Arif Hasan contributed to this report.
After attending the Senior Bowl and taking note of whose stock rose and whose stock fell, our very own Luke Inman and Arif Hasan formulated a new first-round mock draft.
Picks 1-10 are below, 11-20 will be released Thursday and 21-32 will be released Friday.
1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M (Luke)
In a class lacking any slam-dunk can’t miss prospects, the Browns are in a unique position to grab the best player on their board and not feel pressure to overdraft a signal caller. Now, let’s just hope they don’t screw this up and miss out on one of the best defensive ends to come out of college since Julius Peppers.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Deshone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame (Arif)
Kizer is the top quarterback in the class simply because he has all the qualities. He has underrated accuracy, excellent arm strength and poise under pressure. His athletic ability is a nice cherry on top and should help the 49ers finally move forward.
3) Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, Defensive Line, Alabama (Luke)
This is my third mock draft of the offseason and every time I find it near impossible to pass up on Allen at Pick 3. In a 3-4 defense, having game-changing defensive linemen is a catalyst for a dominating defense. Allen could soak up the 5-tech spot as a defensive end with his rare blend of size and athleticism. A cornerstone pick for a defense thirsty for all the talent they can get.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Solomon Thomas, Defensive Line, Stanford (Arif)
The Jaguars need help in a lot of places, but they can get started with help along the defensive line. New DC and former defensive line coach Todd Wash can be creative in how to use the supposed “tweener” with enormous talent and can design a front that maximizes his value.
5) Tennessee Titans (via Rams): Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State (Luke)
I’m enamored with the Titans front office of late and its ability to stock up picks for the future. The team has two picks in the top 20 and can yet again make a huge dent into their needs while adding rich talent. People are quick to point out Hooker’s lack of solid tackling fundamentals. While it’s true he gets sloppy in the box, it’s more important to keep your focus on the goods, like his outstanding range and ball skills as a center fielder. Hooker has drawn comparisons to former Baltimore Raven Ed Reed. Anytime you can do that you are well worth a top-5 selection.
6) New York Jets: Teez Tabor, Cornerback, Florida (Arif)
Tabor is a phenomenal athlete with fluidity, speed and power to spare. His intelligence and instincts make him scheme versatile, but he will need a little bit of coaching in press. Though he has some issues winning in the air, his sticky coverage makes him a great fit.
7) San Diego Chargers: Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU (Luke)
Adding a receiver here was a temptation. However, in a rich class of wideouts, the value to nab one on Day 1 is far less compared to missing out on a safety like Adams. I actually have Adams higher on my board than Hooker. Adams is an in-the-box thumper who hits like a middle linebacker and flies around the field like a cornerback. An exciting blend of speed and power to add into the Chargers’ already immensely young and talented defense.
8) Carolina Panthers: Derek Barnett, Edge Rusher, Tennessee (Arif)
The Panthers have had a history of taking technically-sound rushers that may not be the greatest athletes, and this fits that mold. Hopefully, for Carolina, it will pay more dividends than it has in the recent past. There wasn’t a talented enough offensive lineman to take here.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, Inside Linebacker, Alabama (Luke)
If you just look at the big board talent, anyone can make a strong case for Foster as one of the best five players in the class. Better than his former teammate C.J. Mosley, who has been one of the best young linebackers in the NFL as of late, Foster is strong in all the key areas: getting downhill in the run, dropping back in coverage and blitzing. Bengals are lucky to have him fall in their lap and give their linebacking group a big shot in the arm.
10) Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson (Arif)
Reuniting old teammates Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams, the Bills afford themselves versatility in the passing game as well as a needed contested-ball catcher for (hopefully) Tyrod Taylor.
