Matchmaker: Finding the perfect prospect for every AFC team
The majority of NFL teams will head into the draft with a strategy of sticking to their board and taking the best player available rather than reaching to fill a need.
But what if a combination of value, need, and scheme fell together perfectly?
AFC | NFC
Baltimore Ravens
John Ross, WR, Washington
It remains to be seen how high Ross will go in the first round after breaking the 40-yard dash record at the combine. The Ravens will jump for joy if Ross is there at No. 16, as he would reinvigorate their passing game and give the offense the speed it sorely lacks.
Buffalo Bills
Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Bills need a replacement for Stephon Gilmore, and Conley is a similar type of cornerback. The former Ohio State standout is raw, but has the length, athleticism, and playmaking ability to warrant being taken 10th overall.
Cincinnati Bengals
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
The Bengals have needs all over the offensive line after losing Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler in free agency. As a player who doesn't have a concrete position, Lamp could be there at the top of the second round. His versatility and prowess as a run blocker would fit well in Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Finally, the Browns are getting some luck. Their perfect scenario is all but certain to become a reality. Garrett is a franchise-level edge rusher who will bring a much-needed game-changing presence to Cleveland's defense, as well as some star power as the No. 1 overall selection.
Denver Broncos
Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
While it may not be a popular pick for those who think Mixon shouldn't be drafted at all due to his off-field issues, Mixon is an elite-level prospect who could lead the offense until Paxton Lynch is ready. Both John Elway and Vance Joseph have praised Mixon after private meetings, so it appears the team is comfortable with his character and could take him in the second round.
Houston Texans
DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
Kizer could be gone before the Texans' first pick comes around. But with this year's class of passers not viewed favorably and a ton of defensive talent available, he might fall. Houston desperately needs a quarterback, and while Kizer lacks polish, he possesses the most upside of any pivot in this class.
Indianapolis Colts
Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
Taking Williams 15th overall may be a stretch. His off-field issues and average combine performance might allow him to fall to the second round. The Colts added John Simon and Jabaal Sheard at OLB, but they still need a pass-rushing specialist. This role would suit Williams perfectly. He isn't an instant starter, but his speed would make him a nightmare for opponents on passing downs.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Njoku, TE, Miami
Tight end may be the Jaguars' biggest need, but it still doesn't warrant the team using its first-round pick on one. However, Njoku might be available at the top of the second round. He's a work in progress, but his athleticism and speed would make him a great target for Blake Bortles. The Jaguars need to surround their quarterback with more talent before deciding on his future.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Alex Smith's days in Kansas City are numbered, and the team could move on from him after the 2017 season with little financial drawbacks. The Chiefs, with one eye on the future, could draft Mahomes - a talented signal-caller in dire need of some refinement. Who could mold Mahomes into a star better than Andy Reid?
Los Angeles Chargers
Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The Chargers' pass rush looks set to be dominant in 2017 with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, but their impact could be lessened if the secondary isn't fixed. Hooker is a roaming free safety who would punish quarterbacks who fail to properly read coverages due to the pressure created by Bosa and Ingram.
Miami Dolphins
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Reddick could immediately contribute as a part-time player behind Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso thanks to his versatility and skills as a pass-rusher. He would likely force his way into a starting role quickly.
New England Patriots
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
The Patriots' roster may be the most complete in the league, but it could use another difference-maker at defensive end to compensate for the loss of Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard. Harris would not only bring the speed New England needs from the edge, but the versatility that Bill Belichick covets.
New York Jets
Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
A quarterback is desperately needed, but the Jets aren't a good fit for a young passer until they can rebuild the rest of their roster. Lattimore is a true shutdown corner who can start from Week 1, filling the void left by Darrelle Revis.
Oakland Raiders
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
With the running back spot seemingly temporarily fixed with the reportedly imminent return of Marshawn Lynch, the Raiders can look to fix one of their other few remaining holes. McMillan would add the signature nastiness to the middle of Oakland's defense, while also having enough range to hold up in coverage.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The Steelers were a major player for Dont'a Hightower in free agency, but they eventually missed out on the inside linebacker. No matter, as Foster, a Hightower clone, is available in the draft. Like his fellow Alabama alum, Foster is a dominant force in the middle of the field, but also has the athleticism to make an impact on all three downs.
Tennessee Titans
Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Marcus Mariota needs a true No. 1 target with whom he can continue to develop. Davis is that guy. His skill set would mesh with Mariota's, and he might be available with the Titans' second first-round pick.