NFL's Future

18. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia*

Murray doesn’t possess elite size but makes up for it with his combination of athleticism and accuracy.  I would expect big things for Murray following his 35 TD sophomore campaign.  The Chiefs could be looking at replacing Matt Cassel and no better time than the present.

2012 1^st round pick: Dontari Poe

19. Dallas Cowboys –Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Cowboys have to find a replacement for Jay Ratliff in the middle of Rob Ryan’s defense.  Lotuelelei is a big body more in the mold of what Rob is looking for at the NT position.

2012 1^st round pick: Morris Claiborne

20. New Orleans Saints – Bjeorn Werner, DE, Florida St.*

The Saints need a legit threat off the edge.  Werner overshadowed the more highly touted Brandon Jenkins in 2011 which could push him up into the top 20 of the 2013 NFL Draft.

2012 1^st round pick: None

21. Chicago Bears – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama*

Fluker has manned the right side since stepping foot on the Alabama campus.  He’s fully capable of moving to left side and being an immediate impact player in the NFL.

2012 1^st round pick: Shea McClellin

22. Atlanta Falcons – Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia

Aboushi is an NFL ready pass protector that needs some work in the run game.  He should be able to lock down Matt Ryan’s blind side from day one.

2012 1^st round pick: None

23. Baltimore Ravens – Eric Reid, S, LSU*

The Ravens need to start thinking replacement for Ed Reed.  Reid has a similar skill set to the future Hall of Fame safety and brings a ton of value with the 23^rd pick.

2012 1^st round pick: None

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

The Steelers were unable to address the ILB spot in 2012 but will need to put some focus on it in 2013.  Te’o is a downhill player that could fit in any scheme.  He’s a great value with the 24^th pick.

2012 1^st round pick: David DeCastro

25. Cincinnati Bengals – Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

The Bengals run out a ton of talent on offense but need to upgrade at the RB position.  Davis is coming off a season ending knee injury but is reportedly in great shape with an eye towards a big rebound from the injury.

2012 1^st round pick: Dre Kirkpatrick and Kevin Zeitler

26. Philadelphia Eagles – Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas

Probably a little overkill but Hamilton is too talented to slide much further.  This pick does give the Eagles some insurance in case of a Maclin injury or DeSean implosion.

2012 1^st round pick: Fletcher Cox

27. Detroit Lions –DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama*

I would have to think the Lions would do cartwheels down the aisle to turn this card in at the 2013 NFL Draft.  Milliner is another big Bama corner that would be a perfect fit in this scheme.

2012 1^st round pick: Riley Reiff

28. San Francisco 49ers – Barrett Jones, OG, Alabama

The 49ers failure to address the guard position in the 2012 NFL Draft may come back to bite them.  The Niners need a road grader for their power, man scheme and Jones is just that.  It doesn’t hurt that he has excellent feet inside.

2012 1^st round pick: A.J. Jenkins

29. Houston Texans – Seantreal Henderson, OT, Miami*

Henderson is as talented as the top OT’s in this draft but his propensity for being a drama king may cause him to slide if he decides to declare early.

2012 1^st round pick: Whitney Mercilus

30. Green Bay Packers – Tony Franklin, FS, Oklahoma*

The Pack released Nick Collins due to his neck injury and have little in the back end outside of Morgan Burnett.  They may give Casey Hayward a look at free safety but should look for a long term replacement at the position.

2012 1^st round pick: Nick Perry

31. New England Patriots – Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU*

I was a little surprised that the Pats didn’t look to go with a CB earlier in the draft than a 7^th on Alfonzo Dennard.  It may not be the position of greatest need but Mathieu could be used in multiple roles on this defense.  It should be interesting with Honey Badger in the land of Belichick.

2012 1^st round pick: Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower

32. New York Giants – Alex Hurst, OT, LSU*

I think the Giants may have gotten a steal with Brandon Mosely in the 4^th round.  If he fails to show promise they may look for a long term solution that is capable of playing the left or right side.  Hurst is LSU’s other first round tackle.

2012 1^st round pick: David Wilson

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