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2017 NFL Mock Draft, Jan. 17 edition
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2017 NFL Mock Draft, Jan. 17 edition

The 2017 NFL Draft doesn't take place until the end of April, but it's never too early to take a stab at which players will be selected by which teams. Did Deshaun Watson do enough in winning the National Championship to go No. 1 overall or at least in the top 10? Is Myles Garrett destined to go off the board first? Let's take a very early look.

 
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1. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

Not many players increased their stock more during bowl season than Watson. A brilliant game against Alabama should push him up the draft board, even if he doesn't grade nearly as well as other recent top quarterback draftees. If the Browns don't like him, they might be able to trade back again.

 
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2. San Francisco 49ers: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

San Francisco 49ers: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images

The top prospect in the draft, Garrett could fall simply due to the desperation at quarterback. He had a fine Texas Bowl as clearly the best player on the field against Kansas State.

 
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3. Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Ivan Pierre Aguirre / USA Today Sports Images

There were hits and misses for Trubisky in the Sun Bowl against a solid Stanford defense. It remains to be seen if the Tar Heels quarterback is ready to play in the NFL, but there will be plenty of interest in a weak quarterback draft class.

 
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4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jabrill Peppers, DB, Michigan

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jabrill Peppers, DB, Michigan
Greg Bartram / USA Today Sports Images

Peppers missed the Orange Bowl due to a late hamstring injury, but teams would be foolish to pass him up in the draft due to the injury. He's simply a playmaker, which is exactly what the Jaguars need after creating only 13 takeaways in 2016.

 
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5. Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
John David Mercer / USA Today Sports Images

Allen had a fine College Football Playoff and would be a welcomed edge rusher for the Titans. Tennessee also has significant concerns in the secondary, but finding an elite pass rusher would help the team's corners.

 
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6. New York Jets: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

New York Jets: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
John David Mercer / USA Today Sports Images

The future of Darrelle Revis in New York is up in the air, and even if he does return, it could be at safety. Humphrey is a first-round talent who could make an immediate impact, which isn't easy for rookie corners.

 
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7. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

The window for the Chargers is closing with Philip Rivers nearing his last leg. It's become apparent that the team can't rely on Keenan Allen to stay healthy, and Antonio Gates could retire. Rivers needs another weapon, and Williams has the ability to be a star.

 
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8. Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Brett Rojo / USA Today Sports Images

Fournette played through an ankle injury in his final season at LSU and skipped the team's bowl game either because of the injury or to avoid another issue. He has the most upside of any running back in the draft, but will teams dock him for the injury issues and skipping the bowl game? Either way, the Panthers are in a good spot, needing a running back in a deep class at the position.

 
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9: Cincinnati Bengals: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

9: Cincinnati Bengals: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

The Bengals need a cornerback, especially following Adam Jones' offseason arrest. Lattimore should fit the bill as arguably the top prospect at the position.

 
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10. Buffalo Bills: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

Buffalo Bills: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

Without much in the way of quarterback help in this draft, finding a tackle to pair with left tackle Cordy Glenn could be a priority for the Bills. Of course, new head coach Sean McDermott could have a say in adding to the defense.

 
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11. New Orleans Saints: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida

New Orleans Saints: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images

The Saints are in desperate need of a cornerback, but what's new? It would be an upset if they don't address the spot in the first round this year, especially with several high-upside options like Tabor.

 
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12. Cleveland Browns: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

Cleveland Browns: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Derick E. Hingle / USA Today Sports Images

The Browns are in a position to take the most talented player on the board with so many holes to fill. Adams is capable of being a long-term impact player at safety.

 
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13. Arizona Cardinals: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

Arizona Cardinals: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

Wilson started opposite Teez Tabor at Florida, showing just how much talent the Gators had in their secondary. Arizona certainly had an issue finding viable cornerbacks behind Patrick Peterson in 2016, and Wilson could fill the void.

 
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14. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Philadelphia Eagles: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images

The Eagles averaged only 4.1 yards per carry with a merry-go-round of running backs that included Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood. The organization likes Smallwood, a fifth-round pick from 2016, but he profiles best as a third-down back. McCaffrey can carry the load and has the versatility to fill in as a Brian Westbrook/Jamaal Charles-type back that head coach Doug Pederson has been around in the past.

 
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15. Indianapolis Colts: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

Indianapolis Colts: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Logan Bowles / USA Today Sports Images

The Colts desperately need offensive line help, but they could try to protect Andrew Luck in other ways. Finding a true threat in the backfield could suffice after Frank Gore averaged less than four yards per carry for the second straight season.

 
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16. Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama

Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

Terrell Suggs is getting toward the end of his career, so a replacement would be a good idea. Williams is a versatile outside linebacker who can fill in a variety of roles as he develops.

 
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17. Washington Redskins: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

Washington Redskins: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
John David Mercer / USA Today Sports Images

Washington struggled at inside linebacker this past season, and Foster is the clearly the best player on the board at that position. He has the talent to go significantly earlier.

 
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18. Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington

Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Tennessee got some wideout relief last season with Rishard Matthews, and young Tajae Sharpe has shown flashes. Neither player has the upside of Ross, who had 1,150 yards and 17 scores in 2016.

 
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Ivan Pierre Aguirre / USA Today Sports Images

Thomas' stock climbed after an excellent bowl showing, and he has the size to pair with Gerald McCoy on the inside, if needed. Tampa Bay could also use some help at safety.

 
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20. Denver Broncos: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

Denver Broncos: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Right tackle was a major problem for the Broncos in 2016, and Ramczyk can help immediately as the second best tackle in the draft. The position likely cost Denver a playoff berth with the way it was dominated by Justin Houston and the Chiefs in late November.

 
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21. Detroit Lions: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Detroit Lions: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

Ziggy Ansah had a terrible year fighting through injury, and his decline exposed Detroit's lack of pass rush with only 26 sacks. Detroit will struggle to jump Green Bay without improving that area.

 
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22. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State

Miami Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State
Matt Kartozian / USA Today Sports Images

Stopping the run was a major issue for Miami, allowing 4.8 yards per carry, tied for worst in the NFL. McMillan is capable of addressing the issue immediately.

 
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23. New York Giants: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

New York Giants: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Brendan Maloney / USA Today Sports Images

The Giants are in desperate need of a running back this offseason after suffering through a subpar group of backs over the last two seasons. Foreman has the speed to make an immediate impact and would likely go earlier in years with less running back depth.

 
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24. Oakland Raiders: Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA

Oakland Raiders: Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

Khalil Mack is a star, but he didn't have much help rushing the passer this season. The Raiders can't count on Aldon Smith to return, so it's an area that should be addressed in the draft.

 
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25. Houston Texans: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

Houston Texans: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Reese Strickland / USA Today Sports Images

The Texans are probably stuck with Brock Osweiler next season, but they will likely try to address the position again. Mahomes was a statistical machine for the Red Raiders with more than 5,000 yards in his junior season. The naysayers will point to his system, but there's certainly upside. 

 
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26. Seattle Seahawks: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

Seattle Seahawks: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Russell Isabella / USA Today Sports Images

Seattle needed offensive line help all season, and its youth didn't develop as hoped. Addressing right tackle will be one of team's top priorities during the offseason.

 
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27. Kansas City Chiefs: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt

Kansas City Chiefs: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images

The loss of Derrick Johnson late in the year exposed the Chiefs' inability to stop the run, as did Le'Veon Bell's huge day against them in the playoffs. The team likes Ramik Wilson and Justin March-Lillard, but they probably don't have the ability to be elite inside linebackers like Johnson. Cunningham could be that player.

 
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28. Dallas Cowboys: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Dallas Cowboys: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images

Jerry Jones is always hungry for pass rushers, and this draft has plenty for him to choose from. Barnett would present a bargain if he falls this far in the draft.

 
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29. Green Bay Packers: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

Green Bay Packers: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Rick Osentoski / USA Today Sports Images

Julius Peppers is approaching the end of his career, and Clay Matthews clearly isn't the player that he was in his prime. Finding pass-rushing help will likely be a high priority for the Packers this offseason, and Charlton increased his stock late in the year with 5.5 sacks over his last four games.

 
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30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
Mike Carter / USA Today Sports Images

The Steelers allowed 4.3 yards per rush attempt in 2016, an average that's far too high in a division with teams focused on running the football. Addressing the defensive line with a run stopper like McDowell would be helpful.

 
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31. Atlanta Falcons: Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

Atlanta Falcons: Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

The Falcons managed without top corner Desmond Trufant for much of the season, but they also allowed the fifth most passing yards in football. Tankersley has the college experience to help soon.

 
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32. New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images

The Patriots have been able to find hidden gems at wide receiver, but Rob Gronkowski's injury exposed their lack of other viable deep threats. Smith-Schuster has more raw ability than the rest of the team's wide receiving corps.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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