2017 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Next Year’s Top Prospects

There’s an unspoken commandment when it comes to the NFL draft—thou shall not ever suggest it’s too early for next year’s mock draft.

The 2016 draft isn’t in the books yet, with the slog through Round 4 and beyond taking place Saturday. But it’s not an excuse to avoid looking at what 2017 has to offer.

While it’s fun to review 2016 picks, thinking ahead creates some interesting scenarios for the future of the league’s landscape.

For those who want to get ahead, here’s a mock draft based on updated team need, projections and the current stock market of the 2017 class.

2017 NFL Mock Draft

Note: Draft order is courtesy of Odds Shark’s 2017 Super Bowl odds. Teams with the same odds are listed in alphabetical order.

Analyzing Notable Early Picks 1. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

The Cleveland Browns selected USC quarterback Cody Kessler with the No. 93 pick in the 2016 class, but it won’t stop new coach Hue Jackson and the organization from getting a can’t-miss prospect in 2017. 

Such a moniker goes to Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who completed 67.8 percent of his passes last year for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns with another 1,105 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

One quarterback coach told FoxSports.com’s Bruce Feldman that Watson could be the top pick and it’s all about his landing in the right situation: 

Asked about whether some NFL personnel people might hold the Clemson offensive scheme against him, since he’s not playing in a pure pro-style system, the QB coach said, “Some coaches probably will be uncomfortable with him because that’s not the style they’re used to, but guys that know what they are doing won’t have an issue with it.”

Cleveland is the right situation.

Look at it this way—Jackson squeezed the most out of Andy …

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