Some people don’t find the NFL Combine very interesting. As someone who enjoys watching pretty much all of the Combine, I don’t find it boring at all. It’s like watching a preview of a movie you’ve been anticipating for months. The Combine serves as a sneak-peak of all the young talent that will be displayed on the gridiron this September and for many more Septembers after that. So, what’s not to like? Don’t ask me, I can’t figure it out. Enjoy the article!

1. Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Murray apparently had a terrible interview at the Combine, but he’s still the most dynamic, exciting player in this draft. New coach Kingsbury recruited him in college and it also makes sense to shop Josh Rosen at this point. At the end of the day, a Nick Bosa or a Quinnen Williams won’t sell tickets like Kyler Murray. This situation is similar to Duke’s, on the basketball side of the NCAA. I think RJ Barrett is a more well-rounded player than Zion Williamson, but Zion will sell an arena out on a nightly basis. So say hello to the new face of a franchise in need of some hype, Kyler Murray.

 

2. San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa, Edge, Ohio St.

As I wrote in my last mock, the Niners front office would love the Cards for letting them have Bosa. Bosa had a relatively quiet Combine, with a decent 4.79 40 yard dash time. I thought he looked great on the field, though, and he put up 29 reps for the bench press. His stock didn’t really rise or fall at the Combine. That’s good for him because he’s the top player in this class.

 

3. New York Giants (from New York Jets) – Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St.

The Jets are reportedly looking to move down after trading up last year for Sam Darnold. The Giants need a quarterback, even if Eli Manning plays this year ahead of Haskins. The Giants should make this move and trade a second rounder or two to secure their future. Haskins can mature a year behind Manning, like Patrick Mahomes did behind Alex Smith. That worked out great for the Chiefs, so why shouldn’t the Giants do the same?

 

4. Oakland Raiders – Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky

If Josh Allen is still on the board at number 4, there’s no way Oakland will trade down from here. Allen put up good numbers at the Combine. He measured 6’5” and 262 lbs. He ran a 4.63 40 yard dash and put up 28 reps on the bench. His 40 time was solid for a man of his size at this position. If Allen lives up to the hype, it’ll be like Khalil Mack was never traded.

 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Tampa Bay has many other defensive needs, but Williams is too talented to pass up on. With a 6’3”, 303 lb frame, Williams produced a 4.83 40 yard time. This is unprecedented for his size. His 30.5” vertical jump and 112” broad jump also don’t suggest his 303 lb weight, but this kid is special. In all likelihood, this means that Gerald McCoy is on the way out, but with his massive contract, this would help the Bucs in the long run.

 

6. New York Jets (from New York Giants) – Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi St.

The Jets would gain a few extra picks and the fastest defensive linemen since 2003 with this trade. Sweat ran a 4.41 40 yard dash at the Combine. He was certainly the biggest story of the event and his draft stock rose from mid to late first round to one of the best players in this class. Any offensive tackle will have trouble trying to guard his crazy speed. The Jets need a premiere edge rusher and Sweat certainly will be just that.

 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Before Montez Sweat blew up the Internet with his speed, D.K. Metcalf was the big story. He ran a 4.33 40 yard dash and he carries just 1.6% body fat at 228 lbs. That number could be exaggerated, but he is undoubtedly in amazing physical shape. With his speed and size, he’ll be a threat all over the field. The Jags need a threat likes this badly. Nick Foles is likely to sign here soon and I’m sure he’d love this addition.

 

8. Detroit Lions – Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan

The Lions has had a need on the edge for a long time. They didn’t franchise tag Ezekiel Ansah, so drafting the athletic Rashan Gary makes sense. At 277 lbs, Gary recorded a 40 time of 4.58, a broad jump og 120”, and a vertical jump of 38”. Those are eye opening measurables for a big guy like him. He didn’t show great production on the field in his last season at Michigan, but if he learns how to use his talents, Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins better watch out.

 

9. Miami Dolphins (from Buffalo Bills) – Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

The second projected trade I have also involves a passer. Miami needs to move on from Ryan Tannehill. Rather than waiting another year to take a QB, I think the Dolphins should trade up to ensure they take Lock over the Broncos. Lock showed off his big arm at the Combine. He kept up with Haskins on the field while showing he was a lot faster than him as well. It’s time for same change for the Dolphins, and the time is now.

 

10. Denver Broncos – Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

I’d bet the Broncos want Drew Lock, but if they can’t get him, no problem. Going a season with Joe Flacco shouldn’t be an issue. However, Flacco could use some protection. Jonah Williams looked so smooth and effortless on Combine day that it’ll be hard for any team to pass on him at this point. If the Broncos look to draft their franchise QB next year, why not jump the gun and draft a premiere offensive lineman before a new passer even arrives in the Mile High City?

 

11. Cincinnati Bengals – Devin White, ILB, LSU

White had a superb Combine. He showed off his raw speed on the field and posted a 4.42 40 yard dash time. He’ll be a great player in the NFL and in years to come, picking him at no. 11 could look like a steal. I had this pick in my last mock, too. With Vontaze Burfict slowing down, it makes sense that the Bengals would take White here. Keep an eye on White this coming season because I think he’ll be special.

 

12. Green Bay Packers – Brian Burns, Edge, Florida St.

I thought Burns had one of the most successful Combine performances. Period. He ran a 4.53 40 yard dash, recorded a 129” broad jump, and posted a 36’ vertical. He was awesome during the drills and he even showed off good catching ability. With his 6’5”, 249 lb frame, I think he could even play some inside linebacker in the pros. His versatility and speed should excite the Packers, who need a player like Burns on the edge.

 

13. Buffalo Bills (from Miami Dolphins) – T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

The Bills need blocking. The Bills also need receiving. Why not draft both in one player? Hockenson is a great blocker as well as pass-catcher. He showed off his adept ability to snatch the ball out of the air with ease at the Combine. With the release of Charles Clay, this is a position of need for the Bills. Hockenson stretches the field, too, which strong-armed QB Josh Allen will love.

 

14. Atlanta Falcons – Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

New mock draft, same pick for Atlanta. Oliver put up 32 reps on the bench and had a vertical of 36”. He has obvious talent that he wasn’t able to display on the field for Houston last year, so his stock fell from top 5 to top 15. However, wherever he’s drafted, it’ll probably seem like a steal soon and I think he’d do great things alongside DT Grady Jarrett on the Falcons D-Line.

 

15. Arizona Cardinals (from Washington Redskins) – Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

This trade would work out well for both sides. In the deal, the Cards ship Josh Rosen to Washington and the ‘Skins send this pick in return. Rosen would be the franchise QB of Washington for years to come, while Jawaan Taylor protects Kyler Murray in the west. Both teams address dire needs here, helping each other out in the process.

 

16. Carolina Panthers – Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell didn’t really impress me at the Combine, but you can’t ignore what he did at Clemson last season. The ACC defensive player of the year would bolster a Carolina defensive line that needs a face lift. With Julius Peppers gone, someone will need to headline the Panther pass rush. Ferrell should do just that.

 

17. Cleveland Browns – Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

This move makes too much sense. Brown and Baker Mayfield were college teammates. The Browns need a deep threat like Brown. An offense with Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, and then “Hollywood” Brown would light up the league. The Browns will be contenders soon, so watch who they take here.

 

18. Minnesota Vikings – Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

This pick was also part of my last mock because it makes a lot of sense. The Vikes O-Line was straight up awful last year. Then they released last year’s starting guard Mike Remmers. Ford can play tackle or guard, so his versatility could come in handy to Minnesota. The Vikings need to protect Kirk Cousins, and Ford checks that box.

 

19. Tennessee Titans – Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Wilkins didn’t put up numbers like Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, or Dexter Lawrence did, but he was impressive in his four seasons at Clemson. Wilkins recorded 5.5 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss in his senior season. Tennessee needs defensive linemen on the edge and on the interior. Wilkins would bring an unmatched maturity to any team, and the Titans could use that.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona St.

After the departure of AB, Pittsburgh needs receiving. For his 228 lb frame, Harry’s 4.53 40 yard dash time was impressive. He showed off his hops, too, with a 38.5” vert and 122” broad jump. Harry has the jump-ball ability of an elite receiver. I can see that pairing nicely with JuJu Smith-Schuster’s talents.

 

21. Seattle Seahawks – Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida

With Frank Clark holding out for a new contract, there’s no guarantee the Seahawks will have a premiere pass-rusher. If Polite is available, Seattle should be more than happy to take him. He was a force last year at Florida. Even if Frank Clark stays, Polite could play on the opposite side of the Hawks D.

 

22. Baltimore Ravens – Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The field of cornerbacks wasn’t very strong at the Combine, but Murphy was easily the best in my eyes. Baltimore now has holes all over their defense, and they may release CB Jimmy Smith soon. And, with Eric Weddle gone, the Ravens need to replenish their secondary. Having Murphy and Marlon Humphrey playing opposite each other would instantly boost their pass defense.

 

23. Houston Texans – Andre Dillard, OT, Washington St.

Dillard had one of the strongest Combines for any player. It wasn’t his measurables that popped off the page, but he looked exceptionally smooth and graceful on the field. The Texans offensive line was pitiful last year, allowing Deshaun Watson to be sacked 62 times. Dillard would be an instant starter in Houston. If the Texans made the playoffs with that O-Line, then imagine what they could do with a replenished front.

 

24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears) – Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

Sorry Marshawn Lynch, but the time has come for someone new. The experiment with Marshawn hasn’t gone as planned, so the next step to improving the Raiders should be focusing on Jacobs. He’s a powerful runner who could be the next rookie running back sensation.

 

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

When Ronald Darby went down last season with a torn ACL, the Eagles became very thin at cornerback. Even though the Eagles reportedly still want him back, they could use Baker as an insurance policy if Darby leaves this year, or even next year. In fact, Baker is a very talented player who should end up being much more than an insurance policy.

 

26. Indianapolis Colts – Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

The Colts should be all about defense this draft. Dexter Lawrence injured his leg during the Combine, but before he went down, he put up a whopping 36 reps on the bench. His immense strength at 6’4”, 342 lbs will be his greatest asset in the NFL. And instead of spending big money on Ndamukong Suh or Sheldon Richardson, GM Chris Ballard will be happy with this option, even with his $100 million+ in cap space.

 

27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas Cowboys) – A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Even though Oakland just acquired another receiver with the last name Brown, the Raiders have just Jordy Nelson after him. Coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock should invest in another target for Derek Carr. A.J. Brown had a respectable Combine (4.49 40 time), although he was overshadowed by former Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf. Anyway, having two “A. Browns” lining up at receiver would help out their offense big time.

 

28. Los Angeles Chargers – Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan

Devin Bush had a great Combine. Devin White was much more talked about, but Bush was very impressive during the workouts. He ran a 4.43 40 yard dash, had a 40.5” vertical jump, and a 124” broad jump. He proved he has elite athleticism, while proving he has the on-field skills of a big-time draft prospect. LA would be thrilled if he falls to this pick, as they need help at linebacker.

 

29. Kansas City Chiefs – Garrett Bradbury, C, NC St.

Former Chiefs center Mitch Morse has officially left Kansas City for the Bills, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue. With a breakout performance similar to Andre Dillard, I thought Garrett Bradbury had an amazing Combine. He is easily the best center in this draft. The Chiefs will be happy with Morse’s replacement from day 1.

 

30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans Saints) – Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

It looks like the Jimmy Graham experiment is already a bust after just one season. However, if the Packers take Fant, it will all be forgotten. Noah Fant ran a 4.5 40 yard dash. That’s electric speed for a tight end. Aaron Rodgers has never had a tight end with the talent of Fant, so I’m sure the face of the franchise would approve of this move.

 

31. Los Angeles Rams – Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

The volatile Marcus Peters and the oft-injured Aqib Talib were the Rams top two corners last year. Greedy Williams ran a 4.37 40 yard dash, but he looked plain awful during the on-field workouts. He eventually exited the drills when both of his calves became cramped. That performance was worrisome, but his talent is undeniable. He is inconsistent like Marcus Peters, but having both means you can substitute one for the other when one is having a bad game.  

 

32. New England Patriots – Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia

Finally, New England is on the clock. Ridley seems like a good fit for New England. He is a precise route-runner who may not wow you with his athletic ability. New England has made a living out of the short passing game, though, so that aspect of Ridley shouldn’t be too worrisome for Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. Tom Brady needs receivers as he ages, and Ridley is the best option here.

All of this will be greatly effected by free agency, which officially begins March 13th. So, stay tuned for yet another mock draft when most of the star free agents are under contract.

-Sam