Combine Mock, Version 3.0

Indiana

The Kubiak-Mendoza marriage is going to happen. He wouldn't have taken the job otherwise, folks. Of note from Indianapolis is that Mendoza was measured to be about the same size as Josh Allen and Andrew Luck. Pretty, pretty, pretty good. And if anyone was thinking that the Raiders might trade the #1 pick, well, the release of Geno Smith should put any such consideration to bed.

Ohio State

The Jets will have their pick of the highest-rated defensive player on their board. Bailey and Bain Jr. are probably the most pro-ready pass rushers available. Reese could be a hybrid off-ball LB/edge rush type, and he might need some time to fully develop. Downs would be the highest-drafted safety in over 30 years, yet he might have the highest floor of any player. It will likely come down to one of these players, and although I had Bailey here for about a week, I'm switching back to Reese because there seem to be rumblings coming from Jets sources that he could be the guy. It's very much worth noting that after trading pass rusher Jermaine Johnson away (for T'Vondre Sweat), it likely increases the odds that Downs won't go this high. Both Reese and Bailey's workouts were excellent, as well.

Texas Tech

If Arizona goes defense here, the same guys that I mentioned above for the Jets should be in play. Downs might be a sneaky call here, given that Arizona can move on from Budda Baker after '26 with a minimal dead cap hit, if they wanted to. Still, I'd bet on one of the pass rushers (including Reese) if the team chose to go defense. The OL, especially the right side, needs a makeover, though, so perhaps this could come down to the top-rated OL. The guess for now? Bailey.

Miami

The same defenders I've discussed in the Jets and Cardinals blurbs are in play here. The team could also look at the WR1 of the draft. Bain's decision not to work out at the Combine suggests to me that he thinks he's going to be picked very high. His motor and production are on full display when you turn on the tape, and I'm guessing that Robert Saleh would be very happy to add him to a DL that also features Jeffery Simmons. With the trade for Johnson, this would give Saleh yet another edge talent to go along with Simmons. It's very much worth noting that multiple sharps in the mock industry are connecting Jeremiyah Love here, which to me is crazy. Nonetheless, if the rumblings grow louder, I will have no choice but to consider mocking him here.

Ohio State

Fano might be a safer evaluation as a RT prospect than Mauigoa is, since the latter does not have ideal arm length for a tackle. Peter Skoronski ended up as a guard, and some think that the same could happen with Mauigoa. So if the G-Men go OL, I'm giving the edge to Fano here if both are available. Downs could be a consideration, and so could the top WR. I think a possible course of action for this team is to draft Fano and sign Tyler Linderbaum (Harbaugh's center with the Ravens, who is now a free agent), thus drastically improving the OL in one offseason, similar to what the Bears did last year. However, with news that the team is releasing linebacker Bobby Okereke, perhaps Styles' stock is so high that the stars are aligning for Styles with this pick. I will go with that for the moment.

Georgia

Mauigoa and Fano are there, and we know about this team's OL crisis, so either guy could make sense. However, Andrew Berry is a value-based drafter, and Styles absolutely obliterated the combine, with a 4.46 40 and a 43.5 inch vertical jump. This is otherworldly stuff, especially since he's tall so that means a lengthy wingspan as well. I had Carnell Tate here before, but he ran a 4.54 40 and that usually drops you out of the top 10. So the other Buckeye could get the call instead. Note that although the Browns already have a strong defense, Devin Bush is a free agent, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah may never play again.

EDIT: This is what I wrote before I switched my Giants' pick to Styles. Despite some saying that Tate's 40 time won't hurt him, I simply disagree based on the recent history of the draft. If Styles is unavailable, I think I'm back on OL for this pick. Mauigoa is here, but the buzz on Monroe Freeling is so strong that I have to consider him as well. Unlike Fano and Mauigoa, Freeling is a pure LT. His size and athleticism and upside could see him in consideration as the OL1. And with the trade for Tytus Howard — a RT — maybe Freeling is a bigger riser than I thought. Let's go with it.

Ohio State

Styles would be a great fit if available, replacing free agent Bobby Wagner. A WR is possible, as the team has very little behind Terry McLaurin. But with the defense in obvious need of help, this could be a good spot for Downs.

Notre Dame

A WR could be really tempting here to pair with Chris Olave. However, Alvin Kamara looked so washed last season, and the team has nothing at the position behind his tired legs. Love is the highest-rated RB prospect since Bijan Robinson, and he makes sense here or to the Chiefs with the next pick. Sorry, KC.

LSU

You could make the case for a WR here, as Rashee Rice is in possible legal trouble (again) and Xavier Worthy is more gadgety than a full route tree guy. The Trent McDuffie trade could mean we are in Delane or McCoy territory here, if available, but it's also possible that KC could address that need with the pick at #29 that they acquired. And if Downs is available, you can't rule him out, either. For now, this is a guess that the Chiefs address the WR need in a big way in free agency (Tyreek Hill?) or the trade market, and if so, maybe it frees the team up to take the CB1 of the draft.

Miami

Cincy could be in play for Delane or McCoy at CB or another top pass rusher like Faulk here. Given Duke Tobin's obsession with RAS, Styles would be logical if available. Since Mauigoa is there I guess one could make an argument for him, but this defense is so terrible that I still think Tobin's hand might be forced a bit. (Largely because of his own draft misses on defensive players, but I digress.) Due to the lack of elite measurables, I don't see Tobin going for Downs if he were available, even though he probably should. Verdict: the organization attempts to throw Joe Burrow a bone with more protection upfront, as this could be a make-or-break year for Cincy. I could see Burrow trying to pull a Carson Palmer and asking out or threatening to retire if next year goes badly.

Ohio State

Tate falls out of the top 10 after all, but he still goes as the WR1. He should slot in with Jaylen Waddle to fill the target vacuum left by Hill's release.

Auburn

To me, Dallas has a huge need to add pass rushers and for talent in the secondary. Faulk has a lot of momentum and may not be behind the top tier that have gone ahead of him. Yes, McCoy is here, and he could be an obvious consideration here as well. But coming off the ACL injury, maybe it tips the scales ever-so-slightly in favor of Faulk. And with another pick coming up at #20, Dallas will still be in the range of other quality corners, and maybe even McCoy, who knows.

Arizona State

I had Lemon here before, but I'm swayed by thoughts that the Rams were trying to trade up for Tet McMillan last year, a bigger X type. That is similar to what Tyson does, and maybe they would see him as a better complement to Puka Nacua into the future. With as much as the Rams like to get both Nacua and Davante Adams off the field for brief rests when they go to 12 or even 13 personnel, Tyson can still get plenty of snaps not only in 3-wide but even 2-wide sets as a rookie.

Note that with the trade for Trent McDuffie, it's much less likely that the team uses #13 on a CB, though I suppose you can't rule it out completely. However, I expect the team to make a meaningful CB signing in free agency, thus freeing up the good chance of a WR pick or even Kenyon Sadiq here.

Utah

The Raiders have acquired this pick in the Maxx Crosby deal, and they appear to have done quite well to get this pick and a '27 1st rounder as well. If Crosby can stay healthy, it could be worth it for the Ravens, but I think that's a big if. Obviously, there's no question that he's a premier player. In any case, yes, you can argue for a whole slew of players here since the Raiders have holes in a lot of places. But with Fano's versatility and given that he could reasonably be in play as high as #3 overall, this would be a nice haul to start the draft for Raider Nation.

Oregon

Jamel Dean is a free agent, so this could be a Delane or McCoy team if one of them slipped to this spot. Perhaps the next group of CB's could be in play here as well, or an edge rusher, since Jason Licht has used several early picks on the DL. But I'm going to get Sadiq back into the top 15 because his performance in Indy was scintillating. The dude ran a sub-4.40 and is comparable in physique to Vernon Davis. With Cade Otton a free agent, it's not like this couldn't make sense.

Tennessee

The Jets get a potential CB1 to replace Sauce Gardner, if his health checks out. His Pro Day will be key. He could go higher than this, or he could drop out of the 1st entirely if the medical concerns are simply too great.

Alabama

The Lions suddenly have major OL issues. They already needed interior help, and now with the release of LT Taylor Decker, there's a blind side hole as well. There could be a split on Proctor's evaluation, but he had the size at LT that the Lions might prefer to someone like, say, Caleb Lomu.

USC

The Vikings actually have very little at WR behind Jefferson and Addison, and Jailen Nailor is a free agent that the team is not expected to keep. Given the team's salary cap issues, it may not be prudent to give Addison a lavish contract after his rookie deal is up.

Utah

With LT Ikem Ekwonu coming off a torn patellar tendon, a tackle pick could be in play here. And it's also worth noting that RT Taylor Moton is entering the final year of his deal.

Oregon

Dallas goes defense again, this time with the rising Thieneman to help on the back end.

Texas A&M

Concepcion, as a big-play slot guy, could be a fabulous complement to the rugged DK Metcalf on the outside.

Penn State

If Rashawn Slater can make a full recovery, the team is set at the OT spots. However, LG Zion Johnson was ineffective on his rookie contract and is now a free agent, ineffective C Bradley Bozeman just retired, and 2025 free agent RG Mekhi Becton wasn't a great fit and was released. Thus, I see the iOL need as particularly dire. This would be an absolute gift for the Bolts if Ioane makes it to this spot.

Washington

If AJ Brown sticks around for one more year, Boston could still offer up a potential replacement by 2027 at the latest.

Indiana

After picking Freeling at #6, here the Browns address the WR need with Cooper, who has drawn rave reviews for his polish, route-running chops, and workout numbers in Indy. He ran a strong 4.43 at 6 feet and 200 pounds.

Florida

Banks has helped himself in Indy with a strong workout. His 2025 was pretty much ruined by a foot injury, but his 2024 tape and now his combine performance look like it should entrench him in the 1st Round.

Georgia

After the trade for DJ Moore, the WR need is not as pressing. So I am going to make a change with this selection. The team is switching to a 3-4 under new DC Jim Leonhard, which means that LB play is going to be more important. Now add in that Matt Milano, who is oft-injured anyway, is a free agent, and I could see the athletic, run-stuffing Allen as appealing in this spot.

Texas A&M

This will be a tough pick to project because of all of the 2025 injuries on the defensive side of the ball; obviously, picking a defender would make sense. However, the team needs to replace Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall has had trouble avoiding injuries, and both Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are free agents. To add to this, George Kittle is coming off a torn Achilles. With Concepcion available in this mock, he gets the call.

Alabama

In obvious need of OL help, as GM Nick Caserio has somehow traded away his top OL in each of the last two offseasons, Alabama man Proctor could make sense. Coach DeMeco Ryans is a fellow 'Bama alum.

Tennessee

"TRADE! The Rams trade #29 to Kansas City for Trent McDuffie.

Let's have some fun with this one. McDuffie could be on the block, Les Snead is publicly on record as saying they will move aggressively to address the secondary need, and this feels like appropriate compensation for a top CB entering the final year of his deal. If the Chiefs balk at giving him a big-money extension, bingo, this could happen. And with the pick, KC drafts a potential replacement."

OK this turned out to be a pretty good call! Yes, the Rams gave up even more draft capital than just this #29 overall pick (5th and 6th Round picks this year and a '27 3rd rounder), but it apparently came down to the Giants and Rams and the Rams coughed up extra to get it done. The Chiefs now have three picks in the top 40: #9, #29, and #40.

Clemson

Yes, Denver already has a wonderful DL. But this would be a luxury pick and a bet on Woods' upside potential.

Arizona State

Everyone knows that New England has to improve its OL, so perhaps the Nigerian-born Sun Devil makes some sense. Garnering last 1st/early 2nd buzz, Iheanaschor has ideal size at 6'6 and 330 pounds, and he ran one of the fastest 40's among OL's.

Alabama

TRADE! Seattle trades #32 to the Jets for #33 and #139.

To move down one spot — where they get to open Round 2, which has its own advantages — the Super Bowl champion Seahawks allow the Jets to come back into Round 1 for Simpson, thus getting that extra year of potential control on him. Seattle gets what amounts to a free pick late in the 4th Round for doing this.