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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?

By John Buhler

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) breaks up the pass to South Florida Bulls wide receiver Ryeshene Bronson (81) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
30

Obi Melifonwu

Safety, Connecticut Huskies

The future is now for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have maybe two years to win another Super Bowl before starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hangs up the spikes. Replacing Roethlisberger is a tall order, but there isn’t a quarterback in this draft worthy of being his heir apparent.

Should Roethlisberger have his health, the 2017 Steelers will have one of the most explosive offenses in football. Only Facebook Live can bring the potent Pittsburgh offense down. That being said, they need some help in the back-end of their undisciplined defense.

One guy that might be a superstar in the back-end of the first round is Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu. If Pittsburgh takes him at No. 30, we’re looking at the next Troy Polamalu in the Steel City. Melifonwu learned from a great defensive backs teacher in Bob Diaco in Connecticut. The guy is a technician in the defensive backfield. He great vision and footwork, striking opponents like a hammer as a strong tackler.

Taking Melifonwu at No. 30 is a bit of a reach. He has an early second-round grade. However, Melifonwu won’t be on the board past No. 40. His Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine were outstanding. He plays with a lunch pail mentality that Pittsburgh is going to love for years to come.

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