NFL mock draft: Myles Garrett goes first to Cleveland, says Neil Reynolds

By Neil Reynolds, American Football Expert & Columnist

Image: The 2017 Draft begins on Thursday night, live from Philadelphia

While the NFL Draft is an exciting time for fans of all 32 teams because this period of the year offers all-important hope for the future, it is also marks the annual request for a mock draft.

Mock drafts are far from an exact science. In fact, sticking pins in a dartboard might be a more productive way of discovering who will go where on the opening night in Philadelphia.

That said, it has become something of an annual tradition and here is how I see the first round unfolding when Sky Sports kicks off its coverage on Thursday night.

Image: Myles Garrett impressed at the NFL Combine, will he go on to become the 2017 no. 1 overall pick?

1. Cleveland Browns - DE Myles Garrett

The Browns need a quarterback in the worst possible way but Garrett is clearly the best player in this draft and is too good to ignore. He has the potential to be a star defender for years to come and a cornerstone of a building team.

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2. San Francisco 49ers - S Jamal Adams

The 49ers also desperately need a franchise quarterback but, again, Adams is too good to pass up. This physical and explosive defender can be used in multiple ways and has been compared to the great Troy Polamalu.

Also See:

Which QB will go first?

Who will be the first quarterback off the board in the 2017 NFL Draft? Sky Sports assess the candidates.

3. Chicago Bears - CB Marshon Lattimore

There is a theme developing here - the Bears need a long-term answer at quarterback but ignore the top passers for an elite defender. Lattimore has number one tools and fills an area of need in a division featuring Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - RB Leonard Fournette

The Jags addressed their defence in free agency. Offensive line is a massive need area but no lineman is good enough for this spot. Fournette is a bruising and physical back who will take some pressure off quarterback Blake Bortles.

Image: Defensive end Solomon Thomas could end up in Tennessee, playing for the Titans

5. Tennessee Titans - DE Solomon Thomas

This is not Tennessee's most pressing area of need as they have holes in the secondary and at receiver that require filling. But all NFL teams subscribe to the theory that you can never have enough pass rushers and Thomas is too good to ignore.

6. New York Jets - QB Mitch Trubisky

The Jets could very easily look at an elite tight end prospect such as OJ Howard out of Alabama and their secondary also needs upgrading. But they are so desperate at QB that I think they take a chance on the guy who has edged to the front of a crowded pack of passers.

7. Los Angeles Chargers - S Malik Hooker

The Chargers need to find the long-term replacement for Eric Weddle and this tall, rangy and instinctive defender could be just the answer. Hooker has the ball skills to become a turnover-making star in the NFL.

Image: Christian McCaffrey is heading to Carolina, according to Neil

8. Carolina Panthers - RB Christian McCaffrey

The Panthers are in dire need of offensive line help but that is too rich here at eight. They might take a look at a receiver and they definitely would have loved Fournette. McCaffrey is the perfect modern-day running back who can also catch and play special teams.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - DE Jonathan Allen

I personally think the Bengals need to target an offensive lineman or Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. But the strength and versatility of Allen on the defensive line is going to be too good to pass up. Defence continues to trump offence in my mock draft.

10. Buffalo Bills - WR Mike Williams

Williams does make it into my top 10 because the Bills are crying out for help at receiver. Williams has the physicality to overpower defenders and he is a load to bring down after the catch. He should become a true number one wideout in the NFL.

11. New Orleans Saints - LB Reuben Foster

12. Cleveland Browns - TE O.J. Howard

13. Arizona Cardinals - QB Patrick Mahomes

Image: Patrick Mahomes posted impressive numbers in 2016, but can he do it at the next level?

14. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Gareon Conley

15. Indianapolis Colts - OLB/DE Takkarist McKinley

16. Baltimore Ravens - WR Corey Davis

17. Washington Redskins - LB Haason Reddick

18. Tennessee Titans - CB Marlon Humphrey

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Derek Barnett

20. Denver Broncos - T Ryan Ramczyk

21. Detroit Lions - TE David Njoku

22. Miami Dolphins - S Jabrill Peppers

23. New York Giants - RB Dalvin Cook

24. Oakland Raiders - LB Jarrad Davis

25. Houston Texans - QB Deshaun Watson

Image: Neil has three quarterbacks being drafted in the first round. Will Deshaun Watson be one of them?

26. Seattle Seahawks - CB Tre'Davious White

27. Kansas City Chiefs - WR John Ross

28. Dallas Cowboys - CB Kevin King

29. Green Bay Packers - G Forrest Lamp

30. Pittsburgh Steelers - LB T.J. Watt

31. Atlanta Falcons - OLB Charles Harris

32. New Orleans Saints - CB Adoree' Jackson

You can follow all the action, reaction and news from the 2017 NFL Draft with Sky Sports. Watch every pick and follow our live blog as every franchise makes their move.

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