Two Tigers listed in Top 7 picks of 2017 NFL Mock draft |
USA Today has released his
preseason 2017 NFL Mock Draft on Tuesday morning and three Clemson players were listed in the first round including two offensive players in the first seven picks.
Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson was projected to go #1 overall to the Cleveland Browns. "Don’t let the talk of Hue Jackson resurrecting RG3’s career or the third-round selection of Cody Kessler in the 2016 draft fool you," USA Today said. "If the Browns’ new coach gets an opportunity to hand the keys to the franchise over to a dynamic talent like Watson, he won’t hesitate." Watson's 5,209 yards of total offense and his 47 total touchdowns last season were ACC records, and his rushing total was a record for a Clemson quarterback.
Dynamic playmaker Mike Williams was predicted to go to the Tampa Bay Buccanneers with the #7th overall pick.
"The Bucs don’t have the best track record with Clemson players or receivers named Mike Williams, but that shouldn’t keep them from pulling the trigger on the best receiver in the 2017 class," USA Today said. "Williams is bouncing back from a scary neck injury that cost him nearly all of his 2015 campaign, but if he’s back to 100 percent, he’d be the perfect target for Jameis Winston to pair with Mike Evans for the next decade or more."
Senior defensive tackle Carlos Watkins was projected to land with the Indianapolis Colts with the #21 overall selection.
"Henry Anderson is a solid, young building block for the Colts up front, but they need more youth across the rest of the unit," USA Today said. "Watkins is strong and versatile, and while he won’t rack up huge sack numbers, he’s a stout run defender who can still force opposing passers to leave the pocket."
Watkins was named First-team All-ACC by the media last season.
Senior tight end Jordan Leggett was projected to the Atlanta Falcons (#41 overall) and senior defensive back Cordrea Tankersley was predicted to the Indianapolis Colts (#53 overall) in the second round.
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