- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Under-the-Radar 1st-Round Prospects
- Updated: December 27, 2016
Draft chatter is still in its infancy as college bowl season presses on and the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion, which means much of the prospect-specific focus to this point has centered on the 2017 class’ most dynamic talents.
But with many deep position groups emerging, it’s worth taking some time to break down a few prospects who are flying under the radar as 2017 approaches.
Without further ado, here’s an updated first-round mock draft with a focus on potential NFL difference-makers who deserve more hype.
As a brief housekeeping note, keep in mind the order projected below is based on standings and records through Week 16. Additionally, teams that qualify for the postseason will comprise selection Nos. 21 through 32 and will not be officially slotted into the order until play gets underway.
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Tight ends don’t typically garner copious amounts of buzz in NFL draft circles, but Alabama’s O.J. Howard is worth getting excited about.
Although the 6’6″, 251-pound senior wrecking ball has tallied just six receiving touchdowns and 1,576 yards from scrimmage during his four years with the Crimson Tide, Howard has the size and speed to slot in as a prototypical field-stretching force at the next level.
“Howard has all of the tools to be an elite player at his position,” NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote. “He’s big, explosive and versatile. He can play with his hand on the ground, as an H-back or even split out wide. He is a matchup nightmare for linebackers because of his speed, and he has a major size advantage over secondary defenders.”
Based on those qualities, Howard would be a natural fit for the Denver Broncos—who would benefit immensely from adding a seam-stretcher who could deflect attention away from wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.
With the Broncos searching for a concrete offensive identity as they …
