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2017 NFL mock draft: Ohio State Buckeyes Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley in first round

By Dane Brugler, The Sports Xchange
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Malik Hooker (24) contributes to a tackle on Maryland Terrapins running back Kenneth Goins Jr. (30) in College Park, Maryland, November 12, 2016. Hooker could have company from in the first round from teammates Conley and Lattimore if they declare early. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Malik Hooker (24) contributes to a tackle on Maryland Terrapins running back Kenneth Goins Jr. (30) in College Park, Maryland, November 12, 2016. Hooker could have company from in the first round from teammates Conley and Lattimore if they declare early. Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State is one of the top football factories for NFL teams, especially in the secondary with recent first-round picks like Eli Apple and Bradley Roby. And the Buckeyes might add two more in the 2017 class with underclassmen corners Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley.

Lattimore and Conley are good-sized athletes with the combination of speed, movement skills and toughness needed for the next level. They struggled earlier in their careers in Columbus, but both made major jumps in their development this season and have put themselves in the early round conversation.

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If Lattimore and Conley declare early, there is a good chance Ohio State adds another cornerback or two to the long list of Buckeyes in the pros.

Here is a look at how the first round of the 2017 NFL draft could unfold:

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1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

The Browns have needs all over the roster and unless they fall in love with a quarterback, this pick needs to be the best talent in the draft, which is Garrett.

2. San Francisco 49ers: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame

If the front office and coaching situations remain the same, there is a good chance this pick is a quarterback, but which one? Kizer has the skill-set that fits what Chip Kelly wants to do and has a very high ceiling.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

Jacksonville has invested heavily in the defensive line, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Jaguars do so again if a talent like Allen is available for them.

4. Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

The Bears need to move on from Jay Cutler and begin to rebuild around a new signal caller. Trubisky might have only one season of experience, but he shows all the traits necessary to be successful in the NFL.

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5. New York Jets: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Opinions from NFL scouts are all over the place on Watson and his draft value. The future of the position looks bleak for the Jets and the organization might need to take a chance on the Clemson product here.

6. Tennessee Titans (from LAR): Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

The cornerback play for Tennessee has been below average this season and there will be upgrades this off-season. Humphrey is still raw in some areas, but he has the make-up and physical traits that teams covet.

7. Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Veteran Jonathan Stewart is averaging only 3.7 yards per rush and has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark in a game this season. Fournette is a freak talent who would instantly add juice to the Panthers' offense.

8. Cleveland Browns (from PHI): Jamal Adams, SS, LSU

The Browns' secondary has been routinely torched this season with upgrades needed across the board. Adams is a do-it-all safety who will quickly become one of Cleveland's best players on the roster.

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9. San Diego Chargers: Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State

The Chargers are feeling the void left by Eric Weddle in the secondary, but Hooker has the sky high potential that could help San Diego fans move on from him.

10. Arizona Cardinals: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida

Aside from Patrick Peterson, Arizona has more questions than answers on the cornerback depth chart. Tabor is a good-sized athlete with the aggressive ballskills that NFL teams are searching for.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

The Bengals need to add speed on defense, especially at the linebacker level. Peppers isn't necessarily a prototype due to his size, but his explosive traits and versatility are key selling points.

12. New Orleans Saints: Tim Williams, DE/OLB, Alabama

New Orleans ranks in the bottom half of the league in team sacks and pressures this season, lacking a true edge threat. Williams is inconsistent vs. the run at times, but he can also affect the pocket with his explosiveness.

13. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

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With Marquise Goodwin and Robert Woods hitting free agency after this season and Sammy Watkins unable to stay healthy, Williams would give the Bills much needed help on the wide receiver depth chart.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

The Colts rank near dead-last in the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressures this season and pass rush needs to be a priority this off-season. Barnett isn't super twitchy, but he is productive with a NFL-style skill-set.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIN): Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan

Peppers is a polarizing prospect due to hybrid skill-set - some see a player without a true position, some see a player with rare versatility and some see both. Regardless, he is an elite athlete with a high ceiling.

16. Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington

The Titans have plenty of bodies on the wide receiver depth chart, but no true difference-maker. Ross has elite speed, but it is his polish routes that allow him to create separation and make plays.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

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The Ravens have a stable of average backs on the roster, which is one of the reasons they rank near last in the NFL in rushing. Cook would help change that and open up the offense.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Mike Evans is the top target of Jameis Winston, but he needs help. Davis is very well-rounded with the athleticism to be a threat before and after the catch.

19. Green Bay Packers: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

The Packers Jekyll-and-Hyde offense is missing a true weapon at tight end and Howard has the athletic versatility to line up inline and out wide.

20. Denver Broncos: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt

Denver locked up Brandon Marshall long-term at linebacker, but more depth is needed. Cunningham is easy to overlook on a below average Vanderbilt squad, but he is the real deal.

21. Houston Texans: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

The Texans have been hurting on the offensive line and unfortunately the 2017 class doesn't look like a strong group. However, Robinson has starting ability and first round skills if his off-field checks out.

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22. Washington Redskins: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

McDowell has an impressive blend of size, athleticism and power to be effective from multiple positions along the defensive line.

23. Miami Dolphins: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Miami has some young talent on the cornerback depth chart, but still plenty of question marks. Lattimore is built well for the position with the short-area burst and closing speed ideal for the position.

24. Detroit Lions: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

With Devin Taylor possibly hitting free agency after the season, the Lions could be looking to add a defensive end opposite Ziggy Ansah. Thomas has the powerful and athletic skill-set that allows him to be effective vs. the run and as a pass rusher.

25. Atlanta Falcons: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

The Falcons' pass rush has been sporadic this season and hasn't lived up to the vision of head coach Dan Quinn. Harris has the edge quickness and burst to capture the edge and give blockers trouble.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA

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The Steelers have several question marks at pass rusher heading into next season and could look to address that need through the draft. McKinley is a tick undersized, but his athleticism and active hands allows him to penetrate the backfield.

27. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

Seattle's issues on the offensive line have held back the offense this season and upgrades are needed. Ramczyk has only been at Wisconsin one season, but he has been dominant and projects at either tackle or guard in the NFL.

28. New York Giants: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

With Jason Pierre-Paul on a one-year deal, defensive end is a possible need this off-season. Charlton, who has some traits reminiscent of Justin Tuck out of Notre Dame, has all the ingredients of a NFL starter.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Marcus Peters is a stud and Steven Nelson looks like a promising building block on the Chiefs' cornerback depth chart. But there are questions after that and Conley fits what Kansas City wants at the position with his physical, press-man skills.

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30. Oakland Raiders: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

The Raiders have invested several high picks in the front seven and should again if Oakland has a chance to draft an impact middle linebacker. Davis should win a starting role in training camp as a rookie.

31. New England Patriots: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Whether used in the backfield or the slot, McCaffrey gives a versatile Patriots offense more options. His run intelligence and athleticism are a combination New England will appreciate more than some other clubs.

32. Dallas Cowboys: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

Rookie Anthony Brown looks like a future starter, but Morris Claiborne is a free agent after the season, Brandon Carr hasn't lived up to his contract and Orlando Scandrick has struggled to stay healthy. Jones is well-versed in man and zone schemes, blanketing receivers all over the field.

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