Wednesday 26 April 2017 13:08, UK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
