The 2026 NFL Combine has come and gone. It’s now time for everyone’s mock drafts to get a facelift as they take into account the latest showcase for the top prospects across the country.
After taking in all four days of the event, here’s my first post-combine mock draft.
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Let’s dive in.
Round 1, Pick 22: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State
Ioane did not run the 40 at the combine this year but he performed on-field drills and looked every bit the part of the draft class’ top offensive guard. He moved well laterally, kept his footing throughout all the awkward sequences he was put through, and left Indy having likely solidified his place as the number one interior offensive lineman this year.
This pick still feels like a home run should Ioane fall this far. At the same time, I’d be remiss not to mention that there are some who believe he did not exhibit the type of athleticism needed to succeed in Mike McDaniel’s wide zone scheme. That’s all well and fine, but I personally believe he showed enough in his career, especially after reshaping his body prior to the 2025 season, to fit just fine into the Chargers’ new offense.
Round 2, Pick 55: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
One of the biggest winners at this year’s combine. The Chargers could very well find themselves without both Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh next season (obviously the worst0case scenario) and they must be prepared for that by selecting a new pass rusher on day one or two.
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Fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard was unfortunately a non-factor as a rookie and that doesn’t bode well for his future with the team. They’ll make sure he gets everything he needs to take a step in 2025, but his drafting a year ago does nothing to keep the Bolts from a pick like this.
Lawrence ran a 4.52 in the 40 at 6’4 and 253 pounds. He also jumped 40 inches in the vertical and 10’10” in the broad. Those are elite numbers at his size. His 1.59 10-yard split was also better than potential top-three pick David Bailey. Now this isn’t to say Lawrence is as well-rounded as Bailey or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, but he’s got the goods to get after the quarterback as an immediate sub-package player for the Chargers.
Round 3, Pick 86: OT/G Gennings Dunker, Iowa
I’m taking Dunker here as a second guard within the team’s top three picks. That’s how important I deem fixing the interior offensive line this offseason. Dunker didn’t blow the doors off the combine, but he’s rock-steady at his jump and comes ready-made as a “Harbaugh Guy.” I just know these two would hit it off immediately.
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One of the hits on Dunker is his “mechanical” movement skills that do leave some to be desired when he’s out in space. On the other side, you’re still going to get a guy who will run out there with his hair on fire looking to destroy someone.
Dunker hit 4.63 in the short shuttle which was third-best among those who participated, including consensus first-rounder Spencer Fano (4.67). If there are scouts who believe Fano could play any position up front with his athleticism, then Dunker has what it takes to make it work in a wide zone scheme as a guard.
Round 4, TBD: DT Albert Regis, Texas A&M
Regis shot up boards with a standout performance at the combine where he ranked first or second in three different athletic tests.
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At 6’1 and 298 pounds, Regis is a wide-bodied defender who will settle in as a team’s gritty nose tackle. He has two years of starting experience and has been described as tough and consistent. “Does everything the right way. Mature.”
If you’re going to draft an older prospect, these better be the things that are being said about him.
A 34” vertical and a 9’8 broad jump are also very solid for someone of his build and size. While his athleticism paints the picture of a player who will surely be best against the run, Regis will still have flashes pushing the pocket with his strength and explosion off the line.
Round 6, TBD: RB Adam Randall, Clemson
There’s just something about potentially adding an intriguing height-weight-speed athlete this late in the draft that’s hard to pass up. Randall is over 6’3 and 230 pounds and is a former wide receiver-turned-running back. He had over 1,200 all-purpose yards and score 12 total touchdowns on the season.
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What impressed me the most is all the different ways he was able to find the end zone. He had his fair share of rushing touchdowns plunging in from inside the five-yard line, but those didn’t come without him needing to fight through would-be tacklers and force his way in. On other scores, he took the ball from outside the red zone, broke a few tackles, and tip-toed up the sideline for six. Both as a rusher and receiver.
I’ll be fair and say there isn’t much that truly stands out above all else in his game that would paint to an elite talent, but his overall solid game, size, and receiving chops will give him ample chances at the next level to help a team.
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