NFL Draft 2016: 1st-Round Order and Predictions for Combine's Early Stars

New faces that have flown under the radar have a tendency to break out at the NFL Scouting Combine with standout performances in the various skills drills to increase their stock for the draft.

Generally, each blue-chip prospect is simply solidifying his status with his workouts. But the mid-rounders have the opportunity to catapult their way up the boards with two months until draft day on April 28. 

Here is a look at the first-round draft order and a few headline names following Friday’s workouts.

Pick	Team
1	Tennessee Titans
2	Cleveland Browns
3	San Diego Chargers
4	Dallas Cowboys
5	Jacksonville Jaguars
6	Baltimore Ravens
7	San Francisco 49ers
8	Miami Dolphins
9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10	New York Giants
11	Chicago Bears
12	New Orleans Saints
13	Philadelphia Eagles
14	Oakland Raiders
15	Los Angeles Rams
16	Detroit Lions
17	Atlanta Falcons
18	Indianapolis Colts
19	Buffalo Bills
20	New York Jets
21	Washington Redskins
22	Houston Texans
23	Minnesota Vikings
24	Cincinnati Bengals
25	Pittsburgh Steelers
26	Seattle Seahawks
27	Green Bay Packers
28	Kansas City Chiefs
29	Arizona Cardinals
30	Carolina Panthers
31	Denver Broncos

Keith Marshall, Georgia RB

Given the two Heisman Trophy-contending running backs the Georgia Bulldogs have fielded the past three years—Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb—not many on the national level may know Keith Marshall. 

But on Friday, the downhill speedster clocked a 4.31-second 40-yard-dash—the third-fastest among running backs since 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Info:

Player	Year	College	40-yard dash time (seconds)
Chris Johnson	2008	East Carolina	4.24
Dri Archer	2014	Kent State	4.26
Keith Marshall	2016	Georgia	4.31
Darren McFadden	2008	Arkansas	4.33

Here is a look at Marshall’s sprint, courtesy of the NFL, which was initially slated as a sub-4.30 time:

Marshall was a 5-star recruit when he joined the Georgia Bulldogs and was expected to be the lead back as the headline signee of the 2012 class—ahead of Gurley, his former roommate and, as reported by SEC Country, one of his closest friends. 

But as Gurley separated himself as arguably the best player in college football, Marshall’s career derailed on the heels of two nasty knee injuries that sidelined him nearly all of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. 

By the time he returned to full strength this year, Chubb had elevated his way up the depth chart, becoming the No. 1 back until he suffered a gruesome knee injury in October that was eerily similar to Marshall’s.

Here is a more in-depth look at the ups and downs of Marshall’s career in Athens, courtesy of the Georgia Bulldogs:

Bleacher Report’s Bryan Fischer believes if Marshall avoids the injuries that plagued him with Georgia, the running back could be destined for a promising pro career:

Marshall also tallied 25 reps on the 225-pound bench press, according to College Football 24/7 (h/t the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)—three more than Heisman winner Derrick Henry, who is considered arguably the strongest running back in the draft class.

With a strong display of versatility as the breakout running back of the combine, Marshall could elevate his way from the late rounds on mock drafts and get selected somewhere on the second day. 

Prediction: Marshall is selected early in the third round.

DeForest Buckner, Oregon DE

Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner wowed scouts last season with his Pac-12-best 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. 

But Buckner's big story at the combine were his bear-sized claws for hands, which checked in at 11 ¾ inches. That mark is larger than a standard A4 sheet of paper and tied Gosder Cherilus's combine record, according to Evan Lazar of NFL Network.

However, Buckner said he was hoping to set the high mark, per Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports:

When analyzing Buckner’s on-field performances last year, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus said of the defensive lineman: “There has been no more productive player in college football in 2015.”

Monson elaborated upon his assessment of the Oregon standout:

"

Buckner’s pass-rush is probably his strength, but he’s a problem in the run game for offenses too. He recorded 36 stops against the run this year, which was fourth among all 3-4 DEs, while his run stop percentage was fifth.

...

At 6-7 and upwards of 290 pounds, this is a player with prototypical length and size to play 3-4 end in the NFL. As teams become more attacking to match up with pass-oriented offenses, however, we are seeing more teams use players like Buckner as a moveable weapon across the defensive line.

"

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller had Buckner going 10th to the New York Giants in his latest mock draft, but that seems low after all the buzz he’s generated in Indianapolis. 

The San Diego Chargers (third pick), Dallas Cowboys (fourth) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ninth) could each use Buckner and seem more likely to pounce on the star before he falls to the Giants at No. 10.

Prediction: Buckner is selected in the top 10.