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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marlon Humphrey

CB, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys made two draft picks in 2016 that completely changed their franchise, and they are now one of the best teams in the NFC. In the first round, the Cowboys took running back Ezekiel Elliott, who went on to lead the league in rushing. In the fourth round, they found their future at quarterback, as Dak Prescott took over for the injured Tony Romo and led the franchise to the best record in the NFC.

Their phenomenal regular season did not equate to the playoffs, as they lost at home to the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round. This offseason, the Cowboys have seen nearly their entire secondary leave via free agency, so they must add depth to that unit in the first round in 2017. Marlon Humphrey may be the first cornerback off the board tonight, but if he is available at No. 29, he slides right into the top corner spot on the depth chart.

Humphrey is the son of a former NFL running back, so he knows what it takes to make it in this league. He also is an incredible athlete, possessing some of the best hands of any corner in this draft class. He was an anchor on one of the best defenses in college football history the past two seasons, and the Cowboys need that kind of leadership in a defensive backfield that is certain to have its share of ups and downs next season.

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