5 prospects teams should avoid in the 1st round

Every year, at least one team reaches for a prospect who doesn't warrant the selection in the first round, usually for misguided reasons like the fear of missing out on them in the second or becoming too enamored with the player they might become rather than the one they actually are.

Here's a look at five prospects teams should think twice about drafting in the opening round:

Davis Webb, QB, Cal

This quarterback class isn't exciting anyone, which likely explains how Davis Webb is suddenly getting first-round buzz. Teams are desperate for a prospect to love beyond the big four of Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer, Mitchell Trubisky, and Pat Mahomes - and the big-armed Webb is a typical late riser.

Webb has a lot of intriguing qualities. He has an ideal frame, can be great when in rhythm, and is a quick decision-maker. However, his erratic accuracy, lack of experience pushing the ball downfield, and the fact he'll need a lot of time to transition to the NFL means he shouldn't be touched in the first round, even toward the end.

Webb entered the offseason as a Day 2 developmental prospect, and that's where he should still be.

T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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The name, the athleticism, and the star potential has seen T.J. Watt, brother of J.J. Watt, rocketing up draft boards over the past few months.

However, T.J. has just one season of full-time college football under his belt, and while developmental prospects are taken in the first frequently, it's always a significant risk considering the amount of work they'll need. T.J.'s play improved considerably over the course of the 2016 season, but he still has to prove he can consistently beat offensive tackles one-on-one, instead of taking advantage of being matched up against tight ends.

T.J. needs time to develop more pass-rushing moves and add weight to his frame. His upside should make him an early Day 2 selection, but teams should look past his name and realize he's not a first-rounder in his current form.

Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Arguably the most controversial prospect in this year's draft, Joe Mixon could easily be viewed as the top running back on talent alone. But, as it's been well documented, the former Oklahoma standout must have convincing answers to serious off-field answers if teams are to consider drafting him at all.

Of late, Mixon has been talked about as an early-to-mid second-round pick. But, inevitably, someone with his talent will likely cause one team to jump the gun early in order to secure his services, despite the character concerns.

Drafting Mixon in any round will require the team that picks him to carefully plan how to deal with the PR backlash, but having him as the headliner of the draft class is close to an impossible sell.

Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

While Jabrill Peppers is the type of elite athlete that normally warrants first-round consideration, no team should think about taking him until Day 2 because of the questions surrounding his best positional fit in the NFL.

The 21-year-old played safety, cornerback, linebacker, and running back during his time at Michigan. In 2016, he mostly lined up at linebacker, but due to his relatively small size, continuing that role at the next level would be a tough ask.

Peppers' best fit is a playmaking free safety, but his lack of ball skills and instincts means he'd be a huge project at that spot for whichever team takes him - and that kind of positional uncertainty and developmental risk doesn't belong anywhere near the first round.

Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

Hitting on a first-round offensive tackle has become an increasingly difficult task in recent years. What once was considered a safe position to draft high is now, essentially, a shot in the dark.

No offensive tackle in this year's draft has the talent to warrant a top-10 selection, and because Ryan Ramczyk and Garett Bolles are superior prospects, Cam Robinson should slip out of the first round.

Because Robinson, a left tackle throughout his time at Alabama, may need to start out his career inside, guard Forrest Lamp should also be taken above him. When you then factor in Robinson's off-field concerns (he was arrested in 2016 for possessing a stolen gun and marijuana, though charges were ultimately dropped for insufficient evidence) and his inconsistencies on the field, teams should look elsewhere in the first.