2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting First Three Rounds before Scouting Combine

Oct 22, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) rushes against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Will Johnson (12) at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) rushes against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Will Johnson (12) at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) throws a pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) throws a pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech. Patrick Mahomes. 25. player. 10. . QB

Brock Osweiler isn’t the answer at quarterback for the Houston Texans. Having said that, they might be best off drafting a quarterback and letting him compete for the starting job with Osweiler.

Patrick Mahomes has far and away the best arm in this class, but he has a lot to work on with his mechanics and footwork. He’s a smart quarterback who can read defenses and make game-changing plays, but it’s going to be tough going from the Red Raiders’ spread offense to a pro-style system in the NFL.

Spending some time on the bench while learning the ins and outs of an NFL offense could do a lot for Mahomes. His upside is through the roof for a quarterback, and he could be the answer to Texans’ fans prayers for a franchise quarterback, even if it doesn’t happen right away and Osweiler starts the 2017 season as the starter.

. OL. Western Kentucky. Forrest Lamp. 26. player. 36

Offensive line help is a major priority for the Seattle Seahawks. They need to find as much help as possible to protect Russell Wilson, especially at offensive tackle.

Forrest Lamp has been projected as an offensive guard at the next level because of his shorter than ideal arms, but he’s got the footwork and balance to play tackle as well. Many were disappointed to see him get hurt on the first day of Senior Bowl practice, but the tape shows that he’s a nasty run blocker with plenty of confidence. The Seahawks could use someone like Lamp, regardless of where he plays on the offensive line.