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2017 NFL Draft Big Board: Matt Miller's Midseason Rankings

Matt MillerNov 9, 2016

America cast votes Tuesday for the highest offices in the land after months of harsh debate and fierce fights. If you think the Facebook comments from your crazy uncle were something, wait until you see what people have to say about where their favorite college football players are ranked. 

Breaking down the top 750-plus draft-eligible players in the country is no easy task, especially by early November. Now that we can expect 75 or more underclassmen to join the draft each season, that job gets harder as we're pushed to identify the top candidates early. You don't want to be the one draft analyst leaving out a top redshirt sophomore, after all. 

The list you'll see here is based on my own scouting compared with the notes of NFL scouts and general managers I've spoken with this season. This is not a final prediction or ranking—in fact, most of my work remains to be done between now and the April draft. But in the interim, this list should serve as a stock watch illustrating where players should be ranked, according to my evaluations and scouting opinions shared with me by NFL teams.

Top 50 Overall Players

1 of 13

Here are the top 50 players for the 2017 NFL draft.

2017 Top 50 Players
RankPlayerSchoolPos.
1Myles GarrettTexas A&MEDGE
2Leonard Fournette LSURB 
3Jonathan Allen Alabama DL 
4Reuben Foster Alabama LB 
5Jabrill Peppers Michigan 
6Jamal Adams LSU 
7Mike Williams Clemson WR 
8Quincy Wilson Florida CB 
9Dalvin Cook FSU RB 
10DeShone Kizer Notre Dame QB 
11Mitch Trubisky UNC QB 
12Derek Barnett Tennessee EDGE 
13Deshaun Watson Clemson QB 
14Dawuane Smoot Illinois EDGE 
15Malik McDowell Michigan State DL 
16Gareon Conley Ohio State CB 
17Christian McCaffrey Stanford RB 
18Malik Hooker Ohio State 
19Jalen Tabor Florida CB 
20Tim Williams Alabama EDGE 
21Brad Kaaya Miami (FL) QB 
22Cam Robinson Alabama OT 
23Ryan Anderson Alabama EDGE 
24Zach Cunningham Vanderbilt LB 
25Ryan Ramczyk Wisconsin OT 
26O.J. Howard Alabama TE 
27Takkarist McKinley UCLA EDGE 
28Charles Harris Missouri EDGE 
29Sidney Jones Washington CB 
30Carl Lawson Auburn EDGE 
31D'Onta Foreman Texas RB 
32Corey Davis Western Michigan WR 
33Marshon Lattimore Ohio State CB 
34Solomon Thomas Stanford EDGE 
35Charles Walker Oklahoma DL 
36John Ross Washington WR 
37Dan FeeneyIndianaOG 
38Justin Evans Texas A&M
39Raekwon McMillanOhio StateLB 
40Jarrad DavisFloridaLB 
41JuJu Smith-Schuster USCWR 
42Jourdan LewisMichiganCB 
43Desmond KingIowaCB 
44Caleb BrantleyFloridaDL 
45Jake ButtMichiganTE 
46Bucky HodgesVirginia TechTE 
47Patrick MahomesTexas TechQB 
48Marcus MayeFlorida
49Quenton NelsonNotre Dame OG 
50Chris WormleyMichiganDL 

Quarterbacks

2 of 13

Biggest Riser: Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

Biggest Faller: Chad Kelly, Ole Miss

Most NFL-Ready: Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Best Arm: Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

Best Runner: Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Best Potential: DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame

Biggest Question Mark: Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina (inexperience)

Biggest Sleeper: Davis Webb, California

2017 Quarterback Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1DeShone Kizer Notre Dame 
2Mitch Trubisky UNC 
3Deshaun Watson Clemson 
4Brad Kaaya Miami (FL) 
5Patrick MahomesTexas Tech
6Luke FalkWashington State
7Mason RudolphOklahoma State 
8Davis Webb California 
9C.J. Beathard Iowa 
10Cooper Rush Central Michigan 
11Seth Russell Baylor 
12Brady Gustafson Montana 
13Mitch Leidner Minnesota 
14Trevor Knight Texas A&M 
15Chad Kelly Ole Miss 
16Baker Mayfield Oklahoma 
17Wes Lunt Illinois 

Running Backs

3 of 13

Biggest Riser: Jeremy McNichols, Boise State

Biggest Faller: Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

Most NFL-Ready: Leonard Fournette, LSU

Best Third-Down Back: Dalvin Cook, FSU

Best Speed: Khalfani Muhammad, California

Best Power: Leonard Fournette, LSU

Best Potential: Leonard Fournette, LSU

Biggest Question Mark: Nick Chubb, Georgia

Biggest Sleeper: Brian Hill, Wyoming

2017 Running Back Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Leonard Fournette LSU 
2Dalvin Cook FSU 
3Christian McCaffrey Stanford 
4D'Onta Foreman Texas 
5Joe MixonOklahoma
6Alvin KamaraTennessee
7Royce Freeman Oregon 
8Nick Chubb Georgia 
9Wayne Gallman Clemson 
10Samaje Perine Oklahoma 
11Jeremy McNichols Boise State 
12Tarean Folston Notre Dame 
13Corey Clement Wisconsin 
14Donnel Pumphrey San Diego State 
15Elijah Hood North Carolina 
16Kareem Hunt Toledo  
17Marlon Mack South Florida 
18Brian Hill Wyoming 
19Elijah McGuire UL Lafayette 
20De'Veon Smith Michigan 
21Matthew Dayes NC State 
22Jahad Thomas Temple 
23De'Angelo Henderson Coastal Carolina 
24Justin Davis USC 
25Shock Linwood Baylor 
26Chris Carson Oklahoma State 

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Wide Receivers

4 of 13

Biggest Riser: Corey Davis, Western Michigan

Biggest Faller: Jehu Chesson, Michigan

Most NFL-Ready: Mike Williams, Clemson

Best Boundary Receiver: Mike Williams, Clemson

Best Slot Receiver: John Ross, Washington

Best Hands: Zay Jones, East Carolina

Best Route-Runner: Corey Davis, Western Michigan

Best Potential: Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech

Biggest Question Mark: JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC (scheme)

Biggest Sleeper: Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

2017 Wide Receiver Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Mike Williams Clemson 
2Corey Davis Western Michigan 
3John Ross Washington 
4JuJu Smith-Schuster USC 
5Isaiah Ford Virginia Tech 
6James WashingtonOklahoma State
7Fred Ross Mississippi State 
8Cooper Kupp Eastern Washington 
9Dede WestbrookOklahoma 
10Artavis Scott Clemson 
11Zay Jones East Carolina 
12Jehu Chesson Michigan 
13Amara Darboh Michigan 
14Ryan Switzer North Carolina 
15Travis Rudolph FSU 
16Malachi Dupre LSU 
17Darren Carrington II Oregon 
18Stacy Coley Miami (FL) 
19James Quick Louisville 
20Travin Dural LSU 
21Damore'ea Stringfellow Ole Miss 
22Amba Etta-Tawo Syracuse 
23Taywan Taylor Western Kentucky 
24Josh Reynolds Texas A&M
25Corey Smith Ohio State 
26Billy Brown Shepherd
27Quincy Adeboyejo Ole Miss 
28Kenny Golladay Northern Illinois 
29Gabe Marks Washington State 
30Zach Pascal Old Dominion 
31Devonte Boyd UNLV 
32Mack Hollins North Carolina 
33Greg Ward Jr. Houston 

Tight Ends

5 of 13

Biggest Riser: Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

Biggest Faller: None

Most NFL-Ready: Jake Butt, Michigan

Best Slot Tight End: O.J. Howard, Alabama

Best Hands: O.J. Howard, Alabama

Best Route-Runner: Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

Best Blocker: George Kittle, Iowa

Best Power: Jake Butt, Michigan

Biggest Question Mark: O.J. Howard, Alabama (production)

Biggest Sleeper: Gerald Everett, South Alabama

2017 Tight End Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1O.J. Howard Alabama 
2Jake Butt Michigan 
3Bucky Hodges Virginia Tech 
4Evan Engram Ole Miss 
5Jordan Leggett Clemson 
6Jeremy Sprinkle Arkansas 
7Blake Jarwin Oklahoma State 
8Cole Hikutini Louisville 
9Pharaoh Brown Oregon 
10Josiah Price Michigan State 
11Gerald Everett South Alabama 
12Darrell Daniels Washington 
13George Kittle Iowa 
14Phazahn Odom Fordham 
15Eric Saubert Drake 
16Barrett Burns Appalachian State 
17Jonnu Smith Florida International 

Offensive Tackles

6 of 13

Biggest Riser: Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

Biggest Faller: Avery Gennesy, Texas A&M

Most NFL-Ready: Cam Robinson, Alabama

Best Run-Blocker: Cam Robinson, Alabama

Best Pass-Blocker: Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

Best Potential: Cam Robinson, Alabama

Biggest Question Mark: Roderick Johnson, FSU

Biggest Sleeper: Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

2017 Offensive Tackle Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Cam RobinsonAlabama 
2Ryan RamczykWisconsin 
3Eric Magnuson Michigan 
4Roderick Johnson FSU 
5Adam Bisnowaty Pittsburgh 
6Chad Wheeler USC 
7Taylor Moton Western Michigan 
8Conor McDermott UCLA 
9Avery Gennesy Texas A&M 
10Dion Dawkins Temple 
11Julie'n Davenport Bucknell 
12J.J. Dielman Utah 
13Dan Skipper Arkansas 
14Jon Heck North Carolina 
15Jonah Pirsig Minnesota 
16Clint Van Horn Marshall 
17Levon Myers Northern Illinois 
18Cole Croston Iowa 
19Andreas Knappe Connecticut 
20Kent Perkins Texas 

Offensive Guards

7 of 13

Biggest Riser: Dan Feeney, Indiana

Biggest Faller: Greg Pyke, Georgia

Most NFL-Ready: Dan Feeney, Indiana

Best Run-Blocker: Billy Price, Ohio State

Best Pass-Blocker: Dan Feeney, Indiana 

Best Potential: Dan Feeney, Indiana

Biggest Question Mark: Zach Banner, USC

Biggest Sleeper: Dorian Johnson, Pitt

2017 Offensive Guard Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Dan FeeneyIndiana 
2Quenton Nelson Notre Dame 
3Billy Price Ohio State 
4Dorian Johnson Pittsburgh 
5Zach Banner USC 
6Tyrone Crowder Clemson 
7Johnny Caspers Stanford 
8Damien Mama USC 
9Nico Siragusa San Diego St. 
10Greg Pyke Georgia 
11Sean Harlow Oregon State 
12Isaac Asiata Utah
13Jessamen Dunker Tennessee State
14Caleb Peterson North Carolina
15Kyle Kalis Michigan
16Danny Isidora Miami (FL)
17Cameron Lee Illinois State
18Chase Roullier Wyoming 

Centers

8 of 13

Biggest Riser: Mason Cole, Michigan

Biggest Faller: None

Most NFL-Ready: Ethan Pocic, LSU

Best Run-Blocker: Mason Cole, Michigan

Best Pass-Blocker: Pat Elflein, Ohio State 

Best Potential: Mason Cole, Michigan

Biggest Question Mark: Deyshawn Bond, Cincinnati

Biggest Sleeper: Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia

2017 Center Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Ethan Pocic LSU 
2Pat Elflein Ohio State 
3Mason Cole Michigan 
4Tyler Orlosky West Virginia 
5Kyle Fuller Baylor 
6Deyshawn Bond Cincinnati 
7Jon Toth Kentucky 
8Cameron Tom Southern Miss. 
9Lucas Crowley North Carolina 
10Jay Guillermo Clemson 

Defensive Linemen

9 of 13

Biggest Riser: Charles Walker, Oklahoma

Biggest Faller: Isaac Rochell, Notre Dame

Most NFL-Ready: Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Best Run-Stopper: Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Best Nose Tackle: Elijah Qualls, Washington

Best 3-4 Defensive End: Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Best 3-Technique: Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Best Pass-Rusher: Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Best Potential: Malik McDowell, Michigan State

Biggest Question Mark: Malik McDowell, Michigan State (effort)

Biggest Sleeper: Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA

2017 Defensive Lineman Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Jonathan AllenAlabama
2Malik McDowell Michigan State 
3Charles Walker Oklahoma 
4Caleb Brantley Florida 
5Chris Wormley Michigan 
6Elijah Qualls Washington 
7Montravius Adams Auburn 
8Lowell Lotulelei Utah 
9Carlos Watkins Clemson 
10Jarron Jones Notre Dame 
11Vita Vea Washington 
12Taco Charlton Michigan 
13Jake Replogle Purdue 
14Eddie Vanderdoes UCLA 
15Ryan Glasgow Michigan 
16Jaleel Johnson Iowa 
17Derrick Nnadi Florida State 
18Larry Ogunjobi Charlotte 
19Davon Godchaux LSU 
20D.J. Jones Ole Miss 
21DeAngelo Brown Louisville 
22Isaac Rochell Notre Dame 
23Ralph Green III Indiana 
24Tanoh Kpassagnon Villanova 
25Tanzel Smart Tulane 
26Treyvon Hester Toledo 
27Chunky Clements Illinois 
28Dalvin Tomlinson Alabama 
29Josh Tupou Colorado 
30Devaroe Lawrence Auburn 

EDGE Rushers

10 of 13

Biggest Riser: Ryan Anderson, Alabama

Biggest Faller: Devonte Fields, Louisville

Most NFL-Ready: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Best Run-Stopper: Jordan Willis, Kansas State

Best 4-3 Defensive End: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Best 3-4 Outside Linebacker: Tim Williams, Alabama

Best Pass-Rusher: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Best Potential: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Biggest Question Mark: Carl Lawson, Auburn (health)

Biggest Sleeper: Jordan Willis, Kansas State

2017 Edge Defender Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Myles Garrett Texas A&M
2Derek Barnett Tennessee 
3Dawuane Smoot Illinois 
4Tim Williams Alabama 
5Ryan Anderson Alabama 
6Takkarist McKinley UCLA 
7Charles Harris Missouri 
8Carl Lawson Auburn 
9Solomon Thomas Stanford 
10DeMarcus Walker FSU 
11Devonte Fields Louisville 
12Marquis Haynes Ole Miss 
13Dante Booker Ohio State 
14Daeshon Hall Texas A&M 
15Ejuan Price Pittsburgh 
16Tyquan Lewis Ohio State 
17Bryan Cox Florida 
18Jordan Willis Kansas State 
19Davis Bellamy Georgia 
20Matt Milano Boston College 
21Josh Carraway TCU 
22Keionta Davis Chattanooga 
23Dylan Cole Missouri State 
24Joe Mathis Washington 
25Derek Rivers Youngstown State 
26James Onwualu Notre Dame 
27Deatrich Wise Jr. Arkansas 
28Tyus Bowser Houston 
29Calvin Munson San Diego State 
30Psalm Wooching Washington 
31Noble Nwachukwu West Virginia 
32Torrodney Prevot Oregon 
33Lewis Neal LSU 
34Joshua Posley Ball State 
35Paul Magloire Jr. Arizona 
36Deon Hollins UCLA 
37Tarell Basham Ohio 
38Kylie Fitts Utah 
39Jordan Burton Oklahoma State 
40Brandon Bell Penn State 
41Ken Ekanem Virginia Tech 

Linebackers

11 of 13

Biggest Riser: Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

Biggest Faller: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee (injury)

Most NFL-Ready: Reuben Foster, Alabama

Best Weak-Side Linebacker: Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

Best Strong-Side Linebacker: Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

Best Inside Linebacker: Reuben Foster, Alabama

Best Run-Stopper: Reuben Foster, Alabama

Best Pass-Rusher: Reuben Foster, Alabama

Best Pass Coverage: Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

Best Potential: Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

Biggest Question Mark: Haason Reddick, Temple (size)

Biggest Sleeper: Azeem Victor, Washington

2017 Linebacker Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Reuben Foster Alabama
2Zach Cunningham Vanderbilt 
3Raekwon McMillan Ohio State 
4Jarrad Davis Florida 
5Anthony Walker Northwestern 
6Haason Reddick Temple 
7Kendell Beckwith LSU 
8Steven Taylor Houston 
9Azeem Victor Washington 
10Jalen Reeves-Maybin Tennessee 
11Vince Biegel Wisconsin 
12Keith Kelsey Louisville 
13Hardy Nickerson Illinois 
14Riley Bullough Michigan State 
15Tanner Vallejo Boise State 
16Ben Boulware Clemson 
17Connor Harris Lindenwood 
18Kevin Davis Colorado St. 

Cornerbacks

12 of 13

Biggest Riser: Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado

Biggest Faller: Adoree' Jackson, USC

Most NFL-Ready: Quincy Wilson, Florida

Best Slot Cornerback: Jourdan Lewis, Michigan

Best Man Coverage: Quincy Wilson, Florida

Best Zone Coverage: Desmond King, Iowa

Best Potential: Quincy Wilson, Florida

Biggest Question Mark: Fabian Moreau, UCLA

Biggest Sleeper: Kevin King, Washington

2017 Cornerback Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Quincy Wilson Florida 
2Gareon Conley Ohio State 
3Jalen Tabor Florida 
4Sidney Jones Washington 
5Marshon Lattimore Ohio State 
6Jourdan Lewis Michigan 
7Desmond King Iowa 
8Tre'Davious White LSU 
9Marlon Humphrey Alabama 
10Cordrea Tankersley Clemson 
11Chidobe Awuzie Colorado 
12Corn Elder Miami (FL) 
13Adoree' Jackson USC 
14Cameron Sutton Tennessee 
15Marquez White FSU 
16Kevin King Washington 
17Brandon Facyson Virginia Tech 
18Jordan Thomas Oklahoma 
19Cole Luke Notre Dame 
20Ed Paris LSU 
21Damontae Kazee San Diego St. 
22Channing Stribling Michigan 
23Fabian Moreau UCLA 
24Jalen Myrick Minnesota 
25Des Lawrence North Carolina 
26Jeremy Cutrer Middle Tennessee 
27Ashton Lampkin Oklahoma St.  
28William Likely III Maryland 
29Brendan Langley Lamar (TX) 
30Breon Borders Duke 
31Brad Watson Wake Forest 
32Ahkello Witherspoon Colorado 
33Jack Tocho NC State 
34Greg Mabin Iowa 
35Treston Decoud Oregon State 
36Sojourn Shelton Wisconsin 

Safeties

13 of 13

Biggest Riser: Marcus Maye, Florida

Most NFL-Ready: Jamal Adams, LSU

Best Coverage: Malik Hooker, Ohio State

Best Strong Safety: Jamal Adams, LSU

Best Free Safety: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Best Hybrid Defender: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Best Run-Stopper: Jamal Adams, LSU

Best Potential: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Biggest Question Mark: Eddie Jackson, Alabama (injury)

Biggest Sleeper: Armani Watts, Texas A&M

2017 Safety Rankings
RankPlayerSchool
1Jabrill Peppers Michigan 
2Jamal Adams LSU 
3Malik Hooker Ohio State 
4Justin Evans Texas A&M 
5Marcus Maye Florida 
6Marcus Williams Utah 
7Armani Watts Texas A&M 
8Budda Baker Washington 
9Josh Harvey-Clemons Louisville 
10Quin Blanding Virginia 
11Eddie Jackson Alabama 
12Lorenzo Jerome Saint Francis (PA) 
13Johnathan Ford Auburn 
14David Jones Richmond 
15Tony Conner Ole Miss 
16Nathan Gerry Nebraska 
17John Johnson Boston College 
18Xavier Woods Louisiana Tech 
19Randall Goforth UCLA 
20Demetrious Cox Michigan State 
21Ahmad Thomas Oklahoma
22Dominick Sanders Georgia
23Nate Andrews Florida State 
24Weston Steelhammer Air Force 
25Orion Stewart Baylor 
26Rayshawn Jenkins Miami (FL) 
27Damarius Travis Minnesota 
28Quincy Mauger Georgia 
29Tedric Thompson Colorado 
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