The first round of the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off later today from Philadelphia. ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both released the final versions of their mock drafts and both offer a big surprise within the top two picks. Most analysts have predicted that the Cleveland Browns will select Texas A&M edge defender Myles Garrett with the top selection in the draft. He is seen as the best prospect available, by far. Although, there have been rumors that Cleveland is enamored with North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the San Francisco 49ers were giving serious consideration to drafting a quarterback – specifically, Trubisky. However, some have speculated that it may be a smokescreen to force the Browns to either select Trubisky themselves or look to move up from their second selection, the 12th overall, to try and get the quarterback along with Garrett.
In their latest mock drafts, Kiper and McShay both had the Browns selecting Trubisky. That left Garrett available for the 49ers, which both analysts agreed would be the projected selection for San Francisco.
"The thinking is the Browns get antsy about Trubisky being available at No. 12 and don't find any takers to trade up," Kiper wrote within his mock.
"Everything I hear suggests the Browns like Trubisky the best among the QBs," McShay wrote within his mock.
"The 49ers might run to the podium if Garrett is available here, assuming they can't find any takers who want to trade up to take Garrett," Kiper went on to write about the 49ers' selection. "He is a brilliant, natural pass-rusher with elite size and athleticism."
"I keep hearing the 49ers want to trade back, but Garrett unexpectedly falling to them would be a slam dunk for a team that needs more pass-rush help," McShay wrote.