On The Clock: 2017 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[sportscoach]

******TRADE*******

The Cleveland Browns and the Tennessee Titans have agreed to a deal:

Titans receive:
Pick #12


Browns receive:

DL DaQuan Jones
Pick #18
Pick #69


@The Wizard of Moz and the Titans are now on the clock.

How do you project Jones in our DLine rotation?

 

[JDailey23]

Rumors say the Colts are fielding offers to trade down into the low to mid 20 range for a mid-round pick.

 

[Spectre]

With the 14th pick of the 2017 RCF Mock Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

With wide receiver seemingly addressed in free agency and the top corners off the board, the Eagles choose to add a playmaker to the mix. McCaffrey might not fit the typical profile of a bellcow back but he's a versatile athletic weapon with the ability to do damage in a variety of ways and a playmaker of his caliber should help Carson Wentz's continued development. His quick, shifty style should remind Eagles fans of Brian Westbrook and Darren Sproles and with his quality work ethic and character, he should only get better from here.

Player Overview
A two-year starter at Stanford, McCaffrey has been one of college football's premier ballcarriers the past two seasons, showing his versatility rushing, receiving and returning -- led the FBS in all-purpose yards per game in both 2015 (276.0) and 2016 (211.5). Like any talented running back, a good chunk of his yardage is thanks to an efficient blocking scheme, but it still takes talent to allow those blocks to develop, process all the moving parts and finish with athleticism.

A four-star running back recruit out of high school, McCaffrey won four state titles and was named the Colorado Player of the Year in 2013. He spent his true freshman season transitioning to the college game and playing on special teams, seeing more playing time late in the 2014 season and finishing with 300 yards rushing. He took over the starting role as a sophomore in 2015 and put together one of college football's finest seasons with the NCAA single-season record for all-purpose yards (3,864) and a new single-season school rushing record (2,019). McCaffrey cleaned up the awards as the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors, finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He battled an injury in 2016 as a junior so he fell short of his production the previous season, but he again led the FBS with 211.6 all-purpose yards per game, leading the Pac-12 with 1,603 rushing yards to earn First Team All-Pac 12 and Second Team All-America honors.

McCaffrey doesn't have an ideal frame to be a workhorse back between the tackles, but his combination of run intelligence, gifted athleticism and competitive juices are very unique and project well to the NFL -- the type of athlete where everything seems to come easy for him. McCaffrey is ideally suited for a hybrid offensive role that highlights his versatility as a rusher and receiver, lining him up in the backfield, in the slot or outside.

STRENGTHS: Athletic mover with twitchy reflexes. Sudden in space with the lower body agility to easily spring in any direction, transition his weight and shake defenders. Instinctively sorts through the trash with innate anticipation and decision-making, hitting the hole with timing and quickness. Excellent zone patience to feel run lanes. Widescreen vision to be picky, but decisive. Gets his shoulders square to the hole and stays skinny. Very smart runner, knowing when to fight for more yardage and when the fight is over. Natural receiver with above average hand-eye coordination and soft hands. Better route runner than several top receiving prospects in this class, using tempo and body fakes to shift gears and separate. Exceptional catch-and-run athlete and fearless on the football field. Impact return ability, averaging 9.7 yards on punts (39/380) and 25.9 on kick returns (57/1,479) over his Stanford career, recording two career special teams touchdowns (one punt, one kickoff). Adequate body thickness and stayed relatively healthy considering he touched the ball 748 times the past two seasons. Rarely puts the ball on the ground with only three career fumbles. Impressive bloodlines -- father (Ed) played football at Stanford (1986-91) and then for 13 seasons in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls; mother (Lisa) played soccer at Stanford (1987-90); maternal grandfather (David Sime) was a silver medalist in the 100-meter dash in the 1960 Summer Olympics. Remarkable production as the only player in Stanford history with 2,000+ all-purpose yards in consecutive seasons, leaving school No. 3 on the all-time rushing list (3,922).

WEAKNESSES: Adequate build for the position, but doesn't have ideal body armor to live between the tackles. Lacks lower-the-shoulder power and doesn't consistently drive through arm tackles -- unless diving forward, rarely pushes through contact with run strength alone. Quicker than fast and can be caught from behind. Overly patient at times, allowing defenders to reset and make stops. Undeveloped technique in pass protection, dropping his head and lunging. Elected to leave his team prior to the bowl game in order to prepare for the 2017 NFL Draft, which might be received differently by future teammates/coaches. Banged up in 2016 and wasn't himself for a four-week stretch due to injury -- how will he hold up to NFL punishment?

NFL COMPARISON: Brian Westbrook, former Philadelphia Eagles -- Although size and body armor aren't ideal, McCaffrey has the shifty athleticism and offensive versatility that makes him a nightmare for defenses to track down, similar to Westbrook during his playing days.

- Dane Brugler (1/28/17)

The Indianapolis Colts are now on the clock!

 

[JDailey23]

With the 15th Pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select:

Ryan Ramczyk - OT - Wisconsin

The Colts need to address both the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. With a deep defensive presence in this draft, the Colts realize the pickings are slim for finding a protector for their franchise QB, making this selection pretty easy.

OVERVIEW
Ramczyk (pronounced RAM-check) is a rare case of a Division III student-athlete making the jump to major college football. Even though he was an all-state pick from Wisconsin, he chose to turn down offers from FBS and FCS schools (one from Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst, who was at Pitt at the time) to attend a local technical college. After a year off, he decided to play at his hometown school, the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Ramczyk was a two-time all-conference pick there at left tackle before deciding to transfer to play for Chryst at Wisconsin. He sat out the 2015 season as a transfer, excelling on the scout team. When the big lights came on in 2016, he starred for the Badgers, starting every game at left tackle and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and Associated Press All-American accolades. A hip injury forced Ramczyk to have surgery after the team's bowl game.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Fires out of stance with pads tucked under bent knees. Accelerates into target. Punch and extend drive blocker with hip flip to lock in leverage. Pushes with flat back and duck-footed follow through to sustain and walk defender off his mark. Technician who has been taught the fundamentals. Good tape in both power and zone plays. Athletic, easy mover. Balance and body control are building blocks of his play. Initial footwork in run game is impressive. Urgent quickness in reach blocks and can get there most of the time. Smooth pass slides with hands that are always punch ready. Hands land with flat feet, great accuracy, force and timing. Keeps his chin tucked and back flat. Utilizes stiff inside hand to protect against spin moves. Keeps punch tucked near sides and his arms become door braces. Can re-set his hands if long-arm defenders get into his frame. In constant state of mirroring rusher and rarely breaks down early to lunge or lean around the edge. Excellent awareness against twists and blitzes.
WEAKNESSES
Has linear frame with narrow shoulders and short arms for the position. Lack of a broad frame makes protecting his edge more challenging. Edge players with length land jabs to his frame to create separation. Will play too upright and straight-legged at times. Can't afford to be late out of stance as his first two kick slides don't gain much ground. Could have issues on redirect blocks against inside shots. Having arthroscopic surgery on torn labrum in hip and is expected to miss combine as well as pro day workouts due to recovery.
SOURCES TELL US
"He's really athletic and he's really smart. There are a lot of Wisconsin linemen who start in the league because they learn an NFL system and they are taught the right way. He played against Arden Key, Sam Hubbard and Taco Charlton. This guy is battle tested against three future first rounders." - NFC midwest scout

BOTTOM LINE
Extremely confident tackle with the athleticism to stay on the left side and the technique to make an early impact as a starter. Ramczyk has the core strength and body control that should keep him connected to blocks in both the run and pass and he's proven to be scheme versatile with his playing style. Ramczyk is an early starter with the potential to become a good starting left tackle provided his medicals hold up.

The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock. @Lord Mar

 

[Otsego Mar]

Biggest Needs: CB, WR, DE, OL

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmQAmQpN6AM



With the 16th pick in the 4th Anally 2017 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:


OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

Others considered - John Ross (WR), Taco Charlton (DE), Gareon Conley (CB)


Measurements:

Height: 6’6
Weight: 251 lbs
Hands: 10 inches
Arm Length 33 3/4 inches
40 time: 4.51 sec
Bench Reps: 22​

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGCLCBwzHU



Lord Mar's Hottake:
***************


There are a few other needs that could be filled here (specifically CB) but the Ravens feel OJ's size coupled with his play-making ability is too good to pass up here. Ozzie Newsome sees his life flash before his eyes as he gets the next best 'Bama TE future NFL Hall of Famer.



**********


Expert take:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/o.j.-howard?id=2557856

Howard was the top high school recruit in the country at tight end coming out of Prattville, Alabama, so it was no surprise that Nick Saban tried hard to keep him in-state. He started five times as a true freshman, leading the team with 19.2 yards per reception (14-269, two TD). Once again Howard was a big-play receiver in 2014, with six of 17 receptions going for 16 yards or more (17-260 for the year). But his true breakout season was in 2015, where he caught 38 passes for 602 yards and earned Offensive MVP honors in the national championship game with 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five catches. Howard was a factor in the passing game in his final year with the Tide (45-595, three TD), earning third-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Exceptionally gifted athlete. Has long arms and massive hands for his position. Tremendous acceleration into his routes. Has tools to torment defenses on second and third level. Play speed resembles a wide receiver's when the ball is in the air. Linebackers have no shot against him in space. Can turn a short throw into a long gain. Light on his feet and smooth out of his breaks. Easy separator who creates instant throwing windows when he hits the gas. Natural pass catcher who plucks it away from his body. Can adjust to poorly thrown balls and secure contested catches. Shows no lack of toughness over the middle. Can be lined up all over the field. Monster championship game in 2015 season revealed true potential. Has elite ceiling as playmaker. Lands his hands inside the frame as a blocker. Operates with wide base and attempts to snap hips into his block.
WEAKNESSES
Will need more muscle and mass to be an in-line blocker as a pro. Appears passive. Doesn't have the field demeanor of most Alabama players. Needs better hand strength to sustain his blocks. Can do better job of working feet into position after contact. Needs urgency in his routes to tilt defenders and get them guessing. Needs to show more elusiveness after the catch. Saw playing time diminish from junior to senior season. Explosive talent who doesn't make enough explosive plays. Scheme creates some wide-open deep-ball catches at time. Scouts question his competitive nature.
SOURCES TELL US
"Alabama recruited a shiny toy but (Lane) Kiffin never really knew what to do with it. I don't worry about the talent at all. He could be an all-pro. I just need to know if he loves football." -- NFC general manager
NFL COMPARISON
Julius Thomas
BOTTOM LINE
Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between "potential weapon" and "elite tight end" will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character.
-Lance Zierlein​

 

[The Oi]

Rumor: Lavar Ball considering coming out of retirement to play Quarterback for 49ers. Believes he could start immediately and be a top 5 QB in the league.

 

[kriegs]

With the 17th pick in the 2017 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Redskins select...

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Height: 6'3'' Weight: 209 College: Western Michigan

My Take...
With the top three running backs AND top two cornerbacks in the draft off the board, the Redskins ultimately decided to take the best player available while also filling a position of need. Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are no longer in Washington, and while Terrelle Pryor was recently signed, he is not on a long term contract. The Redskins did use a first round pick on a wide receiver last year, drafting John Doctson, but his lack of health last season should leave the team cautious about him filling such a large role immediately. Davis and Doctson paired with Kirk Cousins and Jordan Reed would make for a lethal air attack in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the league. Hopefully Kirk Cousins decides to re-sign a contract extension after being surrounded by so many weapons.

Other players who received significant interest with the pick were Deshaun Watson and Teez Tabor.

Matt Harmon's Reception Perception series write-up on Davis...

With such clear and valuable strengths as a route-runner and after the catch, Corey Davis has an incredibly safe projection to the NFL game. His traits and Reception Perception scores indicate he has the potential to be an offense’s alpha receiver, able to succeed in both a time-based or vertical passing game. However, even if doesn’t hit that peak, so much of his game indicates he could slide safely into a high-volume No. 2 receiver spot.


Much of Corey Davis’ game is reminiscent of Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Helping to further the comparison, Davis’ Reception Perception scores are strikingly similar to the results from Watkins’ 2015 season. Like Davis, Watkins posted strong marks against man and press coverage, while faltering a bit when facing zones. Their route success charts were markedly similar, as well, with high success rates on slants, digs and outs. Watkins also posted below NFL average contested catch conversion scores in both 2014 and 2015. Of course, unlike Watkins, Davis doesn’t come with constant health worries, which should have NFL observers excited about the potential of seeing the bright flashes of Watkins’ 2015 second-half consistently manifest themselves in Davis.

Read more here: https://www.thefantasyfootballers.c...erception-corey-davis-universal-nod-approval/



Via NFL.com...

Overview
The 2016 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year is the all-time leader in major college football in receiving yards (5,285). From Day 1, Davis was a great target for the Broncos despite being just a two-star recruit out of Illinois with a rough childhood and academic issues. He was the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2013 (67-941, six TDs), and then was named first-team all-conference for the first of three times in 2014 by leading the conference with 1,408 yards and 15 touchdowns (ranking third in the FBS). Davis was among the nation's leading receivers as a junior (90-1,436, 12 TDs) before garnering first-team All-American honors in 2016 by ranking in the top 10 in the three major receiving categories -- 97 catches (eighth), 1,500 yards (seventh), 19 touchdowns (tied-first).

Analysis

Strengths
Outstanding four-year production. Alpha attitude on the field and not afraid to take on the challenge of heavy target load. Excellent competitiveness. Focuses like a laser when ball is in the air. Tracks the deep ball as well as anyone in college and understands how to stack cornerbacks and keep them on his hip. Has second gear to run under the long ball. Excels in intermediate and deep parts of the field. Route running showed improvement in 2016. Variable route speed creates indecision for defenders. Vertical routes are crisp and create tilt in off-corners and safeties that he is quick to take advantage of. Play speed features access to functional burst. Can defeat inside leverage. A quarterback's friend who works aggressively back to the ball. Dominates in red zone. High-point catcher who uses well-timed leaps and long arms to win the 50-50 throws. Increases physicality and acceleration out of routes when operating near paydirt.

Weaknesses
Doesn't always sell his vertical routes aggressively enough to make cornerbacks open their hips. Drifts, at times, on in-breaking routes, allowing defenders to squeeze the route. Needs to improve quickness into and out of his breaks underneath. Elongated into breaks when working from slot. Has had some issues with focus drops on throws outside of his frame. Had 16 drops over last three years at Western. Free releases into his routes in college will turn into stern press challenges in the pros. Wasn't asked to do much meaningful blocking.

Sources Tell Us
"Man, he breaks them off with those routes. It wasn't even fair the way he did those corners in that conference. A man among boys." -- AFC North regional scout

NFL Comparison
Eric Decker

Bottom Line
Touchdown juggernaut who was a four-year model of production and consistency in college. Davis has the route-running and ball skills to become a starter in the league, but it is his competitiveness and production in the red-zone that should make him a good one.

[B]@AZ_[/B] and the Cleveland Browns are on the clock.

 

[The Oi]

I am hearing rumors that the Cowboys are looking to trade up to bolster the defense and are seriously considering signing Johnny Manziel this off-season.

 

[dark2332]

"The RB position is a dime a dozen."

In a big "Fuck you" to Mel Kiper Jr., 3 backs taken in the top 14 of this mock.

 

[Surge]

God fuckin damn it OJ Howard to the Ravens... @Lord Mar

 

[AZ_]

• With the 18th selection in the 2017 RCF Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns select:

PAT MAHOMES - QB - TEXAS TECH

vs. Oklahoma 2016

vs. ASU 2016

vs. Oklahoma State 2016

vs. Kansas State 2016

Name: Patrick Mahomes

School: Texas Tech

Position fit: Starting QB

Stats to know: Ranked second in the nation in big-time throws, but third in the nation in turnover-worthy plays

What he does best:

• Smooth, whip release with power and touch.
• Arm is special and may define the term “arm talent.”
• Can make any throw with accuracy and power to and level/area of the field, from every type of platform and arm angle.
• Incredibly instinctive, intuitive player with a good feel for passing game.
• Athletic in the pocket with ability to make rushers miss, or shed with strength.
• Anticipates well. Time from locating receiver to ball out of his hand is extremely quick.
• Overall has good vision and ability to see multiple defenders in his reads.
• Poise to make any throw no matter what the chaos is around him in the pocket.
• Plays outside of the structure of the offense as well as anyone in the NFL does right now.
• Gritty playmaker. Wants the ball in his hands and delivers when his team needs it most.

Biggest concerns:

• Plays undisciplined too often.
• Inconsistent footwork, loses his base but tends to make up for it with his arm.
• Tendency to drift in the pocket in all directions when it’s not necessary.
• Bad habit of breaking from clean pockets too early when the pass rush dictates him to stay in there.
• Forces too many throws and tries for the hero play too often.
• Steep learning curve coming from the Texas Tech spread/wide open system.

Bottom line: Mahomes is as interesting as a prospect as there is at quarterback that comes with high risk/high reward. His arm is as good as any quarterback in the NFL playing right now. The natural passing instincts as far as sliding and feeling pass-rushers in the pocket, to seeing in front of the throw and adjusting to the type of throw needed, is special. His lack of discipline in the pocket with footwork, bailing on clean pockets, and decision making is a big concern. Some of the bailing on pockets can be attributed to how much “rush three drop eight into coverage” he saw, which can lead to playing outside of structure to find passing lanes more often. Coming from a system with everything so spread out and defined passing lanes, there will be an adjustment period needed for the NFL game and seeing tighter throwing lanes. Mahomes is not likely a Day 1 starter in the NFL but is certainly worth a first-round selection as a potential big hit as a franchise quarterback.

 

[sportscoach]

God fuckin damn it OJ Howard to the Ravens... @Lord Mar

Actually there were some mock drafts having him go at 16 to Baltimore and it doesn't help most of the people on this board are very very high on him so I am not surprised

"The RB position is a dime a dozen."

In a big "Fuck you" to Mel Kiper Jr., 3 backs taken in the top 14 of this mock.

Though I am surprised McCaffrey though went as earlier as he did. That will be interesting how everything else plays out.

• With the 18th selection in the 2017 RCF Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns select:

PAT MAHOMES - QB - TEXAS TECH

vs. Oklahoma 2016

vs. ASU 2016

vs. Oklahoma State 2016

vs. Kansas State 2016

Name: Patrick Mahomes

School: Texas Tech

Position fit: Starting QB

Stats to know: Ranked second in the nation in big-time throws, but third in the nation in turnover-worthy plays

What he does best:

• Smooth, whip release with power and touch.
• Arm is special and may define the term “arm talent.”
• Can make any throw with accuracy and power to and level/area of the field, from every type of platform and arm angle.
• Incredibly instinctive, intuitive player with a good feel for passing game.
• Athletic in the pocket with ability to make rushers miss, or shed with strength.
• Anticipates well. Time from locating receiver to ball out of his hand is extremely quick.
• Overall has good vision and ability to see multiple defenders in his reads.
• Poise to make any throw no matter what the chaos is around him in the pocket.
• Plays outside of the structure of the offense as well as anyone in the NFL does right now.
• Gritty playmaker. Wants the ball in his hands and delivers when his team needs it most.

Biggest concerns:

• Plays undisciplined too often.
• Inconsistent footwork, loses his base but tends to make up for it with his arm.
• Tendency to drift in the pocket in all directions when it’s not necessary.
• Bad habit of breaking from clean pockets too early when the pass rush dictates him to stay in there.
• Forces too many throws and tries for the hero play too often.
• Steep learning curve coming from the Texas Tech spread/wide open system.

Bottom line: Mahomes is as interesting as a prospect as there is at quarterback that comes with high risk/high reward. His arm is as good as any quarterback in the NFL playing right now. The natural passing instincts as far as sliding and feeling pass-rushers in the pocket, to seeing in front of the throw and adjusting to the type of throw needed, is special. His lack of discipline in the pocket with footwork, bailing on clean pockets, and decision making is a big concern. Some of the bailing on pockets can be attributed to how much “rush three drop eight into coverage” he saw, which can lead to playing outside of structure to find passing lanes more often. Coming from a system with everything so spread out and defined passing lanes, there will be an adjustment period needed for the NFL game and seeing tighter throwing lanes. Mahomes is not likely a Day 1 starter in the NFL but is certainly worth a first-round selection as a potential big hit as a franchise quarterback.

I didn't expect you to actually go with a QB in this draft, Do you plan on letting Mahomes sit for a season?

 

[Triplethreat]

I didn't expect you to actually go with a QB in this draft, Do you plan on letting Mahomes sit for a season?

Dude it's a mock draft... He doesn't actually run the team...

 

[sportscoach]

Dude it's a mock draft... He doesn't actually run the team...

Haha I know that, I just wasnt expecting AZ_ to actually draft Mahomes with the 18th pick to the Browns. I was referring to his choice of pick for the team and curious what he thought the plan would be if we actually got him lol sometimes people read way too much into comments

 

[Spectre]

Though I am surprised McCaffrey though went as earlier as he did. That will be interesting how everything else plays out.

I actually like McCaffrey better than Cook for what it's worth and I think his impact extends well beyond normal RB duties.

I wanted to draft either Howard or Davis but they're both luxury picks for Philly and I don't like any of the leftover corners this high in the draft.