2017 NFL Draft Big Board: Post-NFL Combine Edition

The 2017 NFL Draft will be here before we know. As the process continues, big boards will change. How does Site Expert Ryan Rosko‘s board stand following the 2017 NFL Combine?

Since the start of free agency, the Cleveland Browns have made a number of moves that will impact their 2017 NFL Draft.

Among those moves were solidifying the offensive line, which helps alleviate any and all pressure Cleveland may otherwise have had to draft an offensive lineman early. There is still a need at right tackle, but they can wait till round three or four if they would like.

Unless a serious injury, poor interviews reportedly given, or an inconsistent workout happens in Indianapolis, Indiana, changes will typically be made based off of what is seen on film. For NFL teams, it is a bit different to an extent with the additional fact that they are the ones interviewing prospects and holding workouts with eventual draftees.

Some aspects of those activities could weigh more than others depending on the organization when creating their big board.

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At the end of the day, everyone needs to and should resort back to the film! It does not lie. Now, prior to the 2017 NFL Combine, FoS’ 2017 initial big board was top heavy with defensive players. Is that still the case?

After more review, reevaluating previous thoughts, and finding out more about prospects here is how the big board has played out up to this point:

1. Myles Garrett, EDGE – Texas A&M
2. Jamal Adams, S – LSU
3. Leonard Fournette, RB – LSU
4. Marshon Lattimore, CB – Ohio State
5. Malik Hooker, S – Ohio State
6. Mike Williams, WR – Clemson
7. O.J. Howard, TE – Alabama
8. Reuben Foster, LB – Alabama
9. Derek Barnett, EDGE – Tennessee
10. Solomon Thomas, EDGE – Stanford
11. Corey Davis, WR – Western Michigan
12. Dalvin Cook, RB – Florida State
13. Jonathan Allen, DL – Alabama
14. Gareon Conley, CB – Ohio State
15. Quincy Wilson, CB – Florida
16. David Njoku, TE – Miami (FL)
17. Takkarist McKinley, EDGE – UCLA
18. Ryan Ramczyk, OT – Wisconsin
19. John Ross, WR – Washington
20. Taco Charlton, EDGE – Michigan
21. Budda Baker, S – Washington
22. Ryan Anderson, EDGE – Alabama
23. Forrest Lamp, OL – Western Kentucky
24. Patrick Mahomes, QB – Texas Tech
25. Cam Robinson, OL – Alabama
26. Haason Reddick, LB – Temple
27. Christian McCaffrey, RB – Stanford
28. Mitchell Trubisky, QB – North Carolina
29. Tre’Davious White, CB – LSU
30. Raekwon McMillan, LB – Ohio State
31. Joe Mixon, RB – Oklahoma
32. Obi Melifonwu, S – UCONN

In the top five, Fournette made the jump from seven and would be a fit as early as second overall with the San Francisco 49ers. However, given the depth and quality early on defense, along with the temptation of going quarterback, Fournette could also see him fall out of the top 10.

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If that were to happen, any team would get a steal drafting him. The Browns could be an option depending on what they do with running back Isaiah Crowell. Meanwhile, Lattimore is now the top Buckeye (originally fifth) as Hooker drops to five (originally third). Both are quality defensive backs, but Lattimore has more of a complete game than Hooker.

Among the changes six through 20, a couple of things come to mind. Trubisky dropped from the 17th spot. Also, Allen’s talent is unquestioned. However, his injury history with his shoulders is an issue all teams should be more concerned about.

Ramczyk is still in that group of rankings. However, I question his ability to be an effective tackle, especially one drafted in the top 15. With how many defensive players are expected to go in the top 20, quality first round talents should slide into the second round. An option that would help Cleveland at 33 is Lamp, who is ranked 23rd.

Some people envision him as a right guard or right tackle. More than likely he will play guard in the NFL. However, if I am Cleveland or any other NFL team, I seriously consider him as a right tackle. Lamp’s skill set is more as a guard, but his ability to improve as right tackle is very underrated.

Assuming he gets the chance to play there, he should exceed from the get-go. I see a lot of recently retired Dallas Cowboys lineman Doug Free in him. Free played multiple positions along the line and although he was not a star, Free was a solid contributor for multiple seasons.

As the board continues we finally see four intriguing names come up. Mahomes is the top quarterback at 24, while Trubisky fell to 28. Meanwhile, Mixon is a quality talent on the field. Off the field is another question. He could get drafted in round one, but his off the field issues will likely push him down quite a bit.

The question NFL teams will have is how comfortable are they drafting him? If a team is confident in their organization and how they are built, maybe he gets drafted in the first two rounds.

Next: Five QBs For The Browns To Consider After Rd. 1

Finally, Melifonwu is an extremely athletic player. He played safety at UCONN, but if a team would place him at linebacker or at cornerback, plenty of production will still occur. Melifonwu is simply an exciting play-maker with a high ceiling.