2017 NFL Draft top prospects

Laith Malhas 20:07 27/04/2017
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  • 2017 NFL combine

    The 2017 NFL Draft is upon us and teams are ready to go through the grueling process of selecting the right players for their future. This year’s draft has some exciting prospects who have the potential to become not only key figures for their chosen franchise, but to emerge as the latest star of the NFL.

    The NFL draft is the process of teams selecting eligible college players, who are evaluated and scouted throughout their playing years at their respective universities and colleges. As in all American sports leagues, the lowest seeded teams get to pick the top-ranked players in the draft, in an attempt to improve their struggling teams.

    Draft picks may be traded between franchises on the night of the draft, as each team has ten minutes to make their pick for the first round. Time dwindles to seven minutes in the second round, five and four minutes in the later rounds.

    Remember, though, being selected high in the draft does not always mean a player will translate that promise onto the next level, these players have put forth a body of work which has catapulted them to the top of their positions.

    QUARTERBACKS

    DESHAUN WATSON / CLEMSON

    The two-time Heisman trophy finalist led Clemson to their first national title in 2016. Watson is a mobile quarterback who can gain chunks of yardage with his legs and can perform in the clutch. His upside is tremendous and will likely be drafted within the first ten picks. As for most quarterbacks, picking up the pro-style offense will take some time.

    DESHONE KIZER / NOTRE DAME

    Kizer had a 63 percent completion percentage for 2,884 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has a big arm, is an all around athletic passer and has been able to overcome his lack of experience as a starting quarterback. The 21-year-old is projected to be drafted in the first round and could be selected by the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns or the Chicago Bears, who are all in desperate need of a quarterback.

    RUNNING BACKS

    LEONARD FOURNETTE / LSU

    Fournette is an athletic, powerful runner who has made an impact in the South East Conference. He led the SEC in all-purpose yards as a true freshman and followed up with 1,953-yards rushing and 22 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. Fournette has the physical gifts to be a star in the NFL, his durability may be a concern due to his rough running style down the field.

    WIDE RECEIVERS

    MIKE WILLIAMS / CLEMSON

    A prototypical wide receiver with tremendous leaping ability and catching skills. Williams is a notch above the rest of the class as his game seems best prepared to translate immediately into the NFL. As any rookie receiver, he will need to be coached up on routes and technique, but this type of talent is hard to pass up for any team in need of a receiver.

    TIGHT ENDS

    O.J HOWARD / ALABAMA

    Howard had his best season in 2015, catching 38 passes for 602 yards. He also won offensive MVP honors for his contributions in the National Championship game when Alabama beat Clemson. He is a raw talent with size and speed and the 22-year-old has the potential to become an all-purpose tight end in the NFL.

    OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

    RYAN RAMCZYK / WISCONSIN

    At 6 foot 6 inches tall and 310 pounds, Left Tackle Ramczyk is a ground and pound lineman with athleticism and technique. In 2016 he starred for the Badgers and claimed first-team All-Big Ten honors and did not miss a game the entire season. His game is fundamentally sound and could prove to be a solid contributor to an offensive line in the NFL.

    DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

    MYLES GARRETT / TEXAS A&M

    A physical specimen like Myles Garrett will turn heads and any team in need of a defensive lineman will have Garrett on their board. His combine numbers were outstanding, Myles completed his 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds and recorded a 41-inch vertical jump.

    He earned first-team All-American and All-SEC as a junior while putting up 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 11 games. The Uber-athletic edge rusher has the potential to become an All-pro in the NFL, the only knock on Garrett has been his effort at times, many scouts have stated that he takes plays off during games.

    LINEBACKERS

    REUBEN FOSTER / ALABAMA

    Alabama’s linebacker won the SEC championship MVP as he rocketed to elite status in collegiate football. His ferociousness on defense helped him accumulate a team-leading 115 tackles while becoming a playmaker for Alabama. Scouts see pro-bowl potential in Foster and envision him being able to play inside linebacker as well as weak-side linebacker. The combination of his freakish athleticism and sound fundamentals have given Foster a high grade in the draft.

    CORNERBACKS

    MARSHON LATTIMORE / OHIO STATE

    In his first full season without injury, Lattimore recorded four interceptions with nine pass breakups. His overall impact on the team’s defense was felt throughout the year. His explosive play and anticipation give him an upper hand on other receivers. Lattimore has the potential to be a Pro-bowl cornerback and depleted teams will give him a shot even though his experience is limited.

    SAFETIES

    MALIK HOOKER / OHIO STATE

    The Ohio State safety made his first splash in 2016, he made first-team All-American and All-Big Ten after making 74 tackles with seven interceptions. His high impact play and natural instinct make him a threat at the position at all times. Malik lacks experience, however, his ball skills and ability to play within a scheme will help him become a promising NFL player.

    Share your picks using #360fans on Twitter or on Instagram or getting in touch via Facebook.

    WAYS TO WATCH

    You can watch the complete NFL draft on the NFL Network and ESPN. Round one of the draft starts Thursday night at 4 AM UAE time.

    Rounds two and three will commence on Friday night at 3 AM UAE time. Saturday night will be the final day with rounds 4-7 of the draft at 8 PM UAE time.

    Keep up with all the latest from the NFL draft:

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