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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Takkarist McKinley

DE, UCLA

The Baltimore Ravens failed to make the playoffs once again in 2016, and you have to think head coach John Harbaugh is tired of being home in January. Harbaugh once led the Ravens to a Super Bowl win, and with the amount of talent he has on the roster, you have to think the team is ready to head back to postseason play. Quarterback Joe Flacco is one of the more consistent players in the league at his position, but the window of his prime is getting smaller and smaller with each passing year.

While the loss of Steve Smith Sr. on offense is sure to help, we feel the Ravens will be able to reload on that side of the ball later in this draft. Baltimore needs to bring in somebody who can get after the quarterback, especially with star linebacker Terrell Suggs getting to the twilight of his career. Takkarist McKinley from UCLA is a beast of a defensive end, and his ability to get to the quarterback is just what the Ravens need as they move forward.

McKinley plays the game with incredible passion, and Ravens fans are used to their defensive stars playing that way. While he does need a bit of seasoning, the Ravens have a perfect defensive scheme for his skill set. McKinley is going to be a solid player in the league, and the Ravens have long been built around their defense. He could be just the player they need to get over the hump in a very tough AFC North.

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