Jan 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A
Here’s a 2013 NFL mock draft for you. Since it is officially mock draft season, I figured why not share with the world my thoughts on how the top 10 picks will play out.
Disclaimer: It is ridiculously hard to get even the first 10 picks right, and my picks will probably change within the next 48 hours.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Luke Joeckel
OT, Texas A&M
Arguably the safest pick in the draft, Joeckel has the makings of an elite left tackle. The Chiefs need a quarterback, hence having the first overall pick, but I’m starting to believe that they take a chance on the exiled Alex Smith. Might as well draft someone to protect him every game.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Damontre Moore
DE, Texas A&M
It seems as though the Jaguars have been searching for an elite pass rusher for the past decade, as they always seem to need help in that area. I think they address it early, and Moore is probably the best choice. A physical monster, Moore can rush the passer as well as play the run incredibly well.
3. Oakland Raiders
Geno Smith
QB, West Virginia
There have been rumors that it’s time for the Raiders to get a new, young quarterback. Therefore, why not take the guy with the most upside out of all of them. Smith has some things to work on, such as footwork, but his anticipation and touch is very good and he looks like he could be a stud if coached correctly.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Star Lotulelei
DT, Utah
Taking Fletcher Cox in last year’s draft proved to be a triumph, so why not pair him with a finished product like Lotulelei? It’s a match made in heaven and would give the Eagles perhaps the best defensive tackle combo in the NFL.
5. Detroit Lions
Bjoern Werner
DE, Florida State
Also a near-finished product like Star, Werner has the likings of a top-five pick. With the release of Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions will be looking for pass rushing help as they only have two defensive ends under contract. Werner fits here, though they may look for a cornerback as well.
6. Cleveland Browns
Barkevious Mingo
DE/OLB, LSU
With the switch to a 3-4 coming, the Browns are actually pretty solid on defense. One position they are missing, though, is the other OLB position opposite Jabaal Sheard. Many people point to Mingo’s decreased production as a warning sign, but he was at times asked to play more of a stand-up role and play the run more efficiently. He did so, and has the athleticism and talent to make the transition to the next level.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Eric Fisher
OT, Central Michigan
I’ll be honest. I haven’t seen any of Fisher’s games or tape, but he has been flying up draft boards in recent weeks. A great performance at the Senior Bowl helped his stock and he’s considered the second-best offensive tackle prospect in this draft. New coach Bruce Arians might want to rebuild from the inside out, so he could start on the offensive line.
8. Buffalo Bills
Ryan Nassib
QB, Syracuse
Some people are very high on Nassib, while others aren’t as intrigued. The Bills are in the market for a young quarterback, so look for them to pair new coach Doug Marrone with his college pupil.
9. New York Jets
Dee Milliner
CB, Alabama
I don’t think Darelle Revis will be a Jet at the start of the season, so could they be looking to find the next Revis while getting picks in return? Milliner has the physical and athletic ability to turn into a star, but he needs to be coached up. The Jets may not be able to pass on his potential.
10. Tennessee Titans
Chance Warmack
OG, Alabama
Might our beloved Titans make the safest pick of the draft? I sure hope so. The Titans have a couple of other needs, but coach Mike Munchak has vowed to repair the interior offensive line, so look for him to start by drafting one of the best guard prospects in recent memory. Warmack is the next big thing when it comes to guards, and, after passing on David DeCastro last year, he might be a Titan very soon.
Agree? Disagree? Who would you have put where? Let me know in the comments.