Now that NFL teams have attended the Combine in Indianapolis, they begin the process of combing through game film and interview notes on each player. It's time to formulate rankings and big boards.
Handicapping players' projected value becomes easier with Combine measurables. Now there's plenty time for teams to adjust boards, change evaluations and send out media "smokescreens" to keep opponents off balance.
That said, here's our latest Mock Draft, taking into account Combine results and further evaluation of team needs.
1. Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
While the Bucs' scouting staff views Winston higher than Marcus Mariota, the pick will likely be up to coach Lovie Smith. Winston is more NFL-ready but has character issues that may turn Smith off. But as of now, Winston is the odds-on favorite for the No. 1 pick.
2. Titans: Leonard Williams, DT, USC
The Titans must continue their evaluation of their incumbent young starter Zach Mettenberger before they decide on taking a top quarterback. As of now, I'd lean towards Tennessee adding the best defender in the class.
3. Jaguars: Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Already one of our top prospects in the class, Dupree’s freakish workout at the Combine puts him in this discussion. The Jags need a youthful pass rush for the future, and Dupree can fill that role at linebacker or a situational role early in his NFL career.
4. Raiders: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
The Raiders may contemplate trading down with so much interest from other teams to secure a quarterback, but adding more talent to their roster, especially on defense, would be wise. The versatile and NFL-ready Fowler fills the need.
5. Redskins: Eddie Goldman, DT/DE, Florida State
With the Redskins' front three in need of an upgrade, Goldman can add pass-rush versatility on the defensive line. It's too early for any defensive back help here.
6. Jets: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
If Mariota doesn't go first overall, New York is the most likely landing spot. A new coach and general manager means everything may be overhauled. Geno Smith can get his chance as a legit NFL starter while Mariota develops, giving the former a chance to make the most of his post-Jets NFL life.
7. Bears: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
The Bears took a corner in the first round last year (Kyle Fuller), but they still need to further upgrade the position. Plus, with needs across the defense, Chicago shouldn't be picky. Waynes is the best defensive player available at this spot.
8. Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
With some of the more explosive numbers for any edge rusher in recent Combine history, Beasley will be a unique case study: How teams value explosiveness and situational rush ability vs. a lack of ideal bulk and every-down capability. New Falcons coach Dan Quinn would be excited to get his Atlanta version of Bruce Irvin.
9. Giants: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
After a poor season protecting Eli Manning, the Giants are likely to put a premium on offensive line upgrades once again. Peat's had his ups and downs since being considered the "next great left tackle prospect" a year ago, but his pass-blocking upside should still push him into the top picks.
10. Rams: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Brian Quick has had impressive single-game performances, but he can't be counted on for a full season. The "Tavon Austin experiment" hasn't blossomed into big plays as much as St. Louis needs. And with Sam Bradford probably returning for a crucial "show me" year for the Rams, giving him a reliable receiver with which to grow comfortable would be wise.
11. Vikings: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Norv Turner recently said Charles Johnson is the Vikings' best receiver. That's code for "We need an upgrade at receiver." Parker is in the mix for the top receiver in the class, and his relationship with Teddy Bridgewater gives him the nod over other options here.
12. Browns: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
After passing on receivers in the 2014 draft and losing Josh Gordon for the 2015 season, it's no secret the Browns need to address the position early and often in the draft. White tested surprisingly well in Indianapolis, and teams that already had White as a top receiver prospect certainly have further reason to put him atop their position ranking.
13. Saints: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
After a less than ideal Combine in both weigh-ins and overall explosiveness testing, Gregory may have fallen behind Dupree and Fowler for some. The Saints need pass rushers, and generating pressure even on a situational basis is more than what their current players offer.
14. Dolphins: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Miami could look to defensive line or secondary with its first-round pick. But getting a unique linebacker to give this unit a feature playmaker could solidify the Dolphins' defense as one of the most talented in the AFC.
15. 49ers: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
With Justin Smith already 34 and in the last year of his contract, the 49ers need to think about finding a replacement. Armstead has ideal length, burst in one-on-one opportunities and the athletic upside to develop into one of the better five techniques in the NFL.
16. Texans: Brandon Scherff, OT/OG, Iowa
Right tackle Derek Newton is a free agent, and with the Texans already in the NFL's top five in offensive spending, it's unlikely they'd pay him as well as the market will. Scherff is NFL-ready and can provide instant starter potential at right tackle or at left guard.
17. Chargers: La’el Collins, OT, LSU
Whether DJ Fluker moves to guard or not, Collins in his rookie year can fill whichever role Fluker doesn't. Our top-rated offensive tackle, Collins has the mauling run-blocking ability to grow into one of the NFL's best tackles in that area, plus enough lateral mobility to play left or right.
18. Chiefs: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
The Chiefs may have interest in smaller, quicker receivers like Justin Hardy, based on Andy Reid’s history with the type. But getting a top-end talent who can threaten vertically would open up the short- and mid-range routes with which Alex Smith works best.
19. Browns (via Bills): Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
After receiver, the Browns could use a starter and some depth on their defensive line. Shelton is the draft's safest gap-eating tackle, likely able to play nose or a gap-filling five technique in a 3-4 scheme.
20. Eagles: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Despite their Mariota interest, the Eagles' biggest need is cornerback. Regardless of whether Philly can land a free agent, adding youth to this unit is a must. Collins meets size requirements for the position, tested well in Indianapolis and has plus starter upside.
21. Bengals: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
The Bengals are all about value with their first-round picks, and with Robert Geathers and Wallace Gilberry coming off lackluster seasons, Cincinnati could use an upgrade in that area. Ray's poor Combine and almost exclusive value at defensive end is a win for the Bengals here.
22. Steelers: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Because he's the top safety and one of the top defensive backs in the class, Collins could land in the top 10 out of pure desperation. However, his value likely settles somewhere in the mid-first round, with the safety-needing Steelers pouncing at the opportunity.
23. Lions: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
By the time the 2015 season starts, Joique Bell will be 29. He, like his now-released former teammate Reggie Bush, would bring big cap savings for the Lions if cut prior to 2016. Gordon can provide Detroit a stable, healthy running threat to complement Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron in the passing game.
24. Cardinals: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Arizona was crushed with injuries in 2014, including some at running back. The Cardinals' ability to beat teams vertically depends on a stable running game, and Gurley could provide much more than that. He can help transition the offense away from a Larry Fitzgerald-focus and into a balanced attack.
25. Panthers: Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
In desperate need of offensive tackle help, the Panthers will likely have more than a few options here. Fisher possesses top-end athleticism, and most of his concerns are technique and developmental issues. He's one of our top-rated offensive tackles in the class.
26. Ravens: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
The Ravens are known for taking a chance on high-upside prospects with the trust that they can develop, and Clemmings certainly fits the idea. The most athletically gifted tackle prospect in the class, Clemmings needs some work before he's ready. But considering the Ravens' long-term need at the position, he's worth it.
27. Cowboys: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Pairing Demarcus Lawrence with another edge player is very important for the Cowboys' future. Odighizuwa built upon a strong Senior Bowl week with a solid workout in Indianapolis, and he looks like the perfect option to play the strong side in Dallas.
28. Broncos: Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Don't rule out a quarterback for Denver here, either in trading up or in taking Brett Hundley. However, my guess is the Broncos look for a quarterback later in the draft and further improve the offensive line or linebacker position with this pick. Flowers can step in as a right tackle or guard as a rookie, and he has ideal size to be a long-term, wide-based starter at tackle for Peyton Manning's heir apparent.
29. Colts: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
The Colts should address offensive line and linebacker early and often in the draft, and I’d expect them to take the best player at either position here. After testing much better than expected in Indianapolis, McKinney is back in the first-round mix as a 3-4 inside linebacker, potentially reminding scouts of Brian Cushing.
30. Packers: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Playing Clay Matthews at inside linebacker worked well last year, but that can't be the long-term answer to Green Bay's issues at the position. Kendricks is the best linebacker fit for the Packers, and he's a solid value/fit here.
31. Seahawks: Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan
I'd expect teams to look at Funchess as a tight end who can play receiver situationally, and less as a true receiver. The Seahawks used Luke Willson in that role last year, and having he and Funchess attacking the seam and red zone could really aid in Russell Wilson's development. If Marshawn Lynch leaves this offseason, though, don't be surprised when the Seahawks try to secure Todd Gurley.
32. Patriots: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
The Patriots must continue to add bulk to their defensive line, and Phillips looks to be the highest upside nose tackle prospect in the class, especially with his 4-3 or 3-4 scheme versatility. Even though they've stayed away in the past, the world champs could look at a receiver here, as well.