Combine Mock, Version 3.0

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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

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.

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.