Mock Draft 2.0 - 2 Rounds

Round 1

1.       Tennessee Titans – Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

With the resigning of OT Byron Bell, this seems like even more of a sure thing.

2.       Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Even with the signing of RGIII, the Browns need a franchise guy and take Wentz. They will definitely explore trade options with teams like SF, Philly and LA but I think will be asking too high a price.

3.       San Diego Chargers – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

No one is more ecstatic by the Titans drafting Ramsey as San Diego, as they get their LT of the future to help preserve Phillip Rivers’ career.

4.       TRADE! Los Angeles Rams – Jared Goff, QB, California

The Cowboys are not in love with Bosa, have shown a willingness to take less in a trade down and have made deals with the Rams before. For this the Cowboys get an extra 2^nd round pick (#43 overall) and probably something else (a 5^th or a 2017 pick).

5.       Jacksonville Jaguars – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The Jags are happy to land Bosa at 5. They have been looking for a real pass rusher for years.

6.       Baltimore Ravens – DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon

Buckner has drawn comparisons to the Cardinals Calais Campbell with his height, pass rush and long arms. The Ravens hope he is all that and more.

7.       San Francisco 49ers – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

By missing out on Goff, getting stuck with Kaepernick (potentially) and Chip Kelly’s affinity for Pac-12 guys, Jack is a perfect fit in San Fran.

8.       Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

The Eagles have already traded DeMarco Murray and are shopping Ryan Matthews. Pederson gets his new bellcow back in Elliot.

9.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Leonard Floyd, OLB/DE, Georgia

The Bucs are higher on Floyd than some and he will play Sam LB and then DE on 3^rd downs.

10.   New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The Giants are all-in on 2016 and get an immediate starter at LT in Stanley. That should push Flowers, last year’s 1^st round pick, back to his better position at RT.

11.   Chicago Bears – Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

John Fox would love to mimic the defenses he left in Denver and Carolina and they feature lock-down CBs. Hargreaves fits that bill.

12.   New Orleans Saints – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

Gone is the long-haired Rob Ryan at DC so the Saints might actually try to stop the run for a change. Robinson plugs right into the Saints DL and helps that cause.

13.   Miami Dolphins – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Even with the signing of Mario Williams and the return of Cameron Wake from injury, the Dolphins could use some help rushing the passer and add the DE from Clemson.

14.   Oakland Raiders – Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT, Ole Miss

This is an old-school Raiders pick, taking the very talented but troubled DL from Ole Miss to pair with all that speed on the outside of the defense.

15.   Dallas Cowboys – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

The Cowboys get their QB of the future in Lynch and get extra picks to boot. I believe this deal is already in place between Dallas and LA. Garrett left the Owner’s Meetings in Florida to fly directly to a private workout with Lynch.

16.   Detroit Lions – Victor Butler, DT, LA Tech

Butler was a beast at the Senior Bowl and really drew the eyes of the Lions front office. Butler could be what Haloti Ngata wasn’t last year in Detroit.

17.   Atlanta Falcons – Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson

The Falcons have signed every edge rusher they could find and now beef up the secondary with Alexander.

18.   Indianapolis Colts – Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Colts finally decide to protect their investment in Andrew Luck with some OL help. Conklin plugs in immediately at RT next year.

19.   Buffalo Bills – Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE, Louisville

Rex loves to draft defensive line and gets a Sheldon Richardson clone in Rankins.

20.   New York Jets – Noah Spence, OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky

The Jets take the chance on the troubled Spence as the solution to their speed rush problem.

21.   Washington Redskins – Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

The Skins grab the speedy Buckeye LB to upgrade their defense.

22.   Houston Texans – Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Texans continue to add weapons to the offense for Osweiler in Treadwell.

23.   Minnesota Vikings – Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Vikings rebuilt their OL in free agency and now look to add weapons for Bridgewater. Doctson could be a #1 WR with his special ability to adjust to the ball in flight.

24.   Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

The Bengals need a strong compliment for AJ Green and Colman is a solid choice.

25.   Pittsburgh Steelers – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers corners were their Achilles heel last season and the physical Apple is a perfect fit in Black and Yellow.

26.   Seattle Seahawks – Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

Ifedi has been rising up draft boards since his knee proved healthy at Aggie Pro Day. Ifedi is raw but can instantly replace Russell Okung at LT.

27.   Green Bay Packers – Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

The Packers draft Ragland and allow Matthews to slide back outside as a pass rusher.

28.   Kansas City Chiefs – Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

The Chiefs couple their 1 first round safety with another to complete an impressive secondary.

29.   Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

The Cards cemented their OL this offseason at every position but center. Kelly starts from Day 1 and becomes an instant leader.

30.   Carolina Panthers – Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

The Panthers bolster their pass rush with the flashy Dodd.

31.   Denver Broncos – Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

The Broncos find their replacement for Manning/Osweiler in the most ready-to-play QB in this draft.

Round 2

32.   Cleveland Browns – Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

33.   Tennessee Titans – Jarran Reed, NT, Alabama

34.   Dallas Cowboys – Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

35.   San Diego Chargers – Andrew Billings, DE/DT, Baylor

36.   Baltimore Ravens – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

37.   San Francisco 49ers – Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

38.   Jacksonville Jaguars – Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

39.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers – William Jackson III, CB, Houston

40.   New York Giants- Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

41.   Chicago Bears – Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

42.   Miami Dolphins – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

43.   Dallas Cowboys – Braxton Miller, WR/KR, Ohio State

44.   Oakland Raiders – Keanu Neal, S, Florida

45.   Los Angeles Rams – Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas

46.   Detroit Lions – LeRaven Clark, OT, Texas Tech

47.   New Orleans Saints – Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida

48.   Indianapolis Colts – Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

49.   Buffalo Bills – Josh Perry, ILB, Ohio State

50.   Atlanta Falcons – Vadal Alexander, G/T, LSU

51.   New York Jets – Su’a Cravens, LB, USC

52.   Houston Texans – Josh Garnett, G, Stanford

53.   Washington Redskins – Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

54.   Minnesota Vikings – Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

55.   Cincinnati Bengals – Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State

56.   Seattle Seahawks – Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor

57.   Green Bay Packers – Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford

58.   Pittsburgh Steelers  - Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt

59.   Kansas City Chiefs – Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma

60.   New England Patriots – Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

61.   New England Patriots – Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State

62.   Carolina Panthers – Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

63.   Denver Broncos – Javon Hargrave, DT/DE, South Carolina State

First Round Mock Draft #1

With 41 of the Top 50 and 58 of the Top 100 free agents already signed in a flurry of moves at the start of free agency, the focus of many team’s draft strategy can be inferred and therefore it is finally time for the first mock draft of the season. 

Round 1

1.       Tennessee Titans – Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

While old school thinking in the draft community always leans to size over skill guys, today’s NFL and its emphasis on the passing game begin to alter that thinking. Besides, Ramsey is the best player in this draft regardless of position so why not.

2.       Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Even if they do manage to land Kaepernick in trade, the Browns desperately need a solid piece to build around and hope for the future. Wentz will need a year but should be the starter by 2017.

3.       San Diego Chargers – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

No one is more ecstatic by the Titans drafting Ramsey as San Diego, as they get their LT of the future to help preserve Phillip Rivers’ career,

4.       Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Bosa looked phenomenal at his Pro Day this week, running in the 4.7 range in the 40 and flying through the drills. The Cowboys still need multiple DEs and Bosa is a nice start.

5.       Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

This choice comes down between Jack and DE/DT DeForest Buckner, but I think they lean toward Jack after the big Malik Jackson signing.

6.       Baltimore Ravens – DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon

Buckner has drawn comparisons to the Cardinals Calais Campbell with his height, pass rush and long arms. The Ravens hope he is all that and more.

7.       San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff, QB, California

I don’t expect the Niners to have too much competition to trade up from 7 for Goff, but if they do they should have more than enough ammo. Chip Kelly gets the West Coast signal caller to develop behind Gabbert

8.       Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

The Eagles have already traded DeMarco Murray and are shopping Ryan Matthews. Pederson gets his new bellcow back in Elliot,

9.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

The Bucs added to the pass rush with Robert Ayers and the secondary with Brent Grimes (and his outspoken wife). I could see them go either way here (DE or CB) but Hargreaves is the best prospect on the board.

10.   New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

The Giants are all-in on 2016 and get an immediate starter at LT in Stanley. That should push Flowers, last year’s 1^st round pick, back to his better position at RT.

11.   Chicago Bears – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The Bears are looking to add pass rush after locking up their ILB spots in free agency. Floyd is a beast off the edge and will pair nicely with Lamar Houston at OLB.

12.   New Orleans Saints – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

Gone is the long-haired Rob Ryan at DC so the Saints might actually try to stop the run for a change. Robinson plugs right into the Saints DL and helps that cause.

13.   Miami Dolphins – Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

Even with the signing of Mario Williams and the return of Cameron Wake from injury, the Dolphins could use some help rushing the passer and add the flashy Dodd to do just that.

14.   Oakland Raiders – Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Raiders have really improved their team and could be in contention for the division title. Protecting the QB Carr is a good way to make that happen.

15.   Los Angeles Rams – Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

The Rams continue to miss on early round WRs, with Quick and Austin both still trying to find their way. But Treadwell seems like much more of a sure thing than either of those did.

16.   Detroit Lions – Victor Butler, DT, LA Tech

Butler was a beast at the Senior Bowl and really drew the eyes of the Lions front office. Butler could be what Haloti Ngata wasn’t last year in Detroit.

17.   Atlanta Falcons – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

The Falcons really focused on their defense in free agency and try to solve their OL problems with the powerful Decker.

18.   Indianapolis Colts – Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

The Colts lost Jerrell Freeman to the Bears in free agency and don’t have an in-house replacement. Lee provides more speed and cover skills to that defense.

19.   Buffalo Bills – Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

The Bills need a solid tackling machine inside to properly run Rex’s offense. Ragland fits that bill to a tee. 

20.   New York Jets – Noah Spence, OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky

The Jets take the chance on the troubled Spence as the solution to their speed rush problem.

21.   Washington Redskins – Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson

The Skins had success with 1 Clemson CB in Breeland and go back to that well with Alexander.

22.   Houston Texans – Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

Bell is an extremely smart player and is ready to be the QB of the defense from Day 1.

23.   Minnesota Vikings – Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Vikings rebuilt their OL in free agency and now look to add weapons for Bridgewater. Doctson could be a #1 WR with his special ability to adjust to the ball in flight.

24.   Cincinnati Bengals – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

Coleman has flown under the draft radar a bit, having not participated in any post season games or the Combine. But the Bengals need a strong compliment for AJ Green and Colman is a solid choice.

25.   Pittsburgh Steelers – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers corners were their Achilles heel last season and the physical Apple is a perfect fit in Black and Yellow.

26.   Seattle Seahawks – Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

Ifedi has been rising up draft boards since his knee proved healthy at Aggie Pro Day. Ifedi can instantly replace Russell Okung or compliment him of the right side if he returns.

27.   Green Bay Packers – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The Packers must replace BJ Raji (unless he resigns) and find an almost mirror image in Rankins.

28.   Kansas City Chiefs – Keanu Neal, SS, Florida

Perhaps no single prospect has risen more than Neal, who began this season with a 3^rd Day grade and now is being selected in the 1^st round. Many scouts compare Neal to Earl Thomas.

29.   Arizona Cardinals – Shaq Lawson, OLB, Clemson

The Cards are thrilled to see Lawson here. Concerns about his true pass rushing skills might make that a possibility.

30.   Carolina Panthers – Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

The Panthers make it 6 OTs selected in the 1^st round with the pass blocking Spriggs. He likely starts from Day 1.

31.   Denver Broncos – Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT, Ole Miss

The Broncos took a chance on OLB Shane Ray after a failed drug test at the Combine. This year they take a chance on Robert Nkemdiche and make sure he stays on the bottom floor of the team hotels.

Draft Nuggets Blog #11 for KTCK The Ticket in Dallas

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #11

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

Free Agency Targets

The 2016 NFL Season officially gets underway on March 9^th, and that means the start of free agency. The Cowboys enter the free agency period in much better shape on the salary cap than in recent history and with the flexibility to create even more space with little risk. Ideally, teams would like to find success in free agency that allows them to enter the draft truly seeking “the best player available” and needing to fill few starter spots.  With Rick “The Goose” Gosselin as our guide, here is a look at potential free agents UNDER THE AGE OF 30 that could help fill some of the holes on the Cowboys roster:

Quarterbacks:

1.       Brock Osweiler, Age 26 – Looking for big starter money

2.       Robert Griffin III, Age 26 – Injury concerns make him a boom/bust gamble

3.       Case Keenum, Age 28 – Likely to remain w/ Rams as stopgap to a rookie

4.       Chase Daniel, Age 29 – Let go by KC, Daniel could be looking for a chance to start

5.       Colt McCoy, Age 29 – Washington would like to retain as insurance

Best Choice for Dallas – Colt McCoy

McCoy seems like a perfect fit behind Romo as an insurance policy who could grasp this system and help develop a younger QB as well. The question will be the price and if they get the opportunity to outbid Washington on the 9^th.

Running Backs:

1.       Doug Martin, Age 27 – Up and down career is why he is available from TB

2.       Lamar Miller, Age 25 – Reports that he wants $5-$6 mil/year and Miami and Dallas are hesitant

3.       Alfred Morris, Age 27 – Morris is not a good fit and needs to go to a zone blocking scheme

4.       Bilal Powell, Age 27 – Powell is more of a complimentary back than a lead, much like McFadden

5.       Ronnie Hillman, Age 24 – Though his age is enticing, Hillman fumbles too much for my tastes

Best Choice for Dallas – Lamar Miller

Reports that the Cowboys balked at the 5-6 million per year range are troubling, but now so have the Dolphins. If Dallas can land Miller around 4-4.5 million, that would be a coup.

Wide Receivers:

1.       Marvin Jones, Age 26 – Jones is a solid #2 WR whose arrow still points up

2.       Travis Benjamin, Age 26 – With return abilities and deep speed, Benjamin should get paid well

3.       Rishard Matthews, Age 26 – Matthews was a production dream, except for injury concerns

4.       Mohamed Sanu, Age 27 – Sanu is a jack-of-all-trades with size and speed

5.       Jermaine Kearse, Age 26 – Constantly underrated, this Hawks WR can prove his worth as a #2/#3

Best Choice for Dallas – Travis Benjamin

If Dallas decides to spend FA money at WR, Benjamin would be a great choice. His speed and return ability could ease pressure on the roster as a whole and allow Terrance Williams to matchup versus smaller slot CBs on downfield routes (an emerging trend in the NFL: large slot WRs)

Defensive Ends:

1.       Adrian Clayborn, Age 28 – Clayborn is ready to cash in after his 1 year “prove it” deal in Atl

2.       Jason Pierre Paul, Age 27 – His lack of a hand led to only 1 sack in 2015.

3.       Derrick Shelby, Age 27 – Shelby emerged last year replacing Cameron Wake in Miami

4.       Quinton Coples, Age 26 – Coples has never been in the right scheme as a RDE in a 4-3

5.       Charles Johnson, Age 30 – I violate my 30 year old rule because Johnson is that good

Best Choice for Dallas – Adrian Clayborn and Derrick Shelby

With Hardy’s departure, Gregory’s suspension and Lawrence’s back, the Cowboys are desperate at the DE spot. Clayborn appears to be a high target for Dallas and could play on either side, as could Shelby. Signing both would not be out of the question

Defensive Tackles:

1.       Malik Jackson, Age 26 – Jackson is in line for BIG money

2.       Damon Harrison, Age 27 – Harrison is a classic NT in a 3-4 and not a fit in Dallas

3.       Nick Fairley, Age 28 – If the Cowboys are willing to gamble on problem people, Fairley has talent

4.       Akiem Hicks, Age 26 – Hicks has been ok as a 3-4 DE, but might play better at the 3 tech

5.       Kendall Reyes, Age 26 – Reyes never lived up to his 2^nd rd pick, but still has upside

Best Choice for Dallas – Kendall Reyes

If Dallas decides to spend money on a DT (maybe unlikely with such great depth at that spot in the draft) Reyes might be a quality project to get at a reasonable cost. Dallas liked him in the draft 4 years ago.

Linebackers:

1.       Danny Trevathan, Age 26 – Trevathan anchored that Broncos D and is about to get paid

2.       Tahir Whitehead, Age 26 – Whitehead became a solid cover LB for Detroit

3.       Mark Barron, Age 26 – The former safety was shifted to cover LB and excelled for the Rams

4.       Vincent Rey, Age 28 – Rey struggled on the outside last season and might be better at MLB

5.       Rolando McClain, Age 27 – Despite 4 games suspension, McClain rounded into form for Dallas

Best Choice for Dallas – Rolando McClain

If the Cowboys continue to be cheap at LB, bringing back McClain and crossing your fingers is probably your best bet. Though I also expect a LB to be selected sometime in the draft

Cornerbacks:

1.       Casey Heyward, Age 26 – I can’t believe the Packers would let him loose. Heyward is very solid

2.       Janoris Jenkins, Age 27 – With off-field concerns (hopefully) behind him, Jenkins is a #1 cover CB

3.       Sean Smith, Age 29 – Though 29, Smith has been amazing for KC and a quality #2 CB

4.       Prince Amukamara, Age 27 – Amukamara has struggled with injuries and the NY media

5.       Morris Claiborne, Age 26 – Claiborne finally was healthy and played solid, but not spectacular

Best Choice for Dallas – Casey Heyward

Despite getting little return for their last venture into free agency at CB (Brandon Carr), Heyward would be a prime fit in this scheme with his size, physicality and cover skills. Though it might be pricey, the Cowboys need to improve this area of the team dramatically.

Safeties:

1.       George Iloka, Age 26 – Iloka is a big box safety. Dallas already has 2 of those.

2.       Tashaun Gipson, Age 26 – Coming of a down year, Gipson could be a nice value for someone

3.       Walter Thurmond, Age 29 – Thurmond had a nice retrenching in Philly, but is marginal at best

4.       Rodney McLeod, Age 26 – Though improved, McLeod is replacement level at safety

5.       Isa Abdul-Quddus, Age 27 – He came on late for Det last year and showed promise

Best Choice for Dallas – None

It looks as though Dallas will shift Byron Jones to FS and let Wilcox focus more on special teams. Though some depth in the draft is wise, this should help Dallas on the back end.

NFL Combine Pt 2: Defense

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #10

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

NFL Scouting Combine: Part Two Defense

The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. By this point in the offseason, most teams have assessed their needs, circled their targets in free agency (which begins March 9^th) and have a pretty good idea of what their draft board will look like. The Combine generally serves as an affirmation of the scouting and game tape they have assembled. However, occasionally a prospect’s performance (or interview/drug test) will send scouts and GMs scrambling to rethink their evaluation, both in a positive or negative way. Here are the players who most helped and hurt themselves at this year’s Combine:

Stock UP

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma St – Ogbah entered the Combine with an early 2^nd round grade and some question if even that was too high. But a blazing 4.63 in the 40 and 35.5” arms on the 6’4” 273lbs Ogbah vaulted him right up into mid-1^st round contention.

Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma – Most had Tapper scouted as a 3^rd-4^th round prospect that never really showed explosiveness at OU and has technical flaws. But a 4.59 in the 40 at 6’3” 271lbs, a 34” vertical and 23 reps with 34” arms showed that Tapper has worked hard since the end of his college season and might be a steal in the 2^nd-3^rd round.

Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville – Though already expected to do well at the Combine, Rankins did all that and more, looking smooth and powerful in the drills. Rankins might have jumped several other fellow prospects to be the #2 DT off the board in April.

Connor Wujciak, DT, Boston College – If you are an analytics guy, Wujciak is your diamond in the rough. Measuring 6’2” 291lbs, Wujciak ran a 4.91 in the 40, had a 34.5” vertical and did 22 reps of 225lbs. As a 3-4 DE, Wujciak could be a Day 3 walk-in starter.

Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St – With the other 2 top LBs not able to go, Lee took advantage to cement him solidly in round      1 with a 4.47 in the 40, a 35.5” vertical and an 11’1” standing broad jump. Lee is the #2 stand-up LB on the board now.

Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia – Count me among the skeptics on Floyd entering the Combine, as I too often saw him get washed out on running plays for the Bulldogs at an estimated 232lbs at OLB. But Floyd added weight (6’6” 244lbs) and could add more, still ran a 4.6 in the 40 and had a 39.5” vertical. Floyd is likely the #1 OLB in a 3-4 scheme in this draft class.

Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State – Coming into the Combine, many scouts were uncertain if Apple would be better at CB or FS, making him a borderline 1^st-2^nd round prospect. But a smoking 4.4 in the 40 and an incredibly fluid workout has Apple in the late 1^st easily and rising.

William Jackson III, CB, Houston – Jackson raised some concerns with his weigh in (6’0” 189lbs) being much shorter and lighter than advertised. But a 4.37 in the 40 and great hands in the drills has him solidly in the 2^nd round mix.

Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida St – Ramsey absolutely killed it at the Combine and cemented his place as the best player in this draft. At 6’1” 209lbs, Ramsey ran a 4.41 in the 40, had a 41.5” vertical and a 6.94 in the 3-cone drill displaying speed, leaping and quickness. Every team that passes on Ramsey will regret it.

Justin Simmons, S, Boston College – Simmons really surprised me with his Combine performance and sent me scrambling for game tape. The 6’2” 202lbs safety had a 40” vertical and a ridiculous 6.58 in the 3-cone drill. Though very raw, Simmons might become the all-coveted cover safety so in vogue in today’s NFL.

Stock DOWN

Noah Spence, DE, Eastern KY – After a dominating Senior Bowl performance, momentum was building for Spence to be in the Top 10 on the draft. However, a very pedestrian 4.8 in the 40, even more pedestrian drills and (by all accounts) nearly disastrous interview with drug concerns might have Spence completely out of round 1.

A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama – Many had Robinson as the #1 or #2 DT in the class, but a slow 5.2 in the 40 and a awful 26” vertical could have Robinson sliding with lack of explosion concerns.

Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame – This absolutely breaks my heart. Smith, once a top 5 talent before ripping up his knee in the Fiesta Bowl, looked painful trying to step up to get weighed in and received many failing medical checks. Smith will simply be a Day 3 flyer (think RB Marcus Lattimore in 2013) who may never get a chance to play in the NFL.

Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana – Miller came in very hyped by some off of the Senior Bowl (though I watched every practice and never really noticed him). But a 4.65 in the 40 for a 5’11” 182lbs corner and only 6 reps on the bench make Miller much closer to a Day 3 long-term prospect.

Jordan Lomax, S, Iowa – As the saying goes “you can be short or you can be slow, but you can’t be short and slow.” Lomax is 5’9” 202lbs running a 4.75 in the 40 and only 8 reps on the bench. Undraftable.