2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions and Prospects to Watch

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NFL Scouting Combine workouts continue to shape draft projections. On Saturday, the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends hit the field, and they didn’t disappoint. 

Washington wide receiver John Ross ran a record-breaking 4.22 40-yard dash time to unseat running back Chris Johnson as the fastest straight-line runner in the NFL. He spoke openly about aiming for the mark, per Seattle Times reporter Bob Condotta, and delivered on his first attempt.

Unfortunately, Ross cramped up and couldn’t finish the on-field drills. He also wore Nikes instead of Adidas shoes, which cost him an island as a record-holder. Nonetheless, the national spotlight will certainly bump his draft placement upward a few slots. 

As a group, the quarterbacks loosened up quickly and allowed their natural talents to shine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mitchell Trubisky, who prefers the full version of his name, didn’t resemble a one-year starter with raw mechanics. He alternated good throws with Clemson product Deshaun Watson during the passing drills. 

In the finale, the tight ends came out and stole the show. Spectators expected Alabama prospect O.J. Howard to impress, but Mississippi tight end Evan Engram added value to his stock with a 4.42 40 time and wide receiver-like catching ability.

How far does each combine standout surge up draft boards on April 27?

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Mitchell Trubisky Becomes the No. 1 overall pick 

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During the NFL Network telecast, broadcaster and draft analyst Mike Mayock expressed uneasiness about selecting a quarterback with only one year of starting experience in the first round. Nonetheless, a team that needs a franchise passer and wants a specific signal-caller in the draft shouldn’t hesitate to claim the prospect.

Before the combine, the Browns placed Trubisky on their radar as a potential No. 1 overall pick, per Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter May Kay Cabot.

The Browns are strongly considering drafting hometown boy Mitch Trubisky No. 1 overall, league sources tell cleveland.com.

One top NFL personnel executive told cleveland.com Thursday that he'd definitely take Trubisky No. 1 now that he measured over 6-1.

As a hometown prospect, Trubisky going to the Browns almost feels like Akron native, LeBron James, walking across the stage as the No. 1 overall pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Of course, most basketball aficionados knew James would blossom into a Hall of Famer. The North Carolina quarterback still has much to prove in his young career. 

On Saturday, Trubisky looked confident throwing the deep ball, showed athleticism when he ran a 4.67 40-time and displayed good throwing mechanics. He didn’t fall flat in any of the drills, which should hold the Browns’ interest in taking him No. 1 overall, based on Cabot’s sources.

Philadelphia Eagles Draft 40-Time King, John Ross 

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Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller outlined Ross as a wide receiver with a bright future before he set the ground at Lucas Oil Stadium ablaze with a 4.22 40-time: 

In his final year of college, Ross became one of the best players in the nation. His explosive yards-after-catch ability and skills as a deep threat were a perfect match for quarterback Jake Browning. The two connected on 81 passes for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns in an offense designed to give Ross room to run. Once he has that, he’s gone.

CBS Sports rankings already listed Ross as a first-round draft choice. Most analysts ranked Clemson’s Mike Williams and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis as the top two prospects at the position. Despite only participating in the 40-yard dash, the Washington standout's brief impact puts him in the conversation as the best all-round talent at his position.

It’s said that coaches can’t teach speed. When Ross took off from his mark, he effortlessly cruised into the record books. The Philadelphia Eagles need a complement to Dorial Green-Beckham, a 6’5”, 237-pound pass-catcher and possession wideout Jordan Matthews. It’s time to turn the page on wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who entered the league as the No. 20 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Ross could become what Agholor failed to develop into over the past two seasons.

New York Giants Add Top Tight End

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The New York Giants must squeeze the best out of quarterback Eli Manning as he enters his 14th season in the league. Tight end Larry Donnell will hit the free-agent market. Over the past two seasons, Will Tye rose to the starting spot due to Donnell’s injuries. He’s a good player at the position, but he’s not a dynamic game-changer like Howard.

The Giants may consider Engram as an oversized receiver, but Howard offers better blocking ability on the edge. Due to the Giants’ faulty pass protection on the perimeter, a 6’6”, 251-pound tight end, who can block and run down the seam on pass routes makes more sense for big blue.

Engram’s impressive combine performance blacked out Howard, who’s been the No. 1 prospect at the position. However, the Giants shouldn't allow flashy workout numbers overshadow four years of good tape and a combine performance to verify the film.

Furthermore, New York could fully utilize Howard’s receiving skills as the No. 3 option behind wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard.

Stats provided by Sports-Reference.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.

Combine results provided by: NFL.com.

Official height and weight measurements provided by: NFL.com and PhiladelphiaEagles.com.