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5 franchise-changing prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft

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At the top of the draft, it's every team's goal to not only snag a blue-chip prospect, but to find a player capable of altering a franchise's future.

This type of player is rare, but the 2017 NFL Draft boasts a handful of guys who boast near-unique abilities which will likely cause significant shifts within the roster of whatever team lands them.

Let's explore what makes these five prospects potential franchise-changers:

Myles Garrett, DE/OLB

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We are running out of adjectives to describe how good of a prospect Myles Garrett is, especially after the pass-rusher dominated the combine and allayed any remaining fears that his athleticism isn't elite.

Garrett has the frame, speed, and pass-rushing repertoire to come in and dominate from Day 1. Aside from a rookie quarterback, no position can change a team's fortunes around faster than the addition of a top-tier edge rusher.

It's all but certain he'll be the Browns' pick at No. 1 overall, and while it's going to take more than just the former Texas A&M standout to turn Cleveland around, his addition should be the team's first major step toward relevancy.

Christian McCaffrey, RB

Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook are viewed by most as the top two running back prospects in the draft, with Christian McCaffrey commonly a close third.

However, while Fournette and Cook are both great prospects, neither has the type of all-around skill set that the former Stanford standout possesses. McCaffrey is a perfect fit for the modern NFL, with his top-notch skill as a receiver and his ability to contribute as a returner on special teams.

McCaffrey will have to be used creatively, and he doesn't have the frame to take the punishment of 20 carries a game between the tackles. But that's not what you draft him for. While Fournette is more of a throwback to the days of teams using one featured back, McCaffrey's skills are perfect for today's pass-happy league, where versatility and big-play abilities are coveted.

John Ross, WR

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In the NFL, speed will always be king - which is why teams will be falling over themselves to get John Ross, the lightning-quick receiver who stole the show at the combine by breaking the 40-yard dash record.

Ross will immediately be the most dangerous playmaker the moment he steps onto an NFL field, and the offense he joins will adjust accordingly.

While most teams want to push the ball downfield, often the personnel is lacking. Cornerbacks and safeties have become faster and more athletic over the past decade or so to counter the rise in popularity of explosive passing attacks, meaning offenses have had to get creative, scheming players open deep.

Ross doesn't need that. Whoever drafts him can line him up and dare defenses to cover him one-on-one. Once Ross proves himself a game-wrecker, defenses will never be able to attack his offense the same - that's the definition of a franchise-changer.

Reuben Foster, LB

Inside linebacker is often an overlooked position. While pass-rushers and corners are rightfully viewed as more valuable, a dominating presence in the center of a defense can still be a game-changer in today's NFL.

As Luke Kuechly proved in Carolina, elite play from an inside linebacker impacts every other facet of the defense, making everyone else's job easier - and while Reuben Foster isn't quite on Kuechly's level, he has several of the same impressive traits.

While Foster was asked to play a bruising, downhill role for Alabama, he's a highly athletic player who's capable of not only holding up in coverage, but excelling in it. Foster never has to leave the field, which is a rarity now, as a significant portion of inside linebackers either can't hold up in run support or aren't athletic enough to cover the running back or receiving tight ends.

The addition of Foster might not be as sexy as a pass-rusher, but he could lead a defense for the next decade, and has yet to come close to reaching his potential.

Malik Hooker, S

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For teams with defenses predicated on using a single high safety who must be capable of roaming deep, cutting off vertical routes, and forcing turnovers, Hooker is the perfect prospect.

Despite the NFL becoming more and more obsessed with the passing game, there's still a lack of premier free safeties in the NFL. This is likely because it's rare to find the blend of instincts, speed, and ball skills that Hooker boasts.

Earl Thomas is one of the unique players in the NFL, and Hooker has a long way to go to get to his level. However, it's a good comparison to make in terms of the impact he can have on how a team runs its defense.

Hooker will improve a team's ability to rush the passer, give cornerbacks greater license to take risks, and allow more exotic play-calling. Whichever team drafts him would be best served to tailor their scheme around his talents, which can't be said for many prospects.

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