2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams

George Stockburger

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

With the conclusion of the NFL season, our season has just begun. Draft season. Below, read the FanSided Community NFL Mock Draft!

It’s what we’re all here to talk about, and no one is more excited than the writers here at NFL Mocks. In fact, we’re so excited we decided to bring the entire FanSided NFL division together and have our own 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

Here’s how it works. Each editor from the respective FanSided NFL team site drafted a player in the order of this spring’s NFL Draft. Essentially, each NFL site takes over their teams GM chair and builds their team the way they would like to see.

They then give their expert explanations of what their respective team needs and their selected player is a great fit.

Minnesota, New England, and the Los Angeles Rams have each traded their first round pick and will address their needs once the first 32 picks are accounted for.

With the first pick of the 2017 FanSided Expert NFL Mock Draft the Cleveland Browns and Dawg Pound Daily select…

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Cleveland Browns, please check out Dawg Pound Daily for all the latest news and analysis.

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) lines up for a play during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the San Francisco 49ers, please check out Niner Noise for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Chicago Bears, please check out Bear Goggles On for all the latest news and analysis.

Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, please check out Black and Teal for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Chikwe Obasih (34) and Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Tennessee Titans, please check out Titan Sized for all the latest news and analysis.

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the New York Jets, please check out The Jet Press for all the latest news and analysis.

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the San Diego Chargers, please check out Bolt Beat for all the latest news and analysis.

Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Carolina Panthers, please check out Cat Crave for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Cincinnati Bengals, please check out Stripe Hype for all the latest news and analysis.

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Buffalo Bills, please check out BuffaLowDown for all the latest news and analysis.

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the New Orleans Saints, please check out Who Dat Dish for all the latest news and analysis.

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Cleveland Browns, please check out Dawg Pound Daily for all the latest news and analysis.

Sep 24, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, please check out Raising Zona for all the latest news and analysis.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Philadelphia Eagles, please check out Inside the Iggles for all the latest news and analysis.

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Indianapolis Colts, please check out Horseshoe Heroes for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Baltimore Ravens, please check out Ebony Bird for all the latest news and analysis.

Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Washington Redskins, please check out Riggo’s Rag for all the latest news and analysis.

Oct 15, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) breaks up the pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Robert Wheelwright (15) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Tennessee Titans, please check out Titan Sized for all the latest news and analysis.

Nov 26, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball for a touchdown past Florida Gators defensive back Chauncey Gardner Jr. (23) during the first quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, please check out The Pewter Plank for all the latest news and analysis.

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) celebrates his teams victory following the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Denver Broncos, please check out Predominantly Orange for all the latest news and analysis.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Detroit Lions, please check out Side Lion Report for all the latest news and analysis.

Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Marcus Davis (80) is tackled by by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Miami Dolphins, please check out Phin Phanatic for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the New York Giants, please check out GMEN HQ for all the latest news and analysis.

Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Oakland Raiders, please check out Just Blog Baby for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates with the trophy after beating Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Houston Texans, please check out Toro Times for all the latest news and analysis.

Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) points to the stands after making a tackle for a loss against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Seattle Seahawks, please check out 12th Man Rising for all the latest news and analysis.

October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, please check out Arrowhead Addict for all the latest news and analysis.

Oct 3, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Dallas Cowboys, please check out The Landry Hat for all the latest news and analysis.

Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Tre’Davious White participates in workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Green Bay Packers, please check out Lombardi Ave for all the latest news and analysis.

Oct 8, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers, please check out Still Curtain for all the latest news and analysis.

Nov 7, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrates after he sacks Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Hayden Rettig (11) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, please check out Blogging Dirty for all the latest news and analysis.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

For more on the New Orleans Saints, please check out Who Dat Dish for all the latest news and analysis.

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Minnesota Vikings do not have a first-round pick in 2017 (thanks to the Sam Bradford trade), they are going to miss out on a ton of great players. However, they do still have eight selections in this year’s draft, so the opportunities to find talent in the later rounds should still be there.

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) celebrates a win over Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

When the Vikings are on the clock in the second round, their top two areas of interest will likely be an interior offensive lineman and defensive tackle.

Regarding the offensive lineman, Minnesota could opt to take some different players including Indiana guard Dan Feeney, Ohio State center Pat Elflein, and Temple guard Dion Dawkins. On the defensive side of the ball, a few intriguing defensive tackles that could still be on the board when the Vikings make their second-round pick include Michigan’s Chris Wormley, UNC-Charlotte’s Larry Ogunjobi, and Alabama’s Dalvin Tomlinson.

Fixing their run blocking and their run defense is a priority for Minnesota this offseason, and it should be no different when they are selecting players in this year’s draft.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, please check out The Viking Age for all the latest news and analysis.

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Brandin Cooks (Oregon State) poses for photos after being selected as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, the New England Patriots don’t have a pick in the first two round of the 2017 NFL draft. This offseason, they were able to acquire Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints for their first round pick. Following that move, they traded their second round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for defensive end Kony Ealy and the Panthers’ third round pick.

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Unless the Patriots make a trade, they will be on the clock with the eighth pick in the third round from the Panthers. So far this offseason, New England has done an excellent job either re-signing or replacing some of their key free agents.

A team takes a step backward after winning a Super Bowl, but the Patriots might be even better than they were last season. Despite the great offseason so far, the Patriots do have some needs heading into the draft.

With the possibility of Malcolm Butler being traded, cornerback is a position of need. In addition to the uncertain future of Butler, their 2016 second round pick, Cyrus Jones, had an awful rookie season. If Jones is indeed a bust, New England will need some depth at cornerback.

Luckily for the Patriots, cornerbacks Teez Tabor of Florida and Jourdan Lewis of Michigan could be available for them when they are finally on the clock in the third round. Both would be excellent additions for the Patriots’ secondary, which could need some serious help after the 2017 season.

For more on the New England Patriots, please check out Musket Fire for all the latest news and analysis.

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Jared Goff (California) after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams relinquished their first-round pick to Tennessee last year in exchange for the first overall pick. Jared Goff played sporadically in the Rams return to Los Angeles and leaves fans wondering if the trade was worth it. That’s especially true knowing they’ll forfeit the fifth overall pick to the Titans, which could have bolstered Sean McVay’s mediocre defense.

January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) catches a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Now drafting with the 37th overall selection, the Rams must consider the best names on the board. Andrew Whitworth signed as a free agent to solidify the left tackle position, and former number two pick Greg Robinson slides to the guard position. Unless a player in a weak offensive line class falls, the Rams can hold off on drafting a lineman early.

A wide receiver can also be an option, with Penn State’s Chris Godwin being a potential fit. He compares to Alshon Jeffrey and is a reliable possession receiver for Goff.

Cornerback, however, is likely to be the pick for Los Angeles early in the second round. USC product Adoree’ Jackson has expressed his desire to remain on the west coast, but will his small stature deter the Rams? If so look towards Florida’s Quincy Wilson with Rams the first pick.

Next: George Stockburger's 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Four Rounds of Projections and Trades

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George Stockburger

Graduate of Penn State University, Executive Digital Producer for WETM 18 News, Former Editor for NFL Mocks and That Ball's Outta Here