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2013 NFL Mock Draft – Sheldon Richardson creeping into the top three

Posted by Brad On December - 18 - 2012
"Sheldon Richardson"

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

A 15-0 loss to Oakland sticks a fork in the idea that the Chiefs could or should stay away from a quarterback with the first pick. The offense is inept, outside Jamaal Charles and you won’t win many games without a top quarterback in today’s NFL. The new regime in KC will bank their future on West Virginia’s signal caller. While he struggled a bit down the stretch, a solid showing in pre-draft workouts will vault Geno back to the top.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

The Chiefs and Jags appear to be dead set on battling until the end for the top pick. They were beat up by a so-so Miami squad to solidify themselves as a full fledged candidate for the top spot. Don’t let the Jason Babin selection fool you into thinking the Jags won’t take a pass rusher if they sit in this spot. Babin could wind up being a rental for the season leaving the Jags empty handed at DE. Werner is the top pass rusher in a stacked class. He’s a much better athlete than given credit for and adds the bonus of being able to stop the run. He’s the most complete of the bunch and a very worthy selection with the 2nd pick.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour could both be gone after this season. Neither has proven worthy of their hefty contracts and could be upgraded. Many will think this is too high for Richardson…now. Richardson is a dynamic athlete at DT, he may challenge Warren Sapp’s 40 time at the combine. He possesses an elite first step and is the most disruptive DT in this class which includes some very good prospects.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Philly fans haven’t been big fans of this selection but I can’t see the Eagles banking on Todd Herremans and Jason Peters to man the ship. Both will be 31 next season and could be best suited to move inside to guard. Joeckel is one of the elite prospects in this draft class and passing on him would not be wise for the future of Nick Foles.

5. Detroit Lions – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

The Lions have a plethora of options here. Dee Milliner and Manti Te’o could really intrigue Martin Mayhew but they are in need of a dynamic pass rusher. I give the edge to Moore because of positional value. In a division with Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you have a top flight pass rusher. The Lions have some tough decisions in free agency this season with limited cap space and will have to be creative in the draft to fill holes.

6. San Diego Chargers – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The Chargers have been abysmal at tackle for a long while. Counting on Jared Gaither’s health is fool’s gold and Jeromey Clarey is just plain terrible. As bad as Phillip Rivers has been, they won’t really know what they have in Rivers until they find him some protection. Matthews may be a long shot to declare. If he does, he is talented enough to land in the top 10. I think he possesses the skills to play the left side and at worst you have a very good RT.

7. Cleveland Browns – Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

The Redskins just feasted on the Browns linebackers forcing them to cover the slot. It was bad enough to make me think they really need to invest heavily in the linebacker spot. Te’o gives them some flexibility in their LB corps. Te’o  brings some leadership to a young, budding defense and instantly upgrades their ability to make plays on that side of the ball.

8. Buffalo Bills – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

It couldn’t work out more perfect for the Bills. I think this pick comes down to whether or not Chan Gailey is in Buffalo next season. Wilson fits the mold of a Gailey quarterback to a tee. If Gailey isn’t there Buffalo could look to the strong-armed N.C. State signal caller in Mike Glennon. Either way, an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick is a priority this offseason.

9. Tennessee Titans – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Titans are terrible on defense. They struggle mightily to stop the run and could use a big body in the middle. They have some solid three-techniques but very little in the way of run stuffers. Star Lotulelei instantly gives them a legitimate run stuffer with the ability to push the pocket. While they are young at the position with solid depth they need to upgrade it if they want to be better against the run.

10. Carolina Panthers – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State"Johnathan Hankins"

Don’t look now but the Panthers are riding a two game win streak and playing much better football late in the season. With San Diego and Oakland remaining on the schedule, it’s feasible that the Panthers could finish with seven wins. Who would have thought that three weeks ago. The biggest problem in Carolina is stopping the run as they have little talent in the middle of their defense. Adding Johnathan Hankins would be huge for the Luke Kuechly as Hankins is skilled enough to demand double-teams, freeing Kuechly to read and react. Hankins’ wore down as the season progressed and will need to improve from a consistency and conditioning aspect.

11. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

The Cardinals feature the NFL’s most inept offense. They rank 32nd in rushing yards and 30th in passing yards. The QB situation is a mess, don’t let the 38-10 win over the Lions fool you. Glennon is a big armed quarterback with NFL tools. I think he’s NFL ready and could make an immediate impact for the Cardinals.

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

The Bucs would jump for joy if Milliner slid down to them. Milliner is exactly what the Bucs are looking for and fits their defensive scheme perfectly. He joins former teammate Mark Barron in Tampa to give the Bucs the start to a good, young secondary.

13. Miami Dolphins – Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

This pick could be dependent on what the Dolphins do with Jake Long. It would be costly to franchise Long and I don’t know that giving him another monster contract is the right thing to do. If Long bolts South Beach, they could look to another UM tackle in Taylor Lewan. For now, the Dolphins need to find a pass rusher opposite Cam Wake. Dion Jordan is an absolute steal at this point and the Dolphins would do well to get him at 13.

14. New York Jets – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

I’m cautious with Jarvis Jones until after the Combine. His medical concerns are concerning enough to warrant my caution. That said, he’s a top ten talent with special abilities to rush the passer, a much needed ability in New York. The Jets have struggled to get much pass rush this season and could use an upgrade at rush linebacker. If Jones can clear team’s medicals this will be a pipedream for the Jets as he’ll settle somewhere in the top 10.

15. New Orleans Saints – Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

The Saints will be looking to upgrade their front four early in the draft. Will Smith is probably done in New Orleans and they have little at DE with him in the fold. Sharrif Floyd is an interesting fit for the Saints but Ansah is a special talent with boatloads of upside. He’s the type of athlete that they need to get after Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Josh Freeman.

16. St. Louis Rams – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Rams fans will jump for joy if Lewan slides into their laps at 15. While, I don’t think its much of a slide, they will be jumping for joy to get Lewan to protect Sam Bradford. Lewan needs a solid showing against South Carolina to warrant this pick. If he shows well against Clowney, he could be headed for a rise up draft boards.

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2013 NFL Mock Draft, Blog
  • Mostel

    Any Eagles fan who doesn’t like the Joekel pick is an idiot. The D has settled down now that Washburn is gone and will be fine next year with the only upgrade needed at safety………which you don’t pick at #4. The O has a developing QB, studs like McCoy and Jackson, but needs improvements on the O-line. Peters is the best tackle in the NFL, but will be coming off of an injury and isn’t young. Herremans is better at guard. Joekel is a natural pick here.

    • bradc11

      Mostel,

      You are the first Eagles fan that didn’t say no Joeckel, we want Manti. Thank you for the logic in your thought process. Nick Foles won’t be successful if he’s forced to move his feet. He needs a clean pocket. Moving Herremans inside with Peters and Joeckel at tackle significantly upgrades your offense in all facets. Hopefully your new HC relies on the run a little more.

      • Mike K

        Not true Brad, I’m honestly very for Joeckel, and have told you that a few times lol.

  • neighborhooddrunkpart2

    Are you waiting for Anthony Barr to declare before you add him in your mock draft? As for this mock, I hate it. 1.I not a fan of Mingo, but I’m ok with taking him in the first round(even though I like Kevin Minter a lot more). 2.They already have their future starting NT in McLendon(Tomlin likes McLendon) and Ta’amu will be his back up next season. So NT is not a need. Safety is though, and Phillip Thomas would be a good pick in the second round. 3.Johnathan Franklin over Stefan Taylor? Really? I am a big Taylor fan,so Im taking him over Franklin.

    • bradc11

      Story in the LA Times yesterday that Barr is leaning towards staying…some have reported that he is 100% staying. That’s my only hesitation. If he declares, he’s a top 15 pick in my mind, top 20 at worse. Steelers got some major value picks in Mingo, Jenkins, and Franklin. Mingo is perfect for their system and a steal at that point. He’s not far off from being a dominant pass rusher. The tape definitely shows that while he lacks production, he’s around the ball constantly. Jenkins was a sure value pick. McLendon has played well but I wouldn’t bank on Ta’amu. Teams like NE, SEA, and SF are proving the value in having guys that can move around in 3 man fronts and transition to 4 man fronts. I don’t see that versatility on this team and I think it affects their ability to be a dominant defense. A lot of people value Jenkins as a 1st rounder (I don’t have him that high) so getting him that late in the 2nd is excellent value. I’m a big fan of Johnathan Franklin’s. I think he’s got a shot at being a special back in the NFL. Really hit his stride this year after being hampered by nagging injuries. I value him higher than Taylor and I’m sure teams will be split. Just think Franklin brings a little more homerun ability.

      • neighborhooddrunkpart2

        While that versatility would help this team, I don’t see this team
        using that defensive technology unless LaBeau retires. Safety is a big
        need that have to be address in this draft. Thomas or Vaccaro would be great fit for this team in the second round. Yes I agree, Franklin is explosive, but
        small(Meaning less than 205 pounds). and we already have a explosive
        small back in Rainey. Sure, Rainey isn’t very effective between the
        tackles and 15 pounds lighter. In space Rainey can be very dangerous. So
        I don’t see the Steelers drafting another small RB. I also believe the
        Taylor is better suited for this team than Franklin is.

        Quick Question, if Mingo and Jordan is available for the steelers at 17, who you taking and why?

  • Reggie

    Wow….as a Lions fan that would be a big time steal. Damontre Moore would give us an edge threat we have been lacking. I see a lot of dynamic defenses have speed and physical play on the outside (49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos). Moore would start that process. While I was praying as I went down for Banks in Round 2 I would be happy with Ryan. If not him then Tony Jefferson or Terrance Williams. Ryan is probably the best pick though. I have not seen him play this season…thoughts on him>? Larry Warford is an essential pick for us. Our O-Line needs more physical play up front. Lions need three things this offseason: Physical OL, speed on the outside, and size/ability in the secondary. Boom you hit all three. WR in the mid rounds and in FA and we could be in business.

    • bradc11

      Ryan slid a bit in this mock…I’ve had him as high as 17 to TB in past mock drafts. He’s a big time playmaker in the secondary. He will get beat on occasion but will more than make up for it with his nose for the ball. He’s someone that could start early for the Lions and pairs well with Houston moving Bentley to the slot. I would take that three-deep. Warford is a mauler that fits well in DET. He could be the road grader to open up this running game. Lions fans would have to be happy with a Moore, Ryan, Warford start to the draft.

      • reggie

        Brad would you apply for our GM position? Gosh I fear I am going to have to deal with BPA with risks. I will see Manti Te’o, Sam Montgomery, and Da’Rick Rogers comming to Detroit. I include Manti in there because a MLB in the top 5 is not prudent. I wanted him badly when we were picking 8-10th and no shot at Werner or Moore or Jouchel.

        • bradc11

          I’d love to collect that salary but not sure I’d want the headache of having to deal with that salary cap. I’m not sold on Te’o being a top 5 pick. Very good but top 5 should be reserved for passer, pass rushers, or pass protectors if you need one of those. Detroit needs pass rushers and pass protectors.

  • BH

    ALL TOGETHER NOW THE BRONCOS NEED A DL OR OL, THATS IT.

    • bradc11

      I agree that depth on OL is needed and a solid 3T to bolster the DL. I just didn’t see the value with the positions where they are drafting. They are in a position to truly look at going BPA early….lucky for you as most teams would be envious of that position. Rhodes and Wheaton are steals where you are getting them and I could argue just as big of a need. Otten is a fast rising TE that fits what they want to do on offense.

  • Kilo

    As a Lions fan, I’d rather see them draft:
    1. Damontre Moore DE Texas A&M
    2. Barrett Jones OG/OC Alabama
    3. Da’Rick Rogers WR Tennessee Tech

    • bradc11

      I could see that happening but I think if you have a shot at Logan Ryan in the 2nd you have to take him, especially with a CB need. Houston (if re-signed), Ryan and Bentley in the slot is solid.

      • justin

        i don’t know about that theres a lot of quality DE’s in the draft i think

        1. Manti or werner

        1.Keenan Allen or the next best DE

        2. Eric ried Fs LSU

        3. best available DE

        IF we could do what the Pats did last year and have 2 picks in the first and second rounds we could really fill some holes would be great

        • bradc11

          You, me, and 31 other teams wish we could do what the Pats do every year. It’s tough to trade down and pick up quality picks anymore. There just isn’t a lot of stupid decision makers in the NFL willing to mortgage picks for one player. The success of middle and late round picks has hampered that ability. It’s a quality DE class with something for everyone. If a couple underclassmen declare this be a solid DE for 34 teams. For the Lions there will be options…they could take Werner or Moore early or wait until the 2nd and pick up the best of Datone Jones, Sam Montgomery, Alex Okafor, Tank Carradine. I can’t see Avril staying so this is too much of a need to wait for the 3rd round. You need to have an impact rusher in your division. KVB’s 3.5 sacks aren’t really warranting $5 million next season.

  • Duncan

    AMAZING MOCK DRAFT!!!!! If only the Bills could get this draft.

    Plain and simple the Bills need a QB, so the fact that you gave the Bills Wilson was a big plus for me.

    I love the Montgomery pick to the Bills as well (for more than the obvious reasons) the Bills D-Line is still lacking even with Mario, Montgomery will bring some pass rush to the Bills that they woefully need.

    • bradc11

      Bills would have to jump for joy if they can pull off that draft. I just think Montgomery falls into that range. Questions with work ethic are tough to come back from. Pairing Montgomery with Mario would be a great start for their new HC, not to mention a new starting QB.

  • zach

    Love the Cowboys picks! Warmack is my dream pick if he is still there when we pick in the first round. Then also agree with sylvester in the 2nd after the josh brent incident. If he isn’t there I would go for Fluker and just shore up our line or safety, as those are our biggest weaknesses.

    • bradc11

      Definitely a nice mock draft for the Cowboys. Cowboys fans would have to be ecstatic if it pans out this way. Fluker would be intriguing as he could replace Free in year one.

  • http://www.facebook.com/falcon.rainwater Falcon Rainwater

    Like the Rams draft but i noticed there is no Eric Reid in your mock and i can’t see the Rams passing on him if he falls to them epecially with their glaring need at Safety

    • bradc11

      I didn’t include Reid as there’s been some speculation that he may stay at LSU. Reid is a solid 2nd if he comes out. Down season but tons of potential.

  • bauercody

    Good work Brad, its always refreshing reading your mock, great insight.

    I don’t mind the Jesse Williams pick for the Packers. As we’ve discussed I feel there is a need for defensive lineman and Williams certainly fits the bill. I really like the fact that he is still relatively new to football, he has a lot of potential to get better. He has excellent size to play both End and Nose Tackle in the Packers 3-4 defense. He also has great strength, he could challenge Paea’s record on the bench press, barrel chested short armed athletes definitely have an advantage. He does need to work on a few things in my opinion. He too easily gets blocked one-on-one, he does have good leverage and will stand up his guy but he doesn’t have the first step quickness to be a penetrator. He plays with decent awareness but too often isn’t able to disengage in time to make the play. His pass rushing moves will need work as well but I understand that wasn’t his role with Alabama. I really like his upside, size and strength but I don’t necessarily view him as a 1st round prospect.

    Justin Hunter in the 2nd round would be a steal. I know you aren’t a huge fan of his, and I worry about his consistency catching the ball but this guy is a world class athlete. Once he blows up the combine with his size teams will be salivating to draft him.

    I think Stepfan Taylor presents good value at the bottom of the 3rd round. He is a 3 down RB who has had a very productive college career. It will be interesting to see how he looks at the combine, if he performs really well I could see him rise.

    –Overall not too bad, I might have addressed the Packers picks a little differently but I can’t complain too much. Our offense would be more explosive with the addition of the two skill players. Drafting an o-lineman, ILB, and a safety would still need to happen.

    • bradc11

      There is work needed with Williams but he gives you a ton of versatility in a three man front. He’s going to rise as the draft process progresses.

      No doubt Hunter brings a ton of athleticism and heig ht. He was a star long jumper, elite level. He’s explosive for a guy that’s 6’4. I worry about his hands, route running, a slender frame. Just can’t see him fighting through traffic in the NFL. That said, he’s a great value that far down in the 2nd and the Pack could get the most out of him.

      I think they really could use an ILB but no one that I loved when they were picking. I went solely with value picks for the Pack and they did pretty well.

  • NMPete

    I do not get your choices for the Broncos. You have them drafting a CB, WR, and TE. These are all strong positions with depth for this team. Their biggest areas of need are MLB, DT, RB, OG.

    • bradc11

      I’m still trying to figure out how the WR position is full of depth. You could make that argument at CB or TE but not WR. There’s no slot receiver…Matt Willis?? Markus Wheaton is an absolute steal that late in the 2nd. I didn’t like any of the DT’s or ILB’s where you were picking. Bennie Logan got some consideration in the first but I’m not sure he fits the scheme need. Rhodes is a solid value. Tracy Porter is gone leaving you with Champ, Harris, and Carter. Rhodes is a guy that makes the backend of this secondary a lot better and deeper. I agree it may not be a huge need but the Broncos are at the point that they can start looking at the future with BPA. Rhodes fit that bill. I can’t see reaching for an ILB or DT at that point and don’t see RB or OG that big of needs that I would look at one in round one unless Warmack fell to me. I did give Cooper consideration but couldn’t do it with Rhodes on the board. You are going to start seeing teams load up on CB’s. Anymore you need 3 good ones and a serviceable one as your 4th. This would give the Broncos 3 good young CB’s and Champ who could play another 2 years.

  • SLYATLAW

    NO WAY IN “H..LL” THE BROWNS PASS ON JARVIS JONES FROM GEORGIA FOR THE OVERRATED…4.7 40 DASH…N.D. MIDDLE LINEBACKER…YOU MUST BE HIGH…!!

    • Brad

      Jones grade will depend on the medical. If he gets a clean bill of health from team doctors, he will likely go in that range. I’m hedging my bets right now that a spine condition will be cause for concern. I like Jones as much as the next guy but he’s not Von Miller as some suggest. Te’o is capable of being a leader of the defense and there is plenty of 4.7 LB’s sitting with a bust in Canton right now. I don’t worry about ILB’s 40 times until they start hitting the 4.8-4.9 range. Te’o is plenty fast enough to warrant the Browns selection. Could play SLB in Jauron’s scheme or move D’Qwell to the strongside with Te’o manning the middle. The Browns LB’s were abused by the Redskins on bootleg as the ‘Skins forced them to cover the slot and TE.

  • si1ver

    Arizona is not going to reach for a QB that high.

    • si1ver

      OG is by far the biggest need on offense. Nate Potter is a nice LT and Bobby Massie went through a season ruining rough patch but is now looking like a great RT. Plus, Levi Brown will be coming back from injury.

      Cards always go BPA they’re not going to panic and reach for a QB unless they think he’s the franchise guy.

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