2026 Deep Dive Mock Draft 1.0: Post-Combine Edition
Deep analysis for each pick with scouting notes, film, and more.
Welp, it’s that time. I tried to stay patient on dropping a first deep dive mock draft but after the combine it always feels like the right time to get our first edition going. We have some data on the prospect but certainly not all of the pieces we want. Pro Days in the coming 45 days or so will clear up the open spaces for the most part and then we will see who the Browns bring in for Top-30 visits and more. It’s a giant puzzle but we have enough of the pieces to start to give a real glimpse at approaches the Browns can take.
It’s hard to envision the Browns going through this draft without moving down at one of their first two selections. With the receiever I wanted being gone by pick No. 6 it felt like a good time to entertain this move. The Dolphins wanted to move up for their prospect so we took a deal here to gather another premium asset.
While there hasn’t been a deal like this one in the last two drafts, the 2023 NFL Draft had one that compares.
So, I think ultimately the Browns would have to send back pick 70 for this to happen and the Dolphins would tack on another in the 120-ish range but for the sake of moving values and unpredictable desperation we took what was offered.
Let’s pour a brew together and do some drafting. Join me.
Pick No. 11: (JR) Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
CFB Production: 1,667 snaps, 72.3 blocking grade, 2 sacks allowed, 8 pressures
Age: 21.8
Size: 6-7, 315lbs
Role: Franchise Left Tackle
Notes: Look, I know Freeling is far from a perfect prospect here but a slight trade down with Miami—after Carnell Tate was gone—made perfect sense to collect another premium asset and take the swing on Freeling. His pass protection is far above his run blocking right now but there is so much room for continued development here. He has some balance issues that pop up, especially in the run game where he has to play lower and with less forward lean, but the pass protection athleticism and dveloping technicaI side are too appealing in the current game. He was an elite college recruit and turned himself into a strong performer in three years. Nobody will know the inside details on Freeling’s development and upside than Todd Monken who knows the Georgia program well. I trust his long-term outcome as the left side anchor more than Fano
Others Considered: Carnell Tate (NYG), Spencer Fano, Caleb Downs
Pick No. 24: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
CFB Production: 137 receptions, 2,008 yards, 14 TDs
Age: 21.9
Size: 5-11, 192lbs
Role: Slot Mismatch with Z Flexibility
Notes: Lemon is so naturally gifted. He’s graceful in the route process with an ability to throttle and accelerate when the need arises. He displays the understanding of attacking blind spots and using leverage and he is one of the best in the class at the catch-point going up and getting the football or working back-shoulders. He’s competitive in the blocking phases, catches the football as well as anyone in the class, and can be surgical in his route running at times. What he does lack is elite top speed (we will see if he tests) and physical defensive backs can give him problems at times, especially if they disrupt his route early. His lack of testing right now and bizarre combine showing push him down some draft boards but this is more than fine point to select Lemon — he will help immediately.
Others Considered: KC Concepcion, Kayden Proctor, Dillon Thieneman
Pick No. 39: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
CFB Production: 3,762 snaps, 78.5 blocking grade, 2 sacks allowed, 14 pressures
Age: 22.2
Size: 6-6, 317lbs
Role: Right Tackle of the Future
Notes: Miller is one of the most experienced tackles in the class as the Strongsville graduate went down to Clemson and started at right tackle for four straight seasons. I have Miller as a superior player to Chase Bisontis at a more premium position so I’m not going to let Tytus Howard stop us from taking the BPA. Miller is a long, experienced right tackle prospect with a sturdy frame and a high number of career snaps against top competition at Clemson. He plays with good balance in his pass sets and shows the foot quickness needed to gain depth and mirror edge rushers around the arc. Miller’s hand placement is generally controlled and he does a solid job resetting when defenders try to counter inside. His experience shows up in his awareness, particularly when passing off twists and stunts, and he rarely looks overwhelmed by complex fronts. In the run game he is more positional than overwhelming, working to seal lanes with leverage and angles rather than pure displacement power. He can play a bit upright and will occasionally give ground to stronger rushers, but his length, consistency, and understanding of pass protection concepts give him the profile of a dependable right tackle who can develop into a steady starter at the next level.
Others Considered: Chase Bisontis, D’Angelo Pounds, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Pick No. 43 (from Miami): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
CFB Production: 140 tackles (34 Stop Tackles), 92.4 Coverage Grade, 3 FF, 6 INTs, 10 PBUs
Age: 21.5
Size: 6-0, 193lbs
Role: Developmental Cornerback with Versatility Upside
Notes: Johnson is a long, fluid cornerback prospect who can be a long-term outside corner or an effective slot. On film his length, athletic range, and ability to play the ball downfield pop. With a lean frame and good top-end speed, Johnson shows the movement skills to stay connected in vertical routes and the recovery burst to close throwing windows late. He is comfortable playing in both press and off coverage, using his length to disrupt releases and his instincts to read the quarterback when playing with vision in zone. Johnson flashes strong ball skills and competes well at the catch point, often turning defense into pass breakups. At times he can be a bit grabby when receivers win early and will need to continue adding strength to handle more physical matchups, but his athletic traits, coverage versatility, and playmaking flashes give him intriguing upside as an outside corner who can develop into a rotational defensive back with starting potential.
Other Considered: Treydan Stukes, Chris Bell, Brandon Cisse, Josiah Trotter
Pick No. 70: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
CFB Production: 1,665 snaps, 80.0 blocking grade, 0 sacks allowed, 8 pressures
Age: 23.1
Size: 6-4, 300lbs
Role: Long-Term Center with Immediate Starting Upside
Notes: Hecht is a know for his ability to lean into the technician side of the position as he projects best as a center at the next level thanks to his intelligence, leverage, and steady play in the middle of the line. He plays with a compact frame and good pad level, allowing him to generate movement on combination blocks and stay anchored against interior rushers. Hecht shows strong awareness in pass protection, consistently identifying blitz looks and communicating protections, while working well with guards to pass off twists and interior games. His hands are active and controlled, and he generally maintains balance through contact, rarely getting caught lunging or overextending. While he doesn’t possess elite size or overwhelming power, Hecht’s toughness, football IQ, and dependable technique make him the type of interior lineman who can provide depth early and develop into a reliable center in a zone-based blocking scheme.
Other Considered: Connor Lew, A.J. Haulcy, Antonio Williams
Pick No. 139: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
CFB Production: 130 receptions, 1,999 yards, 15 TDs
Age: 21.7
Size: 6-3, 195lbs
Role: Developmental X Receiver
Notes: Hurst is a productive receiver from the G5 who did his share of dominating that level of competition at Georgia State. Prototypical frame and length for that elusive “X” role. Needs some development against press, but has the physical tools to play on the LOS He’s a polished intermediate route runner who understands how to manipulate leverage, attack blind spots, & set up breaks. Hurst tracks the ball well in the air and competes through contact at the catch point, often finishing plays in traffic. After the catch he runs with urgency and physicality, willing to fight for extra yards and contribute as a blocker on the perimeter. He put up a 4.42 at the NFL Combine and that shows up on tape. He has to clean up focus drops (nearly 10% drop rate last two seasons) and refine some of his route nuance against NFL athletes but there is so much here to like for the upside at this spot.
Others Considered: Bud Clark, Jacob Rodriguez, Kendrick Law
Pick No. 144: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
CFB Production: 70 receptions, 854 yards, 9 TDs, 59.4 Run Block Grade
Age: 22.5
Size: 6-5, 245lbs
Role: Depth Tight End
Notes: Todd Monken knows Delp well as he coached him for a season at Georgia and will really like his versatility. He projects best as an H-TE at the next level with the versatility to also play the Y. While he’s currently a better receiving option than blocker, he has the frame and experience against top competition to play the Y. He can struggle to get off the line at times, but when he gets into his route, he shows off good play speed and savvy route running to get open. As a blocker, he is competitive and drives his feet, but he lacks the play strength and technique to consistently sustain and drive. With some coaching, this could be a strength. On 3rd downs, he has shown he can work the short-to-intermediate levels to create separation and help convert tough 3rd downs. He is a sufficient special teams option with the potential to be a good contributor across most units with better blocking and toughness.
Pick No. 147: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
CFB Production: 226 tackles (65 Stop Tackles), 74.1 Coverage Grade, 2 FF, 4 INTs, 7 PBUs
Age: 22.1
Size: 6-3, 208lbs
Role: Depth Safety with Versatility
Notes: Payne was a starting safety for Kansas State's Nickel-heavy defense who could go down and play in the slot and box when necessary. He has the long speed to catch up when behind but lacks short area burst and quickness as he displayed at the combine. He plays high, limiting his ability to change directions and redirect quickly. Payne is an oversized safety with good length, which enables him to have positional versatility, but he will need to add strength to better handle players near the box and bring down bigger playmakers. He showcases good toughness and competitiveness as he is not afraid to get physical and put his head down but he has to show down-to-down consistency in effort and awareness. Also has to tackle better overall and make sure his frame gets inside the strike zone as he lunges too often. He projects best as a “Big Nickel” who can play those tougher matchups and be on the field cutting down shallow portions in zone coverage. He has all the tools to be a strong special teams member and can use his best traits to consistently contribute there.
Pick No. 205: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
CFB Production: 909 snaps, 2 sacks, 20 pressures, 129 tackles, 31 STOPS
Age: 22.2
Size: 6-2, 240lbs
Role: Depth Linebacker with Special Teams
Notes: Rolder projects to be a backup Mike linebacker in an even-front scheme at the next level. He didn’t see much playing time outside of special teams snaps and dealt with injuries early in his career, but made the most of his opportunities in 2025, starting in 11 of 12 games. He has a sturdy frame and plays with an aggressive mentality. He lacks some COD quickness, but is a sufficient athlete overall. Rolder isn’t particularly excellent in any area of his game, but is a steady contributor and reliable second-level defender. He plays with good instincts and has a way of finding the ball through the trash in the trenches. He shows good range and pursuit and will not give up on chasing a play down. He is an opportunistic playmaker who can help generate turnovers, pressure the quarterback, and make an impact on the game. He plays behind his pads as a tackler, but lacks some length to make difficult tackles. He can cover running backs and tight ends in man coverage on 3rd downs, and he can be an effective blitzer. He has the experience and mentality to be a contributor on special teams early in his career.
Pick No. 248: Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
CFB Production: 109 receptions, 1,994 yards, 16 TDs, 1,175 rushing yards, 7 TDs
Age: 22.2
Size: 6-0, 198lbs
Role: End of Roster Receiver, Core Special Teamer
Notes: Heidenreich is a versatile offensive weapon who lined up primarily as a slotback in the Midshipmen’s option-based offense, showing toughness, versatility, and reliable ball skills. He put on a nice show at the NFL Combine running a 4.44 40-yard dash and then posting a 10-0 broad jump and 35.5 vertical leap. Heidenreich is a compact, physical runner with good balance through contact and the ability to squeeze extra yards out of tight spaces, traits that showed up both as a ball carrier and receiver in Navy’s scheme. As a pass catcher he displays dependable hands and strong concentration in traffic, working effectively on short and intermediate routes when the offense expanded beyond the option structure. Heidenreich also brings value through his effort and physicality as a blocker, playing with the toughness expected in Navy’s run-heavy system. While he may not possess elite size or top-end speed, his versatility, competitiveness, and football IQ give him a chance to carve out a role as an H-back, hybrid fullback, or special teams contributor at the next level.
Let me know your thoughts and keep your eye out for another one of these after the combine finishes in early March!
I'd be down for this. Wish we could get more for the 6th pick but this is a great scenario.
If they could pull off the first 3 picks, I'd be ecstatic