We are three weeks away from the NFL draft returning to Philadelphia for the first time in 56 years, where the entire three-day event will take place outdoors in an open-air theater on the steps of the historic Philadelphia Museum of Art.
You might know these steps better as "The Rocky Steps" _ where Sylvester Stallone trained during his iconic montage in "Rocky."
If I were NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, I'd announce the picks from a Popemobile. You never know what those pesky Eagles fans are carrying in their pockets, preparing to throw your direction at a moment's notice.
The three prospects universally accepted as "can't miss" in this draft are Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, LSU's Jamal Adams and Alabama's O.J. Howard. A healthy Leonard Fournette, Adams teammate, should be added to the list.
The Tiger running back had an uneven junior season, while dealing with nagging injuries. He has put those inconvenient maladies behind him.
He has impressed at every turn during the draft process, including his pro day on Wednesday. After weighing in at 240 pounds at the NFL combine, he was a svelte 228 pounds in Baton Rouge, while showing off his impressive pass-catching ability _ one of the biggest remaining questions for scouts.
At best, Fournette is a video game character on par with Tecmo Bowl Bo Jackson, come-to-life. The potential alone warrants a top 10 pick.
The NFL draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September. A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
Here's the latest version of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft, through two rounds:
