true, i know bowers dropped cuz of the knee concerns, but didnt he tear his achillies which had nothing to do with his injury history?
all i know is that u need some impact olb to run a 3-4 like the steelers HAD with woodley and harrison or the broncos have now with miller. i dont think jones is on millers level, but he's not too far off. its gonna be an interesing offseason for the eagles, i wanna see what they do with ryans now, the whole reason he got traded out of houston was cuz he didnt fit well in their 3-4.
The biggest question at the top is whether the Chiefs think highly enough of any of the 2013 quarterback prospects to go in that direction with this pick. The second question is whether OT Branden Albert will return to Kansas City. Assuming the answers to those questions are no and yes, respectively, Lotulelei makes most sense. The Chiefs have a need for a 5-technique (DE) in their 3-4 scheme, and he is an ideal fit. Lotulelei has great size and natural tools, especially strength, but he is not just a space-eater. He makes plays versus the run and can help collapse the pocket as an inside power rusher.
The Jaguars might also hesitate to take a quarterback this early, and they need to improve a pass rush that had a league-low 20 sacks last season. Werner is a good overall player who is also strong against the run and would fit well opposite DE Jason Babin, but is he worth this pick? Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore* is a better athlete but could slip a bit due to growing concerns about maturity.
New offensive coordinator Greg Olson brings a power, man-blocking running game to Oakland, which is not a great fit for Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel. Oakland also needs an upgrade along the defensive front, but with Lotulelei and Werner both off the board Milliner make the most sense. He is the most complete cornerback in the 2013 class and would address the team's most glaring weakness.
West Virginia QB Geno Smith is a possibility here, but Joeckel is one of the top three overall prospects in this class and would be tough to pass up. New head coach Chip Kelly favors smaller, more athletic linemen like Joeckel, who would take care of a desperate need for an overall talent and depth upgrade along the offensive line. The question is whether the Eagles would feel comfortable moving Joeckel to the right side to accommodate returning LT Jason Peters.
Cornerback is the Lions' biggest need, but with Milliner off the board the defensive line becomes the focus. With Kyle Vanden Bosch having been released and LDE Cliff Avril an unrestricted free agent, Detroit has a need at end. There is simply too much young talent at defensive tackle to let things deteriorate at end. Jordan is an underrated talent with the length and athleticism to develop into an impact starter in NFL, and he's shown the versatility to play multiple roles along the front seven.
New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will run a versatile scheme that likely will employ a base 3-4 front, and while the Browns have good depth along the defensive front they need more talented edge rushers. Mingo fits the bill. He is raw, but is the fastest, most athletic edge rusher in the class and could be part as a disruptive perimeter duo with Jabaal Sheard.
The Cardinals have a glaring need at quarterback, and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians bringing a vertical attack to Arizona that makes NC State QB Mike Glennon the best fit there. But he might not be worth the pick. The Cards' No. 2 need is at offensive tackle, and Fisher has the feet, length and balance to move into the starting role at left tackle. That would allow aging, injury-riddled Levi Brown to move to the right side, where he is a better fit.
Smith has had some trouble in bad weather, which is clearly a concern for Buffalo, but he is a good fit in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's version of the West Coast offense. When he's on his game, Smith's mechanics, smarts and confidence are impressive. Where he lands is perhaps the most intriguing storyline leading up to draft day, with Kansas City, Jacksonville and Philadelphia all possibilities in the top five.
The Jets have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL right now, but they're not going to find an answer to their quarterback problem in this scenario. That means finding a competent right tackle, a young pass-rusher (Calvin Pace likely to be cut) are at the top of the priority list. Jones would fit the bill as a pass-rusher. He's versatile, closes quickly and looks to jar the ball loose when he gets to quarterbacks or ball carriers.
Defensive end is a strong possibility, especially with talented rushers like Mingo, Jordan and Moore possibly available. However, Warmack is the best guard prospect in a decade and would help solidify the offensive line in front of young QB Jake Locker. Warmack has an elite combination of strength, mobility and consistency, and he would be the perfect successor to Steve Hutchinson. The Titans are strong at OT with Michael Roos and David Stewart coming back, and Warmack would be a great fit inside.
Left tackle is the team's top need, and with the Chargers likely moving to a zone-blocking scheme, Johnson is a perfect fit. He could improve his overall strength and hand use, but Johnson has good mobility and can quickly develop into a solid pass protector for QB Philip Rivers, who has taken a beating in recent years. Current San Diego OT Jared Gaither lacks mental and physical toughness, and the team should strongly consider parting ways with him to make room for a player like Johnson.
Dolphins fans would likely prefer to see the team find a solution at left tackle (assuming Jake Long moves on) or a wide receiver who can threaten defenses. However, Vaccaro is one of the 10 best overall prospects in the class. He has the athleticism to hold up well against slot receivers and give Miami the kind of versatile playmaker it needs in the secondary.
The Bucs finished last in the NFC with just 27 sacks last season and have plenty of questions along the defensive line. Moore has the athleticism and competitiveness you look for in a pass-rusher, and also the frame to develop into a good every-down player. He comes with some character baggage and could slip out of the top 10, and would be a good find for Tampa Bay with this pick.
Carolina is much stronger versus the pass than the run, and the team hasn't used a first- or second-round pick on a defensive tackle since taking Kris Jenkins in the first round in 2001. Floyd made huge improvements in terms of hand use and strength, and he also brings versatility and playmaking ability to the table. The arrow is pointing up in a big way for Floyd, who I recently moved up to the No. 7 overall spot on my board.
New Orleans is moving to a 3-4 scheme and can live with its inside linebackers and defensive ends, but the Saints need edge rushers and a true 3-4 nose tackle. With no pick in the second round, New Orleans could be interested in the scheme versatility Ansah provides. He can play the 5-technique and rush the quarterback off the edge, and while he's not a pure speed rusher Ansah has shown the ability to use speed-to-power moves to track down the quarterback from the perimeter.
Offensive tackle is the team's top need, but with Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson off the board there is not a good fit available. This is a bit high for any receiver in this class in my opinion, but Patterson is going to rise simply because of his elite skill set. He is raw as a route-runner, but is big and physical enough to get off press coverage and his speed and elusiveness make him a huge threat after the catch. Patterson would be a great weapon for young QB Sam Bradford.
Pittsburgh needs an heir apparent for current NT Casey Hampton, who is expected to leave as a free agent. There's depth at the position with Steve McLendon and Alameda Ta'amu, but neither appears to be the long-term answer. This might be a bit early for Hankins in my opinion, but some feel he grades out perfectly in the middle of Round 1. Regardless, you can't coach his size and ability to anchor in the middle against the run.
Richardson fills a top need and is a perfect fit as 3-technique in the 4-3 scheme of new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. He lacks ideal size and strength, but Richardson has elite first-step quickness, change-of-direction skills and range to penetrate and disrupt plays.
The Giants could also address needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, tight end or defensive en here, but if Ogletree's character checks out he is a steal this late in the first round. He is one if the best pound-for-pound athletes in the class and has the range to chase plays from sideline to sideline.
Left tackle is the Bears' biggest need, but they cannot afford to miss at that position again after whiffing on the likes of Gabe Carimi and Chris Williams. Any tackle still on the board would be a reach here, and if Chicago elects to let 35-year old MLB Brian Urlacher walk in free agency, Te'o would be an interesting replacement with his three-down ability.
This is too high for Lacy in my opinion, but some believe he's worth a top-20 pick and if Cincinnati has a high enough grade on him it would make sense from a needs standpoint. I would rather see the Bengals address a different position, but they've used so many early-round picks on players at key positions (QB, OL, WR, DL, CB, TE) in recent years that they might be able to afford a luxury pick like this. Defensive end could also be an option if the right player were available.
Williams lost weight, got healthy and improved his quickness as a senior. He gets off the ball well and can disrupt things along the interior, and would add valuable depth in the middle. Alabama OT D.J. Fluker would be a reach at this point, but he might be in play for the Ram's need at right tackle.
Minnesota has options here, and a big receiver like California's Keenan Allen might make sense. However, Wreh-Wilson is a value pick at a key position and the Vikings need another talented young corner to go with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson. Wreh-Wilson is one of the most underrated prospects in the class. He plays under control, has good speed and excellent balance, and also supports the run well.
The defensive front seven and the offensive line will certainly be in play here, but the Colts need to find some difference makers in the secondary. Banks has good size, is an instinctive cover corner, and shows toughness and outstanding ball skills. He notched 16 career picks at Mississippi State, including three he returned for scores.
Seattle's defense was strong overall in 2012, but DE Chris Clemons tore his ACL late in the season and Bruce Irvin is at his best as a sub-package rusher. Montgomery has the size and strength to start opposite Red Bryant and help beef up Seattle's run defense.
The Packers would like to find a left tackle in the first round, but there are none available worth the pick in this scenario. They can also address their need at running back in the second or third round. Nose tackle is not a pressing need, but it's tough to find massive pluggers with some mobility like Jenkins. He and B.J. Raji would give Green Bay versatility along its defensive front, and Jenkins could bolster a run defense that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in yards per carry allowed at 4.5.
The Texans need more legitimate pass-catching options outside of Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson. Allen lacks elite top-end speed, but he's a great athlete with a good frame, and his ball skills are much-improved from early in his career. He would give QB Matt Schaub another quality option and help open up some room for Johnson.
Denver could opt for a slot receiver who could give QB Peyton Manning another weapon, but the Broncos need to beef up the interior of their defensive line. Short is a strong run defender with a quick first step and a powerful upper body. The biggest knock on him is his inconsistent motor, but you don't see many guys loafing it in Denver now that Peyton is in town.
This is a pure value pick. Cooper is a stud, the most mobile offensive line prospects in the class and a player with a chance to become an elite interior linemen in the NFL. Patriots fans surely want to see a WR with this pick and Allen or Tennessee's Justin Hunter would fit the bill, or perhaps a slot weapon like West Virginia's Tavon Austin. Cooper is an absolute steal if he lasts this long, though, especially given the durability issues current G Logan Mankins has dealt with in recent seasons.
Future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez has announced he will retire, and Ertz is the top-rated tight end on our board. He doesn't have elite speed, but he is a good athlete who knows how to separate from coverage, and can make tough catches over his head and in traffic.
Nose tackle is a possibility here, but wide receiver is a legitimate need for the 49ers with both Randy Moss and Ted Ginn scheduled to hit free agency. The team would like A.J. Jenkins to become a difference-maker in the slot, but San Francisco needs another outside weapon who can take advantage of QB Colin Kaepernick's strong arm. Hunter's hands are a bit inconsistent, but he is a smooth athlete who runs good routes and can make plays downfield.
The newly crowned Super Bowl champs would love to find a future left tackle to groom, but probably won't with the last pick in the first round. Possible replacements for MLB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed might also be reaches at this point. General manager Ozzie Newsome is an Alabama guy and knows Williams well. He's not flashy, but Williams is the kind of big, tough, selfless defensive linemen who can occupy blockers and make average linebackers and safeties look much better as run defenders.
i would be stunned if andy passed up on a LT. however, the only thing he would pass a top flight OT on would be for a top flight dt. has a dt ever gone #1?
^^ a 29 years old guard who took time off to moonlight as a firefighter is not the same as chance warmack. sorry i told you it was a bad pick at the time and it still was.
steelers are going to a zone blocking scheme with their new OL coach. i actually think jonathan cooper may be a better pick than warmack for the steelers. dude ran the 40 in 5 flat
not saying hes my #1 choice, that list will come out closer to the draft, but the steelers line could be lethal with one more top of the line guard.
prolly not 12 but prolly not far off. i still think its hilarious smoot did 0! 12 is pitiful for defensive linemen haha prolly the equivelant of 0 for a CB
btw, teo sexuality is apparently a HUGE topic at the combine. more and more teams are convinced hes gay (no that theres anything wrong with that) but no one wants to ask him stragiht up
dion jordan just jumped up my board! its also a good thing that chip is his former coach that he will definitly know whether this kid is worth drafting or not
i like jordan coming out. bouchette had an article today about all the pass rushers the steelers are looking at. he likes jones the best because "Jordan would not appear to fit the mold of an outside linebacker for the Steelers, not at his height." not sure what that means but he predicts jordan to the eagles at 4. i had no idea jordan went to oregon as a WR.
never even heard of knile davis but anyone with the name knile sounds like a TO type of player.
im shuffling my board again. some of the guys i was high on before are shooting up the board so it looks like the steelers may not have a shot at them. i like ansah, mingo and vaccaro and they seem to be somewhere around #17. still holding out hope warmack falls and jonathan cooper could be just as good. a sleeper pick is tyler eifert thou dude is a beast like the gronk
from ur post it seems like warmack is ur #1. imagine if the steelers went back to back guards with their 1st rounders. the 2005-2008 nick lamarca that i went to college with and got hammered watching the draft during tigerfest would be absolutly furious if the steelers didnt draft a playmaker with their 1st rounder in back to back years haha. things sure have changed
Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore is having a rough outing on Monday at the 2013 NFL Combine. The 20-year-old prospect posted just 12 reps in his bench press, ranking him dead last among all defensive linemen.
i didnt hear anywhere in that segment stating "teams are convinced he's gay" haha ur stretching that a bit. but ya i agree teams r definitly wondering, like florio said, if/when a player comes out its gonna be a huge story/distraction so teams want to be prepared for something like that and this te'o story is the biggest indication of a player being gay so far.
i know u are convinced he is gay, but i would be stunned if he actually was. with that said, stay tunned for catfish the reunion show tonight at 11!
because ive seen enough episodes of catfish to know that 9 out of 10 times its the other person who is hiding their identity that has the massive secret such as this ronnie tuasopo person pretending to be a girl and "is confused" about his sexuatly. if te'o was gay he would be very secretive about it, not going on twitter exposing himself or having national interviews that would lead him into a bigger joke than this story already made him. nobody is that stupid to be in on something like this.
because ive seen enough episodes of catfish to know that 9 out of 10 times its the other person who is hiding their identity that has the massive secret such as this ronnie tuasopo person pretending to be a girl and "is confused" about his sexuatly. if te'o was gay he would be very secretive about it, not going on twitter exposing himself or having national interviews that would lead him into a bigger joke than this story already made him. nobody is that stupid to be in on something like this.
Im just happy the Giants got Will Beatty under contract. The O-Line is a MESS and he's a constant on there at least. Im hoping more and more that the Giants take DJ Fluker w/ their pick and lock down the right side of the line for the next decade.
"I noticed that after I wrote about Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Swope saying that people are surprised that he’s a white guy who can run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. When I wrote that, I mentioned that NFL.com seemed to be falling into the usual stereotypes about white receivers, describing Swope as a hard worker with good hands who lacks straight-line speed, while saying the NFL player most similar to Swope is another white guy, Jordan Shipley."
1) Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
I don't forsee Branden Albert staying with the Chiefs at the money he's going to want. So the Chiefs resupply their line with this stud and grab a QB later.
2)Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
He takes a massive leap compared to my 1.0 mock. He's being called a top 6 prospect by a lot of teams. Gus Bradley himself stated that he learned from Pete Carroll to predicate his team on SPEED. This guy fits that mold. Not only that but he can drop into coverage and cover tight ends as well, do the names Dwayne Allen/Coby Fleener/Owen Daniels/Jared Cook ring a bell?
Old Pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
3)Oakland Raiders -Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Star Lotulelei is dropping like a stone due to his newfound heart condition. Teams have been salivating about Floyd and not to mention, the Raiders are losing a little guy by the name of Richard Seymour. He needs to be replaced. They pass on Geno Smith and help that ailing defense.
Originally I said they'd grab Milliner, but things change. The Eagles are switching over to a 3-4 defense and as of the moment, they are woefully undermanned to do so. They need someone to play across from Fletcher Cox, enter this man beast.
Old Pick: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama
5)Detroit Lions - : Ezekial Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
Vandenbosch and Cliff Avril are most likely gone. The D-Line is the heart and soul of this defense. They keep themselves strong with this JPP clone.
Joe Haden is a shut down corner, they need a strong #2 CB to make up for all the balls that will inevitably go in their direction. They get this prize to fall into their laps. This D just gets better and better.
Old Pick: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
7)Arizona Cardinals - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Yeah this is pretty self explanatory. This O-Line needs vast improvement FAST. The QBs this year are a joke, they'll take a swing at one in the 2nd round.
Old Pick: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
8)Buffalo Bills - Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State
Damontre Moore is FALLING, a lot of the teams came out of the combine unimpressed and you'll see it translate on draft day. They need a pass rusher opposite Mario to get sacks when he's double teamed. I was in love with this guy, but that's wained over time. He's gonna be good, but I don't know how good.
Old Pick: Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU
9)New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Jets have no pass rush, this guy pass rush good. He could be the second coming of Vernon Gholston, but when has that stopped the Jets before?
Old Pick: Bjoern Werner,DE/OLB, Florida State
10)Tennessee Titans - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The corner play on this team was ATROCIOUS last year. Enter Trufant, this guy hit the lottery in the combine, he's definitely this years Stephon Gilmore. Don't be surprised to see this name early.
Old Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
11)San Diego Chargers - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Philip Rivers got murdered the last 2 years due to poor O-Line play. They need to keep him up right. This might be a bit of a reach, but it's a one of necessity.
Old Pick: Chance Warmack,G,Alabama
12)Miami Dolphins - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
This dude is incredible, the Dolphins need someone playing across from Sean Smith, they get a lockdown corner in this guy nice and early. They'll either grab Greg Jennings in FA or grab a WR in round 2. They'll need him even more if Sean Smith decides to walk.
13)Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.
He was much a much higher touted prospect in my v1.0. But a miserable combine could proove to be his undoing. But the Bucs cant be choosy here, that secondary is pure garbage, they need anyone they can get their hands on.
14) Carolina Panthers - Star Lotoulelei, DT, Utah
The slide ends and the Panthers get their run stuffer, a win for all.
The Saints are moving to a 3-4 scheme, so they need a 3-4 rusher. They probably would have prefered someone like Mingo, but he's long gone. So they take a chance on this guy who could grow to easily be one of the best LBers in the league. Or he could be injury city, who knows.
Old Pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
16)St.Louis Rams - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Obvious pick here, this O-Line needs help all over the place, so they get the best Guard prospect in the last 10 years.
Catfish. Yeah he's still good though, the Steelers will happily scoop him up and let him play next to Timmons for years and years to come.
18)Dallas Cowboys -Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Can you name me one of the Cowboys safetys? I thought so. They haven't had a talent back there since Darren Woodson in 92! They need to finally get someone back there who can make plays. This guy is going to be a beast.
Old Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
19) New York Giants - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama
David "Turnstile" Diehl has seen his days numbered. The Giants need a presence opposite newly resigned Will Beatty. This guy is a mauling run blocker who will lock down the right side of the line for the next decade. I could be very wrong here though. The Giants have a guy by the name of James Brewers who they've been developing for a couple of years now, and if they think he's ready this pick could go in a number of different places.
Other possibilites: Alec Ogeltree, Kevin Minter, Damontre Moore etc. etc.
Old Pick: Alec Ogeltree,LB, Georgia
20)Chicago Bears - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Devin Hesters gone and they need a true slot receiver. This guy is insanely fast and will make defenses dizzy.
They need better WR's, yeah they grabbed Titus Young, but god knows how that will work out. This guy has the ability to be a great WR, I fully expect them to help out Sam Bradford.
23)Minnesota Vikings - Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
Once the Vikings lost Percy, the offense became the AP show. They need threats on the outside to open up more lanes for AP. I mean, god, imagine if they had any type of passing attack? We might be talking about AP3K right now....
Old Pick: Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
24)Indianapolis Colts - John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
The offense is set, now they need to get that defense in order. It's been far too many years where teams have been able to run the ball at will on the Colts. With Chuckstrong back, they look to put a stop to that with this behemouth.
25)Seattle Seahawks - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
The slide ends, Seattle needs pass rushers after Clemons injury. They take a chance and in the end it'll pay off big time.
Old Pick: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
26)Green Bay Packers - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
The Pack need to run the ball. They get this workhorse back to start doing that. Ced Benson aint gonna cut it.
27)Houston Texans - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
It's always a mystery how a player will come back from an ACL tear, and Brian Cushing is no different. They grab this stud to shore up their LB'ers and never look back.
Old Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
28)Denver Broncos - Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
They'd really like to go secondary here, but theres no one really worth the pick. Instead they get Willis' replacement. I know Knowshon looked good to end the year, but do you really want to rely on him?
Old Pick: Desmond Trufant,CB, Washington
29)New England Patriots - Matt Elam, S, Florida
Their secondary is a mess, Aqib helped, but he can't do it himself. Patrick Chung is probably on his way out too. So they pick up this guy and make themselves even better.
30)Atlanta Falcons - Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
They cut Ray Edwards midway through the year and didn't really have a replacement. John Abraham is a dinosaur as well. They pick up this studly DE and are happy he fell this far.
31)San Francisco 49ers - Eric Reid, S, LSU
Good chance that Dashon Goldson walks this offseason, so they replace him and it's like no one even left.
Yeah guess I overlooked that. I dunno it's just a ****bag year for QBs
Yeah dude blew up the combine.
I wouldnt be surprised, this is my draft as of this exact moment, very easily changed.
I dunno dude, they have NO de's at all, at the very least they have Houston, but zero DE's somethings gotta give. I call a FA CB signing for the Lions, and a DE in the draft.
in regards to the lions (and most teams), FA is going to change a lot of draft needs from now til draft night. jim washburn (old eagles dline coach wide 9) is now the lions dline coach so i think they sign some FA dlinemen and go milliner in draft
id be surprised if teo was a first round pick after the combine. id be real pissed if the steelers are still thinking about taking this guy. swap him for kevin minter and im happy
Analysis: Most people will have OT Luke Joeckel going to the Chiefs, even after they franchised OT Branden Albert, and I think that's a viable option. But I'm also convinced that Lotulelei is very much in play for the Chiefs at No. 1. First off, the Chiefs have handled their business on offense with the trade for QB Alex Smith, the re-signing of WR Dwayne Bowe to a five-year deal, and placing the franchise tag on Albert. Don't be surprised if the focus shifts to defense in April's draft.
The Chiefs, under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, will continue to operate out of a base 3-4 scheme. By adding Lotulelei at DE alongside former first-round picks NT Dontari Poe and DE Tyson Jackson, it would give them a tremendously talented young front to build around. This group could become a brick wall versus the run, with Poe and Lotulelei capable of exploiting some one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities as Tamba Hali and Justin Houston grab extra attention on the perimeter.
Analysis: Upgrading the pass rush is the top need for a team that finished with a league-worst 20 sacks in 2012. Here, DE Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB Dion Jordan and DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo are viable options.
But the highest-rated prospect available is Joeckel, and the Jaguars need help on that line as well. They surrendered 50 sacks last season and finished with third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. The Jaguars would need to do some shuffling to make all the parts fit, but drafting Joeckel would immediately improve the mean age and the talent level of their offensive line.
Something to keep in mind: Coordinator Jedd Fisch's offense does feature more man-blocking, so it will be interesting to see whether the Jaguars believe Joeckel -- or our No. 2-rated OT Eric Fisher -- can develop into a good system fit.
Analysis: I hear all the noise out of Oakland regarding Geno Smith, but I just can't get on board. This team has so many holes and is so financially strapped that it can't afford to take a chance on a quarterback who has some holes in his game.
The smart play is to draft the best available lineman -- offensive or defensive -- who fits what the Raiders do schematically. I give the nod to Floyd. This guy has outstanding intangibles, he doesn't have durability issues and he's a disruptive force who will fit perfectly as a three-technique in Oakland's 4-3 front.
Analysis: Offensive tackle Eric Fisher could be an option here, but the Eagles' bigger need is on defense, seeing as Jason Peters, center Jason Kelce and right offensive tackle Todd Herremans are expected to be at full strength in 2013.
Oregon OLB Dion Jordan makes a ton of sense because of familiarity with Chip Kelly and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro. But the Eagles already have Brandon Graham, Trent Cole, Vinny Curry and Phillip Hunt to serve as outside linebackers in their hybrid 3-4 scheme. Jordan is potentially a significant upgrade, but will they draft him with all that existing depth?
The Eagles also released Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson, which leaves them with Fletcher Cox and some question marks. Lotulelei would be in play if available, but he's not in this scenario. Ezekiel Ansah could fit as a versatile defensive end, but cornerback is arguably the team's biggest need with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie not likely to return and Nnamdi Asomugha expected to become a cap casualty.
Milliner is the only top-tier cornerback in this class. He also answered questions about his speed with an official 40 time of 4.37 at the combine.
Analysis: The Lions need a cornerback, but there are no legitimate options with Milliner off the board. It's too early to pick Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, especially after he ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine, which caused some concern.
It's a tough call here between Ansah and Fisher. Fisher is the safer pick, but this team needs perimeter talent to go along with the strength of its defense -- Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley at defensive tackle.
And I get it. Ansah lacks experience. But study his tape from the second half of the season, then study his dominant performance in the Senior Bowl game. Then look at his freakish combination of workout results at the combine. I'll take Ansah over most players with a lot more experience in this draft. I think he would be a great pick for the Lions at No. 5.
Analysis: Under new coordinator Ray Horton, the Browns could feature multiple fronts with an eye on transitioning to more of a base 3-4 defense. Jordan is a phenomenal athlete who fits best working out of a two-point stance.
He has the length, speed and athleticism to immediately make a significant contribution as a pass-rusher and pursuit run-defender. Jordan also has good awareness in coverage and unusually fluid hips for his 6-foot-6 frame. The combination of Jordan opposite Jabaal Sheard would cause problems for opposing offenses.
Analysis: I don't have a true first-round grade on Smith, and I don't feel great about slotting him anywhere in the top 10. But we all know the drill -- quarterbacks will get bumped up the board come April 25, and Smith is likely to be the first quarterback off the board.
Does Bruce Arians believe that Smith can be the long-term answer for the Cardinals? That's really what this pick comes down to. If not, the Cardinals could upgrade their offensive line by drafting the still developing but exceptionally athletic OT Lane Johnson from Oklahoma.
As for Smith, he could come off the board one pick later to the Bills or two picks later to the Jets. If he's still on the board at No. 10, that's when things would get interesting because there isn't a team with a pressing need at QB until we circle back around in Round 2.
Analysis: Offensive tackles get bumped down a bit if Lotulelei goes No. 1, and that's the case in this scenario. But some teams have Fisher higher than Joeckel, so Fisher could go as high as No. 1 overall. He also could go to the Jaguars at No. 2, the Raiders at No. 3, the Eagles at No. 4, the Lions at No. 5 … well, you get the picture.
If Fisher falls to No. 8, the Bills shouldn't think twice. He becomes the long-term answer at left tackle, and Cordy Glenn moves to right tackle after a strong rookie season.
Analysis: I have no problem with Mingo as a top-10 pick. His lack of sack production is being overemphasized, as he often faced extra attention from double-teams. In multiple games I saw on tape, he was limited in a gap-discipline game plan to limit mobile quarterbacks.
Yes, he needs to get bigger and stronger to hold up better against the run. He also needs to improve his speed-to-power rush, but he is an explosive pass-rusher already, and his motor is always running. He is athletic enough to occasionally drop into coverage, but he will get paid to get after the QB. That's exactly what the Jets need on defense.
Analysis: This is a zone-blocking group under coordinator Dowell Loggains. Alabama guard Chance Warmack is athletic enough, and he played in a heavy zone-blocking scheme at Alabama. He absolutely fits the bill and would be a great pick for the Titans.
But Cooper is the more explosive athlete and might be a slightly better fit for what the Titans are looking for. Either way, they will be in great shape if they draft one of these two exceptionally gifted guards at No. 10. (Guards in the top 10? I can't believe I just wrote that. …)
Analysis: The fastest way to becoming a winning team again is to protect QB Philip Rivers. Jared Gaither was a nightmare at left tackle, and there's no telling whether he cares enough to put in the time this offseason to turn his play around.
The Chargers can't afford to gamble. They'll be fortunate if Johnson lasts this long. He's still developing, but it's obvious on tape that his arrow is pointing way north. He has made huge strides at offensive tackle -- and remember, he was a quarterback at Kilgore Community College just a few years ago. He also has had stops at tight end, defensive end and right tackle before landing at left tackle in 2012.
Johnson can become a standout left tackle in the NFL if his hands continue to improve and if he keeps getting stronger.
Analysis: It would not be ideal for the Dolphins if the board falls in this order. Their most pressing positions of need are cornerback and offensive tackle, and the top-tier talents at both positions are gone. Ryan Tannehill is desperate for more playmakers, so drafting a wide receiver at No. 12 is not at all out of the question -- even if they sign a veteran starter via free agency.
Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson is the most dynamic athlete at wide receiver, but he is extremely raw and will need a lot of reps in order to retain new information. I just don't think that lines up with what coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman are looking for in their up-tempo version of the West Coast offense.
Allen, on the other hand, is not a burner, but he is a polished route-runner with good size (6-2, 206) and natural playmaking ability.
Analysis: The Bucs' secondary is an absolute mess with the exception of Mark Barron. So although spending first-round picks on safeties in back-to-back drafts might not be ideal, Vaccaro makes a lot of sense. I expect him to improve his 40 time at Texas' pro day, and the rest of his combine results were near or atop the list for safeties.
More important, Vaccaro's tape is excellent. Vaccaro is clearly the most complete safety in the 2013 class, and his ability to match up against pass-catching TEs in the slot, as well as to handle deep-third responsibilities in zone coverage, would give this Bucs secondary some much-needed flexibility.
Analysis: In this mock, Vaccaro is gone, so there's no safety available worth selecting at No. 14. Also, wide receivers Patterson and Tavon Austin could be in play here.
While this may be a bit high for Richardson, who is a classic three-technique D-lineman, he's a terrific athlete and makes some big-time plays because of his speed and change-of-direction skills. On the downside, he will get pushed around at times against the run. He also needs to play with more consistent leverage and improve his bulk and strength.
Analysis: For the Saints, the pass-rushers and offensive tackles they would want are gone. Ogletree is an explosive athlete with the ability to cover like a safety, which he was early in his career, and make plays from sideline to sideline against the run.
He has some baggage, but not many guys come along with Ogletree's assortment of skills. He won't last long.
Analysis: Offensive tackle is also a high priority for the Rams, but no legitimate left tackle is still available at this point, unless they think Alabama's D.J. Fluker fits on the left side.
Wide receiver Danny Amendola is a free agent, so Austin could be a perfect fit as a young, dynamic weapon in the slot for QB Sam Bradford. Austin is small but has a rare combination of quickness and speed.
Analysis: Cornerback, wide receiver and offensive tackle are all bigger needs, but Jones is a good value pick here if he checks out medically. He fits perfectly as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the Steelers' scheme, which historically has excelled with smaller-framed OLBs.
The bottom line is the Steelers' pass rush -- particularly on third downs -- was lacking last season. James Harrison's play dropped off, and LaMarr Woodley struggled to stay healthy. The Steelers saw some flashes from Jason Worilds, but is he a long-term answer as a starter? What Jones does best is pin his ears back and attack the quarterback off the edge.
Analysis: Guards often do not come off the board quickly, and Warmack and UNC's Jonathan Cooper could slip a bit as a result.
But on tape, Warmack is one of the three most complete football players in this class. He could easily go in the top 11 picks to the Bills at No. 8, the Jets at No. 9, the Titans at No. 10 and the Chargers at No. 11. This is not a flashy pick, so Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might squash it. But this would be a great pick for the Cowboys if Warmack lasts all the way down here.
Analysis: If Ogletree were still available, he would be a great pick here. The Giants also could go with Fluker, but Eifert is a top tight end and would give Eli Manning another weapon in the passing game. Eifert's ball skills and ability to come down with the jump ball separate him from some other talented tight ends in this class.
Analysis: The Bears would love for Eifert to fall to them, but in this scenario the Giants get him one pick before. The Bears also could surprise here with a left tackle such as Menelik Watson or Justin Pugh, two athletic players who would need to develop in Marc Trestman's offense.
But Patterson is one of the most explosive, raw athletes in this draft and is one of the most dangerous with the ball in his hands. He has elite natural tools and could be brought along slowly at wide receiver. Also, Patterson allows Trestman to get creative with reverses and screens while occasionally lining up Patterson in the backfield.
Analysis: Would the Bengals replace one Alabama offensive tackle bust with another Alabama OT? If not, the best players at wide receiver, running back and linebacker will be the focus.
Fluker seems to be more dedicated, and he carries his weight much better. He would be a good pick at this portion of the draft.
Analysis: At No. 16, Watson, who is from England, would have been a reach; that's why I went with Austin there.
Here, where I had Keenan Allen in the first mock and Sylvester Williams in the second for the Rams, Watson could work. The Rams have a need at tackle, and Watson is a very talented athlete who is light on his feet for his size. He gets into sets quickly and with a lot of depth. Has long arms and can ride speed rushers past the pocket off the edge. But he's raw, and his football instincts need to develop.
Analysis: Defensive tackle isn't a top need, and the Vikings have bigger needs at wide receiver, outside linebacker and offensive tackle. But Williams is a good fit in defensive coordinator Alan Williams' Tampa 2 defense. Williams is quick and active and has very good football character, too.
Analysis: Pugh made history this year as he was one of two non-seniors to participate in the Senior Bowl, a first for the annual all-star game. He might slip down the first round because of 2012 injury and short arms (only 32 inches), but he's a first-round talent on tape. He's very smart. Coaches praise his work ethic and ability to quickly pick up the offense and blocking schemes. Pugh also has good movement skills. He has patience and balance in his sets, and once he's able to latch on he can lock out with his arms and shuffle and mirror defenders.
Analysis: Werner could be a steal here if he drops this far and could add depth to an already stout Seahawks defense. His best fit appears to be as a left defensive end for a 4-3 scheme. He has very similar traits and motor to Chris Long but is just a notch below in talent.
Analysis: The Packers would like to find a left tackle in the first round, but there is none available worth the pick in this scenario. They also can address their need at running back in the second or third round. Nose tackle is not a pressing need, but it's tough to find massive pluggers with some mobility like Jenkins.
He's a massive two-gap nose tackle with wide trunk, and he has adequate-to-good initial quickness and body control for a guy his size. He has tree trunks for arms and flashes the ability to lock out.
Analysis: The Texans have other needs at offensive tackle, linebacker, nose tackle and safety, but I love Hunter's potential to work the sideline opposite Andre Johnson. The question is: Is he physical enough to play in the Texans' offense? He's long at 6-4 but lean at 196 pounds.
Hunter has impressive natural hand-eye coordination and a huge catching radius. He can catch over his head with ease, and he's smooth catching the ball on the run. Hunter also shows confidence attacking the football.
Analysis: The Patriots could have a need in the secondary if they decide not to re-sign Aqib Talib. Wreh-Wilson, who has come on strong in the draft process, could be a nice fit here. Most don't have him in the first round, and he might not go this early after running the 40 in the 4.5-second range at combine.
But we think he's an underrated talent with size, body control, instincts and toughness against the run. He's just a really good football player. Also, he was selected as a team captain both as a junior and senior and was well respected by coaches and teammates. He's also extremely intelligent and accountable, and possesses a good work ethic.
Analysis: Will Tony Gonzalez retire? Will the Falcons persuade him to come back? If he sticks with his plans to retire, Ertz could fit here. He'd have Hall of Fame shoes to fill, but the Falcons could help him develop. He's quick off the line of scrimmage, while showing the ability to pace his routes and flash subtle head fakes at the top of routes to freeze defenders.
Analysis: The Niners need a cornerback, but there isn't one who would be worth taking here. Hunt is a project with a ton of upside. He's older, but he's a physical freak. At 6-8⅛ he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash.
In the final few game tapes of the 2012 season, I can see the light starting to come on. In San Francisco, he could develop at a good pace and wouldn't be forced into action too early.
If the Niners don't choose Hunt, they could look at safeties D.J. Swearinger or Matt Elam. Nose tackle Brandon Williams, a small-school prospect who is rising, wide receiver Quinton Patton or Trufant also could fit for the Niners.
Analysis: The questions about his ability to play all three downs in the NFL were magnified by a 4.83 40 at the combine.
He has great instincts and plays faster than his 40 time. But whether he can hold up as an every-down player in the NFL is the question that a lot of teams will be mulling over -- especially those with ILB/MLB needs in the bottom third of first round, including the Giants, Bears, Texans and Ravens.
The Ravens also could consider Swearinger, Elam or John Cyprien at safety, Trufant at corner and center Travis Frederick.
I just don't agree, Giants don't value the TE position that much. Ever since Shockey left the position has been filled with random people who all have preformed at about the same level... The secret is TE coach Mike Pope, dude is INCREDIBLE. I say the giants get either MartyB or a cheap option off the FA scrap heap (Brandon Myers maybe?) or if last years draft pick Adrien Robertson is ready slot him in.