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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Browns land quarterbacks

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints made a huge splash this offseason, trading away star wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the New England Patriots for their first round draft pick. Quarterback Drew Brees is going to need a weapon to replace him, and they may be able to find it at the tight end position at No. 11. O.J. Howard has the skill set to be a transcendent player at the position, giving Brees his best option at the position since Jimmy Graham.

Sure, the Saints need help on defense, but with how deep this draft is in the secondary, they can grab a quality player at No. 32. Having two draft picks in the first round is a very big deal, and the Saints were already a pretty solid team before that. Cooks is going to be hard to replace, but Brees has made it work with worse, and Howard would really open up the middle of the field for the team.

The NFC South is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball, so the Saints cannot afford to take a step back in that department. Divisional games are likely to be in the 30s throughout the season, and Howard would give the Saints an advantage at that position over the other teams in the division. New Orleans could definitely go corner at No. 11, but we feel Howard is too talented to pass up at this point in the draft.

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