NFL's Future

This week’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft will be based on Mocking the Draft’s draft order with my take on the playoffs.  

Will Geno Smith’s recent struggles cause him to fall in the 2013 NFL Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Romeo has passed off the defense and will be passing over the HC duties at the end of the season.  It’s been bad in KC and things don’t look brighter without a competitive quarterback.  Geno Smith may not be a No. 1 pick in any other year but KC’s need drives this pick.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Jacksonville has no pass rush and they were just manhandled by Detroit.  It’s ugly in Jacksonville and owner Shad Khan isn’t pleased, probably spelling the end to Gene Smith’s tenure as GM.  Moore is the most dynamic, productive pass rusher in the country.  Moore has said he doesn’t intend on leaving A&M after this season, but so does everyone when they are ten weeks in.  The lure of going in the top 5 will be too much to pass on for Moore and he makes a wise decision by entering the 2013 NFL Draft.

3. Cleveland Browns – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

James Michael-Johnson has been a bright spot for the Browns defense.  That said, he could be in for a move to the weakside with Jones’ arrival in Cleveland.  The Browns need playmakers on this defense and Jones is the best in the draft at doing so.  Jones ability to rush the passer and force turnovers will be a welcomed addition for the new coaching staff that will inevitably be in place at season’s end.

4. Carolina Panthers – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

The Panthers DE’s have been outstanding this season.  Unfortunately they get little help on the inside.  Hankins is a big body defender that has a lightning quick first step.  He’s a force against the run and can apply pressure to the quarterback.  His ability to make plays in the backfield will have him going before Star Lotulelei.

5. St. Louis Rams (f/WAS) – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The trade with Washington will pay off if the Rams are able to lock in Luke Joeckel.  Joeckel is a worthy top five selection that can secure the blindside for Sam Bradford for a decade.  Joeckel has been very impressive in 2012 and showed that he can be an elite tackle.

6. Tennessee Titans – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Titans have some young talent at DT but none in the realm of Star Lotulelei.  Lotulelei gives the Titans a force in the middle making everyone around him better.  Certainly there are bigger needs for the Titans but adding a stud DT is never a bad idea.

7. Cincinnati Bengals – Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

Mingo will blaze the combine and excel in pre-draft workouts but the reality is that he hasn’t been as productive as you would like for someone of his skill level.  Mingo’s versatility to put his hand in the dirt and stand up could intrigue the Bengals.

8. New Orleans Saints – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

New Orleans won’t be bringing back Will Smith so a replacement will be key in this draft.  The Saints lack of pass rush (until the Eagles game) has been a problem for a bad defense.  Finding a speed rusher to play opposite Cam Jordan has to be a priority.  Werner’s ceiling is through the roof and he’s exactly what is needed in New Orleans.

9. Buffalo Bills – Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Chan Gailey is likely to be gone after this season.  The new coaching regime will need to identify a signal caller not named Ryan Fitzpatrick.  With Barkley on the board on No. 9 it will be tough to pass on despite not warranting this high of a selection.  Barkley’s struggles in 2012 haven’t helped his draft stock and it would be a blessing if he went in the top 10 at this point.

Check out this link for what an NFL personnel director thinks about Barkley.

10. Oakland Raiders – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

The Raiders have little speed off the edge.  Montgomery may not be the athlete that Mingo is but he’s a more than adequate pass rusher.  I like Montgomery’s game translating to the NFL more than any other pass rusher in the draft and I think he winds up a steal at No. 10.

11. St. Louis Rams – Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

The Rams use their top two picks on the offensive line.  It’s clear that protecting Sam Bradford is a priority but they lack the talent on their current depth chart to get the job done.  Adding Joeckel at LT and Warmack at guard makes this a formidable line.

12. Philadelphia Eagles – Matt Elam, SS, Florida

Neither safety spot is particularly good in Philly.  Elam is emerging as the clear cut top safety in this draft, should he declare.  His ability to play centerfield and be a force in the run game will be too tough to pass on for the Eagles.

13. New York Jets – Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

Is Rex Ryan done in NY?  I think so.  His defense has been underwhelming and in need of a legit pass rusher.  Jordan has freakish physical tools which will be intriguing for many teams inside the top 10.  If he makes it out of the top 10, the Jets should pounce.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

The Cowboys aren’t winning with Tony Romo at the helm, leaving Jerry Jones to hit up the Arkansas program for a signal caller of the future.  Many have Wilson out of the first round but I’m not going that far.  I thought heading into the season that Wilson could surpass Barkley for the top QB spot.  I was wrong about that but I think he has starter qualities that make him a solid value at No. 14 in our 2013 NFL Mock Draft.

15. Arizona Cardinals – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Cards are going with Nate Potter at LT.  Clearly that’s a bad sign.  Lewan has come on strong as the season progressed and getting him at No. 15 is a solid value.  Don’t ask me why the Cards haven’t picked up Brian Hoyer at this point.  They need a quarterback and John Skelton is not getting it done.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The Bucs traded away Aqib Talib and have little outside Eric Wright at the position.  Milliner is a better overall cornerback than Dre Kirkpatrick who went 17^th in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Milliner is a steal if he lasts this long as he has a top 10 ranking for me.

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