I opted to go with my power rankings for the draft order rather than speculating on finish of the teams and playoff structure. Probably a one week change but I wanted to see how it would change the mock draft. Enjoy.
We have a new No. 1 team and pick and some major shake ups in our latest 2013 NFL Mock Draft release
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Jags pass rush is abysmal right now. Shad Khad gives Blaine Gabbert another season to prove he’s an NFL starter. Mingo will be the versatile pass rusher that this defense needs. If the Jags finish 32nd in the league, a new GM will be making this pick which could be the deciding factor on Gabbert…it will be interesting if the Jags end up with No. 1.
2. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Raiders fans will be blasting me for the No. 2 pick and then for the Geno Smith selection. At this point, he’s my highest rated quarterback through three weeks. Carson Palmer may be the least of the problems in Oakland but finding a long-term answer at QB should be the goal with the 2nd pick.
3. Cleveland Browns – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jones is thought of more as a 3-4 OLB but he has shown major improvements in pass coverage. The Browns will look to continue to add youth to this defense and are in serious need of an OLB. Jones pass rush ability along with nose for the ball will be welcomed in Cleveland.
4. Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Barkley, QB, USC
KC is spinning out of control through two weeks of the season. Their roster wouldn’t suggest they would be this bad, which is not good news for Romeo Crennel. If the Chiefs can’t turn it around quickly, Crennel is likely going to be sent packing and Cassel at the end of the season.
5. Minnesota Vikings – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Vikings have desperately missed Pat Williams since his retirement. Lotulelei is a monster at 6’3”, 320 with freakish athleticism. His ability to shoot gaps and garner double-teams will do wonders for this defensive front.
6. Tennessee Titans – Bjoern Werner, DE, FSU
The Titans will be forced to move on from former first rounder Derrick Morgan if he doesn’t pick up his production and stay healthy. No better way of doing that than taking Florida State’s stud pass rusher, Bjoern Werner. Werner is following up a spectacular sophomore season with an even better junior year. I think he’s surpassed the likes of Sam Montgomery at the DE position for the 2013 NFL Draft.
7. Miami Dolphins – Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
Allen was impressive against Ohio State last Saturday. His ability after the catch separates him from his WR counterparts. Allen becomes a running back in the open field and has shown much improved consistency in the hands department this season.
8. Indianapolis Colts – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Chuck Pagano will be looking to add 3-4 personnel to this squad in April’s draft. It starts up front as they will need an anchor in the middle. Hankins is a big body with supreme athletic talents. He moves like a much smaller man but has the power to play the nose in the 3-4.
9. Buffalo Bills – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
The Bills need to take the next step to compete in their division. This won’t happen with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm. The Razorbacks weren’t the same team without Tyler Wilson, proving his value as a QB. The Bills cut ties with Fitz and move on to Wilson in 2013.
10. Seattle – Robert Woods, WR, USC
Russell Wilson has been deadly accurate through two games and has shown the wares to man the QB spot for the Seahawks for the foreseeable future. He needs weapons. Enter Robert Woods. A USC guy for Pete Carroll that has the playmaking ability to warrant a top 10 selection.
11. St. Louis Rams – Eric Reid, FS, LSU
The Rams are my early pick for most improved team. Sam Bradford is returning to his rookie form and the receivers are in better shape. The Rams need some help at the safety spot. Reid is a big hitter and can play centerfield making him a lock top 15 pick if he declares.
12. St. Louis Rams (f/WAS) – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
The Rams will be rolling if they can score Reid and Joeckel in the first. Joeckel appears to be the top tackle prospect in this class. Joeckel can play on the left side and allow Rodger Saffold to move over to his more natural spot of RT.
13. New York Jets – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Austin Howard has been 100% better than expected. That said, he’s not an ideal option for a team looking to compete for a playoff spot. Matthews has the bloodlines and skills to be a very solid RT in the league for a long time and instant starter for the Jets.
14. Arizona Cardinals – Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
The Cards are 2-0 with a combination of John Skelton and Kevin Kolb at QB. Bray may need a season to be prepared to handle the full time QB duties of an NFL team but there is no denying his physical talents.
15. New Orleans Saints – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Saints defense is playing terrible at this point, hence missing the playoffs and finishing with the 15th overall pick. Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson are serviceable but there is little behind them. Greer or Robinson could be relegated to the nickel role with Milliner in the starting lineup.
16. Cincinnati Bengals – Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
The “Law Firm” is a solid back but not spectacular. The growth of the Bengals offense will be dependent on more out of the RB position. Lattimore looks to be back to full health following an ACL injury. His addition to this offense should help in a major way.
