“Trust the tape.”
We hear it and are reminded throughout the pre-draft process when evaluating the next crop of NFL journeymen. However, come this time every year, it’s stopwatches and bench presses that take over the scene and force us to bend the rules for the next few weeks.
As we over analyze straight-line speed and broad jumps, the combine is far from useless as it has become a barometer and measuring tool to help decipher Player X from Player Z. Players can watch their stock soar in a matter of tenths of a second, literally.
Previous Round Mocks
Meeting with these prospects off the field and in front of the whiteboard has become just as valuable over the past decade, if not more so than ever before. With nearly every collegiate player entering the draft in close to tip-top shape, dissecting their mental sharpness, personality and passion for the game helps teams gain a better understanding into what makes a guy tick before they invest an early pick and put their jobs on the line.
With the winners and losers from Indy set in stone, here’s my newest post-combine mock draft.
17) Washington Redskins: Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson
It’s very rare to select the same skill position early in consecutive years. However, Gruden is set to lose both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, leaving a major hole outside to work opposite of Josh Doctson. When both are healthy and up to speed, this could turn into an ugly trio for the rest of the NFC East with Jordan Reed in the mix.
18) Tennessee Titans: John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington
Get Mariota his weapons. Out of the big three wide outs, one could argue Ross’ skill set as a vertical threat matches up with Mariota’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket, helping the Titans continue to dominate these early-round picks. After a new combine record with a 4.22 40-yard dash, Ross will be the buzz of the town and could flirt with top-10 status. However, his torn ACL and shoulder surgery could scare off teams once the medical check comes back fishy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04qabU6DsZI
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sidney Jones, Cornerback, Washington
In a deep class of defensive backs, it’s tough to emphasis exactly how good Jones is. Any other year I would confidently say he’d go in the first ten picks with outstanding and polished zone cover skills you just don’t see. The duo of Vernon Hargreaves and Jones has a youthful shut-down vibe to it already.
20) Denver Broncos: Forrest Lamp, Offensive Line, Western Kentucky
Safe is sexy. When you draft Lamp you know exactly what you’re getting: a tough-nosed interior lineman who shut down Alabama and can play anywhere you need him to in a pinch. Forget about his size and arm length, the guy can flat out play. Think Zach Martin-lite.
21) Detroit Lions: Haason Reddick, Outside Linebacker, Temple
I’ve heard from inside sources the Lions have grown to love Reddick throughout the process. This guy stole the show at the Senior Bowl and was hands down the best defender on the squad. Not only did he show an explosion off the ball and into the backfield that was unmatched, but also the smooth hips to follow running backs and tight ends all over the field. His 4.52 40-yard dash all but sealed his fate falling no further than 21.
22) Miami Dolphins: Obi Melifonwu, Safety, UConn
A star in the making that shined brightly at the combine, Obi owns freaky physical tools with a 6-foot-4 frame and a vertical jump through the roof. The Dolphins have lacked a safety who can make quarterbacks pay for deep balls downfield for nearly a decade. In five year’s time, this is a selection that will catapult the defense, or sink it further into mediocrity.
23) New York Giants: Evan Engram, Tight End, Ole Miss
After an outstanding week in Mobile, Engram has once again watched his stock rise thanks to a big-time showing at the combine. Big, smooth and a natural pass catcher, Engram is a guy you split out wide and let him create space on a linebacker, paving another dimension of passing concepts for Eli Manning and the offense.
24) Oakland Raiders: Budda Baker, Safety, Washington
Size is the issue for Baker. Two inches taller and he’s in the discussion to Jacksonville at four. He is, however, a torpedo on the field with unmatched acceleration and game speed. Baker finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage with the ability to cover like a slot cornerback. Think Honey Badger-lite.
25) Houston Texans: Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
As takers of the first true offensive tackle off the board, the Texans get their pick of the litter. Robinson failed to live up to high expectations with a habit to lunge and sloppy footwork. However, he will always possess the power, size and strength to be, at worst, an above-average right tackle in the NFL for years.
26) Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
The Seahawks should thank their lucky stars they’re able to get such a high-ceiling prospect at such a high-priority position for them at the bottom of Round 1. He was playing Division III ball just a few years ago, but the raw talent and country strength he showed for the Badgers is more than enough to take a chance on a potential starting tackle in an ultra-weak class.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah
Bolles wins with fluid lower-body movements thanks to his outstanding athleticism and quick feet for a big man. However, his age and the fact he has only played one full year of Division I football will cause him to slip into the 20s. Andy Reid loves bolstering his trenches and just can’t help himself.
28) Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Willis, Defensive End, Kansas State
You could argue no one won the combine like Mr. Willis. Drill after drill, Willis wowed as scouts drooled over his Jadeveon Clowney-type numbers with eerily similar size, acceleration, speed and strength. With that kind of potential upside, the Cowboys can ill-afford not to take a crack in hopes of turning a weakness into a strength.
29) Green Bay Packers: Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford
McCaffrey is a guy some will overthink due to his small and weak stature, but it is a giant mistake to do so. McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic at his position — which is saying a lot — and has the foot speed and quickness to decimate defenses both in the flat and on special teams.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: David Njoku, Tight End, Miami (Fla.)
The Steelers were blessed with a decade of Heath Miller bailing out Big Ben over the middle of the field. His absence was loud and clear last season, though, and finding a guy who can take advantage of one-on-one looks will be vital. Njoku is just a pup at 20 years old, but the sky’s the limit with his size and speed that will only get better.
31) Atlanta Falcons: Malik McDowell, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State
Ask three different guys and you’ll get three different answers on McDowell, who flashes dominant (and I mean dominant) top-five potential. After a down season for the Spartans, though, McDowell seemed to quit on his coaches and teammates and that will raise red flags. Keep him motivated and he’s a building block that wreaks havoc in the middle.
32) New England Patriots: Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee
If we’re going off production alone, Barnett is a top-10 pick. The guy dominated in the trenches with sheer power and was equally strong versus the run and the pass with 32 sacks and 52 tackles for loss. He’s going to get knocked because of his lack of athleticism post combine, but some guys just know how to play, something Bill Belichick will maximize.
