San Francisco 49ers

NFL Draft: Early Look at 32-Team Round 1 Mock for 2017

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

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Niner Noise takes an early look at the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft and puts together our first mock based off what we know four weeks into the regular season. What will the San Francisco 49ers and the remaining 31 teams do in Round 1?

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Mike Evans (Texas A&M) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number seven overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Who knows what the context will be when the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off many, many months down the road?

We don’t know the draft order. We have only limited knowledge what teams’ needs will be — thank you, free agency — and it’s impossible to state collegiate prospects will stay right at where they’re currently projected.

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But we love mocks. Oh, do we love mocks.

And so here it is. Niner Noise gives you our first Round 1 mock draft with just four weeks of NFL action under our belts.

The first quarter of any given season is usually enough evidence to determine strengths and weaknesses of each and every team. Things change, yes, but the picture is much clearer than the offseason or even after all the overreaction from Week 1.

As for the San Francisco 49ers? Well, at 1-3, we can project they’ll have a high draft pick once again when the draft kicks off. And who knows whether or not general manager Trent Baalke will survive to see yet another NFL Draft.

We do have to set one thing straight as a constant — draft order. Since there’s no way to predict it just yet, we’ll simply stick with current Week 5 power rankings, provided by Elliot Harrison of NFL.com. And we won’t suggest any first-round trades either.

Based on these rankings, the 49ers own the No. 4 pick overall.

How does the rest of Round 1 shape up? Let’s take a look starting with the Cleveland Browns.

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

DeShone Kizer

Quarterback, Cleveland Browns

The Browns need to find some sort of stability on their offense, and head coach Hue Jackson is the perfect person to mold an up-and-coming group over the next few years.

With zero legitimate options under center, it only makes sense for Cleveland to go with Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Kizer is raw and will need some polish at the next level. But he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for many, many years.

And that’s exactly what the Browns need moving forward.

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

Defensive End/EDGE, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins defense isn’t their weakness. But it’s simply too hard to pass up on Texas A&M pass-rusher Myles Garrett at No. 2.

Garrett is the type of player teams can build around, and he’s the clear-cut best defensive option within the draft. And with veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh turning 30 years old next season, the time might be now to start working in an up-and-coming replacement.

Again, I’m not sure Miami finishes with the No. 2 overall pick this year. Remember, power rankings are the current given.

If the Dolphins wind up owning the second pick in the NFL Draft, Garrett has to be the guy.

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson

Quarterback, Chicago Bears

For those hoping Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson fell to the 49ers at No. 4, well, sorry. Don’t worry anyway. San Francisco still might finish within the top-three picks.

But you can’t ignore the fact the Chicago Bears probably need to solve their quarterbacking situation.

No, Jay Cutler isn’t the long-term answer here. It’s hard to recall a time when anyone thought he would be. And with a slew of changes facing the Bears this offseason (expiring contracts, etc.), the time should be now for Chicago to address this need.

Some experts project Watson as the best QB available in the draft. And the Bears are no stranger to quarterbacking needs.

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores on a pick 6 during the 2nd half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Malik McDowell

Defensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Why would the Niners spend three-consecutive first-overall picks on defensive linemen?

Well, a franchise quarterback would have been ideal here. But the top two guys are already off the boards, and the wide receiver group (our No. 3 position of need) doesn’t quite have the value at No. 4 overall.

San Francisco can try to target a QB early in Round 2 — perhaps Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly. Instead, the Niners’ first pick addresses a primary weakness — stopping the run.

The 49ers currently rank dead last in the league, with an average of 140.5 yards allowed per game on the ground. Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell is capable of generating both an interior pass rush and acting as a stout defender against the run.

The Niners could bring back nose tackle Ian Williams (a free agent in 2017), but will his injury concerns pose problems?

Instead, San Francisco’s big three — McDowell, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner — would comprise one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) looks on in the third quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Teez Tabor

Cornerback, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are going to need their two first-round picks this season. And with the way the Los Angeles Rams are playing, the Titans’ own pick might be their first.

Offense is an issue for head coach Mike Mularkey’s squad. But Tennessee could use some upgrades within their secondary as well.

Cornerback Teez Tabor out of Florida is the best player at his position. He’d be an immediate upgrade over No. 2 corner Perrish Cox, who has posted a 38.0 overall grade on the year, per Pro Football Focus.

Tabor has plenty of red flags. But his talent level is worth the risk for a Titans team in desperate need of playmakers.

Apr 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines saftey Jabrill Peppers (5) smiles during warm ups before the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jabrill Peppers

Strong Safety, San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers need to get better on defense, and opponents’ passing games have been especially problematic for the Chargers secondary.

Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers is an immediate-impact player, who can play a variety of positions depending on where San Diego’s biggest needs are.

Peppers’ athleticism and awareness will help the Chargers cut down on their current 289.5 yards-per-game average through the air, which ranks 27th in the league.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Allen

Defensive End, New Orleans Saints

Oh, the New Orleans Saints defense. It’s bad. Almost historically bad.

And while New Orleans might be looking for long-term answers to replace veteran quarterback Drew Brees, the wiser of decisions would be to provide immediate upgrades to the defensive side of the ball.

Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen should provide both the burst and depth up front for a Saints defensive line needing all the help it can get.

He’s good enough against both the pass and run to justify a top-10 selection in this year’s NFL Draft.

Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette

Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Yes, the great running back Frank Gore’s career is coming to a close. And even with the defensively challenged Indianapolis Colts needing help on the other side of the ball, passing over LSU standout running back Leonard Fournette — a potential Heisman candidate — at No. 8 overall would be a gaffe.

Fournette is a difference-maker of a player. And while the Colts defense needs to get younger and deeper across the board, adding a player like Fournette would help ensure quarterback Andrew Luck won’t have to do it all.

Drives would be sustained, and the Colts would take pressure off their defense to make plays.

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) tries to escape the tackle of Louisville Cardinals linebacker Stacy Thomas (32) during the second half at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Florida State 63-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook

Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t be happier Florida State running back Dalvin Cook fell into their lap at No. 9 overall.

Cook would supplement a Jaguars running game currently ranked No. 31 in the NFL and in desperate need of help. With a weapon like Cook, Jacksonville wouldn’t have to worry as much whether or not quarterback Blake Bortles is the long-term answer. The team’s offense would have a multifaceted approach.

Meanwhile, head coach Gus Bradley better hope the defensive upgrades made last offseason start contributing.

If he’s still around in 2017.

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is chased down by LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Jamal Adams

Strong Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Safety Chris Conte isn’t getting it done for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who currently own the second-worst defense in the NFL through four weeks.

LSU safety Jamal Adams is a perfect fit for this defense and would immediately provide an upgrade over Conte.

Adams brings versatility, physicality and a great football IQ to the table, which is exactly what this transitioning defense needs in 2017 and beyond.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) celebrates after recovering an onside kick during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Marlon Humphrey

Cornerback, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions need some serious defensive upgrades via the NFL Draft, and the secondary has to be considered a major weakness heading into 2017.

Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey would be a perfect complement opposite Lions No. 1 cornerback Darius Slay, and Humphrey is the type of player capable of starting right away.

Unless Detroit is content with its average of three passing touchdowns allowed per game.

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

Cornerback, New York Jets

Selecting Iowa cornerback Desmond King at No. 12 overall might be a bit of a reach for the New York Jets, but it’s pretty obvious they need help within their secondary.

A number of the NFL Draft’s top-tier defensive backs are off the board by this point so, without trades in this mock, the Jets are forced to reach a bit and select King with their first overall pick.

King might not have the breakneck speed one would ideally like for a first-round corner. Yet his instincts and coverage abilities more than make up for this shortcoming. Considering New York has already given up 1,140 yards through the air on the season, one could do worse than draft King.

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey

Running Back, New York Giants

The New York Giants have to start thinking about long-term solutions within their running game, and it would be a great through to also pair quarterback Eli Manning with a backfield receiving threat like Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey.

No. 1 Giants tailback Shane Vereen will be 28 years old next season and his backup, Rashad Jennings, is already past the 30-year-old marker.

McCaffrey’s explosive playmaking ability would make New York’s offense all the more dynamic, which would be a scary thing considering the additional weapons Manning has through the air.

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

Defensive End/EDGE, Carolina Panthers

Again, it’s hard to see the Carolina Panthers emerge from 2016 with a middle-of-the-order pick. But stranger things have happened in the NFL.

Carolina is going to have some tough choices, contractually, this offseason along their defensive line and edge positions. This likely means the Panthers will look to add a front-seven defender or two over the first half of the draft.

The secondary is a bit of a concern as well, but it’s likely Carolina’s first pick would be up front.

Edge defender Charles Harris comes from a long line of Missouri pass-rushers, which is exactly the kind of element to help maintain a strong Panthers defense in 2017.

Oct 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) avoids a tackle by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Gump Hayes (right) for a touchdown during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins

The gut feeling tells me the Washington Redskins would focus on defense early and often throughout the NFL Draft, which negates a pick of USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a large extent.

Hear me out though. Washington’s top two receivers — Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are both 30 years old. And Garcon will be a free agent after this season.

While bringing Garcon back is a real possibility, it’s hard to ignore general manager Scot McCloughan trying to get younger at this position.

Smith-Schuster is the top wideout coming out in this NFL Draft. And McCloughan has already shown a knack for finding defensive gems in later rounds.

Sep 10, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass during the second half against Florida Atlantic Owls at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Kaaya

Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

Again, it’s hard to imagine a team which competed in the NFC Championship game a year ago drafting in the middle of the pack.

But continued injuries to quarterback Carson Palmer have derailed head coach Bruce Arians’ Arizona Cardinals before (see 2014) and could do so again.

Palmer is 37 years old. And it’s safe to say Arizona needs to think about a long-term replacement sooner rather than later.

Falling on Miami (Fla.) quarterback Brad Kaaya, this selection is an easy pick for a Cardinals team looking to eventually turn the page on its aging signal-caller.

Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) tackle Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Mylik Mitchell (17) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Williams

Outside Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are struggling to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, and one has to wonder how much longer Tamba Hali will be able to contribute as a major factor.

Kansas City could use some help on offense, but the defense remains a top priority.

Alabama outside linebacker Tim Williams has plenty of character concerns, but the Chiefs have shown a willingness to take players with red flags before (see CB Marcus Peters).

Williams is a solid pass-rusher from an edge position and also has been able to hold his own against the run.

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the field prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Lawson

Defensive End/EDGE, Buffalo Bills

You know Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan is going to focus on defense first in the NFL Draft. What’s new?

And it isn’t as if the Bills don’t need a player like Auburn edge rusher Carl Lawson.

Lawson would be an immediate asset to a Buffalo defense already boasting pass-rushers in Lorenzo Alexander and Jerry Hughes. And with Alexander getting up there in age, Lawson could provide the long-term replacement Ryan and Co. want to see moving forward.

The only concern is with Lawson’s injury history, but Ryan isn’t afraid to take such a risk.

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Williams

Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome continues to do amazing things, and it’s no secret why the Ravens are 3-1 and boasting a good defense again.

But Baltimore needs help at wide receiver heading into 2017. Steve Smith Sr. and Mike Wallace are both on the wrong side of 30 years old, and even tight end Dennis Pitta is losing a step.

Clemson wideout Mike Williams could wind up as the No. 1 receiving option coming out in the NFL Draft, if his stock continues to rise. As for now, he’d be the first target for Newsome and a Ravens offense looking to add young and explosive playmakers.

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Raekwon McMillan

Inside Linebacker, Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)

Tennessee already addressed weaknesses within their secondary with their first of two Round 1 picks. And the second winds up helping the Titans’ front-seven defense.

Ohio State inside linebacker Raekwon McMillan is a perfect upgrade over incumbent linebacker Avery Williamson. McMillan is stout both against the run and in coverage — areas in which Tennessee’s linebacker crop has struggled through four games of 2016.

The Titans will appreciate McMillan’s physicality on the field. It’s an area a budding Tennessee defense will look to in coming seasons.

Sep 17, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) during the game at Spartan Stadium. The Utah Utes defeated the San Jose State Spartans with a score of 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Lowell Lotulelei

Defensive Tackle, Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have an up-and-coming defense. And even with defensive tackle J.J. Watt out, this unit will still be one to watch moving forward.

The only area of concern has to be with 35-year-old nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Replacing Wilfork shouldn’t be too much of a problem though, as the Texans are able to land Utah defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei, who plays with just as much prowess as his older brother, Star.

Lotulelei’s size may keep him from being an every-down player in sub packages. But the Texans have enough thump on the exterior to keep the Utah standout in situations built to his skill set.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) does a video on a phone after the game against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Reuben Foster

Inside Linebacker, Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders ascension has been something to watch, but this team still needs plenty of defensive help.

Upgrades to the secondary might be more pressing of a concern, but passing on inside linebacker Reuben Foster out of Alabama would be something general manager Reggie McKenzie simply isn’t willing to do.

Foster was overshadowed by former Crimson Tide teammate Reggie Ragland a year ago, but it’s not a knock against Foster’s sheer ability and aggression.

Oakland pairing Foster on the inside with fellow outside linebacker Khalil Mack would be a scary thing for its front-seven defense.

Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Derek Barnett (9) in the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Barnett

Defensive End/EDGE, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons might wind up having a draft pick in the later rounds if wide receiver Julio Jones continues to put up 300-yard games.

But that doesn’t mean Atlanta’s defense is very good. At all.

The Falcons need help both up front and within the secondary. Their pass rush isn’t particularly good, and this is where Tennessee edge rusher Derek Barnett comes in.

Barnett is a bit undersized — at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds — for some traditional defensive ends, but this could be masked in head coach Dan Quinn’s 4-3 alignment. Rushing from the edge may also play right into Barnett’s skill set anyway.

Oct 3, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (77) lines up during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Florida State defeated Wake Forest 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Roderick Johnson

Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals need help at right tackle, and it’s looking clear incumbent RT Cedric Ogbuehi isn’t cutting it. At least not over the first four weeks.

Cincinnati has already allowed 13 sacks of quarterback Andy Dalton. And while the Bengals rushing offense is a bit more problematic, having a dual-capable tackle to open up running lanes while holding his own in pass protection should be a major need here.

This is where Florida State tackle Roderick Johnson comes in.

Johnson is adept in both run support and pass protection. And he could be the type of player capable of anchoring down the right side of Cincinnati’s offensive line for years to come.

Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon (28) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Dawuane Smoot (91) in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dawuane Smoot

Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have just about everything they need on the offensive side of the ball, even if veteran quarterback Tony Romo is on the verge of being usurped by Dak Prescott.

Defensively, Dallas’ front seven needs a lot of work. Especially along the defensive line.

Illinois defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot is a nice addition to replace any one of the interior defenders in the Cowboys 4-3 defense. At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, he might be a better option to plug in at one of the end positions, which would give Dallas a little more thump in helping contain the edge.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Robinson

Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be thrilled Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson fell to them at No. 26.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line has enough pieces with which to work. But working in Robinson would ensure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would have adequate protection for the foreseeable future and the Steelers offense wouldn’t miss a beat.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Robinson is a beast of a player and is considered the top tackle on multiple draft boards.

Oct 1, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) knocks the ball out of the hands of Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Andre Patton (88) at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Marshon Lattimore

Cornerback, Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles)

The Browns already spent their first Round 1 pick addressing a quarterback, and their next pick — acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles — upgrades the defense.

Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a nice fit here. At 6-foot-0 and 195 pounds, he possesses decent size and speed to match up against some of the tougher receivers he’d have to face within the AFC North.

Considering he’s the highest-ranked player left on our draft board, and Cleveland needs help in a plethora of areas, adding Lattimore is an easy move to make.

Sep 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills (26) scores a rushing touchdown against Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and cornerback Tre Herndon (31) in the third quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets won 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Cunningham

Outside Linebacker, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers could use some help from the edge, and it seems as if every year, they’re looking for the next front-seven project to mold into defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ defense.

Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham may not be an ideal fit for a 3-4 defense. But his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame gives Capers the flexibility to move him to the inside if necessary.

Consider this — the Packers have a good deal of linebackers entering the prime of their careers. And yet the defense is still needing players to cover the intermediate passing areas in which Green Bay has been vulnerable.

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mike McGlinchey

Offensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks

Despite the Seattle Seahawks finding their groove over the 49ers in Week 3, there’s no questioning how problematic Seattle’s offensive line has been four weeks into the regular season.

While the Hawks added first-round draftee Germain Ifedi to bolster the line in the NFL Draft a year ago, a failure to repeat this approach in 2017 could mean even more pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson. He’s taken his fair share of hits already this season.

Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey is the next best offensive lineman on our board, and he’d be a 6-foot-7, 310-pound upgrade over current right tackle Garry Gilliam or anyone else Seattle wants to throw out there.

McGlinchey is tough, nasty and would immediately add much-needed strength along a weak O-line.

He said he wanted to return to Notre Dame next season, but other players have said that before only to turn pro.

Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) throws a pass as he pressured by Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrad Davis

Outside Linebacker/EDGE, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are going to have a number of free-agent questions to answer within their front-seven defense, and looking for edge defenders figures to be a top priority for head coach Bill Belichick and Co.

Florida outside linebacker Jarrad Davis would help alleviate some of the concerns New England has with pending free agents entering 2017.

Belichick always seems to find players to fit within his system, and Davis’ versatility and upside are well worth the risk at No. 30.

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) celebrates as students rush the field after a game against the Stanford Cardinal Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Jones

Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings)

The Philadelphia Eagles managed to move back into Round 1 of the NFL Draft following their trade of quarterback Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings this season.

Impressive as the Eagles have been with rookie quarterback Carson Wentz under center, Philadelphia needs a good deal of help within its secondary. Especially at cornerback. Per Pro Football Focus, only corner Nolan Carroll has a grade mark above 50 (71.3).

So it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Eagles utilize their first pick of the NFL Draft on a corner. And Washington defensive back Sidney Jones could fit the bill.

At 6-foot-0, Jones could wind up on the outside opposite Carroll. Jones needs to add some bulk to his frame though, but this would still be a solid move.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches the ball as USC Trojans defensive back Matt Lopes (37) defends during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

O.J. Howard

Tight End, Denver Broncos

The defending Super Bowl champs don’t have too much to worry about on defense. But general manager John Elway would love to get his up-and-coming quarterback Paxton Lynch some added weapons on the offensive side of the ball.

And with the final pick in Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft, he could do much worse than grab 6-foot-6, 251-pound matchup nightmare O.J. Howard out of Alabama.

Head coach Gary Kubiak’s offense has made great use of tight ends before. And while Howard needs a lot of polish at the NFL level, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him develop into the next Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski.

Simply too good for Elway to pass up.