2013 NFL Mock Draft, Thanksgiving Edition: Chiefs Take Top Pick
Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. West Virginia defeated Iowa State 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Some may see this as a reach, and it very well may be. But can you remember the last time a desperate team didn’t reach for a QB in the draft? The cupboard is bare at this position for KC, or at least that is how it should be approached on draft day. Unless they make a move via trade or free agency.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones is not getting any Heisman hype like Manti Te’o is, but he should be. Notre Dame is wildly popular nation-wide, but Georgia hasn’t got the recognition it deserves despite being ranked 3rd in the country. Jones is probably the most dominant defender in the SEC, and the Jaguars need someone like him for their defense.
3. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotuleilei, DT, Utah
Dwan Edwards and company aren’t getting it done effectively enough for the Panthers, or at least not as effectively as Lotuleilei could. This is a big time prospect at defensive tackle who would really boost the Panthers’ defensive front.
4. Cleveland Browns: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
Te’o is a big time playmaker at the inside linebacker position who will give the Browns a new identity defensively. He is arguably the best player in the entire country right now.
5. Oakland Raiders: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Incredible pass rush potential here with Damontre Moore going to the Raiders, getting a guy who can blitz standing up or with his hand in the dirt. They can put him all over the field defensively and I think he would be a serious boost for the Raiders’ defense that is lacking pass rushers.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
The Eagles have just a terrible offensive line marred by injuries, and Joeckel is potentially the best OT in the entire draft. This would be a very wise pick for the Eagles.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Cardinals’ line is terrible, and one of the reasons they’ve had a huge collapse since starting the season 4-0. Jake Matthews is a right tackle prospect who would seriously upgrade the Cardinals’ front five. How about three Aggies in a row in the top ten?
8. Buffalo Bills: Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State
Buffalo’s pass rush has not exactly been a dominant force like they thought it would when they spent all that money, so getting a guy like Bjoern Werner would be a huge boost. This kid is the real deal and has unlimited potential as a pass rusher.
9. Detroit Lions: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Lions don’t have that elite pass rusher outside of Cliff Avril, who really isn’t on the level of some of the other sack artists in the league. Mingo has potential to be a dominant player at defensive end.
10. New York Jets: Keenan Allen, WR, California
I have no idea where the Jets will begin their rebuild, but they have to add some playmakers offensively. Keenan Allen has #1 receiver potential.
11. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia
Jenkins basically completes the Chargers’ overhaul of their defensive front seven. He is a dominant nose tackle prospect who would fit great in their 3-4.
12. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Titans need help on the back end, and getting the top cornerback prospect in the draft would work wonders for their ability to produce turnovers.
13. St. Louis Rams: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Rams need help on the offensive line to keep Sam Bradford upright. Playing in the same division as Seattle and San Francisco, they are going to need plenty of help up front.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Dallas flirted with the idea of taking Dontari Poe last year, and I think they’ll regret passing on someone the caliber of Hankins at the same position.
15. Miami Dolphins: Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU
The Dolphins need some pass rushers outside of Cameron Wake, and not only does Montgomery give them one, he is probably the best player available at this point.
16. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Saints still need a lot of help on their defensive front seven, and Richardson is having a breakout year, definitely worth a look at this point in the first round.
17. St. Louis Rams (f/Redskins): Chance Warmack, OL, Alabama
The Rams not only get one of the top tackle prospects in the draft in Taylor Lewan, but they use the Redskins pick to take the top guard in the draft. This would be a huge upgrade to their overall offensive production.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA
The Bengals have elite DT production, but they need better production from the outside. Barr can be a pass rusher with his hand in the ground or standing up, and he has great athleticism.
19. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
The Vikings need serious help at WR, and if Hunter is available when they are up to pick, I don’t see how he won’t be one of the top players on their board.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Steelers upgrade their inside linebacker position with one of the best in the SEC this season.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Jack of all trades playmaker isn’t a guy who’s going to fill Seattle’s biggest need, but he has incredible athletic ability and production, and gives Russell Wilson a fantastic weapon.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
The Bucs have a horrible pass defense, and adding the long, talented Johnthan Banks would be a great addition to their defensive backfield.
23. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
I think Jermichael Finley could be a cap casualty with his lack of production, and even if he’s not, Eifert would be a great pickup for the Packers’ passing game. He is a big TE prospect who can create serious mismatches.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Protecting Andrew Luck should take top priority this offseason, as well as getting him more support defensively. Eric Fisher is a hot prospect who would be a good fit at this juncture.
25. New York Giants: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Do the Giants ever NOT take the best player available, even if they have 1,000 defensive ends already? In all honesty, this could wind up being a really solid pick for them. Okafor is very productive and a good fit for their scheme.
26. Chicago Bears: Johnathan Cooper, OL, North Carolina
The Bears need to upgrade all aspects of their offensive line. Where to start? How about with a top notch guard prospect out of North Carolina?
27. Denver Broncos: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The Broncos continue to upgrade their defensive front with the tough, athletic nose tackle prospect out of Alabama.
28. New England Patriots: Kawann Short, DL, Purdue
The Patriots cash in on the fall of Short, who is a versatile defensive end/tackle who can really upgrade their defensive front.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford
The Niners upgrade their rush linebacker position with Chase Thomas, someone Jim Harbaugh is really familiar with.
30. Baltimore Ravens: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
The Ravens look for another Alabama LB with their top pick in this year’s draft, and Mosley is a good one. He could wind up being a steal this late.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
The Falcons look to a hot pass rushing prospect who is drawing comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul with their first pick.
32. Houston Texans: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Houston finally gets a legitimate #2 receiver to go with Andre Johnson, and a guy they can groom as the #1 for the future.