2017 NFL mock draft: Live updates for NN community draft, round 4

Welcome to the Niners Nation 2017 NFL mock draft. We’ve brought together 32 site members to potentially go through a full seven rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. I say “potentially” because 253 picks is a lot to get through, even with a month remaining until the draft. But, fingers crossed we power through this.

We’re chugging along, and are now into the fourth round moved through round one well, and things are humming along in round two. I’ve posted the results for the first three rounds at the bottom of the page. You can view each person’s pick rationale here. On to the fourth round!

108. Cleveland Browns - Eddie Jackson, FS, Alabama (Davidss)

If not for a broken leg suffered last season, Jackson would be a late first round type prospect. On tape he plays like Malik Hooker without the elite range of Hooker. A true free safety that can play cover 1/3 of the field is what every team is looking for. Jackson is that player and in the 4th round outstanding value. Rotoworld's Josh Norris calls him a "long-term starter who shined when moved to FS."

Others considered: All the defensive tackles still available.

Browns draft so far: 1) Myles Garrett, edge; 12) Mike Williams, WR; 33) Joe Mixon, RB; 52) Patrick Mahomes, QB; 65) Fabian Moreau, CB; 108) Eddie Jackson, FS

109. San Francisco 49ers - Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan (Joe Montana is GOAT)

After picking Zay Jones I was a bit hesitant to pick him but I'm going for him anyway. Kyle and John want high character guys, well here is another one in Darboh. A hard working kid who moved from a war torn country in which he lost both his parents, he will work his tale off and this is the type of player we will see join the 49ers.

He has a bigger body than Zay and uses that to his advantage. Per NFL.com his comparison is Mohamed Sanu, so if he turns out like him, not a bad 4th rounder at all. He lead Harbaugh's Wolverines this year and we know that Jim wants tough, strong receivers, that is what we would get in Amara. Him and Zay could develop into a pair of very good wide receivers and both have good size, 4.45 speed .

Others considered: Larry Ogunjobi, Montravious Adams, Carlos Watkins. We need someone who can clog up the middle but I betting on finding one later on in the draft, I just didn't think Amara would last till my next pick and I really like him and the way he would fit in this offense.

110. Jacksonville Jaguars - Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh (riqv)

Bortles has looked good at times, while looking very bad at other times. I want to say that Blake Bortles is in the hot seat but they don't have anyone at backup QB to put that pressure on him. Peterman may be able to provide that pressure. He is basically the opposite of Bortles. Peterman lacks the physical gifts that Bortles has but has good composure, accuracy, and anticipation. I don't believe that he will come out of the gate and be the guy that will take over for Bortles, but he very well could be that guy in the next couple of years.

Also considered:

Chad Kelly, QB: did not believe that he would be a fit in the new Tom Coughlin era

111. Chicago Bears - Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky (Rowingdave)

Markus Wheaton is just filling up space, so WR is a huge need for the Bears, with only Kevin White serving as a real threat. Taylor is a slot specialist, who can also line up outside and produce. Not just a little guy who dinks and dives, Taylor averaged 17, 17.1 and 17.7 yards per catch, respectively, in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, showing he's no fluke, doing it with premium quickness and fluidity; his 40 time of 4.50 doesn't necessarily wow you, but his 6.57 three cone led all receivers by almost a tenth of a second, and it shows in his tape. He had the target on his back in every game they played, and he always produced. And for those who say he did it against inferior competition? He rattled off 9 catches for 121 yards against Alabama last season, 9 for 196 against Indiana, and 10 for 100+ against LSU in 2015. It may sound sloppy to compare him with Stefon Diggs (NFL.com comp), but as a Niners fan who lives in Minnesota, when I saw Taylor, he screams Diggs: shifty, smart route-runner with cat-like quickness, and the ability to line up all over the field. I don't foresee Taylor falling this far, but in a deep draft, it's a strong possibility.

112. Los Angeles Rams - Connor Harris, ILB, Lindenwood (ak4niner)

I chose Connor Harris for a few reasons. First, the need for an ILB is there. He has great quickness and can play all three downs. He has a great motor and a huge appetite for the game. Plus, some are comparing him to Chris Borland. It's a little bit of a gamble since he played for a Dvision II school, but I think well worth it.

I also looked at OT's and OG's plus some secondary, but none of them intrigued me quite as much as Harris did.

113. Los Angeles Chargers - Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa (Blackout52)

Chargers DT Corey Liuget has been a massive disappointment since signing a contract extension worth over $50 million. He started all 16 games last year and registered 0 sacks and 29 tackles. Adding a penetrating defensive lineman like Johnson adds a whole new dimension to the Chargers pass rush. Even if Johnson doesn't beat out Liuget in his first year, he could see time as a situational guy. I think I've built a pretty intimidating defense, if I do say so myself.

Others considered: RB James Conner, WR ArDarius Stewart, WR Josh Malone

114. Washington - ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama (AzSharksFan)

Washington's WR depth took a hit this offseason so I think they will be looking for at least one developmental prospect in day 3. Stewart is a good choice here because of his ability as a playmaker and physical abilities. He managed to be productive as a receiver in Alabama's run-heavy offense but will need to work on his technique to see much action in the NFL. Good value pick here but I was hoping Eddie Jackson, Nathan Peterman, Amara Darboh, or Taywan Taylor would slip to me.

115. Carolina Panthers - Larry Ogunjobi, DT, UNC Charlotte (BryKno)

Local guy for the local team! Ogunjobi is a three-tech, so he's a fit in Carolina's system. He's raw, having only picked up the game in high school, and he needs to put on some mass, but he has impressive power, with good leverage and quickness. With some time developing, he could end up being a starter -- at the very least, worth a look on Day 3.

Other players considered: CB Damontae Kazee (great ball skills; small and slow), TE Jordan Leggett (great size; questionable effort), WR Mack Hollins (deep threat and cover guy; never played more than 50% of offensive snaps)

116. Cincinnati Bengals - Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona State (Typecast)

A team that suffered multiple missed multiple field goals in games, struggled with the new extra point distance, and couldn't convert game-winning clutch field goals. After handing out contracts to the incumbent kickers, the Bengals organization said they were not committed to either and that another kicker would be added to compete for the roster spot. Since then, Special Teams coach Darrin Simmons has spent some time observing and working with Gonzalez. Simmons and Head coach Marvin Lewis worked out Gonzalez at the ASU Pro Day.

Gonzalez has used his obsessive-compulsive disorder to thrive in pressure situations, becoming the most prolific FG kicker in FBS history. Nearly unanimously considered the best kicker in this year’s draft, Gonzalez was the Lou Groza Award winner after a highly impressive senior season (14/16 @ 40+, 7/9 @ 50+, longest @ 59). He finished his college career as the FBS career record holder for both most field goals made (96) and total points (494). He’s broken tons of other records, including averaging 9.7 points per game in his career. He has contributed at least one point in all 51 of his career games. As far as kickoffs go, he kicked 60 of his 79 kickoffs in 2016 for touchbacks (75.9 percent); that percentage was good for fourth nationally while the 60 total ranked third in the nation. With the ball being placed at the 25 following a touchback, I would expect to see Gonzalez to utilize his OCD to develop a kick that pins returns at the goal line.

Others considered: Amara Darboh, Dede Westbrook, George Kittle.

117. Chicago Bears - George Kittle, TE, Iowa (Rowingdave)

The Bears continue to draft premium athletes, and this pick is a perfect blend of value, need and luxury. George Kittle's stats don't wow you, but that was more a byproduct of the underperforming and oft-injured C.J. Beathard, and playing in the shadow of his first cousin, Henry Krieger-Coble, now of the Denver Broncos. Kittle is much better than Krieger-Coble, however, supplying a blend of premium athleticism with surprisingly good blocking acumen. Kittle averaged over 15 yards a catch for his career at Iowa, and his best years are ahead of him.

I'm extremely high on David Njoku out of Miami...but the more I watch Kittle, the more I see a potentially elite player that displays just as much athleticism, and you can get him two to three rounds later. Bucky Hodges set the Combine record for broad jump by a tight end at 11'2"...only to have Kittle jump 11 feet, Njoku at 11'1". The difference between Hodges and Kittle? Kittle is actually a tight end, Hodges is a glorified receiver. Njoku and Kittle are the same height, weigh the same, but Njoku has freakishly long 35"+ arms, beating Kittle out by two inches. Engram? Shorter, same arms, 15 pounds lighter than Kittle, and nowhere near the blocker. In short: after Njoku and O.J. Howard, Kittle is my third best tight end on my board, and I imagine there are other teams that see it the same way.

118. Philadelphia Eagles - Noah Brown, WR, Ohio State (ejdrummond)

119. Arizona Cardinals - Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia (HarbaughalypseNow)

Considered him in the 3rd round due to his size and2016 production at WVU. Issues with top end speed and stiffness, but he provides immediate depth and competition opposite Patrick Petersen.

120. Minnesota Vikings - Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn (dumpster fire fan)

In a draft full of boom-or-bust players for the Vikings, Adams could be the biggest boom. The once-touted first-round prospect has fallen to the fourth round due to his unpredictable effort. When Adams has his head in the game, he can be a game-changer in the run and pass; when he is just going through the motions, he is no more than a sub-par rotational player.

121. Indianapolis Colts - Lorenzo Jerome, S, St. Francis (PA) (MichaelBR07)

As the new GM for the Colts, I have to prove how smart I am by selecting this small school stud. The guy brings it and could compete for a starting spot right away. Will work well in special teams. That's all you can ask from a fourth round pick.

122. Baltimore Ravens - Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU (RinaldoPurrisimo)

I'm a firm believer that you can get great production, heck hall of fame production from Running backs in the 3rd day. Justin Forsett was a free agent signing but has been one of the most productive backs in the leagues the last couple seasons, he's gone the Ravens and a very talented run blocking line need a new guy to block for. They've go Terrence West but if he couldn't get bell cow numbers with Shanny calling the shots in Cleveland I doubt he'll get those numbers in Baltimore. I think Williams has the tools to be a 25 carry a game guy in the NFL, he's got vision, size, speed. His one flaw is that, as a tall back, at times he runs a little straight up. He might need to fix that at the next level but he could be this years Jordan Howard, while everyone was talking about Zeke Elliot he had nearly as a good a year with barely anyone playing QB.

123. Washington - Corn Elder, CB, Miami (AzSharksFan)

There were a lot of potential picks at this spot but I chose against grabbing a project OL and took the guy who looks like he would make an immediate impact on the quality of Washington's secondary. Elder is not projected to be any more than a slot corner but he has great instincts and is a great tackler. If he was an inch or two taller or in a weaker CB class I think he would easily be a day 2 pick.

124. Tennessee Titans - Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo (GSheen)

Michael Roberts, a versatile underrated tight end. His pleasant Senior Bowl display solidifies the potential he has shown throughout the year. He has intriguing physical traits to potentially succeed Delanie Walker down the road.

Even though Delanie had an incredible season, he's turning 33 before the league start. Some concern that he may lose a step soon and the depth behind him looks quasi non-existent. Phillip Supernaw is similar to Logan Paulsen - nothing more than a blocking specialist. Jace Amaro struggles mightily to translate his athleticism to NFL success.

Roberts would offer Mariota a big body target to move down the chains and become a solid red-zone option while contributing to the running game.

Seeing Everett and Kittle gone, Roberts was the next best available TE prospect. Leggett's lack of motor and effort would slow his progression. Sprinkle's off-field issues push him down my draft board. At #124, Roberts will prove worthy of that pick.

125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State (BayAreaBOI)

I went with my highest rated RB. With similar combine numbers to Dalvin Cook, I had to take Jeremy McNichols. McNichols’ game in college proved that he can be productive in the running game as well as the passing game. He can turn a 3 down back eventually if he can get used to the faster paced NFL. With McNichols, he could come in and assist Jameis Winston in the backfield. He would give them a good running back that will have vision and patience to wait for lanes to open up but also a great receiver out of the back field who would fit right into their passing attack. With Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, and Juju Smoth-Schuster at receiver, they will have a lethal passing game. With the addition of McNichols as a check down with TE Brates, it will make them even stronger. They would tear up the Saints and Panthers secondary and definitely give the Falcons secondary problems. Overall this selection was a need and the best player available for the Bucs. The Bucs know another Boise State running back Doug Martin he turned in 2 good seasons and with Jay Ajayi showing what he can do in Miami. Why not take another chance on this very talented Boise State running back?

Comp: Devontae Booker, Jalen Richard, Devonta Freeman

2016: 314 Rushes 1709 Rushing 23 TD yards; 37 Rec 474 Rec yards 4 TD

I considered other RBs Marlon Mack and Joe Williams. I was also looking at TE Jonnu Smith who I think has good potential. However, with this pick I was looking for an offense.

126. Denver Broncos - Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma (Jonas Lima)

127. Detroit Lions - Nico Siragusa, OG, San Diego State (GreatOden’sRaven)

The Lions have two decent quality tackles but no real standout guards. Siragusa can start as depth and certainly has the ability to work his way into a starters role. His lack of big name competition have left nfl evaluators without some context but the talent is there. Will never be a huge pull and crush guy but can certainly blow holes for running backs like Perine behind his rear. I think at this point we are starting to draft for need more than BPA but hes close to BPA for this team. I was really really hoping to grab Connor Harris but he didnt make it.

Others considered: Jordan Leggett, Reeves-Mayben, Danny Isadora

Lions draft thus far: SS Jabril Peppers, DE/EDGE Tim Williams, RB Semaje Perine, OG Nico Siragusa

128. Minnesota Vikings - Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL) (dumpster fire fan)

The Vikings have experienced misfortune at this position over the past year, having to trade their first and some change for Sam Bradford to replace Teddy Bridgewater, when the latter sustained a horrific knee injury in the 2016 offseason. The Vikings could be looking at a future without either player, so selecting a developmental prospect with potential in the fourth round seems like the best option. Kaaya will be able to learn behind Bradford and Bridgewater in the case he takes over the franchise in a couple seasons.

129. Oakland Raiders - Chad Wheeler, OL, USC (TryAndCatchVD)

Despite a generally strong OL, Chad Wheeler is a guy that can come in and push for a number of roles: starting RT, swing Tackle, or even IOL depth. It's never a bad choice to fortify the line.

130. Houston Texans - Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, USC (TopFlightSecurity)

Welp this will probably be the last info I give for the Texans. As it is hard to have a real write up for guys I have never seen. Stevie on the other hand is easy to explain he is a true run-eating nose tackle. Much in the fashion of Wilfork, not much pass rush there just hard to move in the run game all around. And with the pass rush talent next to him his flaw will not be a big issue in my mind.

131. New England Patriots - Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming (Mertons_merkin)

Honestly, hard to say if Hill is being picked up too early, or too late I this draft. I've seen him go as early as middle third round to middle of the fifth. I've also seen him mocked to the Patriots, which is where the idea came from. There's still talk of the Pats re-upping on Blount, but to me, Hill seems preferable. He's younger and cheaper, a better receiving option, and Blount's best days look like they might be past him.

If you aren't familiar with Hill, go watch a game or a highlight video. The talent comes across. And he fits what the Pats like, a bigger-bodied three down back with nice feet. His three-cone time is in line with what you'd like. Additionally, his hands are very nice. To me, he's an awesome option after the third. Deep RB class makes that possible.

After finding a tight end, a pass rusher and a back, the Pats can now look forward in this draft to shore up some needs that may arise next year due to expiring contracts. Looking for receivers and offensive linemen, though if another pass rusher makes his way down, we'll pounce.

132. Kansas City Chiefs - Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson (JMichael39)

He showed in the National Championship Game he can be an impact player against a very tough defense. He will give Smith another great weapon.

133. Dallas Cowboys - Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas (MidnightSpecial)

Jason Witten is a HOF tight end. And really old. Sprinkle is a big strong body, with long arms and huge hands. He's a very good blocker who can also settle down in between zones and be a big red zone target. His speed and athleticism are above average for someone his size , and his hands and route running are solid. While he isn't a flashy deep threat, he's a good all around TE prospect who looks like starter material.

Also considered WR Josh Reynolds.

134. Green Bay Packers - Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M (HashtagMafioso)

This is more of a BPA pick from the Packers, but aligns with Thompson's history of grabbing great value receivers that fits their system extremely well (having a great QB throwing to you doesn't hurt either). Reynolds has been very productive and although he's not an elite athlete/measurables guy, he understands the game and will produce for whatever team ends up taking him somewhere towards the middle of the draft.

135. Pittsburgh Steelers - Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State (Fenderfreak81)

The Steelers have let it leak that they are wanting to make the secondary a priority in this draft. While PFF had good ratings on this secondary last year, I don't blame the Steelers for wanting to improve on the talent there. Sidney Jones will go a long way towards making this secondary one to fear by 2018, but it's iffy whether he can contribute in 2017 or not. That's where Kazee comes in.

Admittedly I didn't know a lot about the kid til the Senior Bowl. I was one of those people who had nothing better to do after work than watch the practices, scrimmages, and Senior Bowl game itself after getting home from work. Kazee impressed a lot of people there. After that I went back and watched some of his game tape (yes, on YouTube for those of you who mock us amateur drafters for drafting based on amateur scouting with YouTube's help). Anyways, Kazee showed very good ball skills in the stat box but also on video. He had 15 interceptions the last two years, was often able to anticipate the plays before they happened, and he looked surprisingly solid in man coverage drills at the Senior Bowl. I think Kazee is ideally suited for the Pittsburgh zone coverage where he will be asked to keep WRs in front of him instead of chasing them down, and he can track the first man in his zone as well as the QB very well. His combine numbers are okay and his measurables are below average, but he's a very good football player.

Kazee is a senior and can compete for a nickel role early with the Steelers. I think he could also someday help as a deep safety option with his plus ball skills too. I anticipate the Steelers having a very promising secondary in 2018 with Burns, Jones, and Kazee. I think they'll be solid in 2017 too with these picks and their existing personnel.

I was looking for Rasul Douglas here, really like his length and size in the 4th round, but he was gone.

136. Atlanta Falcons - Ryan Glasgow, DL, Michigan (wiseguy545)

Atlanta went DL in the first with Malik McDowell, but we need multiple contributors on the DL and Glasgow will fill a different role. He’s a lunch pail player (paging PFT Commenter) who can eat up blocks and clog up the middle against the run. Will have to improve his skills as a pass rusher if he wants to be more than a two-down player, but his floor is high for a Day 3 pick and he has the work ethic to potentially develop into more.

137. Indianapolis Colts - Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Tennessee (MichaelBR07)

138. Cincinnati Bengals - Chad Hansen, WR, California (Typecast)

WR isn't a big need for the Bengals. They have plenty of talented but inexperienced receivers behind Green and LaFell. Tyler Boyd is that possession guy that can work the short and immediate areas. Cody Core was more of the same, but also brought a little more verticality to his route tree.

Not sure why everyone has soured on him, but I feel Hansen is a top-5 WR in the class. Quality footwork and hand technique to get off press coverage. Not quick, but fast. Shows an extra gear that allows him to blow past corners. Most of his damage came vertically and over the middle. Does a great job at using his body to shield corners. Always looking to find a way to get open. A hands catcher. Reliability comes in catching the ball near his body and securing quickly. Can go up and make contested and extended sideline catches. High success rates vs coverage on the limited routes he was asked to run.

Also considered: WR Shelton Gibson, WR Isaiah Ford, DE Joe Mathis.

139. Philadelphia Eagles - Adam Bisnowaty, OT, Pittsburgh (ejdrummond)

140. New York Giants - Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International (86derps)

An interesting prospect, he played four years of productive football, but his sophomore year was his most productive with 61 rec, 710 yards and 8 touchdowns. His senior year he only was able to post 42 rec, 506 yards and 4 touchdowns. If playing with Eli Manning can make him a more productive player then Jonnu would be a good pick here. He isn’t the tallest or the biggest, but he runs fast.

141. Los Angeles Rams - Rayshawn Jenkins, FS, Miami (FL) (ak4niner)

142. Houston Texans - David Sharpe, OT, Florida (TopFlightSecurity)

143. San Francisco 49ers - Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson (Joe Montana is GOAT)

After passing on a DT with my last pick hoping someone like Watkins would make it to my next pick I was glad to see my risk paid off. Watkins was key to Clemson's title run. He has the requisite height, length, athleticism, size, and power to be a “two-way” defensive tackle. His ability as an interior disrupter would be appreciated, and his ability to defend the run is definitely valuable.

144. Indianapolis Colts - James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh (MichaelBR07)

While it may seem like a luxury pick at this point due to having Frank Gore already on the roster as well as picking up Fournette, I think this is the right call. First, we create a dynamic RB core for the future, can't always lean on Luck to win games. You need to be capable of winning with the run. Second, he gets a year to learn from a HOFer in Gore. That's unquantifiable just how important that is. Lastly, I think he's a stud and will make a great 1-2 punch with Fournette eventually.