Early look at top prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft

Draft season never ends.

With the 2016 event now officially in the books, what better time would there be to get a look at the top talents expected to be heading to the NFL this time next spring?

We're only 360 days out, after all.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Watson building upon a stellar sophomore season would all but secure his status as the No. 1 overall prospect next spring. His ability to make plays from both within and outside the pocket was on full display throughout the year, throwing for 4,109 yards and 35 touchdowns while adding another 1,105 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami

Kaaya had the makings of a top NFL prospect from the time he stepped in as a freshman and produced at a high level. Though he was unable to take the next step in 2015, putting it all together as a junior could quite easily make him the QB2 behind Watson.

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Fournette sits atop the strongest class of running backs in recent memory. He made his mark as the nation's most dominant running back with 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore, prompting many to suggest he should elect to sit out his junior season with an eye on the NFL.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Son of Denver Broncos legend Ed McCaffrey, Christian absolutely does it all. The Stanford star was named 2015 AP Player of the Year after racking up 2,019 rushing yards, 645 receiving yards, and another 1,200 yards in the return game to break Barry Sanders' all-purpose record. NFL teams likely won't want their feature back returning kicks, but the play-making ability is undeniable.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

While he may not be the top-ranked running back in this class, there's certainly a case to be made for Cook as the most explosive. Fresh off a 1,691-yard sophomore season, Cook is a favorite for Heisman Trophy honors in 2016. He's a natural home run hitter.

Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Chubb's draft stock is entirely dependent on the recovery from a knee injury suffered this past season. Whether it's for opening week, or at some point shortly thereafter, returning to the field this fall would have him right back in the first-round conversation. Chubb was averaging a staggering 8.1 yards per carry before his sophomore season came to an early end.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

Smith-Schuster was arguably college football's most dominant receiver as a sophomore. If he can match that production this coming season, despite losing his quarterback to the NFL, there's no reason why he shouldn't be the first receiver off the board in April. He has the size and athletic ability to be a top target at the next level.

Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

Another year, and another Alabama offensive lineman is poised to hear his name called on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Robinson is a potential franchise left tackle at the next level and, depending on the teams selecting early, it would be no surprise to see him emerge as a top-five pick as a result.

Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M connection will make Garrett the latest player to be endlessly compared to Von Miller. But perhaps this is the rare case in which such high praise will be justified. Garrett is a dominant edge-rusher who's tallied an impressive 22.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss just two seasons into his college career.

Jabrill Peppers, DB, Michigan

An incredibly athletic skill set allows Peppers to contribute in a number of roles at Michigan. His NFL fit is at safety, though, and another strong year in that spot should see him emerge as the top player at the position. Defensive coordinators will be able to line him up anywhere on the field.