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« : January 11, 2013, 12:46:13 AM »
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2013 NFL Mock Drafts
Dane Brugler
By Dane Brugler
NFLDraftScout.com Analyst
There is no Andrew Luck. No RGIII. Not even a Matt Kalil or Trent Richardson. So without any "elite" prospects this season, projecting the draft should be easy, right? Actually the opposite. Although it's a weaker class at the top from a year ago, it makes the first round much more interesting.
With a 2-14 record, the Chiefs have the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history. And with an abysmal offensive display in 2012, quarterback will be the top need for the Chiefs this offseason, but the question will be, will the decision-makers at Arrowhead like a quarterback in this class enough to take him No. 1 overall?
NFL Mock Draft - 1/7/2013
Round 1
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Shortly after Andy Reid was hired in Philadelphia in 1999, he drafted a quarterback second overall (Donovan McNabb) and although he received criticism for the pick, it turned out to be the correct choice. Selecting Geno Smith No. 1 would bring some of the same criticism by some, but it would give the Chiefs a talented quarterback to build around.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: The Jaguars have drafted offense in the top-10 the past two years (Blaine Gabbert, Justin Blackmon), but with a new GM running things in Jacksonville, any position is possible here. Jacksonville finished last in the league in sacks (20.0) and Werner brings an athletic, physical presence against both the run and pass, in the mold of Chris Long.
3. Oakland Raiders
Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU: The Raiders have a lot of beef on their defensive line, but need to add more speed to get after the passer, ranking 31st in the league in sacks (25.0) this season. Mingo has the athletic skill-set and potential that will be enticing for Oakland.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: Just like other positions on the Eagles depth chart, offensive tackle looked to be a strength, but injuries have really taken a toll on this team. Although Jason Peters injury situation will be a factor in Philadelphia choosing a tackle, Joeckel has the chance to grow into one of the NFL's best.
5. Detroit Lions
Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: The Lions' future at defensive end looks uncertain right now with Cliff Avril about to hit free agency and Kyle Vanden Bosch turning 35 years old next season. Moore is still developing as a hand-in-the-ground edge rusher, but his motor and tenacity is enough to consider him a top-10 pick.
6. Cleveland Browns
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: Although they'll have a new head coach and GM, the Browns will probably give Brandon Weeden another year at quarterback, mostly because there aren't many options out there. The biggest need for Cleveland is in the secondary, lacking an impact corner opposite Joe Haden.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: The Cardinals need help in a lot of areas on offense, especially at quarterback, but Arizona also desperately needs an upgrade at tackle. Lewan is overlooked by the Texas A&M tackle tandem, but he belongs in the top-10 conversation and with some seasoning, he could be a Pro Bowl blocker.
8. Buffalo Bills
Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: A quarterback like Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon or Tyler Wilson can't be ruled out here, but it might be more likely the Bills target one in the second round. Buffalo's next biggest need might be at quarterback and Te'o would provide an upgrade over MLB Kelvin Sheppard.
9. NY Jets
Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: The Jets need a lot of help in several areas, mostly on offense, including the quarterback position. But the Jets have struggled to put pressure on the opponents' backfield and Jones has thrived as a 3-4 pass rushing linebacker for the Bulldogs.
10. Tennessee Titans
Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: As a former offensive lineman who was drafted in the top-10, Titans head coach Mike Munchak will undoubtedly be impressed with Warmack and with the future of both their starting guards (LeRoy Harris, Steve Hutchinson) in doubt, the Tide guard make sense here.
11. San Diego Chargers
Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: The Chargers have questions at both tackle spots and while they hope Jared Gaither is part of the solution, his durability remains to be a concern. Matthews is sometimes overlooked by Luke Joeckel, but the powerful tackle has top-10 ability.
12. Miami Dolphins
Keenan Allen, WR, California: Brian Hartline has stepped up this season, but Miami receivers have combined for just three touchdowns and the Dolphins need to get their young quarterback some help. Allen has an intriguing blend of size and speed and would instantly become the Dolphins' No. 1 receiving threat.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: Even before the Buccaneers traded Aqib Talib to the Patriots, the cornerback position was a weak spot for Tampa Bay. Rhodes doesn't have elite speed, but he plays quick, physical and smart with potential to be one of the best bump-and-run corners at the next level.
14. Carolina Panthers
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: The interior of the Panthers' defensive line has been a question mark since Kris Jenkins left in 2007 and, ironically, Carolina haven't invested a top-50 draft pick on a defensive tackle since Jenkins over a decade ago. Lotulelei isn't as consistent as scouts would like, but when he's firing on all cylinders, he's tough to control.
15. New Orleans Saints
Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon: The Saints have several needs on the defensive side of the ball and with a draft strong on the defensive line, there is a good chance they choose either a tackle or end. Jordan is an intriguing prospect because while still unpolished in some areas, his combination of length and athleticism is truly impressive.
16. St. Louis Rams
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: The Rams still have hopes that Sam Bradford will get back on track, but the front office will need to add blockers in order to protect the former No. 1 overall pick. Fisher isn't flashy, but he could cement his top-15 status with a positive week in Mobile.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: While the holes on the offensive line receive most of the attention, the Steelers also need help on the defensive line as well, especially if Casey Hampton isn't in a Pittsburgh uniform next season. Hankins has the skill-set to line up at either nose tackle or defensive end in the Steelers' defense and be a stout run defender.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: With Warmack off the board, there is a good chance the Cowboys switch gears to their needs on the defensive line. Floyd, who has experience both inside and outside on the line, would be able to fill a big need for Dallas' three-man front.
19. NY Giants
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Brigham Young: Stop me if you've heard this before -- the Giants select the top pass rusher left on the board with their first-round pick. Ansah still needs a lot of work, but his NFL upside will land him in the top-20, if not higher.
20. Chicago Bears
Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma: It seems like the Bears have had offensive line struggles for the past decade, recently releasing former first round tackle Chris Williams. Johnson is a former QB, TE and DE who is still growing at the offensive tackle position, but the upside is off the charts.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: Cincinnati ranks near the top of the NFL in sacks, but most of that production is coming from inside (Geno Atkins) and Michael Johnson is set for free agency next year. Montgomery has a few question marks, but there is no doubt about his combination of athleticism and strength to create pressure in the backfield.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Eric Reid, FS, LSU: The Rams upgraded their cornerbacks last season through free agency (Cortland Finnegan) and the draft (Janoris Jenkins) and should look at safety this offseason. Although he still has some maddening inconsistencies, Reid will likely be a hot commodity on draft day because of his size and speed.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: No one will mistake Christian Ponder for Peyton Manning, but the Vikings are currently connected to the former Florida State quarterback and need to add weapons to help him succeed. Patterson is still learning the nuances of the receiver position, but his explosive ability with the ball in his hands makes him worth the chance.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama: The Colts have done an admirable job on defense in their first season utilizing the 3-4 scheme, but need to add more bulk up front. Williams manned the NT spot in Alabama's 3-4 defense, but has the skill-set to play anywhere on the Colts' defensive line.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Matt Elam, SS, Florida: The Ravens are aging on defense and there are some concerns that Ed Reed might retire after the season. Elam doesn't look like much at 5-10 and 200 pounds, but he plays much bigger against both the run and the pass.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: The Seahawks have one of the better defensive fronts in the NFC, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them add some depth, especially with Alan Branch slated to hit free agency in the winter. Richardson explodes off the snap and has the length and quickness to be effective against both the run and the pass.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: San Francisco has received better than expected results from Alex Boone at guard, but still need to add some interior depth, especially with Jonathan Goodwin in his mid-30's. Cooper has the body type ideal for center with the mobility and smarts to play any of the interior line positions.
28. Houston Texans
Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU: Both of the Texans' starters at inside linebacker are set for free agency after this season (Tim Dobbins, Bradie James) and it wouldn't be a shock if neither return. Minter has been a dominant run force for the Tigers this season and would brings Pro Bowl potential to the position in the NFL.
29. New England Patriots
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: With Wes Welker set for free agency, the Patriots might be looking for a new slot receiver and Tom Brady could do a lot with the versatile offensive ability of Tavon Austin.
30. Green Bay Packers
John Jenkins, DT, Georgia: The Packers have drafted several defensive linemen in recent years, but have capitalized on talented players falling to them in the draft. Jenkins moves well for his size (360 pounds) and will be able to play both DE and NT for the Packers three-man front.
31. Denver Broncos
Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: The Broncos have Peyton Manning for the next year or two and should put as many weapons around him as possible. Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme are both solid players, but neither have the playmaking ability of the athletic tight end out of Notre Dame.
32. Atlanta Falcons
Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: Despite another productive season, future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez has said he will retire after this season so until we know otherwise, tight end is a big need for the Falcons this off-season. Ertz is a tough, reliable pass catcher who should be able to fill the shoes of Gonzalez.
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