For this 2017 NFL mock draft, it's not about whom we project to each team -- it's about which player we would take at each slot.
Thing is, because we have to alternate picks, we won't always get the player who seems like the best fit for each slot, because that player could be taken with an earlier pick. The ground rules are simple: alternate picks; no trades; no deals that say "I won't take Player X if you don't take Player Y." It's just "This is whom I'd take" at every slot on the board for three full rounds.
Got it? Here are the picks:
Note: An asterisk denotes a compensatory selection.
1. Cleveland Browns
Mel Kiper's pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
No-brainer. Garrett is the best prospect in this class, a superb pass-rusher and rare talent.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Todd McShay's pick: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Maybe a slight reach, but Lattimore is the best pure cover corner in this class and would fill a major need for San Francisco.
3. Chicago Bears
Kiper's pick: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Chicago has its pick of Adams, Jonathan Allen or Solomon Thomas, and I have to go with the bigger need. That secondary was bad last season.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
McShay's pick: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Stick with the tape on this guy. He's a dominant interior pass-rusher who has outstanding intangibles.
5. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)
Kiper's pick: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
I thought about receiver here, but Foster is too good to pass up, even with his off-field issues. Tennessee could win the AFC South in 2017 if its defense improves.
6. New York Jets
McShay's pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
The Jets had just 18 catches from their TE corps last season. Eighteen! Howard is the most complete tight end prospect we've seen in quite some time.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
Kiper's pick: Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford
I'm running to the podium if I'm the Chargers and Thomas is still available. He and Joey Bosa would form a stellar pass-rushing duo.
8. Carolina Panthers
McShay's pick: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Fournette is the best running back in a loaded class and the perfect fit for Carolina's power-rushing offense. The Panthers need to not rely on QB Cam Newton so much in the run game.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper's pick: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Reddick, a former walk-on, could play any linebacker spot in a 4-3, but he's my top outside linebacker overall. With no offensive tackle rated this high, it was an easy pick.
10. Buffalo Bills
McShay's pick: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Yes, another Clemson receiver for Buffalo. Williams has the best ball skills of any receiver in this class.
11. New Orleans Saints
Kiper's pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
I don't think McCaffrey is making it here on draft night, but he'd be a tremendous asset for Drew Brees.