Post Final Four Mock Draft (v.1)

As much expected, the final 60 minutes of this year’s amazing season came to an end with Alabama and Clemson battling it out for the throne of the college football world; highlighting the fielding with future NFL picks. Even though it was all Alabama in the 1st quarter, Deshaun Watson once again thrived as the underdog and put on a show for the ages. Thus obliterating the championship monkey off his back with a last second 35-31 win over #1 Alabama. Watson threw for 420 yards, and added another 43 on the ground with 4 total TDs, against a defense that went over a month (4.5 games) without letting anyone in their end-zone. I haven't been very high on Watson throughout most of this season, believing he still has a lot of mental lapses throughout games and questionable decision making skills in big games and just tries to do a little too much at times. After watching what he just did to Alabama though, I am willing to give him the credit he deserves, flying him up all the way up to #2 in my latest mock. Mike Williams showed up and showed why he is my top ranked wide out in this year’s draft, hauling in 8 catches from 94 yards and a touchdown. Williams was able to show that he is already on that other level, and outmatched Alabama’s defensive backs for a majority of the game. In a losing effort, O.J Howard displayed his talent with a great overall game. He led the way with 4 catches with 106 yards and a score to match. He also had a very key block on Bama’s first touchdown run. On the other side of the ball, Ben Boulware was arguably the MVP of the whole game let alone just the defense. His natural football instinct was oozing out his sides, wrapping up with 6 tackles, 2 of which were for a loss. Alabama of course was flying around behind Reuben Foster’s 12 tackles, sacking Deshaun Watson 4 times throughout the game. While most stars rose to the occasion, not all were so bright, as Alabama’s wide outs were blanketed by Clemson. Calvin Ridley (5/36) and ArDarius Stewart (2/12) combined for 7 catches and a measly 48 yards. Artavis Scott was pretty much a no show after finishing with 3 catches for 6 yards, and only finished the night with one positive play.

I believe that though the Browns do need a QB to prep and grow, I do not believe they will be able to pass up on Myles Garrett until further notice. The 49ers on the other hand are getting further and further from Colin Kaepernick, and are in no need for yet another defensive lineman, so Watson might look just too good to pass up. At this point I think we have seen what Blaine Gabbert is, and that simply won’t cut it in the NFL. Obviously without a head coach it is hard to predict where they are looking to go from here, but I believe that Watson would be their best move at #2.

The Chicago Bears have the rights to the 3rd overall pick, and I say they go quarterback here too. Jay Cutler is one of the biggest messes you can have as your starting QB. He has the talent, but simply just lacks the will to win that you need in a quarterback. Mitch Trubisky is my #2 overall QB and the Chicago Bears future if they can mold him correctly. I really think Trubisky can grow into a legit starting quarterback even after only watching him for a season. He has a great touchdown to interception ratio, and has a similar athleticism to Matthew Stafford. With Cutler signed through 2020, this gives the Bears the chance to work with Trubisky and get him NFL ready.

Sliding to the 4th pick would be Jonathan Allen, who I have ranked as the #2 overall prospect for this year’s draft. Though many could see them going after a running back with this pick, I just don’t see a running back worth this high of a pick. With the signing of Malik Jackson, and having a healthy Dante Fowler Jr, adding Allen to this line could set up for an elite pass rush.

Rounding out my top 5 is Marlon Humphrey going to the Tennessee Titans. Now hear me out, drafting a cornerback this high in the draft is unheard of, but with the wide receivers that are in their division they will need to bolster up their secondary if they look to make this a team to beat. The top 2 corners they have on the team are going to be at least 30 by the start of next season, and Jason McCourty has been banged up all season. I believe the Titans do need a wide out, but will look to the 18th pick to go there.

Below is the rest of my post Final Four mock draft. Picks 25-32 were based off the seeding of the playoff bracket, and has nothing to do with how I believe the games will finish up. The “*” next to a player’s name indicate if a player declared early for the draft or not. I would also like to put out there this is not me predicting the draft, but more of a personal representation of what I believe each team should do, without involving any trades.

#NFLDraft #2017 #Alabama #Clemson #NationalChampionship #Top5