By: Collyn Foster and Nick Van Fossen
Last year’s NFL draft was one of the most eventful and fun drafts that has been seen in a while. Between the trades and the picks coming out of nowhere, no one knew what was going to happen from pick to pick. We’re giving every team a chance to reevaluate their selections and make new picks after seeing a season of production from this rookie class. Although the trades may not have been made based on the selections in the redraft, we kept all the trades that were made to make this redraft more accurate. Here is a list of all the trades that took place in the first round (Courtesy of SBNation.com):
San Francisco 49ers traded №2 pick to Chicago Bears for №3 pick, №67 pick, №111 pick, and a 2018 third-round pick
Los Angeles Rams traded №5 pick to Tennessee Titans as part of last year’s deal to select Jared Goff
Buffalo Bills traded №10 pick to Kansas City Chiefs for №27 pick, №91 pick, and a 2018 first-round pick
Philadelphia Eagles traded №12 pick to Cleveland Browns as part of last year’s deal for Carson Wentz
Browns traded №12 pick to Houston Texans for №25 pick and a 2018 first-round pick
Minnesota Vikings traded №14 pick to Eagles for Sam Bradford
Seattle Seahawks traded №26 pick to Atlanta Falcons for №31 pick, №95 pick, and №249 pick
Green Bay Packers traded №29 pick to Browns for №33 pick and №108 pick
Seahawks traded №31 pick to 49ers for №34 pick and №111 pick
New England Patriots traded №32 pick to New Orleans Saints for Brandin Cooks
(A. Original Pick)(B. Re-Draft Pick)
1. Cleveland Browns
A. Myles Garrett, DE
B. Deshaun Watson, QB
The Browns did not make a wrong decision when they selected Myles Garrett last year, but they are STILL (after way too many years) looking for their franchise cornerstone quarterback. Prior to his injury, Deshaun Watson was phenomenal. He made the Texans look like playoff contenders, and to his benefit they looked like pretenders in his absence.
2. Chicago Bears
A. Mitchell Trubisky, QB
B. Myles Garrett, DE
The Bears made one of the boldest moves I’ve ever seen when they traded the farm to move up one spot and take a player that was more than likely going to be there for them to take at #3; None the less, they made the trade and have the second pick. In this redraft they take the consensus #1 player in the draft in Myles Garrett. Garrett will come in and make an immediate impact on the defense, he is a cornerstone player who can be the anchor of a defense in the future.
3. San Francisco 49ers
A. Solomon Thomas, DE
B. Marshon Lattimore, CB
The 49ers get arguably, and in my opinion, the rookie of the year. Lattimore proved that he can be a shut-down corner in his first year and played like a pro bowler consistently throughout year one. Lattimore would help the young 49ers defense take the next step and become one of the best squads in the league.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
A. Leonard Fournette, RB
B. Leonard Fournette, RB
The Jaguars NAILED this pick. Leonard Fournette is an elite level prospect that proved this year that he can be a force, running all over defenses and was even stated at one point this year that the NFL is “easy”. Fournette added a new element to the Jaguars offense that it desperately needed, and he even carried his team to an AFC Championship in his rookie year, this pick is a home run and the Jaguars got their stud.
5. Tennessee Titans
A. Corey Davis, WR
B. Solomon Thomas, DE
While Corey Davis showed flashes of speed and good route running, he has not been worth a top 5 pick. The Titan’s defensive strong points are their secondary and linebacking core. Solomon Thomas would slide in perfectly alongside Jurrell Casey and Sylvester Williams to help anchor the defensive front. Thomas is a 6’3 260-pound Defensive Lineman who accounted for 41 combined tackles, 3 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in his rookie year.
6. New York Jets
A. Jamal Adams, S
B. Jamal Adams, S
Adams adds a swagger and toughness to the defense that is easy to build around. He is a freak athlete and a thumper when he comes down hill in the run game. The Jets, in my opinion, got a steal taking Adams at 6. He is going to anchor this defense and be a leader and has the intangibles and athleticism to be one of the best safeties in the league in the near future.
7. San Diego Chargers
A. Mike Williams, WR
B. Malik Hooker, S
This spot for Hooker is a lot more reasonable after his “fall” in the real draft last year. Hooker is another rookie who unfortunately got hit by the injury bug and his season ended early. When he did play, he was one of the best rookies in the league and lead all rookies in interceptions. Giving Hooker an entire offseason to recover and build his IQ and strength, he will be in a great position to get back on the field and dominate.
8. Carolina Panthers
A. Christian McCaffrey, RB
B. Christian McCaffrey, RB
Yet another team who hit the nail on the head with their first round pick last year. McCaffrey was a big part of the Panthers offensive success. The Panthers made the playoffs but did not make a lot of noise. I expect the Panthers to include McCaffrey more in the offense moving forward. He is a great athlete and has an amazing football IQ.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
A. John Ross, WR
B. Ryan Ramczyk, OT
John Ross’s 4.22 second 40-yard dash impressed everyone at the combine, although his 0 catches and 1 fumble on the year impressed no body. Injuries plagued him all off season and followed into his rookie year. While it might be too early to call Ross a bust, it’s clear the Bengals have better options. The offensive line lost both their high-level Guard in Kevin Zeitler and Pro-Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth. Both of which were very apparent by Joe Mixon leading the league in hits behind the line of scrimmage. To fill the holes, the Bengals will select Ryan Ramcyzk out of Wisconsin. Ramcyzk was a Pro Bowl level Left tackle in his rookie year and has the ability to be a top flight LT for years to come.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
A. Patrick Mahomes, QB
B. Patrick Mahomes, QB
The Chiefs traded up and picked their QB of their future, and I have no complaints with that. Mahomes didn’t see the field almost at all this year, in my opinion, this did nothing but help him. He is now in a situation where he’s had a year to grow and learn under one of the best coaches for young quarterback in Andy Reid. I look for Mahomes to come out next year and dominate with this immensely talented Chiefs offense.
11. New Orleans Saints
A. Marshon Lattimore, CB
B. Evan Engram, TE
Ever since they traded Jimmy Graham the Saints have been in dire need of a playmaker at the TE position. In Evan Engram they get an oversized WR who can line up everywhere on the field and still make plays. Engram is a very athletic prospect who was one of the only players on the Giants offense that had a semi productive year. Adding a talent like this to an offense that is run by Sean Payton and has Drew Brees at the helm would be flat out scary.
12. Houston Texans
A. Deshaun Watson, QB
B. Tre’Davious White, CB
The Texans may have very well made the best selection of the NFL Draft taking Deshaun Watson with the 12th pick. Having his play this season Watson would never fall to 12 again, so the Texans are forced to address other holes on the roster. Following the loss of A.J. Bouye in free agency, the Texans have the opportunity to select Tre’Davis White, who in his rookie year had 18 pass deflections, 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown. White played at an extremely high level as a rookie and is very deserving of the Texan’s pick.
13. Arizona Cardinals
A. Haason Reddick, LB
B. Mitch Trubisky, QB
The Cardinals have been in desperate need of a young talented quarterback for a few years now, and while Mitch Trubiksy was over picked at number 2, him falling to the Cardinals at 13 is the perfect situation for both. Trubiksy would be able to sit a year behind Carson Palmer and learn from a savvy veteran QB and experienced head coach in Bruce Arians. Trubiksy showed flashes this season passing for 2,100 yards in 12 games and a 60% completion rate.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
A. Derek Barnett, DE
B. Derek Barnett, DE
Philadelphia got this pick correct with Barnett. He is an extremely quick and aggressive player with great bend around the edge. The Eagles just won the Super Bowl, why change anything.
15. Indianapolis Colts
A. Malik Hooker, S
B. Reuben Foster, LB
Ever since Gary Brackett retired the Colts have lacked a true leader in the middle of the field on defense. Foster is a big, athletic, instinctive player that can fly all over the field and make plays all over the field. Adding a player like this to a young defense would do wonders. Foster does have some off the field issues and that is the primary reason he fell in the real draft but his play on the field outweighs the demons he has off the field.
16. Baltimore Ravens
A. Marlon Humphrey, CB
B. Marlon Humphrey, CB
Humphrey stepped in day one and fit alongside Jimmy Smith perfectly. As a rookie Humphrey had 11 pass deflections, 2 interceptions and 34 tackles. The Ravens pass defense was one of the best in the league and should be for the next few years to come.
17. Washington Redskins
A. Jonathan Allen, DE
B. Jonathan Allen, DE
Allen missed most of the 2017 NFL season with a shoulder injury that sidelined him after the first 5 games, although in those games Allen played at a very high level. He had 10 tackles and one sack while looking like he could be one of the steals of the draft. Allen’s main knock has always been his injuries, and if he can stay healthy in 2018 look for Allen to be one of the dominant defensive lineman in the NFL.
18. Tennessee Titans
A. Adoree’ Jackson, CB
B. Adoree’ Jackson, CB
Coming out of USC Jackson was known as an athletic cornerback with great return skills. In the 2017 season his raw skills were on full display, totaling 70 tackles and 3 forced fumbles and 17 pass deflections. I had the opportunity to see Jackson live and his skills jump off the field, at only 22 years of age his ceiling appears to be very high. Look for Jackson to continue to grow as a player and build off this season.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A. OJ Howard, TE
B. Dalvin Cook, RB
This year was terrible for rookie injuries, Cook played like one of the best rookies in the league. HE was a great pick for the Vikings and immediately made an impact on the offensive side of the ball. The Bucs are in desperate need for talent in the backfield, their only talent as of now is the aging “Muscle Hamster” Doug Martin. Cook would not only add an explosive downhill running game to the offense, he also would easy connect with QB Jameis Winston, considering they played together at Florida State.
20. Denver Broncos
A. Garett Bolles, OT
B. Garett Bolles, OT
Denver’s offensive line was subpar this season, although not at the fault of rookie Left tackle Garrett Bolles. Bolles showed a nasty edge when playing and his great footwork and athleticism are obvious. Bolles still has a lot of learning to do and room to grow in his game, but it appears the Broncos have found their left tackle of the future.
21. Detroit Lions
A. Jarrad Davis, LB
B. Jarrad Davis, LB
Davis a long and athletic linebacker with great instincts and awareness who is a complete package as a run stopper and coverage man. On the season he totaled 96 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 pass deflections and one interception. The Lions defense started the year hot and fell off once they lost their starting nose tackle, look for them to fill that role this off season and for Davis to continue to be a key piece of that defense.
22. Miami Dolphins
A. Charles Harris, OLB
B. TJ Watt, OLB
The Dolphins original draft pick Charles Harris has shown good flashes this season, but nothing similar to that T.J. Watt. Watt played at an extremely high level in the Steelers defense, totaling 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble and one interception. Watt has an extremely bright future and the Dolphins defense would be have a pass rushing building to build around.
23. New York Giants
A. Evan Engram, TE
B. Alvin Kamara, RB
Assuming the entire Giants offense was able to stay healthy and the line was able to block, Alvin Kamara would be a tremendous selection to help the run game. On the season Kamara totaled 730 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, 81 receptions, 830 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. Those eye popping numbers won Alvin Kamara offensive rookie of the years, while splitting time with Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Kamara would be perfect for the offense to take pressure of the pass game and open the Giants offense up.
24. Oakland Raiders
A. Gareon Conley, CB
B. Gareon Conley, CB
Conley played a limited amount this season of only playing on two games. His draft stock dropped last year after off field issues, although if he is able to stay clear of any bad situations and continue to grow as a player, Conley has shown great coverage skills in both man to man and zone. With John Gruden coming in this season, I expect the Raiders defense to take a big step forward and for Conley to do the same.
25. Cleveland Browns
A. Jabrill Peppers, S
B. Sidney Jones, CB
Jones saw a grand total of 0 snaps this past year, although he still moved up from his original draft position. Jones is an elite level cornerback prospect that was held out all of 2017 with an Achilles injury that he suffered after the combine last year. Jones still has shown that he has the talent and ability to be a shutdown corner in the league. Adding Jones to a young Browns defense would do wonders for their development and growth. Having a shutdown corner on any defense is helpful, but having one on a young, up and coming defense is huge for growth.
26. Atlanta Falcons
A. Takkarist McKinley, DE
B. Takkarist McKinley, DE
The Falcons are yet another team who picked the right guy in the first round last year. McKinley was a force to be reckoned with coming off the edge for the Falcons. Having McKinley line up opposite a playmaker like Vic Beasley creates a dynamic that not many teams have in the league. McKinley totaled 6.0 sacks during the regular season and added 2.0 more during the postseason. I look for him to continue to grow and become a dominant force on the Falcons defense for many years to come.
27. Buffalo Bills
A. Adoree’ Jackson, CB
B. Haason Reddick, LB
Reddick struggled to produce after moving out to outside linebacker in 2017. Reddick started the year playing inside linebacker and looked like he could be one of the best players in the draft, but after making the switch, he did not look as impressive. If the Bills were to take Reddick and keep him at inside linebacker he could be one of the young studs on a Bills defense that has some talent all over the field, could help them shore up and lock down the linebacker position to become one of the better units in the league.
28. Dallas Cowboys
A. Taco Charlton, DE
B. Budda Baker, S
The Cowboys ran into a little bit of trouble during the 2017 season (mainly Zeke), and struggled at times to defend. Budda Baker came into last year’s draft as one of the best safeties and somehow fell to the second round. Adding Baker to this young Cowboys defense would do wonders, they have lacked a true stud at the safety position since Roy Williams play for them years ago. Baker would have the opportunity to come in and be the leader of a secondary that really lacked a true dominant force.
29. Cleveland Browns
A. David Njoku, TE
B. David Njoku, TE
In 2017 the Browns were not good, they were worse than not good, they were horrible. One bright spot was their first round TE, who did not statistically have the most amazing season but his play on the field showed a lot of promise. Njoku is a big athletic TE that will be one of the center pieces in the Browns offense for years to come. The Browns had an ok draft last year and Njoku was one of the better picks in their haul.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
A. TJ Watt, OLB
B. JuJu Smith-Shuster, WR
JuJu was the perfect complement to the killer B’s in Pittsburgh this season. He was electric all over the field for the Steelers, making plays deep down the field, in the slot, and across the middle. The Steelers got this pick right the first time, now they just make it a little bit earlier.
31. San Francisco 49ers
A. Reuben Foster, LB
B. Cooper Kupp, WR
Kupp has emerged as one of the top targets in one of the most fun offenses in the league. He was an intricate part of the Rams explosion offensively. Obviously, he wasn’t the sole reason for the Rams resurgence on offense, Kupp became the favorite target of Jared Goff by the end of the season. With the 49ers addressing their defensive concerns with the 3rd pick, they look for Kupp to become one of the top targets for new franchise QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
32. Saints: Kareem Hunt, RB
A. Ryan Ramczyk, OT
B. Kareem Hunt, RB
The Saints struck gold in last year’s draft and in this re-draft, they find another player who played as well and some may argue better than Alvin Kamara. Hunt had a phenomenal rookie season with the Chiefs and showcased his every down back capability. If the Saints were to use Hunt in a similar fashion to how they used Kamara, I think they might again find a stud change of pace back. In my opinion, I think Kamara is the better back and fits better into the Saints offense, but he unfortunately is not on the board for the Saints for this pick, although Hunt is not a bad second option if you ask me.