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The Combine answered some questions but created others, and starting Friday teams have the green light to fill their roster holes via free agency. There’s still plenty of uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take another swing at a mock draft.
NFL Mock Draft - Version 1.0
1. Detroit Lions — Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Previous mock draft: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
New coach Jim Schwartz is a defensive guy, and his comments at the Combine—how you can afford to lose if you’re playing at the $5 tables, but if you lose at the $10,000 tables it’s a long walk home—suggests he’s more inclined to draft a “sure thing” (no questions asked, no strings attached) than take the 50/50 shot that is drafting a quarterback in the first round. It’s not like the Lions won’t have a shot at Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford next year.
2. St. Louis Rams — Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Previous mock draft: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith cost himself at least $20 million at the Combine, opting not to work out, then blaming his lack of training on time spent finding an agent before exiting early without an explanation. Monroe and Jason Smith, meanwhile, both impressed in Indy and the Virginia track record of producing successful pro O-linemen gives him the narrow edge over Smith’s considerable upside.
3. Kansas City Chiefs — Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
Previous mock draft: Brown
Brown was impressive enough at the Combine that he holds his spot. The Chiefs still need a pass rusher, and Brian Orakpo’s hammy troubles in Indy likely ensure he doesn’t leapfrog Brown on the draft board.
4. Seattle Seahawks — Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Previous mock draft: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
This still could very well be Crabtree, whose stock took only a minor hit with him measuring a couple inches shy of listed and announcing he’ll need foot surgery. But this is a relatively deep receiver class, so expect Seattle to grab Walter Jones’ heir here and address receiver needs in later rounds.
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