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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Trio of quarterbacks land in top 10

By Brad Weiss

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois. Dawuane Smoot. 22. player. 31. . DE

The 2016 season could be the end of the road for Jason Pierre-Paul as a member of the New York Giants, though not because his play is down. The Giants spent a ton of money on Oliver Vernon this past offseason, and they may not have the money to play both of them big bucks. However, a solid pass rush is key to the Giants defense, so adding a player that fits that mold via the draft would be a priority.

Dawuane Smoot of the University of Illinois is an explosive pass rusher, who may wind up being the best of the bunch in this draft. He currently plays for former NFL head coach Lovie Smith, who has said that Smoot is as talented as there is in college football. He would fit in perfectly with what Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes to do on defense.

When the Giants are winning Super Bowls, it is because of their defense. They were able to rattle Tom Brady because they get after the quarterback so well, and that led to them toppling the heavily-favored New England Patriots twice. Smoot and Vernon on the outside would give the Giants their best 1-2 pass rush in a long time.

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