2013 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Vying for Luke Joeckel

Posted by Micheal Profetta On January - 15 - 2013

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith QB West Virginia

A lot of things could happen between now and draft day. The Chiefs might let free agent LT Brandon Albert walk, then go the safe route with Luke Joeckel at #1. Perhaps there will be an Andy Reid/Michael Vick reunion in Kansas City. A stopgap solution at QB like Alex Smith or Matt Flynn could be acquired. Maybe Mike Glennon will send his draft stock into the stratosphere with a phenomenal showing in Mobile. Each scenario is possible, but until one of them comes to pass, I won’t deviate from my Chiefs/Geno Smith prediction.

The runner-up: OT Luke Joeckel…Joeckel is the cleanest prospect in this draft, but even a crocodile-infested moat surrounding the pocket wouldn’t make Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel any better. Finding a franchise QB is the top priority in Kansas City.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M (Jr.)

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

With Eugene Monroe entrenched at LT, there’s no need for Joeckel in Jacksonville, but a team like the Cardinals, Chargers, Dolphins, or Rams could be intent on moving up for Joeckel’s services. The Jags should be frantically working the phones on draft day.

Here’s the bottom line: There will almost positively be a trade within the top three picks of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Chiefs, Jaguars, and Raiders have no need for a left tackle, yet Joeckel is too valuable to slip to #4.

The runner-up: DT Star Lotulelei…The Jags could use a dominant interior force to anchor the defense, but why not move down the board, draft Sheldon Richardson or Johnathan Hankins, and pick up some extra picks in the process?

3. Oakland Raiders – Damontre Moore DE/OLB Texas A&M (Jr.)

If Joeckel makes it past Jacksonville, then it’s the Raiders, down their 2nd and 5th rounders thanks to the Carson Palmer and Aaron Curry trades, who will be feverishly working the phones in an attempt to trade down. If Joeckel is gone, Oakland should stay put and draft an impact defender.

Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotulelei could be considered here, but Oakland already has some promising interior options in Lamarr Houston and Desmond Bryant. Dee Milliner could be a darkhorse, but drafting a corner for a team with no viable edge-rushers would be putting the cart before the horse.

The Raiders finished with an embarrassing 25 sacks in 2012, so I’m guessing that it will come down to Damontre Moore and Bjoern Werner here. Both are high-motor pass-rushers that should appeal to GM Reggie McKenzie. I’m giving Moore the nod due to his superior versatility and athletic upside. Moore’s SEC experience doesn’t hurt, either.

The runner-up: DE Bjoern Werner

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Star Lotulelei DT Utah

I doubt that Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins will be returning next season. That would leave Fletcher Cox all by his lonesome on Philadelphia’s defensive interior. Cox is a fine interior pass-rusher, but the Eagles could really use a classic space-eater to free up that gaggle of edge-rushers and keep DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks clean. Lotulelei (6-3/320) would be perfect in that capacity.

The runner-up: CB Dee Milliner…If Asomugha is released and DRC makes his expected exit during free agency, Milliner could emerge as the front-runner here. I’m guessing that Asomugha restructures his contract and the promising Brandon Boykin is given first dibs at #2 CB if/when DRC bolts.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner CB Alabama (Jr.)

I’ve been predicting that the Lions will draft a DE at #5 for a while now, but it’s time for some good ol’ fashioned reevaluation.

It appears that Cliff Avril wants to stay in the Motor City, and the Lions should do whatever it takes to oblige him. Avril isn’t an elite pass-rusher, but he’s far-and-away the best that Detroit has to offer; losing him would be an enormous step backward for the organization. If the Lions restructure or release KVB (due $5 million in ’13) and Corey Williams (due $4.9 million), they may be able to keep Avril in the fold. In that case, DE would no longer be a desperate need, and Martin Mayhew could simply take the best player on his board. Milliner could easily be that player.

Milliner cemented his status as the premier corner in this draft with an excellent performance in the BCS championship. He’s the tall, physical presence that the Lions need to combat the likes of Brandon Marshall and Jordy Nelson in the NFC North.

The runner-up: OLB Jarvis Jones…If Jones can allay the concerns regarding his spinal stenosis during the predraft process, he could easily jump into the top-five mix.

6. Cleveland Browns – Barkevious Mingo OLB LSU (Jr.)

With Rob Chudzinski now running the show in Cleveland, San Diego DC John Pagano and his 3-4 scheme could be on the way. LDE Jabaal Sheard might be capable of making the transition to LOLB in the 3-4, but Frostee Rucker and F.A. Jaqua Parker would be awkward fits. There’s a good chance that the Browns will sign a 3-4 OLB like Shaun Phillips, Anthony Spencer, Paul Kruger, or Connor Barwin during free agency, but if they don’t, they should be targeting one here.

I don’t like Bjoern Werner as a full-time 3-4 OLB, so this pick comes down to Mingo, Dion Jordan, and Jarvis Jones. Jones’ medical concerns put him out of the running for now. Mingo and Jordan are similar prospects; tall, rangy ‘tweeners with the athletic ability to excel in coverage. I’m sky high on Jordan’s potential, but a little SEC experience could take “Kiki” a long way in a tie-breaker scenario.

The runner-up: OLB Dion Jordan, but don’t sleep on QB Mike Glennon…If Milliner is off the board and the Browns sign a veteran 3-4 OLB during free agency, they would probably be looking to trade down to a better value spot for a target prospect like Johnthan Banks or Manti Te’o. However, if Glennon lights it up at Mobile, the Browns could have interest in the gangly ginger. Chudzinski and Norv Turner like to get vertical in the passing game, which plays to Glennon’s strengths. Incumbent Brandon Weeden is no slouch in the arm-strength department, but the new regime may want their own guy under center.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri (Jr.)

I haven’t forgot about the QB situation in Arizona. I thought about Mike Glennon and Tyler Wilson here, but I’m guessing that Kevin Kolb restructures his contract in order to make his ’13 cap hit more palatable. GM Steve Keim should be on the lookout for a developmental QB on the draft’s second day.

Malcontent Darnell Dockett has worn out his welcome in the desert. The lack of a suitable heir apparent on Arizona’s roster may be the only reason that Dockett wasn’t traded in 2012. The Cardinals need to trim a lot of fat from their roster if they want to be players during free agency, and Dockett’s $4.5 million ’13 salary is one inviting slab of fat. If they can trade him this offseason (the Patriots could be interested), the Cards are off the hook for $4 million in ’13.

Richardson offers the quickest first step among this year’s class of DTs. He’d be the ideal replacement for Dockett.

The runner-up: OLB Dion Jordan…Incumbent ROLB O’Brien Schofield is mediocre and injury-prone. Arizona should look for an upgrade.

8. Buffalo Bills – Bjoern Werner DE Florida State (Jr.)

The need for a QB is obviously at the forefront in Buffalo. Mike Glennon or Tyler Wilson could justify a top-ten selection by knocking it out of the park during Senior Bowl week, but in my eyes, they’re second-day prospects until they prove otherwise in Mobile, so I won’t force them into my top ten just yet. For those draftniks who are thinking about connecting the obvious dots and forcing Ryan Nassib to the Bills in the first round of your mock draft – don’t do it. Take it from an Orange backer; Nassib is as gritty and intelligent as they come, but he’s nowhere near a first round talent. Rivals ranked Geno Smith, Mike Glennon, and Matt Barkley as five-star, pro-style QBs coming out of high school; Nassib was a two-star prospect. There’s a reason for that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Doug Marrone and Nate Hackett do bang the table for Nassib, but he’ll be available in the second round. This pick ought to be reserved for an impact defender.

New DC Mike Pettine is ordinarily a 3-4 guy, but he’s flexible enough to work with what he’s given, so I anticipate some form of a 4-3/3-4 hybrid. Don’t expect the Bills to limit their draft board to 3-4 defensive prospects only. While I don’t like Werner standing up at 3-4 OLB exclusively, he’s capable of doing it on occasion, and would be a vast upgrade from Buffalo’s mediocre, expensive, and injury-prone platoon of Chris Kelsay and Mark Anderson at RDE.

The runner-up: OLB Jarvis Jones…If doctors give Jones the green light during predraft medical evaluations, this could be his floor.

Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

9. New York Jets – Dion Jordan OLB Oregon

Dead weight like Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas will be thrown overboard into the river Styx as the Jets attempt to paddle their way out of salary cap hell this offseason. That will leave the likes of Garrett McIntyre and Ricky Sapp atop the depth chart at the OLB spots. In a division where Tom Brady sets the standard, that won’t fly. Jordan’s versatility and rare athleticism are exactly what the Jets need at OLB, and would allow Rex Ryan to get more creative with his blitz packages.

The runner-up: DT Johnathan Hankins…The Jets struggled mightily vs. the run in 2012, and fading veteran NT Sione Pouha could be a cap casualty. Hankins could help the Jets regain some of their “run the ball/stop the run” identity.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack OG Alabama

For any chance at success in 2013, the Titans need to get Chris Johnson on track and keep Jake Locker healthy; adding Warmack could be huge in both regards.

Normally, I wouldn’t even consider a guard in the top ten, but this draft is muddled at the top, and Warmack is exceptional. If I had to choose one prospect from the ’13 class to ultimately emerge as a Hall-of-Famer, it would be Warmack. Unless Tennessee emphatically addresses their interior O-line during free agency, this pick could be Warmack’s floor.

The runner-up: None…If the Titans aren’t interested in Warmack, I’m guessing that they’d look to trade down to a better value spot for a safety like Kenny Vaccaro.

11. San Diego Chargers – Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan

Jared Gaither is a bum and Mike Harris was pitiful when forced into the lineup at left tackle. The Chargers could have enough cabbage available to address the black hole at LT during free agency, but I doubt that guys like Ryan Clady, Brandon Albert, Will Beatty, and Jermon Bushrod will make it to the open market. Jake Long might be San Diego’s only realistic option. The Chargers should just sit tight and grab Fisher. A natural left tackle dripping with upside, Fisher is capable of sealing off Philip Rivers’ blind side upon arrival.

The runner-up: CB Johnthan Banks…A tall, SEC-hardened corner to replace soon-to-be ex-Charger Quentin Jammer.

12. Miami Dolphins – Johnthan Banks CB Mississippi State

The frustratingly inconsistent Sean Smith is the best that the Dolphins have to offer at CB, and he may not return in 2013. DC Kevin Coyle prefers physical press corners, so Banks may have to show a little more nasty in Mobile to warrant this selection.

The runner-up: CB Xavier Rhodes…Rhodes’ physicality could make him a better fit in Coyle’s scheme than Banks, but the Jim Thorpe-winner’s SEC experience, high character, and consistent production makes him the safer pick…for now.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State (Jr.)

Tampa Bay’s current CB depth chart features a bunch of practice squad-types like E.J. Biggers, Leonard Johnson, and Danny Gorrer. Unless the Bucs bag a free agent like Brent Grimes or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, this pick almost has to be a corner. Rhodes is relatively new to the CB position and needs some refinement, but his length, athleticism, and aggressive nature make for shutdown corner potential.

The runner-up: OLB Jarvis Jones…If the Bucs address their need at CB during F.A., they could target Jones to fill the void at SLB. Dominik and company will have to be convinced that Jones’ spinal stenosis won’t compromise his NFL longevity.

14. Carolina Panthers – Johnathan Hankins DT Ohio State (Jr.)

DTs Ron and Dwan Edwards comprise the worst starting duo in the NFL, and the Panthers, currently $12 million over the salary cap, probably won’t have the resources necessary to go shopping for upgrades during free agency. Mocking anyone to Carolina other than Big Hank would be overthinking things at this point.

The runner-up: DT Sharrif Floyd…If Hankins can’t convince teams that his engine won’t get stuck in neutral upon a big payday, Floyd has the potential to leapfrog him in the DT rankings during the predraft process.

15. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia (Jr.)

Jones’ medical concerns make me too nervous to slot him near the top of the draft, yet he’s just too talented and productive to banish to the bottom of the first round. Smack-dab in the middle of the first round is the perfect “Goldilocks” compromise for now. The Saints need to improve team speed on defense and amp up their pass rush, making Jones a logical pick.

The runner-up: DT Sharrif Floyd…A versatile, interior disruptor to replace 1st-round washout Sedrick Ellis.

16. St. Louis Rams – Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee (Jr.)

Ideally, the Rams would sign a veteran free agent like Dwayne Bowe or Mike Wallace to complement the young trio of Givens, Quick, and Pettis, but I’m not sure if that will be fiscally possible this offseason. Patterson could be Plan B. He’s the most gifted WR in the ’13 class, but may come with a red flag or two. GM Les Snead won’t be afraid. St. Louis’ manic trade action and selection of Janoris Jenkins in the ’12 Draft proved that Snead is far from timid. Snead’s aggressive nature and an extra first-round pick make St. Louis a logical candidate to trade up for Luke Joeckel, or even Eric Fisher.

The runner-up: RB Eddie Lacy…Steven Jackson may or may not return in ’13, and his tires are nearly bald. A strong, downhill rushing attack is essential to Jeff Fisher, who has had some success with workhorse runners named Eddie.

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Bex_R1986

Another interesting mock, as usual with logical explanations behind the choices. My comments on mocks tend to relate to my Buccaneers team, and I would like to again, with the intriguing Matt Barkley pick in round 2!

I completely agree that some serious competition to push Josh Freeman is strongly required. There’s never really been any threat of him being benched in his entire time as starter and that may factor into his lack of progression. I’m still very much in favour of continuing with him as starter, the potential is still there, and for a 5 or 6 game stretch the Bucs offence was impressively productive, but with someone who could truly threaten his spot behind him.

However I’m not convinced Barkley, while good value in the early 2nd round, fits the current style of offence. That mid-season success seemed to, in a very simplified description, be based around good ground production with Doug Martin, with Freeman exploiting the play action for some big deep throws. Barkley’s more or less pidgeon-holed description is west coast QB without the biggest of arms, with much of his yardage coming from short quick throws outside to Lee/Woods who then rack up their yards after the catch!

Do you think the Bucs current roster is suited to the switch, were Barkley in this senerio be drafted and ultimately rerplace Freeman? Or indeed OC Mike Sullivan want the change? I suppose if Freeman fails to develop again, that may fall on Sullivan’s head anyway and a change in co-ordinator may happen!

If Tyler Wilson was there in the 2nd round, I’d prefer him. Bray would be interesting, but don’t know if he’s worth the hassle when I don’t see us as desperate for a change at the position.

Well I seem to have rambled on quite a lot there, apologies!
- Mprofetta
  
  You never have to apologize to me about rambling. Look at my mocks. I do it all the time.
  
  It’s too early to pull the plug on Freeman, but the Bucs need to bring in some competition to light a fire under his ass. I don’t see the Bucs extending Freeman’s contract anytime soon…they just don’t seem to be sold on him.
  
  I thought long and hard about Tyler Wilson, but, while Wilson has a stronger arm than Barkley, his vertical accuracy is nothing to write home about. Barkley isn’t a hand-in-glove fit in Sullivan’s offense, but adjustments can be made. i was going with my gut with Barkley.
  
  Any team that drafts Tyler Bray before the 4th round should have their heads examined. He’s a bum. i’d draft Dysert before Bray.
  - Bex_R1986
    
    Haha, it was only mentioned because of Bray potentially being a reasonable fit in the offense, from a skill set only point of view. He’ll be nothing but a problem if he can’t change, and given that he’ll unlikely start right away I can see it being worse when he gets frustrated by not starting.
    
    As I’ve mentioned to Brad before, I’m a big fan of Dysert’s, watched a heap of his tape this year. He’s not a bad fit given that he would need that time as a backup before starting anyway. He’ll get at least one year of that with the Bucs.
    
    Ultimately though, whoever the backup is to Freeman, it must be a young guy, not another veteran. Should that be Barkley, I’ll go with it and with an open mind and with much interest to see how he develops.
neighborhooddrunkpart2

Wow Micheal Profetta, you must really hate the Steelers.

1. You got us taking Eddie Lacy, that lack long speed, not going to run away from people in the open field or make people miss and benefited from the second best O-line in college football. Over Kevin Minter,Alec Ogletree,and Ezekiel Ansah?

2. I think the second round is a reach for Chris Faulk, but we need a LT so I am ok with this. Even though I prefer Kyle Long.

3.No,No,No. Why Nico Johnson? He’s slow, and covering skills are non-existent. Why not Kevin Minter or Alec Ogletree in the first? Then a RB or WR in the third?

4. WTF Mikey P, You got the Ravens winning the Superbowl? What did I do to deserve this?
- Mprofetta
  
  You seem dead set against the Steelers having a decent running game and a left tackle. I’m beginning to think that you want to see Big Ben in a body cast, neighborhood drunk.
  
  Lacy doesn’t make people miss?! I suggest that you google “Eddie Lacy double spin move vs. Notre Dame”. I’ll wait.
  
  Lacy has been doing that all season. Spin moves, stutter-steps, stiff arms…he makes people look silly in the open-field on a regular basis. he’s obviously no Barry Sanders, but he has some Bettis/Jamal Lewis to his game. You’re seriously underrating Lacy, IMO.
  
  Minter isn’t that much better than Nico Johnson. Johnson in the third round is a better value than Minter at #17. Ogletree would be redundant with Timmons entrenched at RILB. Ansah is a 4-3 DE.
  
  So Chris Faulk, who was routinely found in the top 10-15 picks of mock drafts back in the spring, is suddenly a reach in the second round? Just because of an ACL tear – an injury that is easily remedied thanks to modern medicine? I’ll take Faulk over Long. If Long had half of his brother’s work ethic and discipline, he’d be a first rounder, but Kyle is a spoiled, unmotivated party boy who has burned bridges wherever he’s been,..and he’s sushi raw. One of the reasons that I mocked him to the Ravens was so he could be fairly close to his Virginia home. He needs that safety net.
  
  Mark my words; Nico Johnson will surprise people at the next level.
  
  I knew you’d like that Ravens pick. Everything is coming together at the right time for Baltimore. Flacco is hot, different guys are stepping up big every week, and they’re motivated by Ray Ray’s pending retirement and last year’s bitter AFC Championship loss.That’s Super Bowl stuff.
Reggie

As a Lion fan I cannot fully argue with you on these selections. I really want a dominant DE and an improved interior OL. That said we could resign Avril and let Houston walk. I like DeMarcus Millner as much as I liked Morris Claiborne who went 6th so I am not opposed to this. Arthur Brown is a very talented LB and I cannot argue with him either…though OLB is not a huge position of value. Baccari Rambo is a very talented player on the field and has made many mistakes off of it. I wish you would have given us Barrett Jones in Round 3. I really hope the Lions find a way to get Larry Warford as well. Still I like the mock.
- Mprofetta
  
  Reggie, I think that you may officially have a man-crush on Barrett Jones. The second I typed in Jones’ name while making my mock, I said to myself, “Ah geez…Jones popping off one spot after Detroit’s pick – Reggie is going to hate this.”
  
  I like Barrett Jones; his intangibles are off the charts, but there are some durability concerns, and he’s just not a great athlete. He might come off the board a little lower than you think. But once again, I could be wrong. He’s the kind of warrior that a team could easily fall in love with, and his versatility is a huge selling point. Hell, I think that I might be in love with him after watching him shove McCarron in the midst of a blowout. The dude is intense.
  
  The Lions need a RG, but that’s as far as it goes on the interior O-line. Sims is very underrated and Raiola get the job done. I just think that it will be much easier to find a serviceable RG than a safety with Rambo’s potential after the draft. The Lions have to fortify the secondary if they ever want to knock Rodgers and co. off the NFC North throne.
  
  Believe me, I tried my best to convince myself that a DE was the way to go at #5. I just don’t think that Werner will be dominant in the NFL. The more I watch his tape, the more I sour on him. Mingo may actually be a better fit and offer more upside as a Wide-9 RDE in Detroit, but I’m not sold on Mingo, either. Milliner was the best player on the board and filled a need.
  - Reggie
    
    This made me laugh out loud my friend. You are right I do have a man crush and it is blinding my ability to accurately review him. I just love his versatility and with the Lions we just are horrible on the interior OL and short of leaders. Jones is both. He is injured a bit but in Round 3 it is justifiable to take that risk as opposed to Rambo’s character concerns. I think Jones could fall a bit somewhere between mid Round 2 and early Round 3. Simms is solid and Raiola is in the last year of his contract and I think is 34 years old. Trust me he is one of my favorite Lions of all time. I respect him for what he has done and how he loves being a Lion. A replacement is needed on the roster. Werner will not be dominant but is very talented. I agreed he is over hyped and should be taken around 9 or 10 but I wouldn’t be upset with him. Mingo is a risk but I do agree his fit would be nice in Detroit. As stated above it isn’t the players I would have taken but I would have no problem with this draft either.
HardcoreBillsfan37

I like the Bills draft. If we could get Werner in the first and grab Nassib in the second (and I am extremely grateful that you had them taking Nassib in the second instead of the first because he is not worth a first pick) then the Bills would easily have one of the better drafts of the year.
- Mprofetta
  
  Thanks for the comment, HCBF37. Although I’m a Jets fan, I was born in scenic Rochester before my family moved to NYC, so I’ll always have a soft spot for the Bills. I’d like to see them become relevant again.
  
  I’m with you in regards to Nassib not being worth a first-rounder, but I’d be lying if I said that the thought of slotting him at #8 didn’t cross my mind. Considering Buffalo’s new coaching staff, Nassib’s agent, and Buddy Nix’s penchant for going against the grain on draft day, all of the stars certainly seem to be aligning in that direction.
bauercody

I really liked the way the 1st round played itself out for the Packers selection at #26. We have a good amount of choices that would be logical (Probably so many that a trade back sceanrio would still be a good option).

But if I were picking I would stay there and draft Ezekial Ansah, put me in the camp of him NOT being a bust. You may label him a 4-3 end but to me he doesn’t have the ability to dip his shoulder to consistently get the edge, I think he has the potential to be a very good 3-4 DE. With a 6’6 frame he easily has the ability to add 10-20 pounds of good weight, he is very long, and of course athletic. The Packers sorely need a playmaker on the d-line and I think thats exactly what Ansah can be. It would have been nice to have a d-lineman who could have gotten off a block against the 49ers to eliminate some of those gaping holes Kaepernick had to run through. What I like about him is that he has a good motor on field, and that from a week to week basis he got better, it shows he has the ability to be coached and is just scratching the surface of what he can be. I like that he has experience lining up at tackle, end, and at OLB. Capers could certainly add some different looks to our defense with him on the field but even just as a 5 tech I think he would be an immediate starter. He can improve his hand usage and his pad level no doubt but again this man just put pads on a few years ago. I was excited when you had him available to the Pack at #26, but after the combine I don’t see him getting past #20.
- Mprofetta
  
  I could see Ansah at 3-4 DE. He may actually be closer to “the next J.J. Watt” than “the next JPP”. He’s really have to get more consistent with his pad level. He comes up high so often…NFL O-linemen would have him on skates. I think that he actually looks pretty natural bending the edge.
  
  Don’t get me wrong…I’m very impressed with Ansah’s motor, versatility, athleticism…and you would never guess that he’s only been playing football for three years by watching his film. His lack of experience doesn’t bug me either. i loved JPP and I loved Clay Matthews, even though he had only started 10 games at USC and nobody could decide whether he was a DE, ILB, or OLB. It’s Ansah’s demeanor. I just wish that I’d never watched interviews with him. He’s so damned…nice. That always scares me. I remember the first NFL draft prospect who every struck me as “too nice” was Mike Williams (the O-lineman, not the WR). Amukamara gave me the same vibe. I don’t want guys who are too smart or too nice on my team. I want guys who always look like you just said something about their mother. I’m weird like that.
  - bauercody
    
    I can respect that about wanting “angry” players. The Packers do need an edge on defense but Thompson doesn’t usually draft players like that. The closest player we have is Bishop and we sorely missed his tackling and aggressive style this season. Also I’m sure if we looked through the history of the NFL we could find some really “nice” good football players, Reggie White comes to mind but he was also able to turn into a monster on the field.
    
    As far as your comparison for him as “the next JJ Watt” if he was remotely close to that than there is no way he drops to pick 26. As a Badger fan I was a huge Watt fan and knew who ever drafted him was getting a great pick, I wanted to mortgage future draft picks to trade up to get him. (I know that’s not exactly what you mean) In any case I think 3-4 End would be a natural position for Ansah, Watt has shown that there is still pass rushing opportunity as a 3-4 end and the Packers have sorely missed that since Cullen Jenkins departed.
    
    Again there is obvious room for improvement to Ansah’s game but I really like the fact that you visibly saw improvement from game to game this season. In my opinion he could flourish as a 5 tech with his length, athleticism, and strength.
    
    I’m hoping he drops to the Pack!
http://www.facebook.com/drew.domalick Drew Domalick

I really disagree with Eddie Lacy going 17th overall to PIT. Not only do I think that is too high for Lacy, I also don’t see why PIT would take a RB. I’m assuming you think they are going to get rid of Mendenhall, but even then they have Dwyer and Redman. Also, if PIT is going to have the philosophy of not paying RB’s big money then why would they draft one in the 1st round? I think PIT has plenty of needs in more important areas. JMO. I do like the fact that you aren’t scared to put yourself out there and go against the grain, though.
- Mprofetta
  
  Thanks for the comment, Drew. We disagree on a few points. To me, Dwyer and Redman aren’t the answer. You take Lacy because the Steelers just aren’t the Steelers without a bruising running game, and a dominant running game takes pressure off the QB. Big Ben has been carrying too heavy of a load for the last few seasons.
  
  I’m not sure why you think that the Steelers’ philosophy is to pinch pennies with RBs. Bettis made a bundle, Mendenhall was a 1st-round investment, and they shelled over nearly $15 million to Willie Parker in ’06.
  
  I don’t think that the mid-1st is too high for Lacy. It seems that I’m in the minority on that one, but that’s just my opinion. I have a thing for angry runners.
  
  It seems like everyone wants Pittsburgh to concentrate on finding young blood for the defense in this draft, but from what I saw, the offense was much more problematic in 2012. If I’m the Steelers, I’m looking to get back to basics in ’13. Establishing a strong running game would keep Big Ben healthier and allow those geezers on defense to catch their breath once in a while.
  - http://www.facebook.com/drew.domalick Drew Domalick
    
    I’m not a guy that thinks PIT needs just defensive talent. I think they need talent all over the field on both sides. My point about the RB is that Mendenhall is only 25 so if they wanted to pay a RB big money they could just pay him. It seems counterproductive to let Mendenhall go just to draft a RB in the 1st round.
    - bradc11
      
      Drew,
      
      The problem is that the Steelers don’t have the cap to pay anyone big money. They will be in the business of cutting veteran cap space this offseason.
      - http://www.facebook.com/drew.domalick Drew Domalick
        
        So wouldn’t a 1st round RB just add to that problem down the road?
Hugh Jass

Warmack would do wonders for the Titans’ line. With him pushing Leroy Harris to the backup role at right guard, we’d have Michael Roos, Steve Hutchinson, Eugene Amano, Warmack, and David Stewart as our starting lineup. Provided they stay healthy (which wasn’t the case this year, Tennessee looks like it would have an offense as dangerous as what people expected in the summer.
- Mprofetta
  
  I have a feeling that Hutch is finished in Tennessee…maybe the NFL. He’s 35, expensive, and has finished the last three seasons on the IR. He’s a shell of his former self. I see Warmack at LG for the Titans.
Mattt

Packers are drafting 26, not 25. Flip-flop the Pack and Hawks.
- Mprofetta
  
  Thanks.
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football guru

smh Panthers have needs at WR and OL and you double dip on DTs? bad mock.after the HC said that protecting the QB and getting him some weapons will be key this offseason.
- Mprofetta
  
  Thanks for the constructive criticism. I love when folks condemn an entire mock draft because they don’t agree with the picks for their favorite team.
  
  I care little about what coaches say when making my mock. Of course he’s going to say that bolstering Newton’s cast will be a key. If you asked him, he’d probably also say that the defensive front seven and the secondary need to be fortified. No coach is ever satisfied with any unit…if they are, they’re not a good coach. Coachspeak all sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher to me.
  
  It’s all about value when making a mock. You look at a team’s needs and in what round the value lies for each position. Could the Panthers use an exciting WR for Newton? Sure. But they also desperately need a DT or two. The first and second round is where you will find the value with the DTs in the ’13 draft, and there will be good value at WR and ORT/OG in the mid-rounds. If they take, let’s say, Cordarrelle Patterson in the 1st round, and a G or ORT in the 2nd, will there be a DT worth a damn there for the taking in the 4th? No…unless you think that a project like William Campbell or Brandon Moore is ready to contribute immediately. On the other hand, if you grab the DTs early, there will probably be good value at WR ripe for the picking in the 4th like Chris Harper, Marquis Goodwin, Cobi Hamilton, Aaron Mellette, Kenny Stills, etc..
  
  The Panthers are okay at the O-line’s two most important positions with Gross and Kalil, and Silatolu will start at one of the guard spots. That leaves RT and OG as needs…not difficult positions to address, whether it be in the draft or after roster cuts. Sleeper OTs like Luke Marquardt, Menelik Watson, Dann O’Neill, and John Wetzel could be around in the 4th/5th, as could quality guards like Hugh Thornton, Graham Pocic, Brian Winters, Manase Foketi, J.C. Tretter, etc.
  - football guru
    
    how bout this the panthers mock was bad. this team will not double dip for DTs in the 1st and 2nd rounds. the last time they did in the 3rd and round of 2011 they where burned bad, with McClain not even on the team anymore. Deandre Hopkins and Dallas Thomas would come in and compete for starting positions who are both taking after the panthers pick in your mock. i also guess coaches talk was last year when Rivera thought the DT position was fine, so he addressed that with a draft pick? again i have no problem with 1 DT in the 1st couple of rounds, but dont understand why you would take 2 when you could address the OL or WR spots with the other pick.
    - Mprofetta
      
      I have the Panthers taking two DTs because they are old and awful at DT. They need two new starters at DT, and they won’t have the resources to find quality starters in free agency. I also thought that Hankins and Logan were the best values on the board.
      
      I’m not big on history, “connections”, or what so-and-so team or GM said or did in recent drafts when making my mocks. I’ve given up on finding any rhyme or reason to the draft…all you can do is concentrate on value, team needs, and how a team’s salary cap situation may or may not influence their decision-making. Gettleman’s history in NY is not a factor. He was not the lone voice in the Giants war room, and he’s in a completely different situation now, working with different personalities. Okay, so maybe the Giants drafted a few WRs early – but they drafted DEs and CBs even more early and often. It’s not as if he’s going to waltz into Carolina’s war room and say, “Okay fellas, I know that we desperately need a DT and that a top-ten value like Hankins is still on the board here at #14, but the Giants once drafted a WR in the first round when I worked for them and it worked out pretty well, so let’s go ahead and draft Hopkins (a late 1st/early 2nd value) instead.” I’m guessing he’s smarter than that. I’m also guessing that he’s aware that potential cap casualties like Anquan Boldin, Santana Moss, Nate Burleson, and Sidney Rice will be available on the cheap, not to mention a potential trade target like D. Heyward-Bey – who I’m sure that Reggie McKenzie will gladly accept a 2014 4th-rounder for.
      - football guru
        
        so again if Hankins is a top 10 talent, is sitting there at 14, yeah take him. but you just said that Hopkins is a 1st/2nd round value but yet you have the panthers skipping over him in the 2nd when that is a need as well.the panthers have neglected both positions for too long, so wouldnt the better value be to split the 2 withyour 1st two picks.especially when a guy who has a value of late 1st/early 2nd is on the board? this team knows that Smith replacement should be brought in asap and the window is closing. expect a WR early.the panthers will not invest in 2 old guys and 2 injuried prone guys. Gettleman will get a young WR to grow with his QB, which the Giants organization have shown works. Jason Jones and Pot Roast Knighton are also cheap guys who could come in and play DT for this team.
  - football guru
    
    and if you consider Gettleman(new GM) is from the Giants organization who has used early picks on WRs and put plenty of weapons around their QB. do look for some weapons brought in early.

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