2017 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Starts It Off With Fireworks

Just take one look at the New York Giants linebacking corps and it’s fair to say the team has been somewhat neglectful of that area the past few years. There really is nobody in the group that could be considered a long-term starter. The defensive line and secondary get the love, but those positions matter just as much. Adding Raekwon McMillan would be a big step in the right direction. He’s dependable, tough, athletic and smart. A plug-and-play starter.. ILB. Ohio State. Raekwon McMillan . 21. player. 31

TE. Alabama. O.J. Howard . 22. player. 49. Their running backs are hurt. Their tight ends are no good. Obviously the Green Bay Packers have become a wide receiver-driven team and it’s really hurting the offense in terms of its versatility. They’ve tried to find answers at tight end but so far without success. That’s why taking O.J. Howard is the obvious course. The Alabama standout is exactly what they’re looking for. He’s a basketball-type athlete who runs the field with speed and uses his considerable size to box defenders out when making catches.

124. Thanks to Derrick Johnson, inside linebacker has remained an afterthought for years in Kansas City. He’s 34 now though. It’s something they can’t ignore. Not if they want to risk a steep drop off at such a key position in their defense. Thus Jarrad Davis is the pick,and a good one at that. Coming from Florida he’s another athlete who flies to the football. A steady, reliable tackler who can play downhill but isn’t a weak point when asked to drop in coverage.. ILB. Florida. Jarrad Davis . 23. player

24. player. 28. It’s clearer than ever that the Oakland Raiders live and die by the right arm of Derek Carr. That’s not a bad thing. If they want to continue doing that though, it will require constant investments in his protection. Tackle is an area that may soon require attention. He may have hinted a return to school, but players have changed their minds a lot over the years. Mike McGlinchey is another in a long line of quality edge protectors coming out of Notre Dame. Just solid in almost every category.. OT. Notre Dame. Mike McGlinchey

25. player. 55. Look. Ben Roethlisberger is the undisputed starter for the Steelers. That being said he’s now in his mid-30s and has once again missed a number of games with injury. How much longer can he hope to last under the constant pounding? Pittsburgh has to prepare for life after him. Chad Kelly is a surprise pick, but he is also a high ceiling gamble. A classic gunslinger with a rocket right arm who can hang four touchdowns on a defense at will when he’s hot. He’ll need to mature more, both on and off the field first though.. QB. Ole Miss. Chad Kelly

The Atlanta Falcons are winning as expected. Matt Ryan and the offense are carrying the load. However, signs are steadily growing that the defense is coming around. There is still work to do but Dan Quinn has it pointed in the right direction. Next on the agenda? Continue to improve the back end, specifically at corner. They could really use somebody who can get their hands on the football. Desmond King had eight interceptions in 2015 alone. He’s a ball hawk who can match up with receivers inside or outside.. CB. Iowa. Desmond King . 26. player. 44