2017 NFL mock draft: Live updates for NN community draft, round 5

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 rolling along, and have moved through the fourth round. On to round five, and the 49ers pick at No. 146 overall! I’ve posted the complete draft results at the bottom of the page. Full pick rationale for prior rounds:

Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4

145. Cleveland Browns - Joe Mathis, Edge, Wisconsin (Davidss)

Mathis has suffered through injuries and therefore is a classic "boom or bust" player at this stage of the draft. On tape Mathis is an early round pick as a pass rushing specialist. Before he was injured last year PFF had him with the 2nd best pass rush productivity from all edge players behind only Alabama's Tim Williams.

Browns picks so far: 1) Myles Garrett, 12) Mike Williams, 33) Joe Mixon, 52) Patrick Mahomes, 65) Fabian Moreau, 108) Eddie Jackson, 145) Joe Mathis

146. San Francisco 49ers - Aviante Collins, OL, TCU (Joe Montana is GOAT)

Moving to a zone based scheme under Shanahan we will need more athletic linemen, Collins is as athletic as they come. He ran a 4.81 at the combine and had 34 bench reps to his name as well. He played tackle in college but I would move him inside to guard and have him develop there. He is going to need a year or two to get stronger for the NFL but he is a interesting prospect and if he is going to succeed anywhere, it will be here.

49ers picks so far: 2) FS Malik Hooker, 34) QB DeShone Kizer, 66) WR Zay Jones, 109) WR Amara Darboh, 143) DT Carlos Watkins, 146) OL Aviante Collins

147. Chicago Bears - Elijah Lee, LB, Kansas State (Rowingdave)

148. Jacksonville Jaguars - Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson (riqv)

With Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon being the two main backs on the Jaguars roster right now, it is a pretty solid bet that the Jags will look to expand the RB depth chart in the draft. I believe Gallman has a lot of strengths that can make for great value as a fourth round pick and has the potential to be a very good complimentary back to Ivory in his rookie year. He can be a good option for short yardage plays, does pretty well in pass protection, has good hands, and can produce big plays in the open field and foot race situations. He was a bit overshadowed last year with Watson and Williams being the main focus of the Clemson offense, but he could end up being one of the better backs coming out of this deep RB class.

149. Los Angeles Rams - Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (FL) (ak4niner)

Looking for OL help, the best person on my board was Danny Isidora. He has the size and all the tangibles. Great run blocker. He does need help with technique, and picking him in this round means he can be a backup working on that. He also played solely RG in Miami, so will need additional training moving to another position. His starter potential made him too good to pass up though.

150. New York Jets - Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee (Rhardin49)

Jets in continuing need of upgrades all over the roster look for either - TE, Oline, LB or playmaker help. Chose very good looking WR Malone who brings a nice large target range, good speed and a huge upside.

151. Los Angeles Chargers - Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss (Blackout52)

The Chargers bide their time and find their QB of the future in the 5th round in Chad Kelly, a first round talent with some character and health concerns. I think this is the perfect situation for Kelly. Spending time around Phillip Rivers, whose career is quickly winding down, should help teach him how to be a pro. In 2-3 years, Kelly will be more than ready to take the reins.

Also considered: RB Joe Williams, WR Isaiah Ford, TE Pharaoh Brown

152. Carolina Panthers - Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina (BryKno)

Continuing a trend of just taking players from local colleges, the Panthers add their second receiver of the draft. Hollins is 6'4" and 221 pounds, he runs a 4.53-second 40, and is a four-year captain on special teams. Very, very raw as an offensive producer, but room to grow -- and can slide right in as a cover guy on special teams. That's pretty good for the fifth round!

Other players considered: OG Jermaine Eluemunor, Texas A&M (former Rugby player with good size and speed and potential to grow); QB Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee (solid, but not exceptional, passer -- more an athlete than thrower); OT Zach Banner, USC (Might be able to turn into the Incredible Hulk; really, really, really, really big.)

153. Cincinnati Bengals - Daeshone Hall, DE, Texas A&M (Typecast)

Fits the Bengals prototypical DE physical traits (athletically compares to Chandler Jones). Known for being highly intelligent in his knowledge/responsibilities for the entire defense. Understands how to use his size/length for leverage to get off blocks. Experienced in playing with his hand in the dirt as a 5/7/9T DE as well as a stand-up OLB. Lost some explosiveness the past two seasons bulking up to 266, but it resulted in his two best seasons as an overall player. His repertoire of pass rush moves continues to improve (as seen in the senior bowl practices). Showed his coachability this off-season by unveiling a new skating technique (aggressive boxing with opposing lineman) at the senior bowl. He may not end up being a double-digit sack type of end, but he's consistent in his ability to disrupt and production everywhere else.

Others considered: CB Howard Wilson, ILB Blair Brown, DT Jarron Jones

154. Washington - John Johnson, FS, Boston College (AzSharksFan)

Continuing my overhaul of Washington's defense I'm taking the best FS on the board here. This looks like a great class for safeties and I think in the 5^th round I was still able to get one of the better ones. I really liked other safeties that went earlier but they just didn’t seem like the best pick at the time and then they were gone by the next round so I would have loved to be able to trade up and grab one earlier. But Johnson offers a lot of athleticism and coverage skills to go with a big body so I think with some work he can become a starter at FS for Washington. I also considered OL and DL options.

155. Philadelphia Eagles - Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar (ejdrummond)

Great size and speed combination along with excellent ball skills due to his time spent at wide receiver. Very raw and relies too much on pure athleticism Issues in technique that would need to be worked out however, he is very moldable and would be a great value pick. Early on would be better suited for off man or zone schemes allowing him to keep the ball in front of him. Despite his flaws he would fit perfectly with the Eagles style of defense.

156. Buffalo Bills - Howard Wilson, CB, Houston (O Liner)

Talented CB with limited play time who i think could develop into a starter. The problem at the heart of the Bills secondary is hopefully dealt with in this draft

157. Arizona Cardinals - Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA (HarbaughalypseNow)

Willing to roll the dice on his health given the size, strength, and ability to hold the point in the run game. 7th among defensive players at combine bench press (28 reps). Calais Campbell's absence makes this a nice fit for the Cards on Day 3.

158. Indianapolis Colts - Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville (MichaelBR07)

Sleeper tight end prospect. Needed to replenish the group after chucking Allen to the Pats. Potential starter prospect

159. Baltimore Ravens - Josh Augusta, DT, Missouri (RinaldoPurrisimo)

The Ravens have 1 real need at this point and that's depth at Dline. they definitely have a type at Dline and that's extremely big men, I had a Rank order of Dalvin Tomlinson as the best Nose type in the class with Jaleel Johnson slightly below him but more versatile, then Stevie Tu'ikolavatu, and then Vanderhoes. Augusta is the worst of that group and really the last one. If he can develop athletically he could be a Ted Washington type, he's a house, he's just a giant man, but he's not the stout run defender of Stevie or the versatile athlete of Tomlinson or Johnson. In Baltimore he'll be asked to be a rotational player and maybe one day develop into a starter on the line, ideally at nose though he's a bit tall for their scheme. and Brandon Williams is now there long term. The only other need they have is more depth at the defensive back position. As well perhaps another developmental Wide Receiver prospect.

160. Minnesota Vikings - Zach Banner, OG, USC (dumpster fire fan)

The Vikings have looked to bolster their offensive line through the start of the 2017 offseason. They have acquired tackles so far, and are currently looking for a long-term option across from Alex Boone. This is where Banner comes in. He will be able to play as a reserve roll for the Vikings early, but could eventually develop into a quality-caliber starter.

161. San Francisco 49ers - Jeremy Cutrer, CB, Middle Tennessee State (Joe Montana is GOAT)

If I was Jed York I would describe Cutrer as “Rashard Robinson without the red flags.” What's better than one Rashard Robinson? Two of him!

Cutrer is a very talented player who has a good football head on his shoulders. He is aggressive and has shown the ability to play press and off. He has a good combination of height (6’2), speed (4.49 40), and and length. Sometimes he can be too aggressive, and at the next level, he will have to put on more weight. He also has a story which makes it hard not to root for him. He was left homeless by Hurricane Katrina and had to work hard in order to get to where he is at today. He’s one of my favorite sleepers.

49ers picks so far: 2) FS Malik Hooker, 34) QB DeShone Kizer, 66) WR Zay Jones, 109) WR Amara Darboh, 143) DT Carlos Watkins, 146) OL Aviante Collins, 161) CB Jeremy Cutrer

162. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - William Holden, OT, Vanderilt (BayAreaBOI)

I don't know to much about Holden. He is a big Tackle. Projected to switch to the Right Tackle position due to lack of athleticism. Standing at 6'7 and 311lbs. If he works on his fundamentals he can play at the NFL level. He has potential to become a starter but more probable would be rotational tackle. Tampa Bay needs some OL help. With this pick it would be good if he can make the team but his size makes him work a shot.

163. New England Patriots - Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina (Mertons_merkin)

The laziest comparison in all of sports is the white wide receiver that is compared to Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, and yet, here we are! I'll spare you the part where I call Switzer a "gym rat" or praise him for his "football intelligence", or any of that nonsense. The comparisons are there for obvious reasons, and there are about to be more reasons for the comparison, when the Patriots use the 19th pick in the 6th round of the draft to pick up Edelman's likely future replacement out wide, in the slot, and at punt returner.

Edelman's contract is up at the end of the season, and given where the roster is right now, and where his price tag is likely to go, it makes sense to use this moment in a draft with a lot of receiver depth to pick up a guy that has maybe been somewhat depressed in that large pool of good options.

Switzer is not Edelman. He lacks the athletic profile that Edelman had coming out. He's not that guy. What Switzer has is sudden movement skills, sharp route running, extremely good hands, and a knack for getting separation. There are folks that will peg him as a slot-only type of player, and that may be the case, but I see a bit more in him. I think his ability to break off routes so cleanly will be an advantage to him in the slot, but I also think that he stands a chance to build into a true number two threat along side Cooks down the line. The fit seems obvious, and so I'm not going to fight it. Every fan in the league would consider Switzer-to-the-Pats as the scariest (and most obvious) possible pairing... So I'm going to make that happen!

164. Tennessee Titans - Blair Brown, ILB, Ohio (GSheen)

Elite tackler. Very instinctive. Tough-nosed baller. He reminds me in many ways of Chris Borland. He can quickly diagnose a play, shoot through the gap, and finish up plays very efficiently. His pleasant combine numbers show up in the way he plays. Last season, his 59 stops including those on Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt were so Borland-like. The more you watch him, the more you wonder why he’s projected so low by analysts. Similar to Borland, Brown’s lack of prototypical size was enough for them to shoot him down the board. However, he has the technique, instincts, and aggressiveness to overcome his measurements. An absolute steal in my eyes.

165. Detroit Lions - Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia (GreatOden’sRaven)

While I was REALLY hoping Blair Brown fell to me, he went one pick too early and there was a reach for another LB. The wave of possible starters ended with Brown. So I chose a WR. The Lions have a good passing attack but not a lot in the way of speed. Marvin Jones is tall, Anquan in Anquan, but they don't really have anyone to stretch the field. Enter Gibson. He has all the tools to play on the outside, he just has a bit of the case of Alligator arms and a tendency to round off his routes. But he is FAST. He would have been a round 2 pick if he wasnt as afraid of the big hit and was sharper in his routes. Playing behind some other talented WR and getting on the field to get better should help him. With the addition of he and Perine, the Lions O should get a little bit of a burst.

Current Draft So Far: SS Jabril Peppers, DE/OLB Tim Williams, RB Samaje Perine, OG Nico Siragusa, WR Shelton Gibson

166. Miami Dolphins - Josh Harvey-Clemons, S, Louisville (Camp Frogger)

Josh Harvey-Clemons is a tall, long, and aggressive safety with a lot of red flags. He was kicked out of Georgia for multiple failed drug tests, and he only ran a 4.76 40 at his pro-day. On the bright side, he is a very interesting defensive prospect. He came out of HS as the #1 rated outside linebacker. He also has fluid hips for his size, and is never afraid to mix it up anywhere around the field. Can sometimes get lost in coverage, and that showed against Clemson. I believe he will be a terror inside the box, and would be very scary coming off of safety blitzes. He's a versatile big athlete that will help the Dolphins D.

167. New York Giants - Carroll Phillips, OLB, Illinois (86derps)

Giants add another linebacker to the team by selecting Carroll Phillips. Although he played defensive end at Illinois he has the athleticism to play OLB in the NFL. At 6’3” and 242 lbs he was able to run a 4.64 forty at the combine.

Other considerations for this pick were OLB Marquel Lee and OLB Devonte Fields.

168. Oakland Raiders - Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State (TryAndCatchVD)

In the deeper rounds, I find myself looking more to fill smaller roles & build some quality depth. Here you've got a guy that's big and fast, has a history of production, but could use some polishing of his coverage skills. At 6'2, 220, and 4.4 speed, Nicholson could easily find work playing spot duty for the aging Reggie Nelson at FS or youngster Karl Joseph at SS.

I strongly considered RB Elijah Hood to fill the role of the bruiser back vacated by Latavius, but a combination of being able to find him later plus the impending trade of Marshawn Lynch (maybe) helped me steer clear.

169. Houston Texans - Xavier Woods, SS, Louisiana Tech (TopFlightSecurity)

Looking to fill holes in the secondary once again. This guy has the flexibility that the Texans will need.

Other options: Eric Saubert TE, Conor McDermott OT, Jerod Evans QB

170. Kansas City Chiefs - Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee (JMichael39)

Back up QB is a serious need of KC and unless they sign someone late in Free Agency, they need someone.

171. Buffalo Bills - Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech (O Liner)

A speedy vertical threat who gives the Bills another weapon and is a value pick up here.

172. Green Bay Packers - Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin (HashtagMafioso)

Packers could use multiple players at a couple spots, and RB is a position I know a bit more about for guys this late in the draft. The local Madison product stays home after a bit of a disappointing past couple of seasons after a ton of hype following a line of very successful Wisconsin RBs and being the heir apparent to Melvin Gordon. Injuries and underwhelming play at times highlighted a productive but not spectacular career, however he definitely looks the part and if he can finally stay healthy while maintaining a RB2/RB3 role, he could be an important contributor that fits well into what GB looks to do on offense.

173. Pittsburgh Steelers - Devonte Fields, Edge, Louisville (Fenderfreak81)

Fields is one player I was really hoping would drop here. To me, when I watch his games he reminds me a lot of Aldon Smith. He's got similar combine measurables to Smith and Noah Spence, and I honestly believe Fields is falling further than Spence did last year largely because this is a much deeper pass rush class. Fields had three true seasons in major conference football, and two of those seasons were outstanding. He outperformed Spence in the box score by a lot and when you compare the CAREER stats of Solomon Thomas to the two best years Fields had? Well Fields had two separate SEASONS where he nearly matched Thomas' career totals for sacks and tackles for a loss.

I am not saying Fields is a better prospect than Thomas, just that his stats are better and I would risk a fifth on Fields over the second overall pick on Thomas.

Clearly stats aren't all that matter. Fields needs to add some weight, he isn't as long as Aldon, and his underwear stats don't match Solomon. Further, Fields took far too many plays off and he's a huge off field risk. Those are reasons he fell here and likely falls to the fourth in the real draft. He was projected by many as a first rounder coming into the season but Fields put together a meh senior year to stack on top of off field issues and effort problems. All that spells a guy who is not worth risking an early round pick, but who is more than worth the risk here. If he puts it together and keeps his head on, I think he could average 8-12 sacks a year for several years.

174. Atlanta Falcons - Tedric Thompson, S, Colorado (wiseguy545)

Ballhawking safety in the single-high centerfielder mold. Good size for the position and has experience playing both safety positions and come slot corner as well. Needs to work on attack angles and can get baited into misdirection, but has potential to develop into a solid player.

175. Cleveland Browns - Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State (Davidss)

This is a BPA pick as well as a need. The Browns have a strong nose tackle in Phil> Taylor but could use an upgrade at 3 technique. Taylor plays a little high, but offers nice pass rushing upside. At worst, he is a rotation tackle.

Browns picks so far: Myles Garrett, Mike Williams, Joe Mixon, Patrick Mahomes, Fabian Moreau, Eddie Jackson, Joe Mathis

176. Cincinnati Bengals - Brad Seaton, OT, Villanova (Typecast)

Mountainous frame (6'8 320) with decent agility/athleticism and the ability to hold up against those power rushers in the pros. While the Bengals try to sort out the mess that is there tackle situation, coaches can work on getting Seaton up to NFL standards with speeding up his footwork and improving his hand technique when engaging.

Others considered: OT Connor McDermott, WR Robert Davis, CB Brian Allen

177. Denver Broncos - Jarron Jones, DL, Notre Dame (Jonas Lima)

Jones played NT at Notre Dame but he fit as well as a 3-4 DE, this versatility brings value to a team like the broncos who needs depth at the Defensive Line. He's too inconsistent but when you the best of him he simply demolishes the interior of the offensive line. If you can bring to a consistent level his best moments you have a pro bowler.

178. Miami Dolphins - Josh Carraway, Edge, TCU (Camp Frogger)

179. Arizona Cardinals - Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas (HarbaughalypseNow)

Wise, along with 5th rounder Eddie Vanderdoes, present Arizona with high upside depth along their post-Calais Campbell defensive line. Wise has coveted length, hand size, and upper body power to win at the 5-tech and 3-tech positions.

Lack of experience and quick-twitch athleticism may put teams off. But he should be able to develop more pass rush moves and better eye discipline. The last two picks (Vanderdoes and Wise) have given AZ two big hunks of clay to mold. I like the chances of one or both of these guys becoming solid rotational pieces, with upside for more.

180. Kansas City Chiefs - Joe Williams, RB, Utah (JMichael39)

Kansas City can use some help with Running Backs. Joe Williams is one of the best in College. He proved it in Utah's bowl game. The problem with Williams, in the eyes of GMs is his commitment to the game. Williams retired from football for awhile, leaving Utes in desperation without him. His return was stupendous, but the incident left a glaring scar on his character. If the Chiefs get the Joe Williams who played in Utah's bowl game, this is a steal. If not, well, it's a fifth rounder, nothing too much to lose.

181. Cleveland Browns - Delano Hill, SS, Michigan (Davidss)

Hill is a new wave strong safety who excels in coverage. Ask any Michigan fan and all will agree he is better in coverage than Jabrill Peppers. Hill can play in a two deep look, cover slot WR's/TE's and play in the box. While is not a "big hitter" his versatility sets him apart. He also pairs well with earlier Browns safety pick Eddie Jackson; who is a true center field safety.

Browns previous picks: Myles Garret, Mike Williams, Joe Mixon, Patrick Mahomes, Fabian Moreau, Eddie Jackson, Joe Mathis, Vincent Taylor.

182. Green Bay Packers - Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State (HashtagMafioso)

Another BPA pick as Green Bay takes the small school pass catcher who is a near-SPARQ clone of Julio Jones - if he comes away as a quarter of the player Julio is, the Packers will have a hit this late into the draft

183. New England Patriots - Ejuan Price, Edge, Pittsburgh (Mertons_merkin)

I said when I picked up Brian Hill in the 4th that I was looking to the future in New England, and that I might not be done picking up edge rushers. Well, I'm back. And I'm taking Rob Ninkovich's replacement for the Patriots.

If you don't have a draft crush at this late stage in the draft process, may I suggest Ejuan Price? He's this year's Rudy. He's undersized, he's been hampered by injuries, and when he's been on the field, he has absolutely destroyed the competition. He bends the edge better than any 5'11" guy has any right to even attempt to do, but he tends to win in the pass rush with twitch, speed, and moving straight ahead. And he does "win" in the pass rush very, very frequently. For his career, Price averages .67 sacks per game, and 1.17 tackles for loss per game. Those numbers are very, very good. He's most often compared to James Harrison. He lacks that strength, but he has the same size, and he has a shot to be similarly disruptive. Low man wins, and at 5'11" he will always be the low man. Add in the looooong 32 inch wingspan and the stout 246 lb weigh in, and you have a unique bowling ball with reach coming at you each down.

Why does he make sense? I picked up DeMarcus Walker in the late 3rd round to make up for the lack of pass rush the Patriots were faced with at times last season. He's also an important pick because this is the last year the Patriots will have both Kony Ealy and Trey Flowers will be under contract. Best player gets paid to win titles in New England. Loser walks into a decent contract in free agency, and Walker takes over from there.

But the Patriots have another issue, and that is that Rob Ninkovich is 33 years old. Ninkovich is one of the more unheralded players in the NFL, assuming any player for the Patriots (with that loud-mouthed fan base) can be unheralded. If you want to understand why the Pats were underpowered in the pass rush early in the season last year, I'd say it was directly attributable to Ninkovich's 4 game drug suspension, along with a tricep tear he suffered during camp. He's a key player for the Patriots, and they didn't have any real replacement for him last season.

In 2014, Ninkovich posted the highest percentage of snaps played for a defensive player on his team with over 95% of the snaps. In 2015 that number dropped to 93%... Still not too shabby. Last season, he was only able to play in those 12 games due to suspension. At 33 years old, and with one more season left on his contract, it's clear that it's time to find a player that while not as impactful, or nearly as versatile, can contribute to the Patriots as a disruptive force and play standing, or with his hand in the dirt. Price is that player.

184. Miami Dolphins - Brian Allen, CB, Utah (Camp Frogger)