The NFL combine is in the books and while we always say that the tape (body of work) is what matters most when it comes to evaluating players – and, of course, the medical reports and interviews – the combine results can still help or hurt a player's draft stock.
That said, a few players certainly helped themselves while others solidified what scouts, coaches, NFL execs and draft experts already thought about the majority of them. And, well, a few players didn't perform as well as expected but, like I said, the tape doesn't lie.
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So how did it all affect my latest mock draft? Quite a bit, but mostly in the middle and later part of the first round.
And when it comes to the Falcons' pick at 16, well, I'm going back to my original mock draft. I think the way things line up right now, Atlanta will be able to land one of the top edge rushers in this class – one that fits right into everything coach Dan Quinn wants to do on defense, too.
So, without further ado, here is mock draft 5.0. Let me know how you feel about the pick here. A new version will drop every Wednesday between now and the NFL Draft. Enjoy.
1. QB Joe Burrow, LSU
Burrow says he'd play for the Bengals if picked No. 1. That's pretty much a given.
2. DE Chase Young, Ohio State
It's safe to say that every team would pick Young. The Redskins will at No. 2.
3. DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
Forget the combine results. Brown is a monster inside and the Lions need one on D.
4. OL Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Becton is the most athletic lineman in this class and Big Blue needs help up front.
5. QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The Fins finally land Tagovailoa, who appears to be on track for a healthy return.
6. QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
The Chargers could still land a veteran QB. If not, they'll begin a new with Herbert.
7. LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Carolina fills a major void at LB with Simmons, who improved his stock at the combine.
8. DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
The Cards upgrade their interior defensive line and pass rush with the athletic Kinlaw.
9. CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
With the top cornerback still on the board, the Jags pounce on the former Buckeye star.
10. OL Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
Wills will not only help protect Baker Mayfield better, he's a monster in the run game.
11. OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Wirfs put his eye-opening athleticism on display at the combine and turned a lot of heads.
12. WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
The Raiders desperately need an elite playmaker on the outside and take the top receiver.
13 QB Jordan Love, Utah State
Will they sign Philip Rivers? For now the pick is Love, who is talented with tons of upside.
14. OL Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Whether they sign a veteran QB or keep Winston, they address the O-line and take Thomas.
15. WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
The Broncos add some elite speed with Ruggs to team up with Courtland Sutton.
16. DE K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU
ATL gets an explosive edge rusher who can also play the run and drop back in coverage.
17. S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
Safety has been an issue in Big D and it takes who many think is the best in this class.
18. OL Josh Jones, Houston
Miami is rebuilding and protect its new franchise QB, and the athletic Jones is the pick.
19. LB Patrick Queen, LSU
Vegas goes defense with the second pick and lands the explosive, instinctive star from LSU.
20. DE/LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
The versatile Baun fills a need for the Jags, who get a sideline-to-sideline wrecking ball.
21. WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
The Eagles take the speedy Higgins, who will provide Carson Wentz with a large target.
22. DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Buffalo badly needs to bolster its edge rush and addresses the need with the ex-Hawkeye star.
23. WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
The Pats' offense lacked elite speed and a downfield threat in 2019 and Lamb fixes that.
24. WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
Jefferson has size and speed, can play inside and out. He'll draw attention away from Thomas.
25. CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
They could have some holes to fill in the secondary and snag the star from Alabama.
26. DE Terrell Lewis, Alabama
Miami goes defense and takes Lewis, a tall and physical game-wrecker on the edge.
27. DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Gross-Matos is a physical specimen with tons of upside – a nice fit for the Seahawks.
28. LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
C.J. Mosely's departure left a void in the D and they tab Murray as the guy to fill it.
29. RB D'Andre Swift, Georgia
If the Titans don't re-sign Derrick Henry, the ex-Georgia star could fit right in nicely.
30. WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons and the former Baylor star stood out at the NFL combine.
31. S Grant Delpit, LSU
Delpit could be just what the Niners need especially if they end up losing Jimmie Ward.
32. CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
K.C. could take some hits in the secondary in free agency and Fulton can step and start.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here belong to Matthew Tabeek and and do not represent the opinions of the Atlanta Falcons' front office staff, coaches and executives unless noted otherwise.
