The first round of the 2017 NFL Draft has officially come to a close and 32 players now have a new home. But what about all the players who remain? What about those who unexpectedly fell? And just how far will those with question-mark players continue to fall?
Each of those are legitimate questions that will be debated over the next 24 hours, so we figured we’d get an immediate jump-start on it.
Here’s a look at the 10 best players remaining in the draft.
10. Tyus Bowser (Linebacker, Houston)
As the draft neared, the stock of Tyus Bowser seemed to soar. However, his ceiling was hit just prior to entering the first round. Because there were several other talented linebackers and versatile edge defenders, Bowser got bumped just outside of the top 32 and now provides excellent potential value for a team in Round 2.
Bowser had 8.5 tackles in eight games as a senior, following a junior season in which he racked up 5.5 sacks. One issue teams could have with Bowser has to do with his character. He missed time last season after injuring himself following a fight with a teammate.
Someone is still going to get a solid linebacker in Bowser, who isn’t likely to fall much further.
9. Malik McDowell (Defensive Line, Michigan State)
It’s awkward to be one of the final players left sitting in the Green Room, especially when Round 1 ends and you know you’ve got to return for Day 2.
Despite some anticipating he would go in the first round, that’s exactly what happened to Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell. And while he’s not alone in the Green Room going into Round 2, he’s certainly not where he hoped to be.
While many scouts believe McDowell has a high ceiling, there was some concern over his motivation and what one anonymous scout called “laziness.” He also had an ankle injury last season that slowed his production, as he only had 1.5 sacks.
Accordingly, McDowell was forced to wait as name after name was called on Day 1. But that wait won’t last much longer as the talented and versatile defensive lineman is a lock to be picked in Round 2.
8. Chidobe Awuzie (Defensive Back, Colorado)
The draft stock of Chidobe Awuzie was among the hottest entering Thursday’s draft, and there was legitimate reason to believe he may have been taken in the first round. Ultimately however, the stigma of the nickel corner — a projection occasionally applied to Awuzie — may have been more than enough for him to overcome.
Once the Titans, Raiders and Giants went in different directions, Awuzie’s fall was inevitable. But it won’t be a very long slide for the versatile cornerback.
Awuzie brings value beyond just the nickel position and may become a prized possession to the right coach. And as the draft progresses into Day 2, Awuzie is arguably one of the best defensive backs remaining.
7. Zay Jones (Wide Receiver, East Carolina)
Corey Davis, Mike Williams and John Ross are a potentially elite group of wide receivers, but many would argue the same could be said for Zay Jones. Ultimately, it was a run on the former three that pushed Jones down the draft board and left him hanging going into Round 2.
But Jones’ slide isn’t likely to last much longer. He had a legitimate chance to go at some point in Round 1 and is a near guarantee to go relatively early in Round 2 with quite a few wide receiver-needy teams ready to pick.
Jones put up monster numbers as a senior for the Pirates. He had 158 catches for 1,746 yards and eight touchdowns.
Similarly to some other players on this list, the draft slide will provide Jones a chip on his shoulder entering the NFL — a chip that could help propel him to some big things.
6. Dion Dawkins (Offensive Lineman, Temple)
Dion Dawkins is considered by many to be among the best projected interior offensive linemen in the draft, but there just wasn’t a pressing need at the position significant enough to get him selected in Round 1. Still, Dawkins represents a more than solid option for teams in the second round.
A questioned lack of awareness and development needed with his hand placement likely led to Dawkins remaining on the board. And although he’s versatile enough to also play tackle (he played left tackle in college), there were better options at that position for teams to pick from. Another big factor in him remaining is that teams didn’t prioritize offensive linemen in the first round, as the first didn’t go until pick No. 20.
Dawkins is a quality prospect who isn’t likely to linger much longer. And if he reaches his full potential at the next level, someone is getting a steal.
