Mike Mayock says this is one of the best defensive drafts he’s seen

NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said during his pre-Combine conference call with the media that this draft is one of the best he’s ever seen for defensive players. This draft has unprecedented depth at every defensive position, which is great news for teams who need to strengthen that side of the ball this offseason.

Mayock said that any team looking for pass rush help in the first round should find it. He thinks the Cleveland Browns could go with either Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett or Alabama’s Jonathan Allen with the No. 1 pick.

“I love them both,” Mayock said of Garrett and Allen. He said Garrett has higher upside, but called Allen the “safer pick.”

This is a solid, and deep, draft for secondary players, also. If teams are looking for a cornerback in this draft, they should have plenty of opportunity to grab one, according to Mayock.

“It’s so deep at corner,” Mayock said. “... I can get through four rounds of quality corners, and I’ve never been able to say that before.”

Safety is a strength, too, as Mayock has identified Ohio State’s Malik Hooker and LSU’s Jamal Adams as players who should be top 10 picks, and thinks both could go in the top five. Mayock said that Adams is more physical and comes downhill more effectively than Hooker. Hooker, according to Mayock, is “phenomenal” as a center fielder. He thinks Hooker would be a great fit for the Chargers with the No. 4 pick.

Mayock said this draft is special for teams seeking interior defensive linemen, also. The depth in the first four rounds for defensive tackles is remarkable.

Mayock thinks Michigan’s Jabril Peppers is a prospect who could go in the first round, but teams need to have a plan for how to use him. Peppers is one of several secondary guys in this draft with the versatility to maybe play nickel, too. Mayock also mentioned UConn’s Obi Melifonwu and Washington’s Budda Baker as safeties with those versatile skill sets.

UCLA’s Adoreé Jackson isn’t listed in Mayock’s top 5 at the cornerback position, but Mayock thinks he can contribute immediately as a return specialist. Mayock also believes Jackson has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback.

Not only is this cornerback draft class deep in terms of talent, but Mayock said there are also eight to ten corners who are 6’2 or taller. This class is also intriguing from that perspective.

There was less encouraging news for teams in need of starting quarterbacks. Mayock doesn’t think any quarterback in this draft is worthy of a top 10 pick, and he believes there’s not a single quarterback available who will be ready to start Week 1. Still, Mayock thinks Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer has the highest ceiling, and he said he is “fascinated” with Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

“He’s a competitor, and when the game’s on the line he gets better,” Mayock said. “He does not shrink.”

In his latest for Mocking the Draft, SB Nation’s Dan Kadar projects Mitch Trubisky, Kizer and Watson all going in the top 10 picks. Trubisky didn’t start at UNC until his junior season, which may give teams pause. Kizer was benched for part of the 2016 season, and teams will be concerned with Watson’s ability to make reads, according to Kadar.

If teams are looking for developmental quarterback prospects, though, Mayock thinks there are a few players to choose from this year, including Miami’s Brad Kaaya and Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs.

It’s clear that this year’s draft features a crop of solid defensive prospects, with a great deal of depth at most defensive positions. It’s good news for every team that needs to add talent on that side of the ball this offseason.