohio State cornerback would have gone much higher if it wasn't for the recent accusation. Until that situation gets figured out, the Raiders hope Obi Melifonwu provides some much-needed depth to a defense that could end up being the deciding factor on whether this team makes another run at the postseason.
After years of frustration and losing records, Oakland finally ended their playoff drought last January, although the team was the unfortunate victims of having to play without Derek Carr after the quarterback suffered a broken leg towards the end of the regular season. Assuming all goes well over the next few months with no setbacks, the Raiders certainly have the talent to be one of the best in the AFC once again, and team hopes Melifonwu provides an immediate boost to the secondary.
When looking at all of the offensive talent inside the AFC West, Melifonwu and the rest of the Raiders' defense will certainly have their hands full during the 2017 season. But if all goes, Melifonwu will hopefully pickup right where he left off at Connecticut after recording four interceptions during his final season with the team.
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones, CB (Round 2, No. 43)
In the City of Brotherly Love, it's become a common theme to see professional sports teams take a chance on injured players with the intention of things working out in the long run, as the Philadelphia 76ers have shown over the years. Sidney Jones may seem like a risk after rupturing his Achilles' tendon, but if the former Washington star finds a way to return to full strength during his rookie season or even next year, it will end up being like the Philadelphia Eagles snagged two first-round picks.
Without the injury, there's a good chance Jones would have been selected in the first round after seeing how many teams found themselves in need of help at the cornerback position. The Eagles entered this year's draft knowing how desperate they were in need of help at the cornerback position, and rightfully so when looking at how the rest of the NFC East stacks up from an offensive perspective.
As long as Philadelphia can be patient with Jones during his recovery process, there's no question his presence will be worth it in the long run to put this defense in good shape for years to come. As the Sixers tend to say, the Eagles just have to trust the process when it comes to Jones from this year's draft.
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) stiff arms Syracuse Orange defensive back Rodney Williams (6) on a carry during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers: James Conner, RB (Round 3, No. 105)
This year's draft was filled with plenty of fell-good stories surrounding players overcoming all sorts of obstacles, but it's tough to top what new Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner had to overcome to make it to the NFL. To see Conner defeat cancer only to return to the football field at Pittsburgh like it was no big deal was simply remarkable and inspiring to see.
Now that he's in the NFL, it's safe to say football fans of other teams will find themselves cheering for Conner to be successful, and even though Le'Veon Bell is the leading rusher for the Steelers, that doesn't mean the former Panther still can't make key contributions. DeAngelo Williams was the perfect example of how beneficial it was for Pittsburgh to have a reliable backup to Bell, and with the veteran officially out of the picture, it's up to Conner to take advantage of the situation.
As good of a running back as Bell is, the high amount of snaps he takes always seems to put the running back at a higher risk for injury, so the presence of Conner will hopefully take some of the load off the ground game. Either way, at least Conner should be thrilled over joining one of the league's most high-powered offenses in the Steelers along with playing in the same city he spent his college days.
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Foster, LB (Round 1, Pick 31)
Other than the Cleveland Browns, the argument can be made that no team made out better in the first round than the San Francisco 49ers. Not only did the team manage to land the player they seemed to be targeting all along in Solomon Thomas while acquiring a few extra picks from the Chicago Bears, but the 49ers were able to land another potential defensive star in Reuben Foster by trading back into the first round at No. 31.
Unfortunately for Foster, the former Alabama linebacker's draft stock plummeted thanks to concerns over his shoulder along with the failed drug test at the combine. If it wasn't for these two major issues, there's a good chance Foster would have been selected much earlier in the first round, possibly in the top 10.
Instead, Foster finds himself joining a San Francisco squad that seems to be taking the necessary steps in the right direction to bounce back from last year's disappointing two-win season, both of which came against the Los Angeles Rams. As long as Foster can prove he's mature enough to play at the NFL level, and keep himself out of trouble, the 49ers could benefit big time from taking such a risk on the linebacker.
Oct 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) breaks up a pass to Connecticut Huskies tight end Alec Bloom (86) during the second quarter of a football game at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin, CB (Round 3, No. 90)
With six playoff appearances over their last seven seasons (including each of the last five), it's safe to say the Seattle Seahawks will be one of the top teams in the NFC once again in 2017, and playing with an extra chip on their shoulder after falling to the Atlanta Falcons last January. Heading into the draft, the Seahawks needed help at the offensive line after seeing the high amount of pressure Russell Wilson dealt with last year, but the defense still needed some work as well.
As bad as it sounds, Seattle's defense just didn't appear to be the dominant unit from year's past when seeing how they struggled against opponents on numerous occasions. Even Richard Sherman seemed to take a step back when it came to being a shutdown corner that most quarterbacks normally would avoid, but at least the Seahawks addressed the need in the draft.
This year's draft class was filled with plenty of talent at the cornerback position, and based off his skills displayed at Central Florida, all signs point to Shaquill Griffin fitting in quite nicely with Seattle. Most defensive players selected this late in the draft don't seem to have as much of a shot to earn a starting role in their first season, but the Seahawks seem to have set the bar high for Griffin early on to make it happen.
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin, WR (Round 3, No. 84)
After falling just short of reaching the playoffs last season with a 9-7 record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of a few teams expected to make the leap to being serious contenders in 2017, especially after a successful free agency and draft period. Before the draft, the Buccaneers were already considered one of the big winners from free agency after landing one of the top deep threats available in DeSean Jackson, and after finding even more help for Jameis Winston in the draft, this offense seems to have all sorts of potential.
Selecting O.J. Howard in the first round was a brilliant move by Tampa Bay when considering he seems to be the all around package of a tight end with his blocking and pass catching skills. But the one move that could turn out to be a major surprise may be from the third round with former Penn State wideout Chris Godwin.
He may have slipped into the third round, but many experts considered Godwin to be one of the top receivers to choose from in the draft with the potential to see plenty of playing time early on. The good news for Godwin is based off his experience with the Nittany Lions, the rookie should benefit from seeing more passes thrown his way from Winston with most defenders focusing their attention on the whereabouts of Jackson and Mike Evans.
Jan 24, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Taywan Taylor of Western Kentucky (82) pulls in a pass during practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans: Taywan Taylor, WR (Round 3, No. 72)
Speaking of teams expected to make the leap to contenders after falling just shy of the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans are right up there with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and certainly made out well with the new additions made in this year's draft. The Titans received an unexpected surprise this year courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams after their 4-12 finish earned them the No. 5 team, which ended up going to Tennessee via the trade to land Jared Goff.
With an extra pick in the first round, the Titans took a big gamble by using the fifth overall selection on Corey Davis to provide Marcus Mariota with a dangerous threat in the passing game, but the team didn't stop there. Later in the draft, Tennessee decided to use one of their picks on former Western Kentucky star wideout Taywan Taylor, who put up insane numbers over his final two seasons with the Hilltoppers.
How crazy were Taylor's numbers exactly? Well, let's just say seeing Taylor haul in 184 catches for 3,197 yards to go along with 34 touchdowns should give Mariota plenty of excitement over what should be an improved passing game on Tennessee's end heading into next season.
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Redskins: Ryan Anderson, OLB (Round 2, No. 49)
It's been quite the interesting offseason for the Washington Redskins when looking at all of the drama surrounding Kirk Cousins along with the key departures on offense in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. Still, despite all of this, the Redskins seem to have just as great of a shot at winning the NFC East in 2017 as the rest of their competition if their defense can improve, and luckily that seemed to be the main area of focus in this year's draft.
Not only did Washington use their first three picks on the defensive side of the football, but the team Ryan Anderson becomes the type of rookie who ends up playing a key factor in turning around a unit that ranked 28th overall during the 2016 season. Getting to the quarterback was one of the main areas the Redskins struggled in last year, and if Anderson can apply the same type of pressure he made on quarterbacks like he did at Alabama, this could end up being one of their best selections.
The division is expected to be loaded with talent on the offensive side of the football when looking at the additions made by the other three teams this offseason, and if Washington truly wants to compete, it's going to fall on the shoulders of the defense. Otherwise, the Redskins are going to risk missing out on the playoffs for the second year in a row, which could also tempt Cousins even more to consider leaving the team.
