2013 NFL Mock Draft, Bowl Season Edition
December 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) carries the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the third quarter at Milan Puskar Field. The West Virginia Mountaineers won 59-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Brady Quinn’s play is picking up, but I think the Chiefs are in for a regime overhaul, and that usually comes with a change at the QB position. Geno Smith is the best QB in this class, and I believe he deserves to be the number one pick with the career he’s had as a Mountaineer. He is a very accurate passer with that killer instinct and the ability to make plays with his legs. I think he could be like an Aaron Rodgers type if he develops correctly.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Jags need a pass rush in the worst way, which is why they put in a claim for Jason Babin after he was cut by the Eagles. Jarvis Jones has been arguably the best pass rusher in college football over the last two years, and having a chance to get him is something the Jaguars can’t pass up.
3. Oakland Raiders: Star Lotuleilei, DT, Utah
The Raiders are pathetic against the run, and their defense in general is very bad this year. Star Lotuleilei could be a huge impact player on the front line, and would be a great way to start a defensive overhaul for them.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
There is no question the Eagles have to get better on the OL. If they can protect their QB, the playmakers they have offensively are pretty much second to none in the NFL when healthy. This is a stacked team at the skill positions, so they need to fortify the trenches offensively.
5. Carolina Panthers: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Carolina has still had struggles up the middle defensively despite making some additions there in recent years. They could go a number of ways with this pick, but without an A.J. Green type of receiver on the board, I think a big DT like Hankins is the kind of guy who can really help this defense get to the next level.
6. San Diego Chargers: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
How about adding a potential Heisman Trophy winner to your DEFENSE? The Chargers need a heck of a lot, and I’m not sure where to start exactly. I do know, however, that this would be a great start.
7. Cleveland Browns: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
The Browns need to add an impact pass rusher to their defense to get to the next level, especially in the division they play in. They are in an old-school division that wins with defense, so they need to do the same. Trent Richardson was a great way to start the rebuild, and Moore is having a breakout season as a pass rusher for the Aggies.
8. Tennessee Titans: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
How else are you going to stop Arian Foster and Andrew Luck unless you can take them down on a consistent basis? The Titans need Jake Locker to develop, and they need that defense to start stepping up. Jenkins is a massive DT prospect who would be a good anchor for their DL.
9. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Barkley has dropped on many draft boards, but let’s not forget his whole body of work. He may not be the prospect he looked like at the end of 2011, but any senior returning gets exposed. That didn’t cause problems for Jake Locker or Christian Ponder in 2011. Barkley should be a first round pick, so why not to the team that can’t seem to figure out its QB problems whatsoever?
10. Detroit Lions: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Lions need help on the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the defensive backfield. Milliner is a top notch CB prospect who would be a great addition to a team that has vastly underachieved in 2012.
11. Buffalo Bills: Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State
There is no reason why Werner should fall this far other than teams passing on him for other more pressing needs, but the Bills wouldn’t complain. This is a potential top five talent with the ability to be a high impact player in the NFL.
12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Saints have huge holes on their defensive front, and Richardson has a little mean streak to him. He could be a good pickup for an ailing defense.
13. Miami Dolphins: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
It looks like Jake Long will be playing elsewhere in 2013, so why not replace him with another Wolverine?
14. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Jets need a quarterback, but who do you take here? Potentially a reach for Landry Jones, but I think the Jets also need a pass rush just as much as they need a QB. They are usually pretty active on the trade market, so we’ll see what they have going this offseason.
15. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Rams need to invest in the backside of Sam Bradford, and give him a fair shot at making this team a legitimate threat in the NFC, not just undefeated in their division and incapable of picking up wins elsewhere.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
The Bucs need to upgrade one of the league’s worst pass defenses. I love Banks’ story, and his ability to create turnovers.
17. St. Louis Rams (from Redskins): Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
See previous selection. Warmack is a rare guard prospect who can be an instant starter and Pro Bowl caliber player in the NFL.