{"id":204231,"date":"2026-03-04T18:38:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:38:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/204231\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T18:38:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:38:07","slug":"predicting-the-first-64-picks-after-the-combine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/204231\/","title":{"rendered":"Predicting the first 64 picks after the Combine"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NFL Scouting Combine always claims to provide clarity.<\/p>\n

What it actually delivers is a fresh set of arguments inside draft rooms across the league. Forty-yard dashes get dissected, arm lengths get debated, and somewhere along the way a few prospects quietly climb ten spots on someone\u2019s board.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s biggest winner might have been Ohio State\u2019s Sonny Styles, who delivered one of the most outrageous athletic profiles scouts have seen in years.<\/p>\n

At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash with a 1.56 split, then posted a 43\u00bd-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump.<\/p>\n

In other words: edge rusher size, linebacker tenacity, safety explosiveness, and the kind of testing numbers that make defensive coordinators develop overactive imaginations.<\/p>\n

Speed also stole the show, as per usual, especially since most of the \u201cslowpokes\u201d decided to sit this one out.<\/p>\n

Mississippi State receiver Brenen Thompson arrived as a niche deep threat and gadget guy, but likely earned some extra cashola in Indianapolis after blazing a 4.26 with a 1.54 split. Meanwhile, big-bodied wideout Jeff Caldwell of Cincinnati delivered the rare \u201ccreate-a-player\u201d combination: 6-foot-5, 216 pounds with a 4.31 40, an insane 1.48 split, 42-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump.<\/p>\n

And then there are the combine casualties.<\/p>\n

Notre Dame receiver Malachi Fields struggled through testing after a strong Senior Bowl, posting a disappointing 40 time and battling drops in the gauntlet drill. Fields\u2019 performance could revive questions about his separation ability.<\/p>\n

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was one of the most dominant defenders in college football last season, but his arm length measurement (30\u215e inches)\u00a0immediately became a talking point among scouts who worry about how it translates when stacking and shedding NFL tackles.<\/p>\n

Highly-productive Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell left Indy in the same boat as Bain. Howell\u2019s 30\u00bc-inch arms raised concerns about how he\u2019ll disengage from NFL tackles despite testing that showcased his elite\u00a0speed and good explosion.<\/p>\n

Both Bain and Howell were considered locks to be selected in the first round by most of us draftniks ahead of the combine.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll see who waivers going forward.<\/p>\n

Ask ten scouts what the combine changed and you\u2019ll get ten different answers. But speed gets paid, traits get drafted, and every year someone climbs the board because of one week in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

With the stopwatch heroes crowned and the measurements logged, here\u2019s how the first two rounds might look. At least until a pro day throws another wrench into everything.<\/p>\n

Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23-25):<\/p>\n

Early March:\u00a0Colleges can begin hosting pro days<\/p>\n

March 11: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)<\/p>\n

MOCK PREAMBLE<\/p>\n

This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season\u2019s draft class, and which teams they\u2019d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I\u2019ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.<\/p>\n

According to The Huddle Report, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I tied for first overall (out of 172) covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023.<\/p>\n

Considering the NFL doesn\u2019t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league\u2019s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.<\/p>\n

Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown<\/a> so we can continue the conversation.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an updated version of my 2026 NFL Mock Draft after the combine, including the first two rounds:<\/p>\n

FIRST ROUND<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas (3-14) \u2014 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s revisit this next year\u201d is not a team-building strategy. That\u2019s why this feels like a lock barring another team making a \u201cGodfather\u201d offer for the pick. Mendoza wins with size, command, accuracy, red-zone efficiency and grown-man composure. The questions are real \u2014 middle-of-field volume, under-center experience, and whether his game has enough improv juice when structure collapses \u2014 but the r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is too strong to shrug off.\u00a0New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak\u2019s offensive philosophy pairs nicely with Mendoza\u2019s skillset. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR<\/p>\n

2. N.Y. Jets (3-14) \u2014 Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n

Perhaps GM Darren Mougey packages this selection and the No. 16 overall pick in a swap with the Raiders for Mendoza. Otherwise, the Jets need to replenish their defense after trading their two best defenders away at the deadline. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound uber-athletic Reese is a modern defensive problem-solver: long, explosive, versatile, and productive enough to justify the hype. The questions are about polish and role definition, not talent. Top needs: QB, CB, WR<\/p>\n

3. Arizona (3-14) \u2014 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals will release Kyler Murray, but they\u2019re not finding his replacement with the third-overall pick. Adding an explosive player like Love would help take pressure off the passing game in the interim.\u00a0Love features elite size (6-0, 214), patience and balance on top of home run capability. When he gets daylight, the play can be over before the safety finishes his bad decision. Top needs: QB, OL, DL<\/p>\n

4. Tennessee (3-14) \u2014 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n

Traditionally after drafting a franchise QB with the first overall pick in the previous draft, an organization will utilize the next draft to stockpile offensive talent in support of their investment. Cam Ward needs someone who can tilt coverage instead of just participating in routes. Tate showed immense growth in his technical skills last season, especially his route running, which transformed him from a vertical threat to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels. His official 4.53 40 created noise because some evaluators reportedly had him faster on handheld timing, but the only official number is the official number. Tate\u2019s tape says he has enough play speed.\u00a0Top needs: WR, OL, CB<\/p>\n

5. N.Y. Giants (4-13) \u2014 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St., Sr.<\/p>\n

The Titans and Giants are in the same boat. Both have talented quarterbacks headed into their second season in need of support. GM Joe Schoen will need to reinforce Jaxson Dart\u2019s protection, weaponry, and perhaps teach him how to slide to maximize his potential. Considering John Harbaugh\u2019s history with the Ravens, though, I\u2019m thinking he\u2019d prefer to address the O-line or even a dynamic defender like Caleb Downs or Styles. Styles wins with athleticism, instincts, and legitimate finishing power, and his background as a safety gives him answers a lot of linebackers simply do not have. Top needs: WR, DL, G<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland (5-12) \u2014\u00a0Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.<\/p>\n

GM Andrew Berry just traded a fifth-round pick to the Texans for Tytus Howard, and signed him to a three-year, $63 million extension. But that\u2019s just the beginning of Berry\u2019s work to revamp the Browns\u2019 O-line.\u00a0Fano is a big (6-6, 302), powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork improved in pass protection his junior season. Whether he sticks at tackle or eventually slides inside may depend on the team, but the broader point is simpler: Fano looks like an NFL starter. Top needs: QB, OL, WR<\/p>\n

7. Washington (5-12) \u2014 David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.<\/p>\n

The Commanders need a true problem-creator off the edge. Bailey tied for first in the FBS with 14\u00bd sacks, and was second with 19\u00bd tackles for loss. He has rare speed for someone who is 6-3, 250. The selling point is simple: he gets to quarterbacks, and he does it a lot. Top needs: Edge, DB, WR<\/p>\n

8. New Orleans (6-11) \u2014 Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.<\/p>\n

The defensive front needs a fresh coat of paint.\u00a0The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain wins with power, leverage, technique, and a mean streak that shows up snap after snap. The lack of ideal length is real, and it will scare off some teams. But the r\u00e9sum\u00e9, disruption, and polish are also real. Top needs: WR, G, DL<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City (6-11) \u2014 Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.<\/p>\n

The Chiefs\u2019 dynasty may be over, but the championship window will remain wide open as long as Patrick Mahomes is upright and healthy. Mahomes is magic, but even magicians prefer clean pockets. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, is big (6-6, 335), powerful, athletic enough and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. There are scouts who believe he\u2019d be even better on the interior, but he\u2019s talented enough to stay at tackle. Mauigoa anchored one of the nation\u2019s better offensive lines in his final year with the Hurricanes and put together the kind of pass-protection season that gets line coaches misty-eyed. Top needs: DL, RB, T<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati (6-11) \u2014 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.<\/p>\n

Outside of cornerback DJ Turner, and two talented rookie linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, who survived their growing pains last season, what part of the Bengals\u2019 defense doesn\u2019t need to be completely overhauled?\u00a0Delane doesn\u2019t have elite size (5-11, 187) or deep speed, but he\u2019s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. He wasn\u2019t a one-year wonder who came out of nowhere in Baton Rouge. He played real football early at Virginia Tech, then upgraded competition and still looked like a Sunday player in the SEC. He\u2019d pair nicely with Turner. Top needs: Edge, DB, G<\/p>\n

11. Miami (7-10) \u2014 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn St., Jr.<\/p>\n

Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins depending on how new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley feel about Tua Tagovailoa as their QB going forward, but the O-line needs to become a feature, not a disclaimer.\u00a0Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions last season, earning second-team AP All-American recognition. He\u2019s an elite pass-blocker and a strong anchor in the run game, while featuring impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 330). Top needs: CB, WR, G<\/p>\n

12. Dallas (7-9-1) \u2014 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n

The Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason, and especially the draft, will be all about improving the defense. Downs was the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that led the nation in points (9.3) and yards allowed (219.1) per game, and he finished ninth in the Heisman voting. He plays fast, thinks faster, and hits like he\u2019s trying to invoice the ballcarrier. Combine week brought public rumor mill chaos about his knee; reporting also noted his family and some insiders pushed back hard on it as misinformation. Either way, teams will do their own due diligence. Top needs: LB, DB, Edge<\/p>\n

13. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (8-9) \u2014 Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia, Jr.<\/p>\n

Rob Havenstein\u2019s retirement means the right side needs a plan now, not later. Freeling features rare lateral movement skills for a tackle his size (6-7, 315). His combine numbers were elite enough to produce a near-perfect 9.99 Relative Athletic Score. He needs polish, but Freeling is a classic traits-plus-SEC-production tackle prospect: long, explosive, and athletic enough to make coaches believe they can unlock something big.\u00a0Top needs: DB, OL, QB<\/p>\n

14. Baltimore (8-9) \u2014 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.<\/p>\n

The mandate for the Ravens will be clear this offseason: fix the defense. Hiring former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to be head coach certainly seems to suggest as much. You can never have enough corners in the AFC, especially if your pass rush is still under construction.\u00a0McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition in 2024 with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session last January. His tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. If the medicals check out and the movement looks right at his pro day, McCoy\u2019s the type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. Top needs: Edge, WR, C<\/p>\n

15. Tampa Bay (8-9) \u2014\u00a0Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.<\/p>\n

A dynamic option at tight end would help the offense, especially if Mike Evans ends up leaving in free agency. A 4.39 40 at 241 pounds is cartoon stuff for the position, and the jump numbers only reinforce it. Sadiq is a legitimate field-stretcher who can line up attached, in the slot, split out wide, or in the backfield, which gives play-callers real flexibility. Plus, he has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. The questions are about size, hands consistency, and whether his production always matched the traits.\u00a0Top needs: Edge, LB, G<\/p>\n

16. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-9) \u2014 Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.<\/p>\n

Pairing Lemon with Garrett Wilson would set the Jets\u2019 next franchise QB up for success, whomever he may be. Lemon (5-11, 192) is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch. He already wins like a pro. He varies tempo, understands leverage, and wastes very little movement in and out of breaks. Lemon is explosive, but he isn\u2019t just going to run by everybody. Top needs: QB, CB, WR<\/p>\n

17. Detroit (9-8) \u2014 Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.<\/p>\n

The Lions ranked 13th overall in stopping the run last season, but struggled mightily down the stretch. If D.J. Reader leaves in free agency, there will be a huge hole to fill on the interior defensive line. Banks looks like a prototype at 6-foot-6, 327 pounds with 35-inch arms, and he backed up the frame at the combine with a 5.05-second 40 and 32-inch vertical. That is rare movement for a man built like a loading dock. Banks is a classic projection-versus-production debate wrapped in a premium NFL body. The concerns are durability, consistency, and whether the disruption turns into enough finishing. The ceiling is obvious.\u00a0Top needs: Edge, CB, C<\/p>\n

18. Minnesota (9-8) \u2014\u00a0Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, Jr.<\/p>\n

The Vikings need more stability and playmaking on the back end, especially if Harrison Smith calls it quits. Thieneman is a do-it-all safety with verified NFL athleticism, real ball production, and enough versatility to be a coordinator\u2019s favorite toy. The only real question is where you want him living \u2014 deep, down, or in motion. The answer is usually: yes. Top needs: DB, DL, OL<\/p>\n

19. Carolina (8-9) \u2014 Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.<\/p>\n

Former top-10 pick Ikem Ekwonu is entering the final year of his rookie contract after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in the Panthers\u2019 playoff loss. Ekwonu will be out 6-12 months, which means GM Dan Morgan needs to find a stopgap (at very least), and potentially a long-term replacement if they can\u2019t reach an agreement on a contract extension. Proctor has the potential to be both. He could fill-in at left tackle until Ekwonu is healthy enough to return, and then slide inside. Carolina has a potential out of right guard Robert Hunt\u2019s 5-year, $100 million deal after next season. Or he could be Ekwonu\u2019s replacement.\u00a0Proctor\u2019s junior season was a grab bag of inconsistency, but it\u2019s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are as powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile as he is (he was No. 2 on Bruce Feldman\u2019s \u201cFreaks\u201d list<\/a>). Top needs: Edge, LB, WR<\/p>\n

20. Dallas from Green Bay (9-7-1) \u2014 Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami, Sr.<\/p>\n

Jerry Jones has indicated the Cowboys will be targeting players who can compete immediately rather than developmental prospects or those rehabbing from significant injuries.\u00a0Mesidor had 9\u00bd sacks in two years at West Virginia before joining the Hurricanes in 2022. He\u2019s an older prospect (he turns 25 in April), but he\u2019s been highly productive for two different programs, including 12\u00bd sacks and 17\u00bd tackles for loss last season. Mesidor is a productive, polished, hard-nosed edge rusher whose tape is built on actual pass-rush craft instead of empty athletic fantasy. Top needs: LB, DB, Edge<\/p>\n

21. Pittsburgh (10-7) \u2014 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St., Jr.<\/p>\n

The Steelers made the playoffs, but the quarterback spot remains cloudy and the franchise enters a highly unusual offseason with Mike McCarthy replacing Mike Tomlin. They need another trustworthy target who can separate without the route turning into interpretive dance.\u00a0Tyson has developed into a route-technician and has the ability to make plays at all three levels. He has vertical juice, real ball skills, and the kind of alignment flexibility NFL offenses covet. Because he did not test at the combine and because injury history is already part of the profile, team doctors are going to have a louder voice than usual in his final grade. Top needs: QB, WR, G<\/p>\n

22. L.A. Chargers (11-6) \u2014\u00a0TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n

Free agency could create a significant hole in the Chargers\u2019 pass rush.\u00a0Parker\u2019s bull rush is devastating and he\u2019s already a solid run defender. While last season didn\u2019t live up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3\u00bd, 263), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. Top needs: OL, DL, Edge<\/p>\n

23. Philadelphia (11-6) \u2014 Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.<\/p>\n

Five-time All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson is under contract through the 2027 season, but he\u2019s 35 years old and missed eight games last season while battling neck and back issues before suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 11. The Eagles were 3-5 without Johnson, including a 23-19 season-ending loss in the wild-card round to the 49ers.\u00a0Lomu is a high-upside left tackle prospect with real athleticism, clean pass-protection production, and the kind of awareness coaches can work with. The concerns are strength, polish, and whether his current body can consistently hold up against NFL power and speed. Top needs: T, TE, CB<\/p>\n

24. Cleveland from Jacksonville (13-4) \u2014 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, Jr.<\/p>\n

Would it shock you if the Browns drafted another quarterback this season? Me either. Simpson is the son of a longtime college coach, who happens to be great friends with new Cleveland head coach Todd Monken. So there\u2019s that. He only has 15 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows Simpson is a poised, accurate, mechanically clean QB who wins with processing, rhythm and pocket control more than raw star-power traits. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade is uninspiring to say the least: Trey Lance (17), Mac Jones (17), Kyler Murray (17), Dwayne Haskins (14), Anthony Richardson (13) and Mitchell Trubisky (13). Top needs: QB, OL, WR<\/p>\n

25. Chicago (11-6) \u2014 Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n

The surprise retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman just shoved \u201cinterior offensive line\u201d to the front of the agenda, but there\u2019s not a center worthy of this selection. The Bears need more interior disruption on the other side of the ball as well.\u00a0McDonald was a game-wrecker for one of the best defenses in the country, earning consensus All-American honors. Anchored by the 6-2, 326-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State\u2019s run defense was seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (89.36) and tied for seventh in yards allowed per carry (2.94). If you need someone to stop teams from living in 2nd-and-4, he\u2019s your guy. Top needs: DL, Edge, SS<\/p>\n

26. Buffalo (12-5) \u2014 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M, Jr.<\/p>\n

Josh Allen can elevate almost anyone, but \u201calmost\u201d is doing a lot of heavy lifting. The Bills need a target defenses actually fear before the snap.\u00a0Concepcion was named the winner of the 2025 Paul Hornung Award. The award honors the most versatile player in the country. The NC State transfer finished the season with 12 total touchdowns, and became the first A&M player in the modern era to score via reception, rush and punt return in the same year. Concepcion is sudden, slippery, and built to make defensive coordinators regret light personnel. Top needs: WR, Edge, LB<\/p>\n

27. San Francisco (12-5) \u2014 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Jr.<\/p>\n

Free agency plus the eventual Brandon Aiyuk split means this room could change fast. Boston (6-3, 212) is a big-bodied, strong-handed, red-zone-friendly outside receiver with real production and better route nuance than a lot of receivers built like him. Top needs: WR, DL, OL<\/p>\n

28. Houston (12-5) \u2014 Max Iheanachor, T, Arizona St., Sr.<\/p>\n

Fixing the O-line is becoming an annual tradition in Houston, like fireworks or tax season. Iheanachor is a big (6-6, 321), athletic, ascending tackle prospect whose stock is built on size, feet, and the promise of what happens when a relatively new football player keeps improving. He\u2019s farther along protecting the edge than he is creating displacement in the run game.\u00a0Top needs: DL, G, SS<\/p>\n

29. L.A. Rams (12-5) \u2014 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s too much possible turnover in the secondary to ignore. Terrell is a much better run defender than his brother A.J. \u2014 former first-round pick of the Falcons \u2014 despite being a bit undersized (5-10\u00be, 186). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he\u2019s mastered the \u201cPeanut Punch\u201d with eight forced fumbles the last two seasons. He also had three sacks last year. Top needs: DB, OL, QB<\/p>\n

30. Denver (14-3) \u2014 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Jr.<\/p>\n

If key tacklers leave in free agency, the Broncos will need replacements immediately. Allen is a rugged, high-IQ, SEC-proven linebacker who wins with instincts, physicality, and run-game recognition. The r\u00e9sum\u00e9 says starter and the tape says tone-setter. He will eventually wear the green dot. Top needs: DL, LB, TE<\/p>\n

31. New England (14-3) \u2014 Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.<\/p>\n

The Patriots are good enough to think in January terms, and January requires waves of pressure. Cashius Howell is an explosive, productive, high-energy edge rusher who wins with burst, hands, counters and pure bad intentions. He produced 9\u00bd sacks and 10\u00bd tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he earned the conference\u2019s Defensive Player of the Year with 11\u00bd sacks last season (tied for seventh in the FBS) and 14 tackles for loss. Howell\u2019s short arms will absolutely scare some teams off, but the r\u00e9sum\u00e9 says pressure, the tape says pressure, and the honors say everybody who watched him came away convinced. Top needs: Edge, C, FS<\/p>\n

32. Seattle (14-3) \u2014 Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego St., Sr.<\/p>\n

Cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both free agents. Johnson is a smooth, instinctive outside corner who pairs sticky coverage with real ball production. He wins with patience, press ability, and enough athletic juice to erase mistakes. When a corner dominates his conference, makes All-America teams, then rips off a 4.40 in Indianapolis, NFL teams tend to pay attention.\u00a0His instincts make him an ideal fit for the type of zone defense the champs deploy under coach Mike Macdonald. Top needs: CB, G, Edge<\/p>\n

SECOND ROUND<\/p>\n

33. N.Y. Jets \u2014 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.<\/p>\n

34. Arizona \u2014 Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.<\/p>\n

35. Tennessee \u2014 Blake Miller, T, Clemson, Sr.<\/p>\n

36. Las Vegas \u2014 Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech, Sr.<\/p>\n

37. N.Y. Giants \u2014 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana, Jr.<\/p>\n

38. Houston from Washington \u2014 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo, Sr.<\/p>\n

39. Cleveland \u2014 Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama, Sr.<\/p>\n

40. Kansas City \u2014 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n

41. Cincinnati \u2014 Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.<\/p>\n

42. New Orleans \u2014 Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M, Jr.<\/p>\n

43. Miami \u2014 Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee, So.<\/p>\n

44. N.Y. Jets from Dallas \u2014 Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon, Sr.<\/p>\n

45. Baltimore \u2014 Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois, Sr.<\/p>\n

46. Tampa Bay \u2014 Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Jr.<\/p>\n

47. Indianapolis \u2014 Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.<\/p>\n

Germaine Pratt\u2019s impending free agency and Zaire Franklin\u2019s significant regression could make linebacker a pressing need this offseason for the Colts. Rodriguez is chaos with shoulder pads. The Butkus Award winner authored one of the wildest stat lines you\u2019ll ever see from a linebacker last season: 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 sack and 6 pass breakups in 14 games. He will be a 24-year-old rookie, but Rodriguez is a turnover-hunting, highly instinctive enforcer with monster production, elite 2025 PFF grades, and he answered all big athletic questions at the combine.\u00a0Top needs: QB, SS, LB<\/p>\n

48. Atlanta \u2014 Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia, Jr.<\/p>\n

Newly crowned Falcons\u2019 President of Football Matt Ryan hired Kevin Stefanski to replace Raheem Morris as head coach. Ryan also hired former Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham as GM. The priority this offseason will be to fortify the roster around core talent like Bijan Robinson, Drake London and A.J. Terrell. Adding a dynamic threat like Branch to complement London could elevate the entire offense. He is a twitchy, explosive, space-destroying playmaker who wins with speed, suddenness, and return-game electricity. The weaknesses are real \u2014 size, catch consistency, and a role-specific projection \u2014 but so is the stress he puts on a defense every time he touches the ball. Top needs: WR, DL, CB<\/p>\n

49. Minnesota \u2014 Christen Miller, DL, Georgia, Jr.<\/p>\n

50. Detroit \u2014 D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana, Jr.<\/p>\n

51. Carolina \u2014 Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan, Sr.<\/p>\n

52. Green Bay \u2014 Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati, Sr.<\/p>\n

Athletic second-level help remains useful in today\u2019s spacing game. Golday has size at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, tested like a real athlete in Indianapolis, and plays with the sort of downhill violence that makes inside runs feel like bad ideas.\u00a0Top needs: DL, CB, LB<\/p>\n

53. Pittsburgh \u2014 AJ Haulcy, S, LSU, Sr.<\/p>\n

54. Philadelphia \u2014 Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt, Sr.<\/p>\n

55. L.A. Chargers \u2014 Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa, Sr.<\/p>\n

Jim Harbaugh teams are supposed to win the trench argument. Dunker is a powerful, nasty, Iowa-forged O-lineman who wins with brute force and leverage. The cleanest projection is as a starting right guard with emergency tackle value, though a team that believes in the tackle tape could still give him a shot outside.\u00a0Top needs: OL, DL, Edge<\/p>\n

56. Jacksonville \u2014 Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona St., Jr.<\/p>\n

Both of the Jaguars\u2019 starting cornerbacks are free agents \u2014 Greg Newsome and Montaric Brown. Abney is a former high school wide receiver with elite ball skills. There\u2019s size limitations (5-10, 187) against large \u201cX\u201d receivers, but he\u2019s an excellent processor in zone and sticky in man. Top needs: CB, FS, G<\/p>\n

57. Chicago \u2014 Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF, Sr.<\/p>\n

58. San Francisco \u2014 Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn St., Sr.<\/p>\n

59. Houston \u2014 Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma, Sr.<\/p>\n

60. Buffalo \u2014 R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma, Sr.<\/p>\n

61. L.A. Rams \u2014 Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina, Jr.<\/p>\n

Rams strong safety Kamren Curl is an unrestricted free agent. Kilgore is a modern defensive back with old-school edge. He wins with size, range, versatility, and real ball production, and his combine workout backed up the movement skills on tape. Some teams will see a full-time safety, others a nickel, and others a hybrid chess piece. Top needs: DB, OL, QB<\/p>\n

62. Denver \u2014 Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame, Sr.<\/p>\n

63. New England \u2014 Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee, Sr.<\/p>\n

64. Seattle \u2014 Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The NFL Scouting Combine always claims to provide clarity. What it actually delivers is a fresh set of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":204232,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[37222,94585,94583,94582,74,76,75,94584],"class_list":{"0":"post-204231","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-2026-nfl-mock-draft","9":"tag-nfl-combine-risers","10":"tag-nfl-draft-prospects-2026","11":"tag-post-combine-mock-draft","12":"tag-san-diego","13":"tag-san-diego-headlines","14":"tag-san-diego-news","15":"tag-two-round-nfl-mock-draft"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=204231"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204231\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/204232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=204231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=204231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}