PFF Mock Draft 2017: Three Michigan Defenders in First Round
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/05/03/draft-deshaun-watson-g…
Pro Football Focus's 2017 mock draft has three Michigan players in their first round. I've been surprised as to the number of these Jourdan Lewis doesn't appear on, and PFF has him going highest of the Michigan players. FWIW, Malik McDowell goes in their Top 10, with Corey Davis from Western joining him there.
- Baltimore Ravens: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Our top-graded cornerback from 2015, Lewis was targeted often with little to show for it. Of his 90 targets, only 33 were completed (36.7 percent) and he tied for the national lead with 15 passes defensed to go with two interceptions. At a listed 5-foot-10, Lewis will battle the NFL’s preference for bigger cornerbacks, but another playmaking season like 2015 should put him right into the first-round mix.
Then we get the usual suspect:
- Indianapolis Colts: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
While Peppers may be moving to linebacker on Michigan’s depth chart this fall, he’s the athletic hybrid player for which the NFL is looking. Peppers was strong against the run (+8.3) and in coverage (+6.5) and he has the athleticism to play near the line of scrimmage while matching up with slot receivers and tight ends.
And then the surprise :
- Minnesota Vikings: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
The third Michigan defender in the last five picks, Hurst fires off the ball and his +38.0 overall grade ranks third among returning interior defensive linemen despite playing only 418 snaps in 2015. Hurst shows the power to push the pocket and disrupt in the backfield, though he does need to do a better job of handling double teams and finishing plays.