NFL's Future

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We saw some unreal performances in Indianapolis that will be sure to throw mock drafts in a tailspin. We attempt to thwart the hype in our post-Combine 2013 NFL Mock Draft.

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1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The Alex Smith trade is official…well sort of. Andy Reid has hitched his cart to Alex Smith for better or worse, Chiefs fans. The goal will be to keep Dwayne Bowe and attempt to ensure he has a solid blindside protector. I think they let Brandon Albert walk as he’ll command big dollars with back issues. They let someone else pick up the tab on that one and move on.

This pick could come down to Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher. John Dorsey and Andy Reid will have to debate which OT has the most promise out of the two. Flip a coin, as they both bring special qualities. For now, we’ll go with Joeckel in a photo finish.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

I’m locked into Dion Jordan with this pick. It just makes too much sense to me that Gus Bradley would find his Chris Clemons/Bruce Irvin as there isn’t one on the current roster. Dee Milliner should get some love here as Gus has been vocal about finding a physical press corner. Milliner fits the bill and I was close on making a corner the No. 2 overall selection.

Read the rest of this entry » «Post Combine 2013 NFL Mock Draft»

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1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Sometimes you have to suck up your pride and open your ears. I did that this week. Someone that I trust more than anyone in the business said “Brad, you’re nuts if you are still holding onto Geno Smith being the first overall pick.” I’m not the guy that pretends to be plugged into the league but the few sources I have said this pick comes down to one of the DL or Joeckel. An interesting nugget was dropped by a ‘source’ that has Eric Fisher going first overall and hearing that several teams have him atop their draft boards. Don’t know that KC is one of them but for now we’ll go with Joeckel.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

The marriage of Gus Bradley and Dion Jordan is a match made in heaven. We are about to see Jordan put on a show at the Combine and vault himself into this territory. Jason Babin would be a fine LEO but Jordan has special qualities about his game. He gives the Jags an explosive playmaker to begin the new era in Jacksonville. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft – Combine Edition»

Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

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

Nick Foles…Alex Smith…Matt Flynn. Who knows if any of these guys will be the quarterback of the Chiefs during the upcoming season. What we do know is that it won’t/can’t be Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn. Everyone and their Mike Mayock believe that the Chiefs shouldn’t take a quarterback in this slot. I’m not disagreeing with the value of the pick but sometimes necessity outweighs the value.

Until the Chiefs actually sign/trade for a quarterback I will be mocking Geno Smith at this spot.

Check out what Chiefs GM John Dorsey had to say about the top of the 2013 QB class…it doesn’t bode well for my selection.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of Dion Jordan to the Jaguars pick. I figured Jags fans would go nuts on that one but the feedback is pretty good which means they are being well schooled on Gus Bradley and his brand of defense. That said, the reality is that Jason Babin may be a one year rental at the LEO spot and Lotulelei is a big body, versatile defender that is more a sure a thing than Jordan is. They would be wise to play it safe with Star and let Babin work in as the LEO for a season.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri                                              

I keep landing with Richardson to Oakland. You won’t find a more disruptive DT in this draft class. Richardson’s motor runs extra hot and he could be just what the doctor ordered in Oakland. The Raiders lack playmakers in their front seven and Richardson gives them an immediate impact type player.

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

Last week we were in a real bind with Joeckel and Star on the board for the taking. With Star off the board this week it makes this pick a fairly easy one with the draft’s top player available. Drafting Joeckel allows the Eagles to move Todd Heremans inside, killing two birds with one stone. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft – Combine Week Mock Draft»

Each week I put this disclaimer up and most people ignore it. No, I don’t think one quarterback is going to go in the first round. I think a team or two may look to move back into the first to get a Matt Barkley type. But since I don’t mock trades, save for once a year in April, I only have Geno Smith going in the first. In reality I believe at least two and maybe three will go come April 25th. 

Credit chiefconcerns.com for image

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

All signs point to Geno Smith not being the pick for the Chiefs. Just about everyone has jumped off the Geno to the Chiefs train, except me. I am still under the cloud of thought that you do everything to draft a franchise quarterback until you have a franchise quarterback. Waiting for the second round or trading back into the first round is costly in many ways. Andy Reid wins the day on this one as I think Geno will endear himself to Reid throughout the process.

Is he a perfect prospect or worthy of the first pick? Probably not but the Chiefs are a good quarterback away from competing. Until they sign someone in free agency, I will keep mocking Geno here.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

This pick is sure to draw some hate mail my way but I think the Jags search for an elite pass rusher will lead them to Jordan. Gus Bradley has effectively utilized smallish pass rushers in his system. The main cog in Bradley’s wheel is the ability to disrupt. Jordan defines disruption and upside. Pete Carroll and Co, didn’t roll the dice on a guy like Bruce Irvin without consulting his defensive coordinator. Trust and believe Bradley had his say on that selection. Jordan’s versatility will pay immediate dividends.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri                                                  

I keep landing with Richardson to Oakland. You won’t find a more disruptive DT in this draft class. Richardson’s motor runs extra hot and he could be just what the doctor ordered in Oakland. The Raiders lack playmakers in their front seven and Richardson gives them an immediate impact type player. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: 5-Rounder»

Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Let me start this off by saying that I think there’s 0% chance that only one QB goes in the first round. That said, I think teams will be looking to either trade back into the first round or take their chances and wait it out. Without mocking trades, there’s only one QB in the first round of this draft…won’t happen come April. It’s my belief that Matt Barkley will be the second QB off the board and it will come via some sort of trade. Enough QB talk, here’s our first 4-Round 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Enjoy and feel free to rip it apart. Also like our facebook page to get entered into our $500 Dick’s gift card giveaway and follow me on Twitter.

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

I can’t wait for free agency to begin so we can finally put to rest all the nonsense about the first pick. Will the Chiefs re-sign Brandon Albert? Will they pick up a veteran via trade or free agency? No one knows, so there’s no sense in speculating. Until something happens to that end, I’ll be going with Geno Smith to the Chiefs.

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

This pick could go any of two ways in my mind. Both of them are on the defensive line. Rumors began swirling this week that Jacksonville was honing in on a pass rusher in the draft. I tend to buy into that one as Gus Bradley will be looking to apply loads of pressure on opposing QB’s.

3. Oakland Raiders – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah                                                                      

Last week I had the Raiders moving Jared Veldheer to the right side. I’m fine with that idea until I realized the massive holes on defense. The Raiders roster from top to bottom just isn’t very good and there isn’t many spots on defense that don’t need addressed.

Lotulelei gives the Raiders the ability to play multiple fronts which is the current fad in the NFL. He’s a big body with unreal movement skills for his size. This pick has to come down to Lotulelei vs. Sheldon Richardson. I have been a fan of Richardson at this spot but I can see many organizations favoring Lotulelei. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: 4 Rounds of Post Super Bowl Mock Draft Fun»

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The official start to the NFL Draft season will begin after Sunday’s contest between the 49ers and Ravens.

It’s a bittersweet time of the year as it signals the end of an NFL season but is ushered in with the optimism of the NFL Draft. The 2013 NFL Draft is full of intrigue with no definitive No. 1 pick. Over the course of next 83 days, we will hotly debate the many issues that present themselves in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hang on to your seats as we get into full NFL Draft mode at NFL’s Future with our Pre-Super Bowl 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

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

The Chiefs have said they will take the best player regardless of position. Geno Smith isn’t the top player in the draft but until they sign/trade for a veteran QB he will be my selection. There’s no sense in drafting Luke Joeckel here to have him block for Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel.

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

This pick could go any of two ways in my mind. Both of them are on the defensive line. Rumors began swirling this week that Jacksonville was honing in on a pass rusher in the draft. I tend to buy into that one as Gus Bradley will be looking to apply loads of pressure on opposing QB’s.

3. Oakland Raiders – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M                                                          

The right side of the Oakland line was pretty bad last season. Jared Veldheer is a more than capable left tackle but moving him to the right side with Joeckel taking over the left side gives Oakland a very solid core of the offensive line which will be important for Carson Palmer or Terrelle Pryor. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl Week Mock Draft Edition»

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

The Chiefs have said they will take the best player regardless of position. Geno Smith isn’t the top player in the draft but until they sign/trade for a veteran QB he will be my selection. I couldn’t blame the Chiefs for taking Luke Joeckel here but I will hold off on making that selection until free agency hits.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Gus Bradley will be looking to construct his Seattle East defense in Jacksonville. Lotulelei becomes the Red Bryant of this defense, which is a scary thought. Lotulelei isn’t just a big body run defender as he can be explosive and disruptive in the backfield with the best of them.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

The Raiders will turn the page Richard Seymour (free agent) and Tommy Kelly (cap casualty) and look to go younger and more athletic up front. These moves leave the cupboards bare inside, especially if they can’t re-sign Desmond Bryant. Richardson brings Warren Sapp like movement skills inside and will begin to blow up following the Combine. The reality is that he’s already this high on many draft boards.

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

The Eagles need to focus on strengthening their offensive line. With Jason Peters back next year, the Joeckel selection allows them to move Todd Heremans inside and gives them a strong offensive line. This is the best option given Nick Foles lack of escapability and a promising running game. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive front seven dominates round one»

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

The Chiefs have said they will take the best player regardless of position. Geno Smith isn’t the top player in the draft but until they sign/trade for a veteran QB he will be my selection. There’s no sense in drafting Luke Joeckel here to have him block for Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel.

If the Chiefs can’t lock up (at least) a Matt Flynn or Alex Smith type, Smith should be the pick with them re-signing Brandon Albert. We should have a pretty good idea of what they are thinking with how they handle Albert’s contract situation. If Albert is re-signed, it will be at LT money. In that scenario I can’t see them going with Joeckel. To me this pick is Smith or Joeckel and we’ll know in March which way Andy Reid and Co. are leaning.

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

Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

My one week hiatus from Bjoern Werner to the Jags is officially over. I could barely live with the fact that I mocked someone other than Werner to the Jags. Jason Babin isn’t likely to be back as they look to find a young, stud pass rusher for their new HC…Greg Roman.

Before updating my top 150 2013 NFL Draft prospect rankings (due out tomorrow), I went back to watch some Werner tape, as he’s my third rated prospect. I feel more comfortable now than ever. I don’t think Werner gets the credit he deserves for his athleticism. The guy is just scratching the surface of his ability, which is scary. A sure sign that you should turn the page on a Werner scouting report is that it starts with high motor, energy player with limited athleticism. I have read several with words similar to those in them…turn the page and never go back.

Let me say this real quick. Micheal Profetta was spot on in his mock draft about teams trading into the two hole for Joeckel. That’s a real possibility. I would be surprised if someone didn’t try if Joeckel escapes No. 1. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: The Kansas City needs a QB edition»

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

The Pinstripe Bowl has everyone reeling on Geno’s viability as No. 1. I just can’t find a scenario that makes sense to me other than Geno Smith. Finding a QB will be Andy Reid’s first priority in KC. Smith’s midseason struggles will be forgotten once he impresses in pre-draft workouts. Hopefully, Smith will be attending the Senior Bowl and start the process of reinvigorating No. 1 pick talk.

Luke Joeckel is my top rated player but I can’t see them letting Brandon Albert walk to spend the first overall pick on Joeckel. That scenario makes little sense with needs at QB.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

Dave Caldwell rings in his GM reign in Jacksonville with a big body in the middle of the defense. Terrance Knighton has been underwhelming and injury prone since a solid rookie season. As much as the Jags need a pass rusher, they could really use a big body in the middle and Star fits that role.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

I have fluctuated between a DT and QB for the Raiders. Clearly, Carson Palmer isn’t the biggest or only problem with this roster. Terrelle Pryor played well in his first career start and proved he is worth developing. For that reason, the Raiders look to take a dominate defensive lineman. They don’t get much more disruptive than Sheldon Richardson. Richardson is only going to rise after he blows up the NFL Combine. I fully expect him to run in the 4.7 range at near 300 pounds.

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

The Eagles need to focus on strengthening their offensive line. With Jason Peters back next year, the Joeckel selection allows them to move Todd Heremans inside and gives them a strong offensive line. This is the best option given Nick Foles lack of escapability and a promising running game. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft – Underclassmen driving round one»

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith QB West Virginia

How can a team that rushed for 350 yards in Week 17 possibly lose? For the same reason that a team with five Pro-Bowlers manages only two wins; by rolling out the likes of Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel at QB.

Horrific QB play torpedoed any chance that the Chiefs had at success in 2012, so unless the Chiefs make yet another move for fool’s gold like Matt Flynn, Michael Vick, or Alex Smith, I don’t see how this pick can be anyone but Geno Smith. Yeah, yeah, yeah…Geno Smith isn’t Andrew Luck or RGIII, but let’s be reasonable; the 2012 QB class was an anomaly. Let’s focus on what Smith is: a toolsy, experienced prospect who just finished up a season in which he completed 71.2% of his passes for 4,198 yards, with a tidy 42-6 TD/INT ratio. He has his warts, but so did Tim Couch, David Carr, Alex Smith, Carson Palmer, Jamarcus Russell, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton…pretty much every recent #1 overall pick not named Manning or Luck. With Andy Reid, a reknowned QB-developer, and his pass-happy WCO on their way to Kansas City, this could be the ideal setting for Smith. Let’s hope, for the sake of Chiefs fans, that Vick doesn’t hitch a ride with Reid.

Also considered: OT Luke Joeckel…Only if Brandon Albert is set free. The Chiefs will have enough cap space to keep Albert in the fold, but given his injury history, they could decide to go in another direction. But what would be the point? Without a QB, they could have an electrified, barbed-wire fence protecting the blindside and still finish last in the NFL in offense.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Damontre Moore DE Texas A&M (Jr.)

It seems that the Jacksonville/Tebow marriage is inevitable. I’m not so sure that Tebow is the answer under center, but what I can say with certainty is this: If Tebow is your starting QB, then you better have one hell of a defense.

2012 saw the Jags carry on their annual tradition of finishing at or near the bottom of the league’s sack rankings, and there isn’t much hope for in-house improvement. Early returns on Andre Branch are discouraging. It appears that Jeremy Mincey is the defensive equivalent of Ryan Fitzpatrick or Doug Free; the recipient of an overreactive contract based upon a small sampling of serviceability. The aging Jason Babin continues his courageous battle with his Carrot Topesque eyebrow-plucking addiction. (Our thoughts and prayers are with him.)

Great arch on those ‘brows Jason

The yet-to-be-determined Jaguars GM may be looking to distance himself from the risk-taking ways of failed predecessors James Harris and Gene Smith, and could see an eerily consistent producer like Moore as a relatively safe, defensive building block.

Also considered: DE Bjoern Werner…You have to love Werner’s natural strength and instincts, but Moore’s superior athleticism and polish win out here…OLB Jarvis Jones…Arguably the best pass-rusher available, but the questions regarding his measurables and spinal stenosis remain. Jones could be drafted anywhere from #2 to #42.   Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 3 Round 2013 NFL Mock Draft: January 7th Edition»