Combine Mock, Version 3.0
I am just going to unveil a new mock during Combine week, which will constantly be changing as new information becomes available and as I gather more intel from sharp mockers/reporters.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
LT Taylor Decker announced he would return to play in 2026. And while that doesn't rule out a tackle pick such as Lomu, Freeling, or Proctor, perhaps plugging Ioane into a guard spot would garner immediate '26 dividends.
It's rare that 3 safeties would go in the 1st, and rather than McNeil-Warren, perhaps Thieneman will remind Minnesota brass of the retiring Harrison Smith.
With LT Ikem Ekwonu coming off a torn patellar tendon, a tackle pick could be in play here. But if not, helping the defense makes sense. Woods' length is not ideal though and he chose not to work out at the Combine, so perhaps his stock is falling lower than this.
Dallas goes defense again, this time helping the pass rush. I had Cashius Howell here before, but his arm length and wingspan were outlier short at the Combine. Because of that, I'm going to drop him out of the 1st entirely, at least for now.
I'm going to drop Ty Simpson out of the 1st Round entirely this time. Concepcion could be a big-play slot guy waiting to happen and might be a nice complement to 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. Thus, I see the iOL need as particularly dire. While Lomu was Utah's LT, perhaps he can provide an immediate guard solution for the Bolts.
This is a guess that Dallas Goedert will not be back.
After picking Tate at #6, here the Browns address the OL need with Freeling.
Mesidor's age may work against him landing in the 1st, but he's ready to play immediately and the Bears need pass rushers badly.
The Bills hope that Boston is more of a success on the outside than Keon Coleman has been.
While WR is a need and perhaps even a LT if Trent Williams is allowed to depart in free agency (I still think the team gets that done), the defense needs some major reinforcements. Banks looked great in 2024 and then lost most of the 2025 season with a foot injury. He looks healthy and explosive now, so could be a riser.
In need of OL help, perhaps the Alabama man will appeal to a team coached by an Alabama man in DeMeco Ryans.
Downs and Hood would be quite a haul for a team needing secondary help.
The Georgia man is a fabulous run defender and should test well at the Combine.
Everyone knows that the Pats have to improve up front. Pregnon might be the #2 guard in the class, behind Ioane.
Jarran Reed and Leonard Williams (and Demarcus Lawrence) hit free agency after the '26 season, and we know that Mike Macdonald loves having a strong DL crew. Another Buckeye in the 1st Round.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32