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
Detroit could go offensive tackle here, but they need to take pressure off Aidan Hutchinson to unlock his utility.
There is not great value for Minnesota here at pick #18, especially as Harrison Smith has not actually retired. But getting the top prospect at an important position is not a bad deal. They could elect to trade down.
I believe that the Panthers will grab another receiver or TE to try to prove that Bryce Young was worth their investment. Xavier Legette is probably a mediocre WR and Jalen Coker is often hurt.
Jerry Jones could opt for a defensive lineman here, but will want to protect Dak Prescott. Dallas is always at its best when its offensive line is elite. Their tackles were mediocre at best last season.
Did you know that the draft is in Pittsburgh this year? This franchise has bad ownership and front office management. Tomlin maybe needed a change of scenery, but the real issues lie above him. They have had no real answer at QB for quite some time and have wasted a great defense. The offense seemed to revolve around three TEs last season.
There are no interior offensive linemen who are worth taking at pick #22. This area of the draft seems weak this year. The Chargers get some juice on their defensive front.
Philadelphia could go offensive or defensive line here. With Lane Johnson returning next season, they can wait to draft another OT. On the other hand, they have invested more defensively in recent drafts.
Regardless of QB capacity, the Browns seriously need WRs. Harold Fannin was their best receiver last year as a rookie TE. The Travis Hunter trade yields dividends here.
There is a gaping hole at defensive end on the Bears roster. They need to generate pressure to let the offense see the field more often.
Buffalo could do many things here at pick #26. They do need offensive line and secondary help. But, they have an opportunity to develop a receiver under DJ Moore and as insurance to Khalil Shakir.
San Francisco gets mightily cucked by Buffalo. They NEED a receiver. They also need a defensive tackle. Maybe they trade up if an opportunity presents itself. Maybe they trade for or sign a receiver before the season starts.
The Texans could probably go .500 with their defense alone. After trading Laremy Tunsil and making other offensive line moves, CJ Stroud looked spooked. OL is a must for Houston early in this year’s draft.
Protecting Mahomes is a greater priority this year after tearing his ACL. We could see the Chiefs draft a corner here instead to replace Trent McDuffie.
Denver could probably use a receiver, but the value is likely not there at pick #30. CJ Allen could be a long-time franchise defensive playcaller. A guy who leads his team in tackles almost every year.
TJ Parker has slid in recent mocks. Last year, he was often mocked in the top 15. To me, he kind of looked like Richard Seymour at the combine. The Patriots need to generate defensive pressure to allow their elite secondary to flourish and keep the opposing offenses off the field.
If Tariq Woolen is gone this offseason, I reckon that Seattle will go with a cornerback at the end of the first round.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32