Les Bowen's 2017 NFL mock draft
The 2017 NFL draft begins Thursday night in Philadelphia.
Our four Eagles reporters – Zach Berman, Les Bowen, Paul Domowitch and Jeff McLane – predict which players will be chosen by which teams in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night in Philadelphia. Below is Les Bowen's prediction, and the links to the others are here: Zach Berman, Paul Domowitch and Jeff McLane.
1. Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
They could go for a quarterback but I'm going to assume they don't want to gamble that much. Garrett has special, game-changing talent, even if he doesn't show it on every down.
2. 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The 49ers need pretty much everything. I'm thinking they start the rebuilding on their defensive line.
3. Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams will be a playmaker and a leader for a defense that needs both.
4. Jaguars: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
Carolina is crossing its fingers, hoping this happens, leaving Leonard Fournette for the Panthers. I think it might; Tom Coughlin goes for a defensive centerpiece.
5. Titans: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Titans also own the 18th pick, so they can really afford to go best player available here. But corner is indeed a need.
6. Jets: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Jets are gonna strike gold with a QB pick. Maybe here?
7. Chargers: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Pretty much a perfect match of need and talent, which is probably why it won't happen.
8. Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Strong feeling here that it's either Fournette or Christian McCaffrey, with the big question being whether Fournette lasts this long.
9. Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
I think the Eagles would draft Bennett if he got to them, but he won't. Tennessee's all-time sack leader ought to go to Cincinnati.
10. Bills: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Somebody is going to take the plunge. Might as well be Sean McDermott and the Bills, looking for that elusive franchise QB, just as the Bills were when they reached for E.J. Manuel.
11. Saints: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Late buzz has Foster falling way, way lower on character concerns, but it's really hard to gauge that.
12. Browns: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
A big weapon for a team that desperately needs one, among so many other things.
13. Cards: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Larry Fitzgerald gets an understudy.
14. Eagles: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
If the focus really is on the long term here, as the Eagles keep saying, they'll give Carson Wentz an elite weapon he can grow with.
15. Colts: Takkarist McKinley, LB/DE UCLA
A pass rusher for a team that needs serious help there.
16. Ravens: John Ross, WR, Washington
Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh might rather have a pass-rusher, but Joe Flacco won't complain about this pick.
17. Redskins: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
There are a lot of really differing opinions on how good Peppers will be in the NFL. I think he can really help Washington in the middle of the field. An offensive weapon, like Christian McCaffrey, would be nice, as well. But a lot of people seem to be giving McCaffrey to Washington and I strive to be different.
18. Titans: Forrest Lamp, OT/G, Western Kentucky
First offensive lineman off the board, a little protection for Marcus Mariota.
19. Bucs: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
McCaffrey and Jameis Winston can do great things together. I think there is an excellent chance this pick is either McCaffrey or another RB, Dalvin Cook.
20. Broncos: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Broncos need a left tackle and this is a guy who has the athleticism to fill that bill.
21. Lions: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
The Lions were next to last in the league in sacks. Charlton was up-and-down at Michigan, but he has top-shelf size and skill.
22. Dolphins: T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
J.J.'s brother seems to have lots of upside, and is versatile.
23. Giants: David Njoku, TE, Miami
This is an inside weapon that will open up things at bit for Odell Beckham.
24. Raiders: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Nobody rose faster between the end of the college season and the draft.
25. Texans: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Houston will start Tom Savage this year while Mahomes watches and learns.
26. Seahawks: Kevin King, CB, Washington
Everybody says King is a prototypical Seattle press corner, so let's slot him right here.
27. Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Derrick Johnson is 34 and is coming off his second Achilles' tear. Davis plays sideline to sideline.
28. Cowboys: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Morris Claiborne didn't work out so well, but maybe Dallas will have better luck with this Alabama corner. A big need.
29. Packers: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
A smooth cover corner, not a great tackler, but smart and fast.
30. Steelers: Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn
The Steelers have always liked athletes, and Melifonwu is big and swift. He has some developing to do.
31. Falcons: Jordan Willis, LB/DE, Kansas State
Atlanta needs a bookend for Vic Beasley.
32. Saints: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
This is the sixth corner I have going in the first round. The Saints definitely will take one early, not sure they'll do it here. Could be Wilson's Florida teammate Teez Tabor, but those bad 40 results are a little scary. Saints also could trade this pick to New England for corner Malcolm Butler.
Click here for more coverage of the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia. Our live blog will have updates from the event starting Thursday at noon.