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NFL Draft 2017: Updated Mock Draft Before Regular-Season Finales
- Updated: December 31, 2016
Although there is still plenty left to be decided during the 2016 season, many eyes are already on the 2017 NFL draft, as the majority of the league’s teams have been eliminated from contention ahead of Week 17.
Declarations are still filtering in, but the 2017 class appears stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, and the depth of the player pool should give every team with a first-round pick the opportunity to improve significantly entering the 2017 campaign.
With the offseason quickly approaching, here is a full first-round mock draft along with further analysis regarding some of the top potential steals to be had in the opening round.
Breaking Down Biggest Potential Steals Dalvin Cook (Baltimore Ravens)
Much of the hype from a running back perspective will be centered on the LSU Tigers’ Leonard Fournette entering the draft, but Florida State Seminoles star Dalvin Cook has a chance to be the best back in the entire class and one of the NFL’s best at his position as well.
Cook is coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 1,600 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns, and he will enter the NFL as FSU’s all-time leading rusher.
He also made significant strides as a pass-catcher in 2016 with 30 receptions for 426 yards, making him the type of dual-threat option out of the backfield that teams are always looking for.
Cook’s game is so multifaceted and dangerous to opposing defenses that Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Ryan Glasgow paid him the ultimate compliment, according to Corey Clark of the Tallahassee Democrat:
Michigan’s Ryan Glasgow on Dalvin Cook: “I’d venture to say he’s probably the best running back I’ve watched on film in college.”
— Corey Clark/TDO.com (@Corey_Clark) December 28, 2016
Also, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown admitted Cook is essentially a defensive coach’s worst nightmare, per Andrew Miller of Tomahawk Nation:
“Every time four (Dalvin Cook) gets his hands on the ball, I can’t breathe. I’m 61-years old and I just (hyperventilates).” -UM DC Don Brown
— Andrew Miller (@Andrew_Miller36) December 28, 2016
Several teams would benefit from Cook’s services, but the Baltimore Ravens are a natural fit at No. 17.
Baltimore boasts a strong defense and has its franchise quarterback in Joe Flacco, but the running game was an issue in 2016, as it cycled through multiple options at the position.
Both Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon showed flashes of brilliance, but neither appears …