jvkeb 1.0 2026
Post-Combine Baller Draft 1.0 - First round (1-32) with write-ups
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
Tom Brady and co. get a QB to reset the newly (re-)minted Las Vegas franchise. It feels like they’re playing a Madden franchise after trading Maxx Crosby. They’ll have some great young offensive skill talent and will need to rebuild their defense and offensive line. No trades in my mock at this time - will add once we get closer.
The Jets grab the best defensive player on the board. This team also has a lot of poker chips in this year’s draft. Maybe they’ll land a QB down the line.
Arizona definitely needs help on the offensive line and obviously at QB. Sonny Styles performed too well in the combine not to go top 5 this year. What use is a tackle if there’s no QB to block for?
David Bailey is extremely athletic for his size and is only 20 years old. Tennessee grabs a defensive foundational piece for their franchise.
Cam Skattebo played great last year, but broke his ankle. If the team is not confident he will return early in the season, they may opt to take arguably the best offensive player in the draft. They can use Skattebo as a blocking back, an RB2, or trade him down the line if he can provide value to another team.
The Browns need a tackle just to see which QB they can develop. I doubt that any passer on the roster at the moment is the guy. They’ll hope to draft a QB next year.
Caleb Downs was probably the best or second-best defensive player on paper this/last year in the NCAA. Recent medical evaluations have flagged a potential degenerative knee issue. Commanders get good value here at pick #7.
Kellen Moore will want to make a splash on offense to aid the development of their second-year QB. Chris Olave has had too many concussions for a career already. He might end up like Tua.
Who gave the Chiefs a top 10 pick?? KC grabs a disruptive defense end and hopes to rebuild their defense after a down year.
The Bengals are in a terrible spot this year regarding value, like they have been in recent years. They kind of need everything besides QB, RB, and WR. But they definitely need help on the defensive line and select the first DT on the board.
The AFC East is in an ever-destructive cycle wherein the Patriots devour the other organizations. The Dolphins have hit the reset button again. They were 2 years late firing McDaniel and getting rid of Tua. It is not ethical to keep him on a football field. Miami looks to rebuild starting in the trenches.
If there was anything I took from the Cowboys’ team last year it is that they could not stop the pass. Here, they are gifted this class’ top defensive back.
The Rams got a free pick from the James Pearce trade last year. They opt to select the CB2 and solidify their defense. As a Pats fan, I think the most fun outcome would be a Rams-Ravens Super Bowl next year. LA can wait for a QB - they probably have two years left with Stafford and are a phenomenal free agent destination.
Las Vegas could take a receiver here, but their largest need is probably interior offensive line. The top positional player here is available and they don’t overthink it.
If the Bucs don’t go defensive line here, they’ll get the top TE prospect in the draft. An athletic freak out of Oregon named Kenyon Sadiq. He looks small on tape, but is 6’3” 240lbs. Baker Mayfield will have plenty of options to throw to.
The first “surprise” of this year’s draft, even though the positional value is great. Kind of an undersized QB, but the Jets need to get something going.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32