Showing posts with label 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Show all posts
Monday, April 22, 2013
NFL Draft-Cast: Season 1, Volume 7
Check out my podcast on the draft needs and plans for every team in the AFC South (Texans, Colts, Titans, Jaguars). Next up is the final division, the AFC West (Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Chiefs). Simply click on the play button on the left and enjoy.
NFL Draft-Cast: Season 1, Volume 6
Check out my podcast on the draft needs and plans for every team in the NFC East (Redskins, Giants, Cowboys, Eagles). Next up is the AFC South (Texans, Colts, Titans, Jaguars). Simply click on the play button on the left and enjoy.
4/22 NFL Mock Draft 3.3
In my last mock, Mock 3.2, I claimed it as my second to last mock of the draft season. Well, then the Jets and Bucs through a monkey-wrench it that plan by completing the biggest trade of the off-season and transferring the 13th pick in the draft to New York. The Bucs gave up that pick and a third rounder next year for All-Pro Cornerback Darrell Revis, the top player in the game at his position. With all that in mind, and with the developments on the draft circuit over the past few days, I give you Mock Draft 3.3. This time it's actually my second to last one of the season. Enjoy!
1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M- 4/20 Update: According to a coupe of sources, the Chiefs have locked in on Luke Joeckel as the top pick, and are now trying to facilitate a trade for their franchised LT Brandon Albert. Not everyone has picked up on this development but I trust it as much as I trusted the source that broke the Alex Smith trade with the Chiefs a couple days early.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida- 4/21 Update: The hot rumor in draft circles Sunday was that the Jags were looking at Left Tackle more than adding a defensive player or Geno Smith. I don't buy it because I think it's just a smokescreen to get a team that really wants Eric Fisher to trade up. The Raiders leaked out interest in a LT a few days ago, but everyone knows they really want to move down and re-coup the second round pick they lost in the Carson Palmer trade. Sources say the Raiders wanted the Cardinals to move up from the 7th spot because they want to stay in the Top 7. I think the Jags were just trying to capitalize on those rumors by indicating interest in Fisher to make them the team to move down if someone wanted to move up. The Jags need an impact defensive player and they know the depth at the top end of this draft is on D, so they'd love to move down if they could get a good haul of picks for it.
The 20-year-old Floyd (right) is somewhere in the Top 3 in just about every mock draft out there right now. He's a dynamic interior rusher and has a very high ceiling. I thought about penciling in Dee Milliner here, but I think Gus Bradley will feel he can develop bigger, raw corners in later rounds like he did in Seattle. The Jags need a lot of pass rushing help and I think Floyd (right) is rated higher than any of the DE/OLB types on their board. Defensive Tackle is also a bigger need, despite what experts will tell you about Dion Jordan and the Leo position in Gus Bradley's defense. Jason Babin, Jeremy Mincey, and 2012 second round pick Andre Branch represent a decent group of ends.
3. Oakland Raiders- Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah- Obviously, the Raiders would love to move down, but I don't think they'll get much of a market for this pick. It's going to take too much for Miami or San Diego to move up to this spot and the Cardinals probably aren't moving up at all. They're likely stuck.
The Raiders have the worst roster in the NFL, and their defensive line is in shambles. Dee Milliner or Dion Jordan could get looks here, but I think DT is a more pressing need, and Lotulelei is the top player available at this point that makes sense. I even prefer him to Shariff Floyd. His heart issues are all cleared up at this point.
4. Philadelphia Eagles- Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma- I remember back in 2010 I had Russell Okung as the top Left Tackle prospect, as many other people did. But at #4 the Redskins picked Trent Williams over Okung because the former had quicker feet and was a perfect fit in their zone blocking scheme. History could repeat itself in 2013 with another Sooner. Lane Johnson isn’t rated higher than Eric Fisher on most boards (he is on mine) but he is the fastest tackle in years and seems perfect for chip Kelly’s offense.
4/19 Update: A reliable Eagles source has said this pick comes down to Eric Fisher Luke Joeckel, Star Lotulelei, or Dion Jordan. I'm sticking with Johnson here because Chip Kelly reportedly loves him and probably leaked those 4 names to try and move down a spot or two to select Johnson. Or I'm completely wrong on my theory that the fasted offense will want the fastest tackle. Either or.
5. Detroit Lions- Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama- The Lions will look at a Left Tackle here for sure, but Milliner would also fill a huge need and the Lions have been smitten with him throughout the draft process. I think they take Milliner and hope Riley Reiff cuts it at Left Tackle. They won't give up on him after one season, will they?
4/22 Update: I've seen Milliner everywhere. Mel Kiper had Detroit moving up to #1 for him, I've seen mocks with him going to OAK at 3, Detroit here, Cleveland at 6, and as far down as Tennessee at 10 and New York at 13. His stock is very confusing. I'm sticking with him here but Fisher and Ezekiel Ansah are major possibilities as well.
6. TRADE! Miami Dolphins- Eric Fisher (right), OT, Central Michigan- The Dolphins spent crazy money in Free Agency but still need to replace Jake Long at Left Tackle. With two second round picks, they have the "ammunition", as GM Jeff Ireland called it, to move up if the right guy falls. The Browns are without a second rounder after using theirs in the supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon, and would happily move down to recoup one. A win-win.
7. Arizona Cardinals- Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon- The Cardinals don't get their Left Tackle to fall to them, but they do have Jordan, the consensus top 3-4 OLB in this class. The high-upside linebacker would add some much needed pass rush to a defense that already has a cornerstone on the line (DE Calais Campbell) and in the secondary (CB Patrick Peterson).
8. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse- 4/22 Note: I linked the Bills to Nassib at 8 in my column on QBs on the move this offseason. I also had Buffalo trading back into Round 1 for him in my last update. I have him at 8 now because all signs point to him being the pick here if the Bills can't move down. A Bills beat writer picked him over Geno Smith in a beat writer mock in the LA Times, and Nassib is viewed as a better bad-weather QB than Smith. It doesn't make sense to see him here, but teams reach for QBs all the time and it's a perfect match coaching-wise.
9. New York Jets- Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU- 4/22 Note: Rex Ryan reportedly loves Mingo, which is why I tabbed him here over Ezekiel Ansah. The Jets need a pass rusher for their 3-4 and Mingo is considered the favorite to be the the 9th pick.
10. Tennessee Titans- Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU- I'm straying away from Jon Cooper here because the Titans have shown in the past that they'll take the best player on their board even if it only fills a minor need and there is a solution to a more pressing need available. For instance, last year they picked Kendall Wright over David Decastro even thought they needed a Guard then and WR was only a minor need. Defensive End isn't a huge need in Tennessee, as they need depth more than a starter, but Ansah would be too good to pass up here.
11. San Diego Chargers- Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia- The Chargers seem infatuated with Lane Johnson, and would likely try to move up to 6 for him if he's available. In this mock there's no Left Tackle left for them here, so they go an alternate route to help Phillip Rivers. Austin is an electric play-maker who can be used in the slot or backfield, and new coach Mike McCoy could use him to get the ball out of Rivers' hands before the pass rush gets to him. McCoy is an incredible offensive mind who designed the Tebow offense in Denver, so the mind can only imagine what he could do with a player like Austin.
12. TRADE! Cleveland Browns- Jon Cooper, OG/C, North Carolina- The Browns need interior OL help, and I've heard Cooper is the fallback option of a lot of teams picking in the Top 6. The Browns are able to get him at 12 after trading down. As inferior players like Nassib and Mingo infiltrate the Top 10, value picks like Cooper emerge later in the teens.
13. New York Jets (from TB)- Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas- Vaccaro is the top Safety in this draft and as a result is being a bit over-valued. The Jets are said to like Tavon Austin but if he isn't here it's expected that they'd go Defense again even after using the 9th pick on that side of the ball. I think they see Safety as a bigger need than Corner even after the Revis trade.
14. Carolina Panthers- Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri- DT is a major need in Carolina and Richardson is quietly in everyone's Top 16 players and mocks that I see. He excels as a pass rusher in a 4-3 and it makes a lot of sense for the Panthers to target him with this pick.
15. New Orleans Saints- Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.- Rhodes (below) appears to be the consensus second corner in the draft, and the Saints are reportedly considering him if he makes it to this pick. Keenan Lewis came over in Free Agency from Pittsburgh but the Saints are looking to stockpile CBs to try and match up with the receivers the division champion Falcons possess.
16. St. Louis Rams- D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama- The Rams need a Right Tackle opposite Jake Long, because Roger Saffold refuses to play there. In this situation, the Rams can add the top RT prospect in this draft at a decent spot value wise, and then look to move Saffold for a pick in the second round (San Diego, perhaps). While Guard Chance Warmack makes sense here I've heard Fluker is actually projected to go higher than his Alabama teammate in many scout's circles because Fluker's upside is enticing and Warmack is viewed as "too one dimensional" by some scouts.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia- Jones worked out poorly, as expected, and some analysts are suggesting he might fall out of the first round. I think that’s heinous. How can the most disruptive defensive player in college football from a year ago not go in the first round?! The Steelers are smart, they’ll value Jones’ tape over his workout numbers, and they’ll get a solid pass rusher to replace James Harrison.
18. Dallas Cowboys- Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama- Every year we see elite players fall because they play an undervalued position. Last year it was Guard David Decastro falling to the Steelers at 24. This year it could be another Guard if Cooper or Warmack fall out of the top half of the first round. The Cowboys are said to prefer Jon Cooper but at 18 they'll take what they can get and land a major steal in Warmack.
19. New York Giants- Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida St.- The Giants need a pass rusher with Osi Umenyiora now in Atlanta. Werner is a prototype Left End who would be a colossal steal at this juncture. He is a terrific pass rusher and stops the run well.
20. Chicago Bears- Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia- Brian Urlacher is gone, and even if he comes back for the veteran minimum the Bears have to be thinking about a replacement. Ogletree (below) is a blockhead that has made numerous poor personal decisions, but his talent is undeniable and he’s likely to be the first inside Linebacker off the board.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.- The Bengals are at a standstill with Free Agent Right Tackle Andre Smith, and they'll likely look for a cheap replacement through the draft. Watson has risen up draft boards and could get reached for at this point because there is a steep drop off at the position after him.
22. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)- Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee- The Rams need to address the Wide Receiver position early in this draft, having lost Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson from an already underwhelming group. Patterson is a raw receiver with route running and hands issues, but he's an absolute play-maker with the ball in his hands and has a big, NFL-ready body. He's a raw version of Julio Jones.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC- Williams is rising up boards again and should go somewhere in the first round. The Vikings need a Defensive Tackle to pair with and soon replace Kevin Williams, who is 33.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington- Trufant (right) looks like the third corner on most boards and would fill a big need in Indianapolis.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)- Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame- The Vikings love Manti Te'o. And they're real people (bah-boom-psh). Too soon? Anyway, Leslie Frazier wants a Middle Linebacker and Chris Speilman ate dinner with Te'o before his pro day. The love affair is apparently alive and still going strong.
26. Green Bay Packers- Margus Hunt, DE, SMU- Hunt is a physical freak and a steal at this point in the first round. He would play the 5-technique in Dom Campers’ 3-4, although I’d like to see him used outside as a pass rusher wherever he lands.
27. Houston Texans- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson- The Texans definitely need a #2 receiver after cutting Kevin Walter. Hopkins represents a great value late in round 1, e's my top WR in the draft and a Roddy White clone.
28. Denver Broncos- Tank Carradine, DE, Florida St.- Carradine tore his ACL late lat season but is now almost fully recovered. The Broncos need to replace Elvis Dumervil, and they're rumored to love Carradine, who is rising up boards late in the draft season. He had 11 sacks last season opposite Bjoern Werner in Tallahassee.
29. TRADE! Jacksonville Jaguars- Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia- The Patriots only have 5 picks and will look to add a mid-rounder while sliding back to the Jaguars' second round slot at 33, the first pick on day 2. The Jags could be coaxed into mving up because they seem to like Geno (just not at #2) and they might be afraid someone else (Philly) will move up and take him before the 33rd pick. For the record, I think Geno is a steal outside of the Top 10 picks.
30. Atlanta Falcons- Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.- Banks is a tall, lanky corner who has man-to man skills. The Falcons secondary is weak with Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes leaving only Asante Samuel as an established corner.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Matt Elam, FS, Florida- The 49ers can replace the departed Dashon Goldson here with Elam, the second best Safety in this draft. A solid hitter with good range, Elam figures to be a solid Safety and his experience in the SEC should make him an instant contributor.
32. Baltimore Ravens- Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International- The other Safety meriting late first round discussion, Cyprien (below) would fit in next to Michael Huff as the Ravens remake their Safeties (and their whole D) from a year ago.
For more mock drafts, check out the awesome database at
http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm
1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M- 4/20 Update: According to a coupe of sources, the Chiefs have locked in on Luke Joeckel as the top pick, and are now trying to facilitate a trade for their franchised LT Brandon Albert. Not everyone has picked up on this development but I trust it as much as I trusted the source that broke the Alex Smith trade with the Chiefs a couple days early.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida- 4/21 Update: The hot rumor in draft circles Sunday was that the Jags were looking at Left Tackle more than adding a defensive player or Geno Smith. I don't buy it because I think it's just a smokescreen to get a team that really wants Eric Fisher to trade up. The Raiders leaked out interest in a LT a few days ago, but everyone knows they really want to move down and re-coup the second round pick they lost in the Carson Palmer trade. Sources say the Raiders wanted the Cardinals to move up from the 7th spot because they want to stay in the Top 7. I think the Jags were just trying to capitalize on those rumors by indicating interest in Fisher to make them the team to move down if someone wanted to move up. The Jags need an impact defensive player and they know the depth at the top end of this draft is on D, so they'd love to move down if they could get a good haul of picks for it.
 |
| Photo Rights to alligator.org |
The 20-year-old Floyd (right) is somewhere in the Top 3 in just about every mock draft out there right now. He's a dynamic interior rusher and has a very high ceiling. I thought about penciling in Dee Milliner here, but I think Gus Bradley will feel he can develop bigger, raw corners in later rounds like he did in Seattle. The Jags need a lot of pass rushing help and I think Floyd (right) is rated higher than any of the DE/OLB types on their board. Defensive Tackle is also a bigger need, despite what experts will tell you about Dion Jordan and the Leo position in Gus Bradley's defense. Jason Babin, Jeremy Mincey, and 2012 second round pick Andre Branch represent a decent group of ends.
3. Oakland Raiders- Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah- Obviously, the Raiders would love to move down, but I don't think they'll get much of a market for this pick. It's going to take too much for Miami or San Diego to move up to this spot and the Cardinals probably aren't moving up at all. They're likely stuck.
The Raiders have the worst roster in the NFL, and their defensive line is in shambles. Dee Milliner or Dion Jordan could get looks here, but I think DT is a more pressing need, and Lotulelei is the top player available at this point that makes sense. I even prefer him to Shariff Floyd. His heart issues are all cleared up at this point.
4. Philadelphia Eagles- Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma- I remember back in 2010 I had Russell Okung as the top Left Tackle prospect, as many other people did. But at #4 the Redskins picked Trent Williams over Okung because the former had quicker feet and was a perfect fit in their zone blocking scheme. History could repeat itself in 2013 with another Sooner. Lane Johnson isn’t rated higher than Eric Fisher on most boards (he is on mine) but he is the fastest tackle in years and seems perfect for chip Kelly’s offense.
4/19 Update: A reliable Eagles source has said this pick comes down to Eric Fisher Luke Joeckel, Star Lotulelei, or Dion Jordan. I'm sticking with Johnson here because Chip Kelly reportedly loves him and probably leaked those 4 names to try and move down a spot or two to select Johnson. Or I'm completely wrong on my theory that the fasted offense will want the fastest tackle. Either or.
5. Detroit Lions- Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama- The Lions will look at a Left Tackle here for sure, but Milliner would also fill a huge need and the Lions have been smitten with him throughout the draft process. I think they take Milliner and hope Riley Reiff cuts it at Left Tackle. They won't give up on him after one season, will they?
4/22 Update: I've seen Milliner everywhere. Mel Kiper had Detroit moving up to #1 for him, I've seen mocks with him going to OAK at 3, Detroit here, Cleveland at 6, and as far down as Tennessee at 10 and New York at 13. His stock is very confusing. I'm sticking with him here but Fisher and Ezekiel Ansah are major possibilities as well.
 |
| Photo Rights to Detroit News |
6. TRADE! Miami Dolphins- Eric Fisher (right), OT, Central Michigan- The Dolphins spent crazy money in Free Agency but still need to replace Jake Long at Left Tackle. With two second round picks, they have the "ammunition", as GM Jeff Ireland called it, to move up if the right guy falls. The Browns are without a second rounder after using theirs in the supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon, and would happily move down to recoup one. A win-win.
7. Arizona Cardinals- Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon- The Cardinals don't get their Left Tackle to fall to them, but they do have Jordan, the consensus top 3-4 OLB in this class. The high-upside linebacker would add some much needed pass rush to a defense that already has a cornerstone on the line (DE Calais Campbell) and in the secondary (CB Patrick Peterson).
8. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse- 4/22 Note: I linked the Bills to Nassib at 8 in my column on QBs on the move this offseason. I also had Buffalo trading back into Round 1 for him in my last update. I have him at 8 now because all signs point to him being the pick here if the Bills can't move down. A Bills beat writer picked him over Geno Smith in a beat writer mock in the LA Times, and Nassib is viewed as a better bad-weather QB than Smith. It doesn't make sense to see him here, but teams reach for QBs all the time and it's a perfect match coaching-wise.
9. New York Jets- Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU- 4/22 Note: Rex Ryan reportedly loves Mingo, which is why I tabbed him here over Ezekiel Ansah. The Jets need a pass rusher for their 3-4 and Mingo is considered the favorite to be the the 9th pick.
10. Tennessee Titans- Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU- I'm straying away from Jon Cooper here because the Titans have shown in the past that they'll take the best player on their board even if it only fills a minor need and there is a solution to a more pressing need available. For instance, last year they picked Kendall Wright over David Decastro even thought they needed a Guard then and WR was only a minor need. Defensive End isn't a huge need in Tennessee, as they need depth more than a starter, but Ansah would be too good to pass up here.
11. San Diego Chargers- Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia- The Chargers seem infatuated with Lane Johnson, and would likely try to move up to 6 for him if he's available. In this mock there's no Left Tackle left for them here, so they go an alternate route to help Phillip Rivers. Austin is an electric play-maker who can be used in the slot or backfield, and new coach Mike McCoy could use him to get the ball out of Rivers' hands before the pass rush gets to him. McCoy is an incredible offensive mind who designed the Tebow offense in Denver, so the mind can only imagine what he could do with a player like Austin.
12. TRADE! Cleveland Browns- Jon Cooper, OG/C, North Carolina- The Browns need interior OL help, and I've heard Cooper is the fallback option of a lot of teams picking in the Top 6. The Browns are able to get him at 12 after trading down. As inferior players like Nassib and Mingo infiltrate the Top 10, value picks like Cooper emerge later in the teens.
13. New York Jets (from TB)- Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas- Vaccaro is the top Safety in this draft and as a result is being a bit over-valued. The Jets are said to like Tavon Austin but if he isn't here it's expected that they'd go Defense again even after using the 9th pick on that side of the ball. I think they see Safety as a bigger need than Corner even after the Revis trade.
14. Carolina Panthers- Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri- DT is a major need in Carolina and Richardson is quietly in everyone's Top 16 players and mocks that I see. He excels as a pass rusher in a 4-3 and it makes a lot of sense for the Panthers to target him with this pick.
15. New Orleans Saints- Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.- Rhodes (below) appears to be the consensus second corner in the draft, and the Saints are reportedly considering him if he makes it to this pick. Keenan Lewis came over in Free Agency from Pittsburgh but the Saints are looking to stockpile CBs to try and match up with the receivers the division champion Falcons possess.
 |
| Photo Rights to CBS Sports |
16. St. Louis Rams- D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama- The Rams need a Right Tackle opposite Jake Long, because Roger Saffold refuses to play there. In this situation, the Rams can add the top RT prospect in this draft at a decent spot value wise, and then look to move Saffold for a pick in the second round (San Diego, perhaps). While Guard Chance Warmack makes sense here I've heard Fluker is actually projected to go higher than his Alabama teammate in many scout's circles because Fluker's upside is enticing and Warmack is viewed as "too one dimensional" by some scouts.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia- Jones worked out poorly, as expected, and some analysts are suggesting he might fall out of the first round. I think that’s heinous. How can the most disruptive defensive player in college football from a year ago not go in the first round?! The Steelers are smart, they’ll value Jones’ tape over his workout numbers, and they’ll get a solid pass rusher to replace James Harrison.
18. Dallas Cowboys- Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama- Every year we see elite players fall because they play an undervalued position. Last year it was Guard David Decastro falling to the Steelers at 24. This year it could be another Guard if Cooper or Warmack fall out of the top half of the first round. The Cowboys are said to prefer Jon Cooper but at 18 they'll take what they can get and land a major steal in Warmack.
19. New York Giants- Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida St.- The Giants need a pass rusher with Osi Umenyiora now in Atlanta. Werner is a prototype Left End who would be a colossal steal at this juncture. He is a terrific pass rusher and stops the run well.
20. Chicago Bears- Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia- Brian Urlacher is gone, and even if he comes back for the veteran minimum the Bears have to be thinking about a replacement. Ogletree (below) is a blockhead that has made numerous poor personal decisions, but his talent is undeniable and he’s likely to be the first inside Linebacker off the board.
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.- The Bengals are at a standstill with Free Agent Right Tackle Andre Smith, and they'll likely look for a cheap replacement through the draft. Watson has risen up draft boards and could get reached for at this point because there is a steep drop off at the position after him.
22. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)- Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee- The Rams need to address the Wide Receiver position early in this draft, having lost Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson from an already underwhelming group. Patterson is a raw receiver with route running and hands issues, but he's an absolute play-maker with the ball in his hands and has a big, NFL-ready body. He's a raw version of Julio Jones.
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
23. Minnesota Vikings- Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC- Williams is rising up boards again and should go somewhere in the first round. The Vikings need a Defensive Tackle to pair with and soon replace Kevin Williams, who is 33.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington- Trufant (right) looks like the third corner on most boards and would fill a big need in Indianapolis.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)- Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame- The Vikings love Manti Te'o. And they're real people (bah-boom-psh). Too soon? Anyway, Leslie Frazier wants a Middle Linebacker and Chris Speilman ate dinner with Te'o before his pro day. The love affair is apparently alive and still going strong.
26. Green Bay Packers- Margus Hunt, DE, SMU- Hunt is a physical freak and a steal at this point in the first round. He would play the 5-technique in Dom Campers’ 3-4, although I’d like to see him used outside as a pass rusher wherever he lands.
27. Houston Texans- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson- The Texans definitely need a #2 receiver after cutting Kevin Walter. Hopkins represents a great value late in round 1, e's my top WR in the draft and a Roddy White clone.
28. Denver Broncos- Tank Carradine, DE, Florida St.- Carradine tore his ACL late lat season but is now almost fully recovered. The Broncos need to replace Elvis Dumervil, and they're rumored to love Carradine, who is rising up boards late in the draft season. He had 11 sacks last season opposite Bjoern Werner in Tallahassee.
29. TRADE! Jacksonville Jaguars- Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia- The Patriots only have 5 picks and will look to add a mid-rounder while sliding back to the Jaguars' second round slot at 33, the first pick on day 2. The Jags could be coaxed into mving up because they seem to like Geno (just not at #2) and they might be afraid someone else (Philly) will move up and take him before the 33rd pick. For the record, I think Geno is a steal outside of the Top 10 picks.
30. Atlanta Falcons- Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.- Banks is a tall, lanky corner who has man-to man skills. The Falcons secondary is weak with Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes leaving only Asante Samuel as an established corner.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Matt Elam, FS, Florida- The 49ers can replace the departed Dashon Goldson here with Elam, the second best Safety in this draft. A solid hitter with good range, Elam figures to be a solid Safety and his experience in the SEC should make him an instant contributor.
32. Baltimore Ravens- Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International- The other Safety meriting late first round discussion, Cyprien (below) would fit in next to Michael Huff as the Ravens remake their Safeties (and their whole D) from a year ago.
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm
Thursday, April 18, 2013
2013 "Jack-Draft"
The "Jack-Draft" is basically a look at what the NFL Draft would look like if I was the GM of all 32 NFL teams. It's very similar to what Mel Kiper does with his "A-Draft," which is a draft he makes so that all 32 teams earn an A for their first round pick. You can look at that draft here for comparison. I'm doing this exactly one week before the actual draft, so while my Big Board could change a little between now and next Thursday, it won't be drastic. What I do is look at my board and take the top guy that makes sense for a team. If I can't find a match I'll probably trade down. I'm literally starting right now, I have no idea what teams will pick whom. I've rambled, it's 8:05, so the Chiefs are getting some extra time here. Without further ado, welcome in to the 2013 "Jack-Draft." The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock.
1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Surprise! The likely #1 pick Joeckel is actually #1 on my Big Board (barely). He makes a ton of sense for the Chiefs because they need a Left Tackle to protect Alex Smith. Brandon Albert is solid, but he is on a one-year franchise deal and the Chiefs would like to trade him for a second rounder in this draft. Joeckel is a cheaper option and a safe bet to play LT at a high level for years to come.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
This pick is probably a big surprise to you, but Lane Johnson is the #2 player on my board. Joeckel is a sure thing and that's why he's #1, but Johnson is just growing into his own as a Left Tackle. His natural ability and dancer feet make him the highest upside Left Tackle I've ever graded. The Jags can go LT because Eugene Monroe is average there and he is a free agent after next year. Brandon Albert is better than Monroe, so if KC can go LT so can the Jags. Johnson is the best player available and fills a need.
3. Oakland Raiders- Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
The Raiders have the worst roster in the NFL. It's so bad that my computer froze up while I was trying to make a pick for them. True story. Anyways, their defense has exactly zero pass rushers and could use any and all help along the defensive front. Ansah is the top player on my board at this point, and my highest rated pass rusher. He is a bit raw but has a tremendous combination of power and speed as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. He's going to grow into a pretty darn complete Defensive End if he's coached well.
4. Philadelphia Eagles-Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Lotulelei fits in with the Eagles at the 5-technique spot in their 3-4. He would bring stout run support to one of those end spots as well as being a dynamic interior pass rusher on third downs. His heart problems are pretty much cleared up, so that didn't affect his stock much on my board. He's the top player available, so we're 4-4 in that regard.
5. Detroit Lions- Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Lions 3 big needs are at Corner, Defensive End, and potentially at Left Tackle if Reilly Reiff isn't the answer. At this juncture in the draft they satisfy the Offensive Tackle need with Fisher, although he's neck and neck with Bjoern Werner and Dee Milliner on my board. I went with Fisher for two reasons: 1. Protecting Matthew Stafford needs to be the top priority in the Motor City and 2. I could have told you last year at draft time that Reiff was overrated and wouldn't be capable of playing Left Tackle in the NFL (he was in the high 20's on my board, strictly viewed as a Right Tackle). Fisher is a local product from Central Michigan and looks to be a legitimate franchise Left Tackle.
6. Cleveland Browns- Jon Cooper, OG, North Carolina
The Browns have a need at Offensive Guard, and while it's certainly not a sexy pick to take one 6th overall, it's a good spot for Cooper. I actually have him pegged 5th on my board, ahead of Fisher. And yes, I do take into account that Cooper is a Guard: I weight the grades of each prospect with what position they play, so QBs get the biggest bump, followed by Pass Rushers and Left Tackles. The biggest drop-offs are Punters and Kickers, followed by Guards/Centers, Running Backs, Safeties, and Linebackers (4-3 OLBs, MLBs and 3-4 ILBs). Fullbacks don't appear on my board, it's a dying position that's only good for neck and brain injuries, and teams can just use a tight end as a battering ram if they need to. So, in conclusion, yes, even being a Guard Cooper is worth a Top 5 pick.
7. Arizona Cardinals- Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Cardinals would love for a Left Tackle to fall into their laps here, but unfortunately that's not the case. They could do worse than Milliner though, who would pair up with Patrick Peterson (a former 5th overall pick) to form one of the scariest CB duos in recent memory. He's the top player on the board right now and would be a solid piece to add to that defense. The Cardinals should try to acquire Brandon Albert to be their Left Tackle, as he's better than what they could get in the second round.
8. Buffalo Bills- Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida St.
The Bills signed Mark Anderson in Free Agency last year to be a complimentary pass rusher to Mario Williams. Anderson flopped, but drafting Werner would do wonders to the Bills' pass rush. The German-born Defensive end has only been playing football for a few years, but he's a natural. Rushing the passer and stopping the run are both strengths of his, and Werner projects as a prototypical 4-3 Left End in the NFL.
9. New York Jets- Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
And the first QB is off the board. The Jets Quarterback woes aren't a secret, and Smith is the top player available on my board at this point. In my AFC North Draft-Cast a few days ago, I made the remark that the Browns picking Geno at 6 wouldn't be a huge reach, and it's not. I think Geno is one of the 10 best prospects in this draft. About the only thing that could save the Jets and Rex Ryan right now is a franchise rookie QB.
10. Tennessee Titans- Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Now I'm sure some of my readers will accuse me of conspiring to have an elite Guard prospect like Warmack fall right into the Titans' lap. The Titans have made it a goal this offseason to revamp the interior of their O-Line, and Warmack would be a huge part of that. He's the 10th player on my Big Board, so he fits the BPA method and fits a need. to give you an idea of how tight this draft board is, the difference between the top Guards Cooper (ranked 5th overall) and Warmack (ranked 10th overall) is a whopping 0.5 points out of 100. It's that type of draft this year.
11. San Diego Chargers- D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Fluker is the top player on my board at this point, but he's strictly a Right Tackle. He doesn't have the feet to play the blindside, but the Chargers can take what they can get and draft an instant starter and a future All-Pro caliber Right Tackle.
12. Miami Dolphins- Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The Dolphins reach a little here- I have Trufant ranked 16th overall- but satisfy a big need with a young corner to replace Sean Smith. Brent Grimes was brought in on a one-year deal but he's not a long term fix, and Trufant is a good bet to be a productive corner in the NFL. He has the man to man skills to match up against an opponent's best receiver.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida
I like Shariff Floyd, I really do. But that doesn't mean I'm going to mock him in the top 3. He has a great personal story and he's only 20 years old, so the sky is the limit for him. But he isn't Ndamukong Suh. He isn't going to walk into the NFL and be an elite DT. He is going to have some growing pains, and I fear he'll be drafted too high and have too much pressure to perform at a Pro-Bowl level right away. He belongs right in this range instead of the top 5. He's #14 on my board.
14. Carolina Panthers- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
The Panthers have real interest in Hopkins, but probably for the second round because they never want to invest in the WR position when they can collect mediocre Running Backs. But Hopkins wouldn't be a reach at all at 14. As I said in my NFC South Draft-Cast, Hopkins is a Roddy White clone that I have ranked 12th overall, and the top WR on the board. He'd be the rightful heir to Steve Smith and provide Cam Newton with a great possession receiver.
15. New Orleans Saints- Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon
Like Floyd, Jordan won't make it this far down the board, but he should. I have him ranked 17th, as he has Top 5 upside but second rounder productivity to fall back on. Still, he's a very good pass rushing prospect that the Saints would love to have for their new 3-4 defense.
16. St. Louis Rams- Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Patterson has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this draft class. He's basically a raw version of Julio Jones. The Rams need to replace Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, and adding the draft's 13th rated player overall at a position of need is a slam dunk.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
The Steelers have an elite Tight End in Heath Miller, but he's coming off a torn ACL. Eifert is the top Tight End in the draft by a mile and is the BPA at this point. When Miller comes back, Ben Roethlisberger will have a pair of stellar TEs at his disposal a la Tom Brady.
18. Dallas Cowboys- Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
I actually have 3 Guards in the top 20 of my Big Board this year. Warford is a mauler of a run blocker, and would infuse the Cowboys' Offensive Line with some strength and natiness. The Cowboys have a dire need at Guard and I doubt Jerry Jones will address it (since it won't get enough hype to fool people into thinking the Cowboys are good) but I have no problem slotting Warford here at 18 for the betterment of America's Team.
19. New York Giants- Margus Hunt, DE/DT, SMU
24-year-old Margus Hunt is a little rawer than you want a 24-year-old first rounder to be, but he has enough upside to compensate. Hunt blew up the combine and at 6'8" and 277 pounds, with 4.6 speed and 38 bench rep strength, he's worth a Top 20 selection. The Giants could use a pass rusher with Osi Umenyiora in Atlanta, and they could use Hunt the way they used a young Justin Tuck as a run stuffer in their base 4-3 defense at Left End and an interior pass rusher on third down.
20. Chicago Bears- Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers
The Bears need some youth in their linebacking corps, and Greene is the top fit available. He's a slight reach (ranked 26th on my board) but he makes a lot of sense for Chicago. His experience as a former safety makes him an ideal fit for the Cover 2, where Linebackers are asked to play zone coverage and operate well in open space.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.
This marks the first pick since Joeckel to KC that actually matches up with my latest real mock draft. The Bengals need to replace Andre Smith at Right Tackle and Watson is the last first round Tackle available.
22. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)- Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones has fallen a little on my Big Board because of his poor workout numbers. He's still a solid first round prospect and the Rams would be hard pressed to find a better solution at 22 with Watson off the board. Jones could play OLB in a 4-3 and rush the passer on third downs like Von Miller in Denver. the Rams have a hole at one of their OLB spots.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi St.
Finally, after a few picks in a row of being passed over despite being the BPA on my board, Darius Slay is drafted by the Vikings. Slay is a speedy corner who has shot up my board because of his ability to play man coverage and run with speedy receivers. The Vikings just lost Antoine Winfield and have a hole at one of their CB spots.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St.
The Colts also have a need at CB, as they have no one across from Vontae Davis. Jamar Taylor is a very versatile Corner who has risen up boards league-wide over the course of the draft season. He is being courted by the New England Patriots but obviously doesn't make it to their pick in this mock.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)- Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
The Vikings continue to add to their defense here as they address their need at Defensive Tackle. I think Logan is being really undervalued by NFL teams. He has all the measureables and the tape of a first round DT.
26. Green Bay Packers- Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is viewed as mostly just a 4-3 DT, but I think he could play the 3-4 DE spot in a system like Green Bay's. Richardson is a quick player who relies on his first step to beat defenders- J.J. Watt has shown that a 3-4 end can play effectively in the scheme like that. Before, the 5-technique was mostly guys who took up blockers and weren't really playmakers like a Watt or a Richardson. The Packers need a run stuffer and some pass rushing help, and Richardson provides both.
27. Houston Texans- Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Willaims has fallen under the radar recently, but he still has a first round grade on my board. He has the size, speed, and hands to be a productive receiver in the NFL, and he put up insane numbers at Baylor last year even without RG3. the Texans need a #2 receiver opposite Andre Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos- John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
The Broncos need help at the Defensive Tackle position, and John Jenkins is the top player on the board at this juncture. He is a bit heavy for a 4-3 DT but he is pretty light on his feet and could do it with a little more dropped weight.
29. New England Patriots- Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Moore was an incredibly productive pass rusher at Texas A&M and also excelled in run support. Unfortunately, like Jarvis Jones, his workout numbers fall way short of his production on tape and raise some red flags. The Patriots need another pass rusher to pair with Chandler Jones and at 29 Moore is as productive a pass rusher as you will find.
30. Atlanta Falcons- Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.- Banks is a tall, lanky corner who has man-to man skills. The Falcons secondary is weak with Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes leaving only Asante Samuel as an established corner.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
This is a bit of a luxury pick for the 49ers, who brought in Anquan Boldin this offseason to bolster their receiving corps. But Boldin is only under contract for a year, and Hunter would give San Fran the deep threat they wanted Randy Moss to be. He'd be ready to step in next to Michael Crabtree in his sophomore year after Boldin departs/retires.
32. Baltimore Ravens- Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas
The Ravens need a safety to go with Michael Huff after they lost both of their starters from a year ago in Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. Vaccaro is a tiny reach here (37th on the board) but fills a need for the defending champs and also gives them the premier safety in this class.
ROUND 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars- E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida St.
This. And This.
34. San Francisco 49ers (from KC)- Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
Jim Harbaugh re-unites with his former college recruit, who replaces Delanie Walker in the Niners Offense.
35. Philadelphia Eagles- Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.
The Eagles cut Asomugha and also lost DRC in Free Agency. They need help at CB.
36. Detroit Lions- Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
The Lions need a pass rusher to replace Cliff Avril, who wound up in Seattle as a Free Agent.
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)- Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
The Bengals need a long term solution at Running Back, and Franklin is the best 3-down RB in this draft.
38. Arizona Cardinals- TRADE PICK to KC for LT Brandon Albert
38/ Kansas City Chiefs- Matt Elam, SS, Florida
The Cardinals could really use a Left Tackle, so sending this pick to KC for Albert makes a lot of sense. The Chiefs can grab Elam to pair with Eric Berry in a loaded secondary.
39. New York Jets- Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
Swope is one of the fasted receivers in this class, and is one of the more underrated prospects. The Jets need to get Geno Smith some weapons.
40. Tennessee Titans- Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon St.
A bit of a reach, but the Titans need a CB who can get his hands on the ball and force turnovers.
41. Buffalo Bills- Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
The Bills need a Middle Linebacker, and Minter is the best one in this draft.
42. Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International
The Dolphins need Safety help, and Cyrien narrowly edges Matt Elam as the best one left available.
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Real life rumors say the Bucs might like Tavon Austin at 13, but here in the "Jack-Draft" they can get their slot receiver in the second round where he belongs.
44. Carolina Panthers- David Amerson, CB, NC St.
The Panthers have needs all over their secondary, and would be happy to grab Amerson here.
45. San Diego Chargers TRADE PICK to STL for LT Roger Saffold.
45. St. Louis Rams- Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
The Rams send their unhappy Tackle to San Diego, where LT is a dire need. They then address their need on the interior OL with Jones, a steal at this point in the draft.
46. St. Louis Rams- Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC
Bernard is a good value here and ranks just behind Franklin on the RB board. The rams need a long term RB solution with Stephen Jackson gone.
47. Dallas Cowboys- Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
The Cowboys need a DT next to Jay Ratliff for their new 4-3 defense.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers- Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
Ryan could replace Keenan Lewis, who left as a FA for New Orleans. He's the type of physical corner the Steelers love.
49. New York Giants- Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia
Ogletree is a first round talent with a lot of behavioral issues. The Giants could use him in any of their 3 LB spots in the 4-3.
50. Chicago Bears- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Jay Cutler is Flacco-ing (playing out the final year of his contract). The Bears could opt to send him packing if he cops an attitude and the team doesn't do well this year. Barkley ranked 42nd on my board.
51. Washington Redskins- Keenan Allen, WR, California
A nice weapon for RG3. Allen is a solid possession receiver despite the bad 40 time.
52. Minnesota Vikings- Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
The Vikings need to replace Percy Harvin and complement Greg Jennings. Bailey is almost as good as Tavon Austin, but nobody likes him for some reason.
53. Cincinnati Bengals- Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas St.
The Bengals could use an OLB even with James Harrison signing with them yesterday. He's 34 and not a fit in a 4-3.
54. Miami Dolphins (from IND)- Kyle Long, OT, Oregon
A bit of a reach, but the Dolphins need an OT to replace Jake Long.
55. Green Bay Packers- Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn
A pass rusher to pair with Clay Matthews in Green Bay's 3-4.
56. Seattle Seahawks- Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
An interior pass rusher to add to an already fearsome 3rd down unit in Seattle.
57. Houston Texans- Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia
An heir to Ed Reed in the Texans secondary.
58. Denver Broncos- Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
Te'o could be a fit in Denver, where they need a Middle Linebacker. This is about where he belongs on the draft board.
59. New England Patriots- Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio St.
The Pats double dip on the D-Line and add Hankins as an interior prescience next to Vince Wilfork.
60. Atlanta Falcons- Travis Kelce, TE, Cinicnnati
Kelce can develop as a backup for a year and then take over for Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta.
61. San Francisco 49ers- Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
The Niners make take Jones with one of their first two picks, but I have him #56 on my board. He's a good fit at the 5-technique in their 3-4.
62. Baltimore Ravens- Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech.
The Ravens need to replace Anquan Boldin as a possession receiver in their offense.
2013 NFL "Jack-Draft"
 |
| Photo Rights to aggiesports.com |
Surprise! The likely #1 pick Joeckel is actually #1 on my Big Board (barely). He makes a ton of sense for the Chiefs because they need a Left Tackle to protect Alex Smith. Brandon Albert is solid, but he is on a one-year franchise deal and the Chiefs would like to trade him for a second rounder in this draft. Joeckel is a cheaper option and a safe bet to play LT at a high level for years to come.
 |
| Photo Rights to nflmocks.com |
This pick is probably a big surprise to you, but Lane Johnson is the #2 player on my board. Joeckel is a sure thing and that's why he's #1, but Johnson is just growing into his own as a Left Tackle. His natural ability and dancer feet make him the highest upside Left Tackle I've ever graded. The Jags can go LT because Eugene Monroe is average there and he is a free agent after next year. Brandon Albert is better than Monroe, so if KC can go LT so can the Jags. Johnson is the best player available and fills a need.
3. Oakland Raiders- Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
4. Philadelphia Eagles-Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Lotulelei fits in with the Eagles at the 5-technique spot in their 3-4. He would bring stout run support to one of those end spots as well as being a dynamic interior pass rusher on third downs. His heart problems are pretty much cleared up, so that didn't affect his stock much on my board. He's the top player available, so we're 4-4 in that regard.
5. Detroit Lions- Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
|
| Photo Rights to Detroit News |
6. Cleveland Browns- Jon Cooper, OG, North Carolina
 |
| Photo Rights to goheels.com |
 |
| Photo Rights to al.com |
The Cardinals would love for a Left Tackle to fall into their laps here, but unfortunately that's not the case. They could do worse than Milliner though, who would pair up with Patrick Peterson (a former 5th overall pick) to form one of the scariest CB duos in recent memory. He's the top player on the board right now and would be a solid piece to add to that defense. The Cardinals should try to acquire Brandon Albert to be their Left Tackle, as he's better than what they could get in the second round.
8. Buffalo Bills- Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida St.
The Bills signed Mark Anderson in Free Agency last year to be a complimentary pass rusher to Mario Williams. Anderson flopped, but drafting Werner would do wonders to the Bills' pass rush. The German-born Defensive end has only been playing football for a few years, but he's a natural. Rushing the passer and stopping the run are both strengths of his, and Werner projects as a prototypical 4-3 Left End in the NFL.
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
9. New York Jets- Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
 |
| Photo Rights to ESPN |
10. Tennessee Titans- Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
 |
| Photo Rights to philly.com |
11. San Diego Chargers- D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Fluker is the top player on my board at this point, but he's strictly a Right Tackle. He doesn't have the feet to play the blindside, but the Chargers can take what they can get and draft an instant starter and a future All-Pro caliber Right Tackle.
12. Miami Dolphins- Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The Dolphins reach a little here- I have Trufant ranked 16th overall- but satisfy a big need with a young corner to replace Sean Smith. Brent Grimes was brought in on a one-year deal but he's not a long term fix, and Trufant is a good bet to be a productive corner in the NFL. He has the man to man skills to match up against an opponent's best receiver.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida
I like Shariff Floyd, I really do. But that doesn't mean I'm going to mock him in the top 3. He has a great personal story and he's only 20 years old, so the sky is the limit for him. But he isn't Ndamukong Suh. He isn't going to walk into the NFL and be an elite DT. He is going to have some growing pains, and I fear he'll be drafted too high and have too much pressure to perform at a Pro-Bowl level right away. He belongs right in this range instead of the top 5. He's #14 on my board.
14. Carolina Panthers- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
The Panthers have real interest in Hopkins, but probably for the second round because they never want to invest in the WR position when they can collect mediocre Running Backs. But Hopkins wouldn't be a reach at all at 14. As I said in my NFC South Draft-Cast, Hopkins is a Roddy White clone that I have ranked 12th overall, and the top WR on the board. He'd be the rightful heir to Steve Smith and provide Cam Newton with a great possession receiver.
15. New Orleans Saints- Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon
Like Floyd, Jordan won't make it this far down the board, but he should. I have him ranked 17th, as he has Top 5 upside but second rounder productivity to fall back on. Still, he's a very good pass rushing prospect that the Saints would love to have for their new 3-4 defense.
16. St. Louis Rams- Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Patterson has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this draft class. He's basically a raw version of Julio Jones. The Rams need to replace Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, and adding the draft's 13th rated player overall at a position of need is a slam dunk.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
The Steelers have an elite Tight End in Heath Miller, but he's coming off a torn ACL. Eifert is the top Tight End in the draft by a mile and is the BPA at this point. When Miller comes back, Ben Roethlisberger will have a pair of stellar TEs at his disposal a la Tom Brady.
18. Dallas Cowboys- Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
I actually have 3 Guards in the top 20 of my Big Board this year. Warford is a mauler of a run blocker, and would infuse the Cowboys' Offensive Line with some strength and natiness. The Cowboys have a dire need at Guard and I doubt Jerry Jones will address it (since it won't get enough hype to fool people into thinking the Cowboys are good) but I have no problem slotting Warford here at 18 for the betterment of America's Team.
19. New York Giants- Margus Hunt, DE/DT, SMU
24-year-old Margus Hunt is a little rawer than you want a 24-year-old first rounder to be, but he has enough upside to compensate. Hunt blew up the combine and at 6'8" and 277 pounds, with 4.6 speed and 38 bench rep strength, he's worth a Top 20 selection. The Giants could use a pass rusher with Osi Umenyiora in Atlanta, and they could use Hunt the way they used a young Justin Tuck as a run stuffer in their base 4-3 defense at Left End and an interior pass rusher on third down.
20. Chicago Bears- Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers
The Bears need some youth in their linebacking corps, and Greene is the top fit available. He's a slight reach (ranked 26th on my board) but he makes a lot of sense for Chicago. His experience as a former safety makes him an ideal fit for the Cover 2, where Linebackers are asked to play zone coverage and operate well in open space.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.
This marks the first pick since Joeckel to KC that actually matches up with my latest real mock draft. The Bengals need to replace Andre Smith at Right Tackle and Watson is the last first round Tackle available.
22. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)- Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones has fallen a little on my Big Board because of his poor workout numbers. He's still a solid first round prospect and the Rams would be hard pressed to find a better solution at 22 with Watson off the board. Jones could play OLB in a 4-3 and rush the passer on third downs like Von Miller in Denver. the Rams have a hole at one of their OLB spots.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi St.
Finally, after a few picks in a row of being passed over despite being the BPA on my board, Darius Slay is drafted by the Vikings. Slay is a speedy corner who has shot up my board because of his ability to play man coverage and run with speedy receivers. The Vikings just lost Antoine Winfield and have a hole at one of their CB spots.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St.
The Colts also have a need at CB, as they have no one across from Vontae Davis. Jamar Taylor is a very versatile Corner who has risen up boards league-wide over the course of the draft season. He is being courted by the New England Patriots but obviously doesn't make it to their pick in this mock.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)- Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
The Vikings continue to add to their defense here as they address their need at Defensive Tackle. I think Logan is being really undervalued by NFL teams. He has all the measureables and the tape of a first round DT.
26. Green Bay Packers- Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is viewed as mostly just a 4-3 DT, but I think he could play the 3-4 DE spot in a system like Green Bay's. Richardson is a quick player who relies on his first step to beat defenders- J.J. Watt has shown that a 3-4 end can play effectively in the scheme like that. Before, the 5-technique was mostly guys who took up blockers and weren't really playmakers like a Watt or a Richardson. The Packers need a run stuffer and some pass rushing help, and Richardson provides both.
27. Houston Texans- Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Willaims has fallen under the radar recently, but he still has a first round grade on my board. He has the size, speed, and hands to be a productive receiver in the NFL, and he put up insane numbers at Baylor last year even without RG3. the Texans need a #2 receiver opposite Andre Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos- John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
The Broncos need help at the Defensive Tackle position, and John Jenkins is the top player on the board at this juncture. He is a bit heavy for a 4-3 DT but he is pretty light on his feet and could do it with a little more dropped weight.
29. New England Patriots- Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Moore was an incredibly productive pass rusher at Texas A&M and also excelled in run support. Unfortunately, like Jarvis Jones, his workout numbers fall way short of his production on tape and raise some red flags. The Patriots need another pass rusher to pair with Chandler Jones and at 29 Moore is as productive a pass rusher as you will find.
30. Atlanta Falcons- Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.- Banks is a tall, lanky corner who has man-to man skills. The Falcons secondary is weak with Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes leaving only Asante Samuel as an established corner.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
This is a bit of a luxury pick for the 49ers, who brought in Anquan Boldin this offseason to bolster their receiving corps. But Boldin is only under contract for a year, and Hunter would give San Fran the deep threat they wanted Randy Moss to be. He'd be ready to step in next to Michael Crabtree in his sophomore year after Boldin departs/retires.
32. Baltimore Ravens- Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas
The Ravens need a safety to go with Michael Huff after they lost both of their starters from a year ago in Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. Vaccaro is a tiny reach here (37th on the board) but fills a need for the defending champs and also gives them the premier safety in this class.
ROUND 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars- E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida St.
This. And This.
34. San Francisco 49ers (from KC)- Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
Jim Harbaugh re-unites with his former college recruit, who replaces Delanie Walker in the Niners Offense.
35. Philadelphia Eagles- Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.
The Eagles cut Asomugha and also lost DRC in Free Agency. They need help at CB.
36. Detroit Lions- Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
The Lions need a pass rusher to replace Cliff Avril, who wound up in Seattle as a Free Agent.
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)- Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
The Bengals need a long term solution at Running Back, and Franklin is the best 3-down RB in this draft.
38. Arizona Cardinals- TRADE PICK to KC for LT Brandon Albert
38/ Kansas City Chiefs- Matt Elam, SS, Florida
The Cardinals could really use a Left Tackle, so sending this pick to KC for Albert makes a lot of sense. The Chiefs can grab Elam to pair with Eric Berry in a loaded secondary.
39. New York Jets- Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
Swope is one of the fasted receivers in this class, and is one of the more underrated prospects. The Jets need to get Geno Smith some weapons.
40. Tennessee Titans- Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon St.
A bit of a reach, but the Titans need a CB who can get his hands on the ball and force turnovers.
41. Buffalo Bills- Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
The Bills need a Middle Linebacker, and Minter is the best one in this draft.
42. Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International
The Dolphins need Safety help, and Cyrien narrowly edges Matt Elam as the best one left available.
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Real life rumors say the Bucs might like Tavon Austin at 13, but here in the "Jack-Draft" they can get their slot receiver in the second round where he belongs.
44. Carolina Panthers- David Amerson, CB, NC St.
The Panthers have needs all over their secondary, and would be happy to grab Amerson here.
45. San Diego Chargers TRADE PICK to STL for LT Roger Saffold.
45. St. Louis Rams- Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
The Rams send their unhappy Tackle to San Diego, where LT is a dire need. They then address their need on the interior OL with Jones, a steal at this point in the draft.
46. St. Louis Rams- Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC
Bernard is a good value here and ranks just behind Franklin on the RB board. The rams need a long term RB solution with Stephen Jackson gone.
47. Dallas Cowboys- Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
The Cowboys need a DT next to Jay Ratliff for their new 4-3 defense.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers- Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
Ryan could replace Keenan Lewis, who left as a FA for New Orleans. He's the type of physical corner the Steelers love.
49. New York Giants- Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia
Ogletree is a first round talent with a lot of behavioral issues. The Giants could use him in any of their 3 LB spots in the 4-3.
50. Chicago Bears- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Jay Cutler is Flacco-ing (playing out the final year of his contract). The Bears could opt to send him packing if he cops an attitude and the team doesn't do well this year. Barkley ranked 42nd on my board.
51. Washington Redskins- Keenan Allen, WR, California
A nice weapon for RG3. Allen is a solid possession receiver despite the bad 40 time.
52. Minnesota Vikings- Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
The Vikings need to replace Percy Harvin and complement Greg Jennings. Bailey is almost as good as Tavon Austin, but nobody likes him for some reason.
53. Cincinnati Bengals- Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas St.
The Bengals could use an OLB even with James Harrison signing with them yesterday. He's 34 and not a fit in a 4-3.
54. Miami Dolphins (from IND)- Kyle Long, OT, Oregon
A bit of a reach, but the Dolphins need an OT to replace Jake Long.
55. Green Bay Packers- Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn
A pass rusher to pair with Clay Matthews in Green Bay's 3-4.
56. Seattle Seahawks- Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
An interior pass rusher to add to an already fearsome 3rd down unit in Seattle.
57. Houston Texans- Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia
An heir to Ed Reed in the Texans secondary.
58. Denver Broncos- Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
Te'o could be a fit in Denver, where they need a Middle Linebacker. This is about where he belongs on the draft board.
59. New England Patriots- Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio St.
The Pats double dip on the D-Line and add Hankins as an interior prescience next to Vince Wilfork.
60. Atlanta Falcons- Travis Kelce, TE, Cinicnnati
Kelce can develop as a backup for a year and then take over for Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta.
61. San Francisco 49ers- Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
The Niners make take Jones with one of their first two picks, but I have him #56 on my board. He's a good fit at the 5-technique in their 3-4.
62. Baltimore Ravens- Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech.
The Ravens need to replace Anquan Boldin as a possession receiver in their offense.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)