2013 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Mock Draft: Geno Smith fits Chiefs' needs
By Bucky Brooks |
Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network
Published: Feb. 20, 2013 at 11:12 a.m.
The NFL Scouting Combine is set to commence this week, but teams already are beginning to show their hands regarding their draft intentions, based on the recent flurry of salary-cap cuts. Although some teams will turn to free agency to fill the voids created by the veteran departures, others will focus on filling their respective needs through the draft.
With my third mock draft, I decided to focus extensively on matching the best available player with each team's biggest needs, based on recent activity. While those needs certainly will change as free-agent movement begins in the next few weeks, I believe we can use these recent roster adjustments to make some strong assertions about each team's draft-day strategy. Given that premise, here is my latest mock draft:
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Ignore the chatter about the lack of star quality at the quarterback position. While Smith is not in the same league as Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, he is head-and-shoulders above the other quarterbacks in this year's class, which earns him the nod at the No. 1 spot.
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New coach Gus Bradley's aggressive scheme is predicated on getting pressure off the edges; Jones is the most explosive pass rusher in the draft.
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General manager Reggie McKenzie has to retool the Raiders' aging defensive line by adding more dynamic players across the front. Moore totaled 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss in the ultra-competitive SEC.
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The return of quarterback Michael Vick gives new coach Chip Kelly an explosive playmaker to guide the offense, but the Eagles would be wise to protect the brittle veteran with the top pass protector in the draft.
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Kyle Vanden Bosch is no longer around, and Cliff Avril might depart via free agency, leaving the Lions without a legitimate threat on the edges. Werner is a high-motor rusher with strong hands and exceptional closing quickness.
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New defensive coordinator Ray Horton wants to wreak havoc on opposing offenses with his blitz-heavy 3-4, but he'll need an explosive rusher like Mingo on the edges to set the table.
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Addressing the quarterback situation is the Cardinals' top priority, but poor pass protection also contributed to the team's woes in 2012. Fisher is an ultra-athletic blocker with outstanding feet and lateral quickness.
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The Bills could elect to take a wide receiver or inside linebacker, but nabbing a franchise-caliber quarterback is GM Buddy Nix's priority in this draft. Although Glennon is a limited athlete prone to making mistakes under duress, he is an A-plus arm talent with tremendous potential.
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To bring back "ground and pound," the Jets must fortify the front line with big, physical blockers who can move defenders off the ball. Not only is Warmack a monster at the point of attack, he might be the best overall player in the draft.
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Coach Mike Munchak wants to alleviate the pressure on quarterback Jake Locker by surrounding him with a dominant running game. Cooper would give the Titans an athletic interior blocker with the size, strength and athleticism to own the trenches.
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New coach Mike McCoy's No. 1 priority is fixing quarterback Philip Rivers; he can begin the process by giving him an athletic left tackle with the lateral quickness to stalemate elite rushers on the blind side.
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Quarterback Ryan Tannehill would love for the team to grab a legitimate No. 1 receiver with this pick, but Sean Smith's impending free agency makes cornerback a pressing need. Milliner is a rock-solid corner with outstanding instincts and ball skills.
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To match up with the explosive offenses in the NFC South, coach Greg Schiano must add size, speed and athleticism in the back end. Rhodes is a physical corner with the size and length to battle the big-bodied receivers in the division.
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The Panthers haven't had a dominant interior defender since Kris Jenkins departed years ago. Floyd is a Jenkins clone, with a high-revving motor and exceptional skills.
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The shift to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will require the Saints to find a hybrid rusher with outstanding speed and quickness to cause havoc off the edges. Jordan, a freakish athlete with intriguing rush skills, certainly fits the bill.
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The proliferation of the passing game in the NFL means teams must have a safety with corner-like movement skills in the back end. Vaccaro is a rare find at the position, with elite cover skills overshadowing his prowess as a big hitter in the run game.
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The potential loss of receiver Mike Wallace could lead coach Mike Tomlin to look for another explosive playmaker. Patterson has just one year of major college experience, but his speed and running skills could make him an intriguing replacement for Wallace.
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New defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will transition the Cowboys to a 4-3, but he needs a dominant presence in the middle to set the table for the defense. Lotulelei flashes disruptive potential, but defensive line coach Rod Marinelli and Kiffin will need to rev up Lotulelei's motor to get him to thrive in a Cowboys uniform.
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GM Jerry Reese loves to invest high picks in the offensive and defensive lines to ensure dominance at the point of attack. Fluker is a potential difference maker as a road grader on the edge.
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Quarterback Jay Cutler already has a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall; adding a playmaking tight end would take the Bears' offense to another level. Ertz is a natural pass catcher with sneaky speed and burst as a middle-of-the-field weapon.
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Ogletree's recent off-the-field incident will scare some teams away, but the Bengals have constructed a perennial playoff team by gambling on potential character risks with immense talent.
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Coach Jeff Fisher has repeatedly said quarterback Sam Bradford needs a better supporting cast to thrive. Allen is a classic No. 1 receiver with the size, speed and running skills to dominate the game on the perimeter.
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Kevin Williams is no longer a disruptive force in the middle, which makes it imperative for the Vikings to find a high-energy interior defender in this draft. Richardson is an ultra-athletic three-technique with remarkable quickness and burst.
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Banks is a smooth cover man with a versatile game that fits into any system. Coach Chuck Pagano could use him as a matchup defender against the big, physical receivers prevailing in the AFC.
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After watching the Seahawks' pass rush disappear following Chris Clemons' injury, coach Pete Carroll will make a strong push to add more athletic rushers to his lineup. Ansah is a super athlete with a limited football background. Based on the flashes he showed as a senior, his upside is through the roof.
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For all of the jokes and snickers Te'o has endured since the girlfriend hoax came to light, the Packers would love to add an inside linebacker of his caliber to a defense that has slipped in recent years.
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Andre Johnson remains one of the best receivers in the NFL, but he needs a quality complement on the opposite side to take some of the offensive load off his shoulders. Woods, who played in Marqise Lee's shadow during his final season at USC, is a polished receiver with a game that is suited for the pros.
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The Broncos could elect to fortify their defensive line, but adding a standout middle linebacker would also greatly improve the defense, as well. Minter is a tackling machine with superb instincts and awareness.
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With receiver Wes Welker set to test free agency, the Patriots would be wise to take a chance on the most dangerous slot man in college football. Austin has the quickness and burst to separate from nickel corners in space, and he is a big-play threat whenever he touches the ball in the open field.
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GM Thomas Dimitroff is attempting to talk veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez out of retirement, but the Falcons still need to find a quality TE for the future in the draft. Eifert is an athletic pass catcher with a versatile game that allows him to align at multiple positions, creating mismatches.
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A ball-hawking safety could be on the 49ers' wish list at this pick, but it would be tough to pass up on a stout interior defender like Hankins. The Ohio State standout pummels blockers at the point of attack, creating big-play opportunities for linebackers at the second level.
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Losing Ed Reed would certainly affect the Ravens' pass defense, but a young, athletic defender like Reid could lessen the impact with his game-changing skills.
- 2013 NFL Mock Draft Central
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