National Football League

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Aftermath of Greatest Super Bowl

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:28 p.m. ET

Fansided, Carl Cockerham/FanSided via With the First Pick

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

We just saw the greatests Super Bowl in NFL history. And as a result of it, every team will draft to beat the New England Patriots.

Wow, I have to give it to the New England Patriots for showing that heart of a champion. Of course they would do so when I picked the Atlanta Falcons to win but I have to give it to them. The Falcons are much more talented but it takes more than talent to win.

That mental toughness, poise and ability to stick together are the main components of any team. And the Patriots showed they are a direct reflection of QB Tom Brady and HC Bill Belichick. There was no panic in anyone on the sidelines when they were down 28-3.

So here we are, ready to start a new season with the draft as everyone chases the Patriots. If you want to run the ball and-or play good defense, this is the draft for you. The NFL seems to have put value back on the RB with the guys that have made big impactts lately.

We’re going to see just how valued they are as some many of them are graded highly this year. Two of them are going before the first quarterback goes in this 2017 NFL Mock draft. The fact that this is a bad quarterback class will be reflected in this one.

Turn the page to see what we’re working with.

Jonathan Allen

DE, Texas A&M

I’ve gone back and forth from Myles Garrett to Jonathan Allen for the No. 1 overall in my mocks. But now, I’m going to stay with Allen until I actually hear otherwise. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot, some don’t believe Garrett is consistent enough.

The Browns are switching their defensive scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3 to accommodate their personnel. And they already like the DE’s they drafted in 2016, especially Emmanuel Ogbah. So they can turn the 6’3″, 291-pounder with tremendous speed and quickness into an excellent three-technique.

Plus the Browns have options with their No. 12 overall pick if they have to have a DE. From Mean Joe Green to Warren Sapp, many great defenses have been built with a great three-technique. So the Browns can very well begin their ascension with Allen as their first pick.

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

DE/OLB, Texas A&M

At 6’5″, 265 pounds with vines for arms, Garrett the ideal size of a DE/OLB in the NFL. With it, he has an explosive get-off and continues with tremendous burst off the edge with a solid bend. He also has a great spin move, works well with his hands and the power to bull rush.

One part of his game that he has worked on and improved is stacking and shedding in the run game. Garrett can also drop into coverage if you’re playing that kind of game with your defense. It looks like new head coach Kyle Shanahan is bringing that hybrid 4-3 defense to Bay.

So Garrett will likely be a LEO, a position he is well fitted for, in that defensive scheme. The defensive front has some talent on it too so expect the 49ers defense to improve in 2017. And we’ll see Garrett doing the same thing we saw him doing in college—sacking QBs.

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

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

Meanwhile, I don’t see the Bears trying to replace him with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Many have placed North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky there but he isn’t ready. He has only 13 career college starts and went 8-5, not doing anything special with them.

So the Bears pick a player that can come in and make the team much better right away. With Ohio State S Malik Hooker, the Bears can start winning games with their defense. They already have a much improved front-seven with 2016 first-round pick Leonard Floyd picking it up.

That helps fix the defense while the running game is already solid with RB Jordan Howard, There is a lot of talk about the Bears trading for Jimmy Garoppolo these days. If they make that happen and it works out for them, the Bears could move up the NFC North standings.

Oct 24, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

A solid running game, something the Jaguars don’t currently have, would do Bortles some good. Someone that could draw eight defenders into the box would leave one-on-ones outside. And Bortles would have a much easier go of it when he’s asked to throw.

Leonard Fournette, is the kind of guy that could carry the load for the Jaguars. I actually like Dalvin Cook more but John Conklin has authority of personnel now and he likes big backs. So Leonard Fournette is a good fit for the type of physical team Conklin wants to build.

At 6’1″, 230 pounds, Fournette is very physical and has the speed to go the distance along with it. He also has some wiggle when he choses to use and good hands in the passing game. This could be just what the Jaguars need to make their way up the AFC South standings.

Mike Williams

WR, Clemson

And with the No. 5 overall pick they got from the Los Angeles Rams, they can get him one. So with that pick, they get Clemson’s Mike Williams, who has everything Mariota needs in a WR1. At 6’3″, 220 pounds, with long arms and a high vertical leap, he provides a huge catch radius.

He also uses that size and upper-body strength to effectively power through and shield off opponents on contested catches. So even when he doesn’t create much separation, he’s still considered open. Williams is also a load to bring down, making him dangerous after the catch.

With Williams, Mariota’s numbers in the red-zone would be even better as he also improves on third down. The Titans would then be ready to win now after making this their No. 5 overall pick. They have the No. 18 overall pick to shore the lone weakness they have left on defense.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) defends Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Marshon Lattimore

S, Ohio State

He then went into the season with it still bothering him, affectinghis jam at the line of scrimmage. Revis has depended on that jam his whole career but really needs it now that he is older. So I believe he still has a couple of good years left but the Jets should still draft a CB.

Marshon Lattimore looks like the next shutdown corner and learning from Revis would help him get there. At 6’0″, 200 pounds, he has average size but gets physical in press coverage and is outstanding in run support. Lattimore also possesses elite foot quickness, agility, and fluidity to mirror WRs.

He has great instincts to read a route and break on the ball to create a turnover too. The sum of all his parts makes him versatile, able to play a variety of techniques successfully. Lattimore is a competitor and will bring that with him right away to eventually help his team win.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) catches a pass in front of Wisconsin Badgers safety Leo Musso (19) during the first half in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Davis

WR, Western Michigan

That means their other eight losses were by seven points or less, which is a play here or there. And that’s with a secondary that had a bunch of injuries in 2016. This defense has all kinds of talent with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa up front and a healthy secondary.

And Gus Bradley, who just became their defensive coordinator, will make the defense even better. It didn’t help QB Philip Rivers to have WR1 Keenan Allen go down with an Achilles tear. So as insurance, they draft WR Corey Davis out of Western Michigan.

At 6’3″, 213 pounds, Davis has the height, weight and speed and he’s a very polished, precise route runner. Add him to the WR corps with Allen and speedster Travis Benjamin and the Chargers are loaded. If healthy, they will be a factor in the very tough AFC West.

Dalvin Cook

RB, Florida State

But when you’re trying to build a more physical team like the Jaguars are, Fournette’s the guy. So this leads to Cook being taken just four spots later at No. 8 overall by the Carolina Panthers. It also leads to him being taken by a better team and situation.

When an RB gets taken by a team with a running QB, he should be one happy man. A lot of cut-back lanes will open up as the QB carries out his bootleg fakes. Opposing defenses have to make sure the QB doesn’t have the ball or they will pay dearly.

Rivera looks to have his defense going in the right direction after losing CB Josh Norman. They just need the offense to pick it back up and with Cook, the Panthers can do that. It’s going to be a battle for NFC South supremacy between the Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in 2017.

Reuben Foster

ILB, Alabama

That’s probably why someone always loses their mind in the middle of a highly contested game. Drafting Alabama ILB Reuben Foster would give the Bengals the leader that defense needs. Foster comes from a pro style defense at Alabama so Xs and Os won’t be a problem.

As a player, he is a big hitter that rattles skeletons when he hits people and he’s a sure tackler. He also shows good speed and agility to stay with TEs and RBs in pass coverage. Foster is ready to be a dynamic LB in the NFL immediately and for a long time to come.

It’s time for Rey Maualuga to retire or join a 3-4 team to only play on running downs. And Vontaze Burfict can’t be trusted to be the steady leader of a defense with the drama he brings. The Bengals could improve with a new leader on this defense with this pick.

O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

It appeared at the tail end of the season that he Buffalo Bills are preparing release him. They didn’t play him because they didn’t want his $27..7 million to become guaranteed. But since he just had hernia surgery, he just might end up getting that money after all.

They should keep him and continue putting talent around him and WR Sammy Watkins. A freak athlete, matchup nightmare TE would be just what the doctor ordered. O.J. Howard from Alabama is that guy that’s way too fast for LBs and way to big for CBs and Ss.

He would give the New England Patriots the same headaches Rob Gronkowski gives the Bills. He’s also a great run blocker so LeSean McCoy will benefit from him in the running game too. The Bills would then begin their climb up the NFC East Standings.

Tre'Davious White

CB, LSU

A QB that puts up 35 points as often as Brees did in 2016 shouldn’t have nine losses. The Saints pass rush got a little better when 2016 first-round DT Sheldon Rankins started playing. DE Cameron Jordan had quite a year and they will get Hau’Oli Kikaha will be back healthy in 2017.

So while we can look forward to the pass rush getting better, it time to improve the coverage. That starts with the CB position and Tre’Davious White is right down the street at LSU. He has the physicality for press coverage and the movement skills to play off a WR.

He route-recognition and ability to break on the ball in zone completes him as a versatile CB. If the Saints can get ILB Stephone Anthony going in 2017, the defense could be solid. Then Brees would have his Saints ready to contend for something in 2017.

Derek Barnett

DE, Tennessee

The Browns are better at LB after trading for and re-signing OLB Jamie Collins. They got Jonathan Allen with the No. 1 overall pick and already have Ogbah at one DE. The Browns also have behemoth Danny Shelton becoming quite a player at NT over there.

That front four would be complete with another DE bringing mad heat of the other edge. That sounds like the kind of job DE Derek Barnette out of Tennessee can do very well. He has a quick first step, a variety of hand moves and a motor that never stops.

He also knows how to flatten to the quarterback and usually gets all the way there when he’s close. The Browns have to face some solid QBs in their division and have to make things difficult on them. The two picks the team made in the first round would do just that.

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

DeShaun Watson

QB, Clemson

Watson has so much talent but just as much to learn about playing QB in the NFL. And the Cardinals have veteran Carson Palmer, who’s getting closer to retirement, he can learn a lot from. Once he gets the pro game down, Watson will show us what he is all about.

What he is about is intangibles like his poise in the clutch to make plays when his team needs it. Watson has a smooth, quick release and a good arm strength to make all of the throws. He’s a gunslinger that will try to fit the ball in there so he can make a play.

The Cardinals may want to reign that part of him in but he is not afraid of anything. They may want to reign in the running element he brings so he could stay healthy as well. But Watson is a great piece for the Cardinals to go into the future with.

Sidney Jones

CB, Washington

Jones has everything you want in a CB no matter what type of coverage scheme your team runs. He has ideal height and length, giving him the ability to excel in press-man coverage. He also has very quick feet and fluid hips to open up and mirror in off-man coverage,

Jones is a film junkie so he is able to read routes and drive on balls in front of him in zone coverage. No matter what coverage he’s in, Jones is always in proper position and rarely gets beat And if opposing QB show him something one time too many he will pick it off.

He has excellent ball skills to go with his other qualities to e complete the play with a turnover. He’s also a tough man that doesn’t mind coming up in run support despite his lack of bulk. The Eagles would be on their way to a great defense with this pick.

Zach Cunningham

ILB, Vanderbilt

And for some reason, the Colts allowed ILB Jerrell Freeman to walk in free agency last offseason. I’ve mocked Tim Williams to the Colts most of the time but they can’t take a risk. Williams has some off-the-field and the Colts have had more than a few busts lately.

They need an OLB and ILB but need to make the safest pick to ensure the get a good player. So they take ILB Zach Cunningham to fix their run defense as they will need it against the Titans. Cunningham is the player you need when you want to get rid of the “soft defense” label.

He is an extremely physical take-on LB that also makes explosions when he tackles opposing ball carriers. He also has great instincts to go with tremendous speed and agility for pass coverage. Cunningham gives the Colts the new leader they need for that defense.

Tim Williams

OLB, Williams

Williams should be a Top-5 pick but he has some off-the-field that has some teams leary. But the Ravens have the perfect locker room and culture to support a prospect like Williams. Having a vet like Suggs around would keep him going in the right direction.

And the Ravens would get an OLB that would eventually become the team’s primary pass rusher. He has the get-off and burst of legendary Kansas City Chiefs OLB Derrick Thomas. But don’t get it twisted, he also has the power to buck OTs to the turf on a bull rush.

Then there’s his quick spin move and his ability to slap opposing OTs hands down. He’s ready to come off the edge and raise hell off the edge with Suggs right away. The Ravens would then become a bigger problem for the Steelers in the AFC North.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) sprints upfield as Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) pursues during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Jabrill Peppers

S, Michigan

The Redskins don’t have enough playmakers on that side of the ball and need to get some. DeAngelo Hall was once a playmaker as a CB and most recently tried to be one as a S. But Father Time has taken him as he no longer seems to be able to stay healthy.

Jabrill Peppers is just the versatile, playmaking S the Redskins can use to pair up with Su’a Cravens. He’s tough to evaluate for some because he has played S, LB, CB, and RB at Michigan. Some are down on him because he had a tough time at LB in 2016.

But in the secondary, Peppers is a playmaker with no limits. to where the Redskins can line him up. He can line up at single high, in the box, on the slot or outside on the island. Peppers would make plays and help the Redskins improve on defense and in the standings.

Jalen Tabor

CB, Florida

And CB Jason McCourty was okay on his side but there was always a man open on Cox’s side. So the team already showed him the door and will look for his replacement in the draft. And Jalen Tabor is a good fit for all of the different things DC Dick LeBeau likes to do.

LeBeau is predominantly zone coverage coordinator but will switch things up to play games with you. Tabor is at his best in zone coverage but he can excel in whatever his DC chooses to run. He has the height and length to play press man and movement skills for off-man.

When facing the QB in zone coverage, he can break on the ball and has the ball skills to capitalize. He would come right in and become the Titans’ CB1 right away and tighten things up. I’m looking for the Titans to challenge the Houston Texans for the AFC South title.

Cam Robinson

OT, Alabama

But if the Buccaneers are going to keep him healthy, they need to protect him better. The left side of their O-line is going to get Winston killed if they don’t make some changes. Left OT Donovan Smith would make a good left OG and they can draft a left OT.

With Cam Robinson available here at No. 19 overall, the Buccaneers sprint to the podium. Robinson is another prospect that should go higher but has some off-the-field trouble. But he’s a guy that can go into the NFL and be a stopper Winston’s back side.

He’s already stopped some of the SEC’s best EDGE prospects like No. 1 overall Myles Garrett. Winston would then have more time to go down the field to WR1 Mike Evans. And with their young defense improving, the Buccaneers would be a threat in the NFC South.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) blocks Western Michigan Broncos defensive end Keion Adams (1) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Ramczyk

OT, Wisconsin

That defense is still pretty good too so these QBs think they can help make the Broncos champions again. But with things the way they are there, no QB can’t turn the Broncos into champions again. At least they can’t as long as their O-line doesn’t have OTs that can protect them.

Russell Okung going over from the Seattle Seahawks didn’t work out for the Broncos at left OT. The Broncos are even worse at right OG and right OT as of right now. But they can start with drafting left OT Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin to try to solve that problem.

Ramczyk has the size, length, footwork and athleticism to succeed but the scouts don’t like his experience level. But one can tell from Ramczyk’s tape that he is ready to start in the NFL immediately. Then whoever the quarterback is over there can have a chance to lead the Broncos back to a title.

Malik McDowell

DT, Michigan State

So what the Lions need is to do something to stop Rodgers from doing that on them. The best way to do that is to pressure him, hit him, get him off his spot and plain out sack him. The Lions had trouble doing that last year, especially with Ezekiel Ansah struggling with injuries.

The Lions will get a healthy Ansah back in 2017 so he can get back to his disruptive ways. But he needs help for the Lions to put the kind of pressure they need to put on Rodgers. The best place to give Ansah that help is inside and Malik McDowell is a good candidate for that.

The 6’5″, 280-pound McDowell can easily put 10 to 15 pounds on and go to the three-technique. His quick first step and long arms will help him bring the pressure to opposing QBs faces. Ansah would then have his help and QBs like Rodgers would have a much harder time in the pocket.

Jarrad Davis

LB, Florida

That is a loaded offense Tannehill has there with WRs Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker. The Dolphins just need to get better on the defensive side of the ball to go further in 2017. DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Cameron Wake need some help over there.

The Dolphins gave up a whopping 4.8 yards per carry last year and that’s not going to win anything. A n LB to help the Dolphins would be ideal and there’s a guy in state that could help. Jarrad Davis out of Florida is a dominant run defender that can play any LB position.

With the Dolphins, he could play the OLB with Kiko Alonso at MLB and Koa Misi at the other OLB. Davis has speed but doesn’t quite have the hang of coverage so he needs to develop that. But the Dolphins defense would definitely improve against the run with Davis in the fold.

Nov 26, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Isaac Asiata (54) and offensive lineman Garett Bolles (72) in the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Garett Bolles

OT, Utah

The Giants were weak at both OTs and the Cowboys at least didn’t have a good DE that could play. If the Giants protect QB Eli Manning in 2017, the Giants will beat more than the Cowboys. In order to do that, the team must move left OT Ereck Flowers to right OT.

Then they can draft Garett Bolles out of Utah to fix the issue of protecting Manning’s blind side. Eli is still an elite QB but needs some type of protection if he’s going to play like one. Bolles is powerful in the running game and he’s quick out of his stance in pass protection.

He’s is also nimble footed and has long arms he jars defenders with when he shoots them. He looks like he’s ready to be a solid, Day 1 starter when he gets to the Giants. Then the team is ready to contend as they already know how to handle the Cowboys.

Sep 26, 2015; East Hartford, CT, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds runs the ball against Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) in the second half at Rentschler Field. Navy defeated Uconn 28-18 Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Obi Melifonwu

S, Connecticut

The CBs just need to play, man-press coverage as press bail and zone doesn’t work for them. They will get help from a much better pass rush as Aldon Smith gets to return in March. LBwise, the team needs to re-sign Perry Riley Jr.

With his speed and coverage ability, Bruce Irvin will make a good inside pair with him. It would also help to bring back Stacy McGee to go with Mario Edwards Jr. rushing the passer inside. That leaves the Raiders to draft S 6’4″, 220 super freak athlete Obi Melifonwu.

His height, weight, speed and fluidity will help him match up with previously unmatchable TEs. Karl Joseph could then move to FS and Reggie Nelson can move on at 34 years old. The Raiders would then have the TE problem solved and become serious title contenders.

Deshone Kizer

QB, North Carolina

Deshone Kizer is my No. 1 QB in this draft and should be the first quarterback off the board. A lot of those “unnamed GMs” in various reports say Kizer is “still my guy” in terms of QB prospects. He has the the highest floor and ceiling of all the QB prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.

He’s 6’5″, 235 pounds, has a big arm, can run and throws well on the run. Kizer was accurate, made multiple progressions and threw into tight windows in college. He also comes from a pro style offense so he’ll have a grasp on the playbook right away.

But there is nothing not to like about Kizer as he is the most advanced QB in this draft. And he already has a connection with Will Fuller from their days at Notre Dame together. The bottom line is Kizer is ready to go in and surprise some people with the Texans immediately.

Forrest Lamp

OL, Western Kentucky

His main man Doug Baldwin along with Tyler Lockett and company are a good set of WRs.. I can’t wait to see what RB C.J. Prosise can do running and receiving out of the backfield in 2017. And we can’t forget about TE Jimmy Graham, the ultimate weapon.

But C Justin Britt is the only one doing anything good right now on the O-line. Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp caught everyone’s eyes as a left OT but projects as an OG. He may have to play left OT, depending on how much George Fant learned from this year.

If Fant learned enough, he can continue there and Lamp and kick inside and play left OG. The Seahawks are hoping Jermaine Effedi learns from his first year at right OG while they still need a right OT. The O-line is the only thing holding the Seahawks back right now.

Marlon Humphrey

CB, Washington

Then there’s Ramik Wilson, who came back and played well after getting cut earlier in the season. Those two will make a good pair of ILBs and improve a run defense that wasn’t so good in 2016. The Chiefs just need to make sure the re-sign free agents like Eric Berry.

They could also use a CB on the other side of Marcus Peters to make them even harder to pass on. And Marlon Humphrey out of Alabama could give the Chiefs two shutdown CBs. Humphrey has an outstanding combination of size, speed and competitiveness.

He’s at his best in press coverage, jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage like the Chiefs like to do. He also has the speed and fluidity to turn and run on vertical routes. The Chiefs would be better equipped to deal with the Patriots after making this pick.

Solomon Thomas

DE, Stanford

One guy the Cowboys can’t count on in 2017 is Randy Gregory, who was suspended for a calendar year. The earliest he can return would be the 2018 playoffs, should the Cowboys make it. But NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t have to hurry, just ask Aldon Smith of the Raiders.

So it would be in the best interest of the Cowboys to draft a DE to play opposite Lawrence in 2017. Solomon Thomas out of Stanford is a good choice for the Cowboys right here at No. 28 overall. The 6’2″, 275-pounder is a terror against the pass and the run so he’ll make a great base end.

And on passing downs, he can kick inside to tackle and be a speed matchup problem for guards. On the outside, he has an explosive first step, strong hands and the ability to bend/wrap around the edge. He would improve the Cowboys’ pass rush right away, giving them a chance at a Super Bowl.

Cordrea Tankersley

CB, Clemson

Damarious Randall and LaDarius Gunter got lit up pretty bad throughout the 2016 season. And Sam Shields played in just two of a possible 23 games, including the playoff over the past two years, So the Packers cut him, not knowing if he’ll ever get over his concussion problem.

So back to the draft they go to find themselves a CB that can actually stay with a WR. Cordrea Tankersley is definitely a guy worth considering as he as a solid CB that fits the Packers’ system. They love to bump and run over there and that’s what Tankersley does best.

At 6’1″, 200 pounds, he uses his length to get physical at the line of scrimmage and he has great movement skills. According to Pro Football Focus, in two-plus years, he’s allowed an NFL passer rating of 40 into his coverage. He could very well be the Packers’ shutdown CB immediately.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Harris

OLB, Missouri

So the Steelers need to draft his eventual replacement before he gets injured or washed up. And Missouri is as good a place as any to bet on taking your next edge rusher from. Aldon Smith, Kony Ealy and Shane Ray went through there before they started sacking NFL quarterbacks.

Charles Harris is coming out of Missouri this year and he was taught well like the rest of them. He’s been one of the best in the nation at getting after opposing QBs the last two years. He can stand up and put his hand in the dirt and still explode with his quick first step.

He has a variety of ways to generate pressure including a great spin move and a swim move. Sure, he’s plenty athletic but he’s one of those guys that just knows how to get to the QB. So he’ll be ready to do so as soon has Harrison starts to show his age.

Nov 7, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) sacks Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Hayden Rettig (11) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Taco Charlton

DE, Michigan

They got after Brady in the first half but seemed to wear out down the stretch to lose the game. But they will all be back along with Desmond Trufant for years to come except or Dwight Freeney. He was helpful toward that Falcons defense but he can’t play forever.

Even if he plays in 2017, he doesn’t have long and it’s best to get his replacement now. That is especially the case when Taco Charlton is available at No. 31 overall. At 6’5″, 272 pounds, Charlton has excellent length and uses it to shoot his hands and keep defenders off his chest.

As a pass rusher, he has quickness, power and can counter what the OT is trying to do to him. Charlton uses his length and power in the run game making him hard to block there too. His size, athletic ability and savvy would make him a three-down DE right away for the Falcons.

David Njoku

TE, Miami

And there is no QB, HC or team that uses all four quarters of a game Brady, Belichick and the Patriots. As much as it pains me to say this, they are the best QB, HC and team the NFL has ever seen. That’s why it is so hard to guess who they will pick in the draft.

They mask their weaknesses while taking away opponents strengths like nothing I’ve ever seen. But one thing I know is that they get rid of there great players a couple of years early. You don’t see players hobbling on their last legs while still with the Patriots.

So I’m going to guess that Gronkowski, who’s health is failing him, is soon to go. And to replace him, they take vertical tight end David Njoku of Miami and the machine keeps rolling. We’ll see if another team can step up and beat the Patriots next postseason.