Saturday Blitz
Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 32
Next

With the first round of the College Football Playoff in the rearview mirror, take a look at our latest 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

It’s been an interesting 2016 college football season and the College Football Playoff has reflected that. Four teams entered and only two teams remain as Clemson and Alabama will play for the national title once again. Those two teams also have a number of players in the first round of our latest version of the 2017 NFL mock draft.

Alabama might have about five players drafted in the first round this year, with a majority coming from that elite defensive side of the ball. Most of the bowl games have been completed and players are improving their draft stock by the week.

Who comes in as the No. 1 overall pick this week? I’ve had Myles Garrett in the past, but did Jonathan Allen do enough in the playoff against Washington to hang on to that No. 1 spot?

Take a look at the latest edition of our 2017 NFL mock draft after the third bowl weekend and first round of the College Football Playoff.

Note: The NFL draft order is based off of current records, pick trading and standings from NFL.com as of Jan. 2.

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 53. . DL. Alabama. Jonathan Allen. 1

For my second straight mock, I’m projecting Jonathan Allen as the first overall pick. The senior defensive lineman began his career at Alabama as a linebacker and transitioned nicely. He is now widely considered the No. 1 draft prospect and a likely selection by the 1-15 Cleveland Browns.

While it’s not exactly every player’s dream to be picked by Cleveland, Allen knows he can make an instant impact with the league’s worst team. He keeps proving himself as the top prospect in this year’s class, putting up a solid performance against Washington in the Peach Bowl.

The Browns need to address just about every position on the field, but with the top pick in the draft, you go best available 90 percent of the time. Allen is a talent that just can’t be passed up and he will be the easy choice — although there is another lineman who could be selected here as well.

Allen has 62 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his senior season with the Crimson Tide. He’s strong and projects as a defensive tackle at the next level.

Home/College Football News