2017 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Top Prospects Before Regular Season Ends

One action-packed Sunday stands between 20 NFL teams and the unofficial start of draft season. 

While 12 lucky squads will head to the postseason and vie for Super Bowl glory, the clubs that weren’t fortunate enough to qualify for the playoffs can direct their complete attention to the 2017 draft class—which features a handful of game-changing prospects at the top. 

And with the draft order nearly set, we can start making some more concrete projections. 

Below, you’ll find an updated first-round mock draft based on the draft order through the completion of Week 16, courtesy of NFL.com. As a reminder, slots Nos. 21-32 are subject to change based on postseason finishes. 

Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

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A year ago, Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Jonathan Allen was starting to work his way into the first-round conversation. 

But with another year in college under his belt, Allen has solidified himself as a legitimate top-five selection who could one day evolve into a defensive franchise cornerstone thanks to his development under head coach Nick Saban. 

“I think sometimes a lot of players lose sight of how football is a developmental game, how they improve, how they can improve their value by continuing to grow and develop as players in college,” Saban said, per AL.com’s Rainer Sabin. “Jonathan Allen is a great example of that.”

In fact, Allen has been so dominant that Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo currently has him slotted into the No. 1 spot in his mock draft: “Allen has been unblockable this season, leading all interior defensive linemen with a 93.7 pass-rush grade while playing strong against the run in his first extended …

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