There was a lot of discussion around the “final” mock draft I put out earlier today, so I wanted to at least give you the one I had originally planned on publishing as my “final”, until changing my mind and going a different direction last minute.
The algorithm here is the same, using the same Big Board I published over the weekend.
Team Needs:
Top Needs:
- Wide Receiver
- EDGE
- Safety
- Center
Secondary Needs:
- Running Back
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
Round 1:
TRADE
There was a trade offer on the table at pick 7…
- From Tampa Bay: Picks 15 and 46 for pick 7
Tampa needed an off-the-ball linebacker and Sonny Styles was available at 7. He
was the top-rated player on my draft board and my final blue-chip prospect, however, the Bucs were offering a nice package, which included pick #46, to move back 8 spots. This trade is pretty close in value using the Rich Hill trade chart with Washington giving 425 and receiving 441 (we call that the Top 10 tax).
Below is how round one played out on the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator.
ROUND 1 (Pick 15) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It was tough to pass up on Styles, but not having a 2nd or 4th rounder weighed heavily into this decision. Washington’s linebacker room was improved in free agency by adding the young, uber-athletic Leo Chenal. We can also say some addition-by-subtraction took place with the team deciding not to bring back veteran Bobby Wagner – leaving Jordan Magee the opportunity to step into a much bigger role next to Chenal and Frankie Luvu.
In Denzel Boston the Commanders get a true outside threat to pair with Terry McLaurin and provide Jayden Daniels with more weapons. At 6’4” 212 with nearly 10” hands, a 37.5” vertical and elite ball skills, Boston can become a great intermediate target in Washington’s new offense and be a contested-catch and redzone threat out of the gate. He didn’t run a 40 at the combine or his Pro Day, but his short-area quickness and burst were on display with a 6.80 3-cone and 4,3 short-shuttle.
Pro Comparison: Drake London
Round 2:
ROUND 2 (Pick 46) – Gabe Jacus, EDGE, Illinois
I stuck with my board in round two and took the best available player at a position of need in Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacus.
Jacas played in 50 games (43 starts) with the Illini over his four years, serving as a team captain in 2025. He had 11 sacks and 13.5 TFL as a senior, earning second team All-Big 10. Jacas can play as a stand-up outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt. With Chaisson on a one-year deal and Armstrong entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed in 2024, Jacus can be a valuable rotational piece as a rookie while looking to take on a more full-time role in 2027 and beyond.
Pro Comparison: Jared Verse
Round 3:
ROUND 3 (Pick 71) – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
I had taken care of two significant team needs with my first two picks, so I headed into round three with an open mind. When our pick came around and I saw Muhammed was still on the board, this became an easy decision for me.
Malik played in 41 games for the Longhorns receiving second-team All-SEC honors as a junior. He had a very impressive week at the Senior Bowl, showing sticky coverage in one-on-one matchups. He’s a bit light at just 182 pounds so that can be a concern with the physicality of the NFL, but he has the frame to add good weight. He is a long, athletic, scheme-diverse outside corner who will pair nicely with Trey Amos.
Pro Comparison: Tyson Campbell
Round 5:
ROUND 5 (Pick 147) – Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
The former receiver-turned-running back is an opposing force at 6’3” 232 pounds. He ran an impressive 4.50 40 at the NFL Combine with a 37” vertical and 10’4” broad jump. In his only full season as a running back, he led the team in rushing with 814 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while chipping in with 36 receptions for 254 yards and three scores. He also offers special teams value as a kick returner.
Pro Comparison: Antonio Gibson
Round 6:
ROUND 6 (Pick 187) – Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
Burton is a versatile, athletic interior offensive lineman with both center and guard experience. At 6’4” 312, he has exceptional athleticism and is a best fit in an outside zone system where he can use that athleticism to get to second-level defenders.
Pro Comparison: Jake Brendel
ROUND 6 (Pick 209) – Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State
Rucci is a former five-star recruit who struggled early in his career at Wisconsin before transferring to Penn State where he became a starter at right tackle. He has exceptional length which he uses well to re-direct pass rushers off the edge. He’ll need to work on his bend and hand-placement to become a good NFL offensive tackle, but the potential is there to mold.
Pro Comparison: Will Fries
Round 7:
ROUND 7 (Pick 223) – Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
King is an athletic dual-threat quarterback who is still very raw as a pure passer, but has superb pocket-awareness and escapeability. He’ll likely have to spend some time on the practice squad working on his mechanics, but his upside is intriguing.
Pro Comparison: Taysom Hill
