2017 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Under-the-Radar 1st-Round Prospects

Draft chatter is still in its infancy as college bowl season presses on and the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion, which means much of the prospect-specific focus to this point has centered on the 2017 class' most dynamic talents. 

But with many deep position groups emerging, it's worth taking some time to break down a few prospects who are flying under the radar as 2017 approaches. 

Without further ado, here's an updated first-round mock draft with a focus on potential NFL difference-makers who deserve more hype.

As a brief housekeeping note, keep in mind the order projected below is based on standings and records through Week 16. Additionally, teams that qualify for the postseason will comprise selection Nos. 21 through 32 and will not be officially slotted into the order until play gets underway. 

Pick	Team	Player/Position	School
1	Cleveland Browns	Myles Garrett, DE	Texas A&M
2	San Francisco 49ers	Reuben Foster, LB	Alabama
3	Chicago Bears	Jonathan Allen, DL	Alabama
4	Jacksonville Jaguars	Quincy Wilson, CB	Florida
5	Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)	Jamal Adams, S	LSU
6	New York Jets	Mitch Trubisky, QB	North Carolina
7	San Diego Chargers	Ryan Ramczyk, OT	Wisconsin
8	Cincinnati Bengals	Derek Barnett, DE	Tennessee
9	Carolina Panthers	Leonard Fournette, RB	LSU
10	Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia)	DeShone Kizer, QB	Notre Dame
11	Arizona Cardinals	Tim Williams, OLB	Alabama
12	Buffalo Bills	Cam Robinson, OT	Alabama
13	Indianapolis Colts	Dalvin Cook, RB	Florida State
14	New Orleans Saints	Jabrill Peppers, S	Michigan
15	Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)	Mike Williams, WR	Clemson
16	Tennessee Titans	Corey Davis, WR	Western Michigan
17	Baltimore Ravens	Jalen Tabor, CB	Florida
18	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	John Ross, WR	Washington
19	Denver Broncos	O.J. Howard, TE	Alabama
20	Washington Redskins	Montravius Adams, DL	Auburn
21	Houston Texans	Deshaun Watson, QB	Clemson
22	Green Bay Packers	Christian McCaffrey, RB	Stanford
23	Detroit Lions	Sidney Jones, CB	Washington
24	Seattle Seahawks	Caleb Brantley, DL	Florida
25	Miami Dolphins	Takkarist McKinley, DE	UCLA
26	New York Giants	Gareon Conley, CB	Ohio State
27	Pittsburgh Steelers	Malik McDowell, DL	Michigan State
28	Kansas City Chiefs	Carl Lawson, DE	Auburn
29	Atlanta Falcons	Harold Landry, DE	Boston College
30	Oakland Raiders	Desmond King, CB	Iowa
31	Dallas Cowboys	Charle Harris, DE	Missouri
32	New England Patriots	Ryan Anderson, OLB	Alabama

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

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Tight ends don't typically garner copious amounts of buzz in NFL draft circles, but Alabama's O.J. Howard is worth getting excited about. 

Although the 6'6", 251-pound senior wrecking ball has tallied just six receiving touchdowns and 1,576 yards from scrimmage during his four years with the Crimson Tide, Howard has the size and speed to slot in as a prototypical field-stretching force at the next level. 

"Howard has all of the tools to be an elite player at his position," NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah wrote. "He's big, explosive and versatile. He can play with his hand on the ground, as an H-back or even split out wide. He is a matchup nightmare for linebackers because of his speed, and he has a major size advantage over secondary defenders."

Based on those qualities, Howard would be a natural fit for the Denver Broncos—who would benefit immensely from adding a seam-stretcher who could deflect attention away from wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.

With the Broncos searching for a concrete offensive identity as they try to determine whether Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch is their signal-caller of the future, Howard could help ease the transition and serve as a topnotch safety blanket for years to come. 

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Clemson's Mike Williams, Oklahoma's Dede Westbrook and Washington's John Ross have all received praise in college football's top wide receiver conversation this season, but Western Michigan's Corey Davis may be the best of the bunch. 

During the Broncos' undefeated regular season, Davis posted 91 receptions for 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns as he ripped off 15.7 yards per catch.

When it comes to the skill set that differentiates him from his peers, it's all about tactical refinement. 

"Davis combines nifty route running with good body control and after-the-catch ability," Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo wrote. "He projects as a strong intermediate threat, capable of separating on dig and comeback routes while sneaking behind the defense at times more due to his route running than his speed."

Considering he's a complete and experienced prospect who can make an immediate impact, Davis should be one of the Tennessee Titans' top targets in the middle of the first round.

The up-and-coming Titans have proved throughout the 2016 season that they have the running game to grind things out and compete with the toughest opponents, but a more potent aerial attack would do wonders for their offensive balance.

Enter Davis, who would represent a seamless fit in a depleted receiving corps that's leaned on Rishard Matthews, Harry Douglas, Tajae Sharpe and Kendall Wright.

With Davis in tow, quarterback Marcus Mariota could finally have the No. 1 target he needs to help the Titans make a leap of substantial proportions.

Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

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Washington Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones tallied only two interceptions during his junior season, but don't let that number overshadow what he brings to the table on a weekly basis. 

The Diamond Bar, California, native is a polished shutdown presence on the outside, and his composure has allowed him to vault up draft boards during the Huskies' run to the College Football Playoff.

"You have to be one with yourself mentally to know that you can react properly and get the job done," Washington defensive back Kevin King said, per the Seattle Times' Percy Allen. "That's something that Sidney does real well. He's real patient. He has trust in himself and he trusts his ability."

That approach should ingratiate Jones to teams during the predraft process, and the Detroit Lions would be wise to take notice.

Although they've been decent against the pass this season, the Lions could benefit from adding a reliable and fundamentally sound corner opposite Darius Slay.

"He mixes in a variety of techniques (press, bail and off) in coverage yet is rarely out of position when the ball is thrown in his area," NFL.com's Bucky Brooks wrote of Jones. "He maintains hip-pocket positioning on receivers down the field but also flashes the explosiveness to close quickly out of his breaks on short and intermediate routes."

Washington's top corner may not generate as much hype as Florida's Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor, but he represents a high-floor selection who has long-term starting potential in the NFL. 

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.