NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects Best Fit
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away from commencing in Philadelphia for the first time since the 1961 season as prospects have been tested, evaluated and questioned to ultimately determine where they can have the biggest impact playing professional football.
Teams employ a variety of draft strategies when on the clock in an effort to select the individual they feel will best help their franchise. Some draft for need, others for star power and potential, while some select their best graded prospect regardless of position.
Following is a glimpse of what the NFL Draft would look like should the teams with the first 10 picks choose the best available prospect from the top-10 players according to CBS Sports.
No. 1 – Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett, DE – Texas A&M
Cleveland needs a quarterback but no prospect ranks in the top ten. They also are in need of an edge rusher who can help the defense compete and Garrett fits the bill.
No. 2 – San Francisco 49ers, Solomon Thomas, DE – Stanford
The 49ers new coach Kyle Shanahan could also use a quarterback but won’t find one ranked among the top-10 prospects. On a team with needs at almost every area, an edge rusher will help set the tone for the defense.
No. 3 – Chicago Bears, Jamal Adams, S – LSU
Adams is a known leader who will contribute both in the locker room and on the field. He provides a centerpiece in the backend of the Bears defense they can build around for the future.
No. 4 – Jacksonville Jaguars, O.J. Howard, TE – Alabama
After trading tight end Julius Thomas, the number four selection and sixth ranked prospect are a match made in heaven.
No. 5 – Tennessee Titans, Marshon Lattimore, CB – Ohio State
Lattimore will immediately help slow down a division full of talented wide receivers. The Buckeyes corner would be a welcome addition to the Titans secondary for the 2017 season and beyond.
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No. 6 – New York Jets, Derek Barnett, DE – Tennessee
Another top-10 team that could focus on quarterback in a year with an underwhelming class. The Jets could use an edge rusher to assist the performance of their defense.
No. 7 – Los Angeles Chargers, Malik Hooker – Ohio State
After the departure of Eric Weddle, Los Angeles can finally upgrade at the safety position with the addition of Hooker.
No. 8 – Carolina Panthers, Leonard Fournette – LSU
Fournette fits the power run game the Panthers attempt to employ while providing an alternative back to their now 30-year old Jonathan Stewart.
No. 9 – Cincinnati Bengals, Reuben Foster – Alabama
The Crimson Tide linebacker would instantly give Cincinnati one of the best duos in all of football. A starter from day one the Bengals would bolster their front-seven with the tenth ranked prospect.
No. 10 – Buffalo Bills, Jonathan Allen – Alabama
While defensive back, tackle and wide receiver are obvious priorities if Allen is available with the tenth selection he could be headed toward Buffalo. The fourth ranked prospect in the draft would surprise if he’s still on the board when the Bills are on the clock.
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