National Football League

2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 13

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Rivalry Week has come and gone, so as we approach conference championships, here’s an updated first round NFL mock draft.

The college football season is winding down, and as we near the College Football Playoff, there have been a ton of NFL draft prospect who have stood out as first-round talents.

This year’s draft class is filled with some first-round caliber defensive backs, running backs and even some edge rushers. While the quarterback class is particularly weak, there are more than 32 prospects who deserve to be taken in the first round at other positions.

Plenty will change before April, but if the NFL draft took place today, here’s what the first round would look like.

Note: NFL draft order is courtesy of NFL.com as of November 25th.

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Allen

DL, Alabama

The Cleveland Browns will likely have the No. 1 overall pick at the end of the season, and given their track record, there’s going to be a lot of pressure not to mess this up. Considering the state of this quarterback class, the Browns would be better off looking for a slam dunk with their first pick in April.

Although defensive line help isn’t at the top of their team needs, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen is a player that might be too talented to pass up on. As the season has progressed, Allen has continued to look like the most dominant prospect in college football.

Allen looks like an ideal five-technique defensive end at 6’3” and 294 pounds and he’s already drawn comparisons to players like Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. With his violent hands, low pad level and elite explosiveness off of the snap, Allen could become a genuinely dominant force on the Browns defense.

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

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

Like the Browns, the San Francisco 49ers could probably use a quarterback. However, given the fact that they currently rank near the bottom of the league in sacks, they should look to find a talented edge rusher in the first round.

With the No. 2 pick, the 49ers would be thrilled to take Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett. The 49ers have lacked a truly dominant pass rusher since Aldon Smith, and Garrett could be the ideal candidate to fill that role.

Garrett comes in at a monster 6’5” and 270 pounds, using his strength to manhandle would-be blockers on his way to the quarterback. He’s explosive off of the snap and can bend the edge when needed. His technique will continue to develop, and he could provide the 49ers with a much-needed infusion of talent on that side of the ball.

There’s a chance that Garrett goes No. 1 overall, but the 49ers might be the best situation for him to thrive in.

Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jabrill Peppers

DB, Michigan

Heading into the season with so much hope, the Jacksonville Jaguars have completely fallen apart once again in 2016. Blake Bortles is broken, but I’m assuming that the Jaguars will give him at least one more year to prove himself before they look for a new quarterback.

Picking this early in the first round, the Jaguars would be wise to look for an impact player to bolster their secondary. While Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers isn’t a pure player at any one position, he’s such a dynamic weapon that there’s a good chance he’s a top-three pick in April.

Peppers probably projects best as a safety in the NFL, but a smart defensive coaching staff will move him all over the place to force offenses to pay attention to him. The Michigan prospect is an incredible athlete who was born to play football with some elite instincts and a nose for the ball.

Scouts are nervous about the fact that Peppers hasn’t specialized at one position, but we’ve seen players like Deone Bucannon and Shaq Thompson thrive in a hybrid role at the next level.

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Trubisky

QB, North Carolina

It definitely seems like the Chicago Bears will be parting ways with quarterback Jay Cutler after this season. Once Cutler is gone, the Bears will have to try and find their quarterback for the future, and that might mean reaching for one in the first round of the NFL draft.

I’ve been torn with who should be the No. 1 QB in this draft class, but North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky continues to make plays that have him right in that argument. He has the ideal size of a pro-style QB at 6’3” and 220 pounds, but is also surprisingly mobile with the pocket awareness to avoid pressure and extend plays.

Trubisky has some nice ball placement on short and intermediate routes, but I’ve been concerned at times with his lack of arm strength and ability to hit players in stride downfield. However, Trubisky had a really nice throw against N.C. State on Friday with a deep touchdown that gives me hope that he’s still developing.

He might not be the fourth-best prospect in this draft class, but Trubisky could come in and be a solid starting quarterback for the Bears in 2017.

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) is blocked by Kentucky Wildcats running back Jojo Kemp (3) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Reuben Foster

LB, Alabama

The New York Jets have found a potential franchise inside linebacker in Darron Lee. However, the Jets could use another young linebacker to pair with Lee given the fact that David Harris is already 32 years old.

The Alabama Crimson Tide are known for producing NFL-caliber inside linebackers, and Reuben Foster might be one of the best they’ve ever developed. He’s a physically gifted linebacker at 6’1” and 245 pounds, and he knows how to use his size to his advantage.

Foster has top-tier instincts and doesn’t hesitate when he sees a path to the ball carrier, routinely laying them out with big hits. He’s a talented run stopper who is also comfortable dropping back into coverage while also developing as a blitzer.

There are few elite inside linebackers in the NFL anymore, but Foster has the potential to quickly become one of the league’s best.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Barnett

EDGE, Tennessee

This season has been a massive disappointment for the Cincinnati Bengals so far, and it’s only going to get worse due to injuries to some of their key contributors on offense. While there are a handful of needs for the Bengals, this is a team that could definitely use some help on the edge.

Tennessee’s Derek Barnett could be a huge upgrade for Cincinnati’s defense. Barnett has been a crucial leader for the Volunteers defense, and has been stepping up while making big plays all year.

Barnett is more than capable of translating to the NFL as either a 3-4 edge rusher of 4-3 defensive end. His explosiveness off of the snap as well as his strength and athleticism to make plays rushing the quarterback or stopping the run would make him a great fit to help the Bengals defense get back on track.

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) looks over to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

You could definitely make the argument that the Carolina Panthers should look at an offensive tackle or cornerback with their first-round pick. However, with LSU’s Leonard Fournette on the board here, it’s going to be awfully hard for the Panthers to pass up on him.

Jonathan Stewart’s future with the Panthers is uncertain given his history of injuries and hefty contract. By replacing Stewart with Fournette, Cam Newton would have a serious threat in the backfield to take some pressure off of last year’s MVP.

Fournette looks like a future star at the running back position. With his combination of size (6’1”, 235 pounds), speed, vision and aggressiveness, Fournette looks like he could quickly become one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. Playing behind Newton could be an ideal situation for him to thrive in.

Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Quincy Wilson

CB, Florida

Thanks to a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, the Tennessee Titans will have two first-round picks in April. With their first selection, the Titans should seriously consider picking up a potential shutdown cornerback.

Florida’s Quincy Wilson has looked like one of the top defensive backs in this year’s draft class. He has some nice size for a corner at 6’1” and 213 pounds while possessing long arms and an aggressive mentality that makes him difficult to deal with in press coverage.

Wilson may not have the top-tier speed that some of the other cornerbacks have, but he’s still athletic with the natural ball skills and size to look like a lockdown cornerback at the next level, and that’s something the Titans could definitely use.

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook

RB, Florida State

Let’s not sugar coat it. The Green Bay Packers desperately need talent in a lot of areas. However, if the Packers want to go back to having one of the most dominant offensive attacks in the NFL, they should probably think about adding some help at the running back position.

Eddie Lacy has been injured for most of this season, but even when healthy, he hasn’t proved that he can be the lone workhorse back for the Packers. Florida State’s Dalvin Cook could give the Packers a much more serious big-play threat in the backfield to take some pressure off of Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

Cook is a home-run hitter with the acceleration and vision to find a hole and break out for a huge play. He reminds me a lot of Chris Johnson during his time with the Tennessee Titans, and that kind of threat in the backfield is awfully tempting for a team like the Packers.

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

Defense has to be a priority for the New Orleans Saints in the upcoming draft. The team is in the conversation as the worst defense in the entire NFL, so really any help that they can get in the draft will be vital.

Michigan State’s Malik McDowell is the best defensive prospect available with the No. 10 overall pick. McDowell has already drawn plenty of comparisons to former Oregon Ducks prospect DeForest Buckner due to his 6’6”, 276-pound frame.

McDowell uses his long arms and strength to get past blocker and make plays in the backfield, whether that’s as a defensive end or defensive tackle. The biggest problem McDowell faces is keeping his pad level consistently low, but the physical tools are there for him to be a versatile defensive lineman who can make plenty of plays.

Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs after a catch in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Williams

WR, Clemson

Given the back-to-back season-ending injuries to Keenan Allen, the San Diego Chargers need to make sure that they have more depth at the position to give Phillip Rivers more weapons to throw to.

This wide receiver class has three potential first-round prospects, but Clemson’s Mike Williams has stood out as the No. 1 guy, at least so far. He has that unique blend of size at 6’3” and 225 pounds and speed to make him a dangerous threat all over the field.

The main reason Williams stands out as the top receiver prospect right now is his ridiculous ability to make plays on 50-50 balls. His athleticism and soft hands help him routinely make the tough catches that a lot of receivers can’t make.

With Williams on the outside, Rivers would have a nice safety blanket to throw it up to when no one else is open.

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

DeShone Kizer

QB, Notre Dame

Carson Palmer is quickly nearing the end of his NFL career at 36 years old, and the Arizona Cardinals don’t really have an option to take over the franchise behind him. They have a few other needs as well, but the Cardinals might want to consider taking a quarterback with their first-round pick.

Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer might be the ideal fit for the Cardinals’ vertical passing offense. He has great size for a QB at 6’4” and 230 pounds along with a strong arm and some nice touch on some of his passes. Kizer is also mobile enough to escape the pocket and extend plays.

The biggest knock on Kizer is that he will occasionally make some terrible decisions that lead to turnovers. However, with the right coaching staff to help him develop, Kizer could quickly turn into a legitimate franchise quarterback.

Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) breaks away form Washington State Cougars linebacker Peyton Pelluer (47) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

John Ross

WR, Washington

After taking a cornerback with their first pick, the Titans should turn their focus to the other side of the ball. The offense has been playing relatively well thanks to the running game with DeMarco Murray, but the Titans could stand to add some weapons for Marcus Mariota to throw to.

John Ross may only be 5’11” and 190 pounds, but he is one of the most dynamic playmakers in this draft class. The Washington Huskies receiver possesses some elite speed and explosiveness to go along with easily the best footwork of any receiver in this class.

Ross compares well to Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson because of his small frame and big-play ability. He’s not going to pave the way for anyone in the running game, but Ross will be able to come in and start making plays in the passing game from Day 1.

Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) and defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Lawson

EDGE, Auburn

The Indianapolis Colts have weaknesses all over the board, but they should definitely focus on rebuilding their defense. With Robert Mathis likely nearing the end of his career, the Colts need to find their next dominant pass rusher.

Many scouts were worried Auburn’s Carl Lawson ability to stay healthy entering the season, but the dominant Tigers pass rusher has looked great all year. Heading into Saturday’s game against Alabama, Lawson had already racked up nine sacks and 23 quarterback hurries this season.

What makes Lawson so dangerous is his long arms on his powerful 6’2”, 260-pound frame. He doesn’t always make the right read, but when he does, he is capable of blowing up plays in the backfield.

The Colts desperately need some help on the defense, and someone like Lawson could definitely help them improve on that side of the ball in 2017.

Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jamal Adams

S, LSU

Bradley McDougald and Chris Conte aren’t exactly household names at the safety position, which is exactly why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should try to find an impact safety in the NFL draft come April.

With Peppers off of the board, LSU’s Jamal Adams is the next best safety available. Adams likely translates best as a strong safety at the next level, coming in at 6’1” and 211 pounds with an aggressive mindset.

Adams loves to play up near the line of scrimmage and uses his instincts to make big plays, whether that’s stopping the run or breaking up a pass. His size and athleticism allow him to match up with just about anyone. Sometimes his aggressiveness can backfire on open-field tackles, but that mentality is definitely still a positive.

With Adams in the secondary, the Buccaneers can continue to focus on rebuilding their defensive in a competitive NFC South division.

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) blocks Michigan State defensive end Evan Jones (85) during the second quarter of their game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Ramczyk

OT, Wisconsin

The Buffalo Bills are searching for a long-term option at right tackle, and while this class of offensive tackles isn’t exactly stellar, Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk has started to stand out as the top tackle in the class.

Ramcyzk currently plays on the left side of Wisconsin’s offensive line, but his skill set could probably translate to the right side. He has terrific size for an NFL tackle, coming in at 6’6” and 314 pounds.

As Wisconsin’s left tackle, Ramczyk has rarely given up pressure in pass protection. He also does a great job of paving the way for the running game and can even get to the second level to open up even bigger plays.

With Ramczyk and Cordy Glenn as their offensive tackles, the Bills’ offense could be one of the more reliable units in the league.

Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond King

CB, Iowa

Cornerback might not be the biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but given the plethora of talent at the position in this year’s draft, they might want to seriously consider taking one of the defensive backs with their first-round pick.

Iowa’s Desmond King belongs in the argument as this year’s top cornerback prospect. He could have gone pro last year, but decided to finish up his college career with the Hawkeyes, and that decision appears to have paid off.

King is by far the most reliable tackler in this cornerback class, consistently wrapping up ball carriers in the open field. His quick hips, ball skills and top-tier speed, he’s a more than capable cornerback who could come into the NFL and immediately start as a nickel corner.

The Steelers took a cornerback in the first round last year, but King is still worth a first-round pick.

Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward (12) tips the pass intended for Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Bryan Reimers (83) and was intercepted by Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

Assuming that Trubisky and Kizer are already off of the board by the time the Browns pick again in the first round, they would be better off taking another defensive prospect and taking a QB with a later selection.

Ohio State’s Malik Hooker continues to impress this season as he continues to solidify himself as a first-round pick. He was back at it again on Saturday with another interception returned for a touchdown against Michigan.

Hooker has some of the best ball skills in this class because of his ability to read opposing quarterbacks’ eyes and head towards its intended destination before the QB even gets the pass away. His speed and fluid hips allow him to cover the entire field as well.

Although Hooker can struggle to make open-field tackles, his ability to create turnovers regularly is something that the Browns could use. Adding Hooker and Allen to their defense could quickly help the Browns get on the right path to rebuilding their franchise.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Walker

DE, Florida State

The Miami Dolphins will likely be parting ways with Mario Williams due to his age, declining productivity and massive contract after this season is over. That’ll leave a hole on the defensive line that the Dolphins will need to fill through the draft.

Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker could be a nice replacement for Williams on the Dolphins defensive line. Heading into Saturday’s game against Florida, Walker had already picked up 13 sacks this season.

Walker comes in at a solid 6’3” and 273 pounds and is one of the more explosive players out there. He does a great job of staying low and getting out of his stance quickly to push blockers back and get to the quarterback.

While some think Walker could be a solid 3-4 edge rusher, I’m not sure he’s fast enough to play out there. Instead, I feel like he could be a nice fit as a defensive end and make a serious impact for a team like the Dolphins.

Oct 15, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) breaks up the pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Robert Wheelwright (15) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Gareon Conley

CB, Ohio State

You could definitely make the argument that the Philadelphia Eagles should try to find a wide receiver or running back to give Carson Wentz some more weapons to work with. However, the Eagles could also use some help at cornerback, and this class has some great ones.

Wilson and King are off of the board, but the Eagles can still grab another potentially valuable cornerback in Ohio State’s Gareon Conley. The Buckeyes prospect already looks like a future outside corner with his 6’1”, 195-pound frame.

Conley does a great job of shadowing receivers and has the ball skills to make sure receivers don’t get their hands on the ball. Combine that with his athleticism and room to keep getting stronger, and Conley could quickly become an important part of Philadelphia’s secondary.

Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) points to the sky in celebration after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Stanford defeated California 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey

RB, Stanford

The Washington Redskins have been one of the bigger surprises in the NFL this season. Kirk Cousins has the offense firing on all cylinders, but they could still probably use another running back who could make some big plays out of the backfield.

Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey isn’t a stereotypical workhorse back, but he is a dynamic playmaker unlike anyone else in college football. His ability to make big plays as a runner, in the passing game or as a return man makes him a true offensive weapon.

McCaffrey has the vision and acceleration to break off big plays when he finds an opening. He’s also a solid pass catcher, and while he isn’t great in pass protection, he could come in and be someone that could play a key role in Washington’s offense if he wound up being drafted by the Redskins.

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) pulls in a pass against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

There are a few directions that the Denver Broncos could go with their first pick of the NFL draft. However, the Broncos have missed a true impact tight end since the departure of Julius Thomas, and they could probably afford to reach every so slightly for the top TE prospect in this draft class.

Alabama’s O.J. Howard doesn’t get utilized as often as he should, but he continues to show flashes of NFL potential. He presents a serious mismatch coming in 6’6” and 242 pounds, and he’s capable of making plays in the passing game or blocking in the run game.

Howard’s biggest area where he could improve is cleaning up his route running. If he can do that to help himself create separation more frequently, he could become one of the most dangerous tight ends in the NFL, and that could help out the Broncos’ passing offense in a big way.

Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Teez Tabor

CB, Florida

Even with the impressive dominance of Marcus Peters this season, the Kansas City Chiefs could probably add some depth at the cornerback position with their first-round pick. They don’t have a lot of glaring needs, and this CB class is loaded, so that would be a smart move.

He might not even be the best cornerback on his own team, but Florida’s Jalen “Teez” Tabor definitely still looks like a first-round pick. Like Wilson, Tabor has good size for an outside corner at 6’0” and 201 pounds while also having an aggressive mentality.

Although Tabor tends to guess on routes, his instincts allow him to usually make the right read. He’ll need to keep working on making plays in the open field and against the run, but Tabor’s upside makes him worthy of a first-round selection.

Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Cunningham

LB, Vanderbilt

The New York Giants should look at their defense in the first round, and the linebacker spot is an area where they could use some young talent. Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is someone who could quickly find a home in New York’s defensive unit.

I was admittedly not as high on Cunningham as others early in the season, but he continues to impress and has looked worthy of a first-round pick. He does a great job of shedding blockers to get to the ball carrier and can also drop back in coverage to break up passes.

Cunningham can take bad angles and will miss more tackles than I’d like. Still, the upside is there for the Vanderbilt linebacker to become a staple for any NFL defense. If the Giants pick him up in the first round, they could wind up with a their starting inside linebacker for the foreseeable future.

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) reacts after sacking the Texas A&M Aggies quarterback at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Williams

EDGE, Alabama

The Baltimore Ravens might rank in the middle of the league in sacks, but they could still definitely use another edge rusher given the fact that Pernell McPhee is now in Chicago and Elvis Dumervil is already 32 years old.

Alabama’s Tim Williams has continued to emerge as one of the most dominant edge rushers in college football this season. After 12 games, Williams has already picked up eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hurries.

What makes Williams such a dominant edge rusher is his athleticism and explosiveness off of the snap. He continues to develop against the run and in pass coverage, but he’s already an NFL-caliber pass rusher who could come in and play on obvious passing downs.

Learning from Dumervil probably wouldn’t hurt, either.

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Riley McCarron (83) catches a pass in front of Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Jourdan Lewis

CB, Michigan

Even with Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, the Atlanta Falcons could stand to use some more depth at the cornerback position. The NFC South is filled with dangerous quarterbacks, so the more secondary help the better.

Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis may only be 5’11” and 186 pounds, but he plays with the mentality of an outside corner. Lewis displays some impressive speed and quick hips to stick with his receiver on a regular basis.

The thing that scouts will love most about Lewis is his fearlessness in open space. Despite his size, Lewis consistently wraps up the ball carrier when he’s on his own, leading to some crucial stops.

If he wound up in Atlanta, Lewis could come in and immediately play nick corner knowing that he’d have some help on the outside.

Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D

D'Onta Foreman

RB, Texas

The Detroit Lions have been able to move on from Calvin Johnson’s retirement without missing a beat thanks to the play of Matthew Stafford. However, the Lions could probably still use a workhorse running back behind Stafford who could take the bulk of the carries.

Texas running back D’Onta Foreman has exploded onto the scene this season with some unbelievable performances, slowly slipping into the conversation as a potential first-round pick. He’s got excellent size for a bruising running back, coming in at 6’1” and 249 pounds.

Despite his size, Foreman is still a surprisingly quick back with the vision and explosiveness to break off some big plays. He’s more than capable of fighting for extra yards and is also an extremely capable blocker in pass protection

The biggest concern with Foreman is his ball security, with the Texas back fumbling the ball away far more often than scouts would like to see. However, if he can fix his fumbling issues, he could become one of the toughest running backs in the NFL to bring down.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) celebrates the win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the second overtime at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeated the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Evans

S, Texas A&M

Even with all of the talent on their defense, the Houston Texans seem to always need help in their secondary. The team has found some capable cornerbacks, but they could still stand to find some help at safety.

If the Texans want a safety with some swagger, then Texas A&M’s Justin Evans would be the perfect fit. Evans is a heavy hitter who isn’t afraid to let you know when he’s made a big play, and he still has room to grow with his 6’1”, 200-pound frame.

What’s even more impressive with Evans is the fact that he’s continued to develop his ball skills this season, racking up four interceptions and six pass breakups on the year. With that versatile skill set and promising upside, Evans could become a fan favorite for the Texans.

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Clemson defensive back Cordrea Tankersley (25) tackles Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) short of a first down during the third quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Cordrea Tankersley

CB, Clemson

The Legion of Boom is still one of the toughest and most intimidating secondaries in the league. Still, the Seattle Seahawks should consider adding another cornerback to play opposite of Richard Sherman to take some pressure off of Jeremy Lane.

Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley just looks like a future LOB member. He’s got a lanky 6’1”, 200-pound frame with the long limbs and strength to jam receivers in press coverage to knock them off of their routes.

Tankersley can be over aggressive at times and draw penalties, but with the right coaching and talent around him, there’s no doubt that the Clemson prospect could become a key piece of any NFL secondary. Playing for a team like Seattle could help him reach his potential sooner instead of later.

Oct 15, 2016; Akron, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium. Western Michigan Broncos won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Davis

WR, Western Michigan

At some point, the New England Patriots are going to need to look for a true No. 1 receiver who can make plays on the outside. They’ve lacked that true deep threat since Randy Moss retired, and although the Patriots have plenty of weapons to work with, a physical outside receiver could make their offense even more unstoppable.

Western Michigan went undefeated in the regular season in large part thanks to the production of Corey Davis. The Broncos receiver caught 83 passes for 1,283 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games while breaking the FBS record for career receiving yards.

At 6’3” and 213 pounds, Davis is a physical receiver as well as a smooth route runner. While he’s not elusive, he’s tough to bring down and can pick up plenty of yards after the catch. Pairing Davis with players like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski would make Tom Brady’s job even easier as he nears the end of his career.

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrad Davis

LB, Florida

Easily the biggest need for the Oakland Raiders this season is at inside linebacker. This is a team that has quickly developed into a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the AFC, but a leader in the middle of their defense could make them even more formidable in 2017.

Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis has missed the past few games, but the tape on him makes him look like a potential first-round pick. Davis comes in at 6’2” and 238 pounds and is extremely disruptive when he finds the ball carrier.

Not only can Davis stop the run, but he’s also an impressive linebacker in coverage. Sometimes he will pick the wrong hole and leave rushing lanes wide open, but the right coaching should fix that. With Davis on their defense, the Raiders should have enough talent around him to help him grow into a franchise player.

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Solomon Thomas

DE, Stanford

The Dallas Cowboys officially look like the most intimidating team in football. However, their defense is still far from a finished product, and they could use some help on their defensive line.

Stanford’s Solomon Thomas might fit best as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL due to his 6’3”, 273-pound frame. However, Thomas is explosive enough that a move to a 4-3 DE might not be out of the question.

Thomas does a great job of getting out of his stance and staying low to maintain leverage against offensive linemen. Training as a boxer this offseason, Thomas has also developed some extremely violent hands to disengage and make plays in the backfield.

The Cowboys have struggled to find a reliable option at defensive end, but Thomas could wind up being that guy for them.