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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) during the first quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) during the first quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Ross

WR, Washington

With their second pick in the first round, we like the Tennessee Titans to bring in some talent at the wide receiver position. Last season, quarterback Marcus Mariota did a nice job throwing to the likes of Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe, but a true WR1 is needed if he is going to take the next step in his development. John Ross from Washington has the skills to be a dangerous player at the next level, and would be a perfect fit for the Titans offense.

During the NFL Scouting Combine, Ross ran the fastest 40-yard dash on record at the event. He beat running back Chris Johnson’s mark of 4.24 with a 4.22 mark of his own, wowing every scout in the building. It is certainly possible that  he could be gone by the No. 18 pick, but if he is available, imagine the bombs Mariota could unleash to Ross down the sideline.

The Titans should be a team to beat in the AFC this season, as they came close to being a playoff team last season. If Mariota continues to develop like he did last season, he is going to eventually be an elite player at his position in this league. Ross would give him a talent like he has never had before at the position, which could make this Titans offense hard to stop in 2017.

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