NFL's Future

Smith gets top billing following his unreal performance against Baylor

1.  Cleveland Browns – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

It’s a matter of when, not if as to the Browns bringing in a new regime.  Jimmy Haslem will take ownership in October and expect changes sooner rather than later.  Brandon Weeden may be the least of the Browns problems, at this point, but the new regime will want to put their stamp on this organization.  Smith has all the physical tools to go along with the work ethic and leadership that it takes to be a winner in the NFL.  It will be hard for the Browns to ignore those talents.

2.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

The Jaguars are producing no pass rushing which is leading to big passing days for opponents.  Mingo instantly upgrades the pass rush and provides reprieve for the defensive backfield.

3.  Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Scott Pioli most likely won’t be making this pick.  The new regime in KC will be looking to move on from the Matt Cassel era by drafting another USC QB.  Barkley is being widely criticized for his so-so play in 2012 but his porous offensive line isn’t helping.

4.  Tennessee Titans – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

The Titans have little behind Derrick Morgan and Kam Wimbley.  Either one of those could be upgraded with this selection.  Werner was a surprise last season but remains one of the elite pass rushers in the college game this year.  Werner’s motor and upside will intrigue teams very early in the 2013 NFL Draft.

5.  Indianapolis Colts – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Hankins is more than just a big guy that can stuff the run.  He has elite first step burst for his size and makes it routine to play in opponents backfields.  Hankins true worth doesn’t always show up in the stat sheets but he’s capable of anchoring the middle of a defense at the next level.

6.  Oakland Raiders – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

The Raiders will be tempted to take Star Lotulelei here but won’t be able to pass on this steal at No. 6.  Jones may be the top overall defensive player in the 2013 NFL Draft, so sliding to this spot would be a major upset.

7.  Miami Dolphins – Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

Brian Hartline has been spectacular this season but they are still in need of a true No. 1 receiver.  The combination of Allen, Hartline, and Davone Bess could be solid for promising signal caller, Ryan Tannehill.

8.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Bucs could use a corner but Star Lotulelei is too good to pass on at this point in the draft.  Lotulelei can team with Gerald McCoy to give the Bucs a formidable duo in the middle, if McCoy can stay healthy.

9.  New York Jets – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

It may be Tebow time any day for the Jets.  Their struggles go beyond Mark Sanchez and whoever the QB is next season, they will need some help in protection.  Joeckel is a franchise LT that is quietly playing really well this season.

10.  New Orleans Saints – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

0% chance that Will Smith will be back next season and Cam Jordan isn’t a dynamic pass rusher.  The Saints desperately need a quality pass rusher and Montgomery fits the bill.

11.  Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The Lions secondary has been bad this season.  And that’s an understatement.  Getting a talent like Milliner will significantly help out this team.  Milliner will step in as an immediate starter for the Lions and give them quality on the edge.

12.  Carolina Panthers – John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

Carolina needs some size and athleticism in the middle of the defense.  John Jenkins gives them both and I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t make it out of the top 10 of the 2013 NFL Draft.  Jenkins is a mammoth human being with surprising movement skills.  A rare combination that may intrigue teams earlier than expected.  The Panthers luck out and land Jenkins at No. 12.

13.  St. Louis Rams – Eric Reid, FS, LSU

St. Louis has played surprisingly well against the pass thus far.  That said, the safeties could use an upgrading and Reid is the best of the bunch.  With the addition of Reid, this could go from a good to great secondary.

14.  Minnesota Vikings – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

Williams will give Christian Ponder a nice size receiver that is quickly rising up draft boards.  The senior has over 100 yards receiving in three of Baylor’s four games.  He has solid size (6’2”, 208) to go with nice hands and route running ability.  He would provide a solid complement to Percy Harvin and Jerome Simpson.

15.  Seattle Seahawks – Robert Woods, WR, USC

The Seahawks pass offense is anemic and it’s not all the fault of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson.  Their corps of receivers don’t threaten anyone and could use a serious upgrade.  Woods and Carroll have USC ties that will be tough to break if he’s on the board when the Seahawks select.

16.  Buffalo Bills – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t a long-term answer to Buffalo’s problems.  Wilson brings that gun slinger mentality with surprising athleticism which should intrigue Chan Gailey.  Wilson’s draft stock has taken a hit with Arkansas struggles but I still see him worthy of a top 15 selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

17.  Dallas Cowboys – Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB, Auburn

Lemonier is creating havoc off the edge for Auburn.  He has the size/speed combination to make an intriguing replacement for Anthony Spencer should he leave the Big D.

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