2017 NFL mock draft: Washington chooses Caleb Brantley

Most mock drafts have Washington taking a player on the defensive side of the ball. Usually it’s players like defensive lineman Malik McDowell or linebackers Reuben Foster and Haason Reddick.

In the first round of the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft, Ken Meringolo of Hogs Haven went in a different direction, taking Florida State running back Dalvin Cook. Despite Meringolo’s hopes, Cook can’t play on the defensive line in Washington. In the second round, that leaves him targeting a player who can.

Meringolo: Dalvin Cook’s agents can take a deep breath, as Washington will no longer be seeking to line their client up on the defensive line. It’s no secret the team desperately needs to add talent at the heart of their defense, and given that some have been mocking Caleb Brantley to the Washington in the first round, this pick makes a ton of sense at No. 49 overall. Rumors swirled that Chris Baker was allowed to walk away due to alleged “effort issues” — scouts have gushed over Brantley’s relentless determination and toughness.

The availability of upperclassmen defensive linemen from power conferences at this point of the draft is a huge win for Washington, which can afford to be a little freer in the first round with regard to who they target. Whether it’s Chris Wormley, Dalvin Tomlinson, or Montravius Adams, Washington should be able to add a player capable of starting right away for them at this spot in the draft. That may speak more to the team’s current depth there than anything else, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a meaningful upgrade. I gave strong consideration to taking Tomlinson here, but that would have exceeded the amount of Dalvins I am allowed to draft.

The NFC East seemingly goes through the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, so it is no surprise that Brantley flies off the board to Washington in this spot.

Analysis: Look at Ken with the jokes. That alone should get him a good trade below. As far as the pick goes, though, I’m middling on it. Picking at No. 49 does look like the sweet spot to get a defensive lineman. I also love the theory of drafting to counter the Cowboys. If Washington can beat the Dallas offensive line, Philadelphia and New York don’t stand a chance. Considering who was available, I would have gone for Wormley over Brantley. Wormley has experience playing in a 3-4 defense and he can get into the backfield a little better. It is hard to fully knock the pick because Brantley is a really solid player.

Coming up at noon ET is our next pick of the day courtesy of Sander Phillipse and Bucs Nation making the pick for Tampa Bay.