Thursday, January 26, 2017

NFL Draft Preview from Cliff Dibiase


2017 NFL Draft Preview


Now that Clemson has defeated Alabama in one of the most thrilling finals in college football history, it is time to start looking forward to the 2017 NFL Draft. With the end of the college football season and the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft, it is time to start the amusing guessing game of NFL mock drafts. You know when draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. released his first mock draft that the draft season has begun. Here is a look at some of the stories to keep an eye on in the 2017 NFL Draft.

1. No Quarterback for the Browns

Fortunately, Cleveland fans have an NBA championship by the Cavaliers and a near miss by the Indians in the World Series to keep them content. This Browns franchise is in sorry shape, and it seems like it has been that way forever. They still do not have a quarterback, but there is unfortunately no surefire quarterback prospect in this draft for Cleveland.

With the number one pick, Cleveland will likely take Myles Garrett, a defensive end from Texas A&M. Garrett, who stands at 6’5”, 270 pounds, is an edge rusher who never has a problem getting into the opponent’s backfield. For a Browns team that needs all the talent it can get, Garrett should be able to make an impact from the start of his career.

2. San Francisco 49ers Will Take a Quarterback

This once proud franchise has been in shambles since Jim Harbaugh left. Between Chip Kelly’s disastrous season behind the reins and the serious lack of talent on the roster, it is hard to believe that this team played in the NFC Championship Game just three years ago. That seems like a lifetime ago to 49ers fans who have watched their team turn into a laughingstock. Expect the 49ers to look to right the ship by drafting a Notre Dame quarterback with the number three pick, DeShone Kizer. After all, the Irish magic worked once before with Joe Montana. If the 49ers aren’t sold on Kizer, North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky could be the play here.

3. Jonathan Allen

Although Allen came up short in the national championship game against the Tigers, teams will pass on this menacing defensive tackle at their own peril. He absolutely destroys interior offensive lineman, and he can line up anywhere on the line to create matchup problems for opponents. His ability to play well against the run and pass makes him highly versatile. If he slips out of the top 10, some team will be getting the steal of the draft.

4. Desmond King a Heartwarming Success Story

It is rare to see a four-year player get drafted in the top ten of the draft, but Desmond King has a chance to be one of those rare cases. The four-year starter from Iowa was the menace of Big Ten quarterbacks during his collegiate career. He was targeted 172 times at Iowa. He allowed just 79 catches and snagged 13 interceptions. King has the largest and most consistent body of work of any defensive back to come out of college football in recent years, and he just might hear his number called higher than many of the experts predict at this year’s draft.

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