1. Kansas City Chiefs - With the first pick, all eyes are on the Chiefs. After a dismal 2012 season with a league worst 2-14 record, Kansas City has revamped their organization starting with the hiring of former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid. The other major move was the trade with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire QB Alex Smith. Now that the Chiefs have quarterback, its time to protect him. With the first pick of the 2013 NFL Draft the Kansas City Chiefs select Tackle Luke Joeckel out of Texas A&M.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - When I think of Jacksonville, I think defense. The best quarterbacks the Jags have had in the past 12 years were David Garrard and Mark Brunell. With the lack of development of 2011 draft pick Blaine Gabbert, they need a quarterback. But they have always seemingly had a need at quarterback with the aforementioned QB's, and could have gotten one in the quarterback stacked draft last year. An offensive lineman is, in my mind, not in the cards either because of this lack of quarterback. With a former linebacker coach at the helm, the Jags will go defense. So I predict that the Jacksonville Jaguars will select LB Dion Jordan out of Oregon.
3. Oakland Raiders - I initially saw Oakland as going defensive as a lock. But with the excess of offensive tackles in this year's draft, and the fact that Oakland seems to have discovered their quarterback of the future with newly acquired QB and former Seattle Seahawk Matt Flynn, all signs point to an offensive lineman, but the fact that the Raiders were gashed trying to stop the run last year ranking a lowly 18th in the NFL outweighs all of those offensive signs. With this in mind the Raiders will select DT Sharrif Floyd from Florida.
4. Philadelphia Eagles - With the disaster that was the "dream team" being gutted, Head Coach Chip Kelly has to deal with the rebuilding of this organization. Some connections have been made to West Virginia QB Geno Smith but they already have a quarterback that fits the system in Philadelphia. While Vick has durability issues, let's not forget that the Eagles signed former Oregon and Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dennis Dixon. A backup capable of running Chip Kelly's system. While Alabama CB Dee Milliner would be an upgrade to the depleted secondary in Philadelphia, they were ripped to shreds by the run throughout the entire year in 2012 ranking 23rd overall in run stopping. Therefore with the 4th pick in NFL Draft the Philadelphia Eagles will select DT Star Lotulelei out of Utah.
5. Detroit Lions - The offense is set. With a relatively reliable running back in Reggie Bush, a QB with one of the strongest arms in the NFL in Matthew Stafford, and the best wide receiver in the NFL in Calvin Johnson, the Detroit offense is a juggernaut. With defense lineman Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley anchoring that line, they can develop into a formidable run stopping team. The secondary is anything but a sure thing. In a pass happy league and facing Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay twice a year as well as Jay Cutler twice a year along with this generally increasing pass happy league, a secondary needs to be strong. So with the 5th pick the NFL Draft the Detroit Lions will select CB Dee Milliner from Alabama.
6. Cleveland Browns - This is a toss up. The major acquisition that the Browns made was the signing of former Ravens LB/DE Paul Kruger. This to me signals defense. They seem to be trying to piece a together a formidable pass rush that would rival that of conference foes Pittsburgh and Baltimore. This being the assumed case, with the 6th pick of the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns will select DE Ezekial Ansah from BYU to rush opposite Paul Kruger.
7. Arizona Cardinals - The links between Cardinals and West Virginia QB Geno Smith are valid however if I were to place myself in the shoes of the Cardinals GM, I just received QB Carson Palmer and RB Rashard Mendenhall. That improves an anemic offense, at least a little bit. While a QB is needed, Palmer can at least get the ball to WR Larry Fitzgerald. Which is always a plus. I think Palmer can hold the Cardinals over until the next star, can't miss QB comes out in the draft. If this theory holds true, we can flip over to the defensive side of the ball, where DE Calais Campbell and DT Darnell Dockett provide the pass rush. With the secondary VERY solid (2nd in the NFL in 2012), they don't need to necessarily to improve that either. This means that with the acquisition of RB Rashard Mendenhall and QB Carson Palmer they can improve the offense by selecting OT Eric Fisher.
8. Buffalo Bills - Clearly the Bills are looking for QB. Buffalo voiced their draft intentions when they released QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. They had been linked with USC Matt Barkley, but that was assuming West Virginia QB Geno Smith was off the board. But in my mock draft, Smith is still available. Therefore I predict that the Buffalo Bills will draft the 1st QB in the draft in Geno Smith with the 8th pick.
9. New York Jets - Where to begin? The Jets have needs all over the place. With Rex Ryan still leading the depleted charge, one would think that they would go defense in order to rebuild. Back to when the Jets made back to back AFC Championship games, their defense was tops in the league. However offense has been their most glaring downfall. They need to get back to ground and pound. With that in mind, I predict the New York Jets will patch that offensive line up by selecting OT Lane Johnson from the University of Oklahoma
10. Tennessee Titans - The Titans as well could go a lot of places. They recently signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who would appear to be the starter heading into training camp. With a strong running game it would appear that in this draft of strong offensive lineman prospects, the Titans would surely take advantage. I think this would hold true. They seem to be wanting to rely on this running game with the acquisition of former Jets running back Shonn Greene as a backup to Chris Johnson. With this signal of reliance on the ground attack, I predict the Tennessee Titans will draft OG Jonathan Cooper from the University of North Carolina.
11. San Diego Chargers - The San Diego Chargers continue to puzzle me. There QB seems to have gone backwards in his development, they have young, talented wide receivers, and their defense is pretty decent. Yet they have under performed for the past few years. I look at the protection of QB Philip Rivers as a major issue which would point to the Chargers using their 11th pick on OG Chance Warmack from Alabama.
12. Miami Dolphins - With the release of Left Tackle Jake Long and LB Karlos Dansby, the Dolphins have huge holes to replace. They need to address this loss of Long. In order to do this, they will select D.J. Fluker out of Alabama with the 12th pick in the draft.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Welp. They traded this pick for CB Darrelle Revis from the New York Jets. This secondary now looks extremely formidable with the acquisition CB Revis and safeties Dashon Goldson and second year man Mark Barron. Look out.
14. Carolina Panthers - With the outbreak of LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina may feel as though their defense is okay for the future. Looking at the offensive side of the ball, with QB Cam Newton looking to a run option type offense, a small, quick, slot wide receiver could be a deadly weapon for the Panthers. Analyzing this year's draft, the guy who fits this mold is Tavon Austin who is the WR out of West Virginia. This is who the Panthers might draft to add another threat in their offense.
15. New Orleans Saints - The Saints had the worst defense in the NFL ranking 31st in pass defense and dead last in run defense. They could fix anything on that side of the ball. I think they will address the run in this case because with this "changing of the guard" in the style of offenses, teams have shown they can be successful and have a poor pass defense. Its the teams that can't stop the run that have the issue. The Saints will realize this and will draft DT Sheldon Richardson from Missouri (MIZ-ZOU) with the 15th pick to attempt to sew together the wounds that were caused by being run over during the 2012 season.
16. St. Louis Rams - The Rams were a surprising team last year. Being from St. Louis, I certainly didn't expect them to have this pick in the draft. But their improved defense led to some big wins. Keep this in mind. They didn't lose to the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. And they played them twice. While the departure of Stephen Jackson will hurt, the Rams have a huge pool of young, promising running backs and wide receivers. They addressed the offensive line with the addition of OT Jake Long, therefore I believe they will look to improve their secondary by using the 16th pick on the Texas Safety Kenny Vaccaro.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - My Steelers. Being born there and having been a fan of all Pittsburgh teams my entire life, last year was disappointing. Unfortunately, I was hoping we would make a big off season move or trade but instead we lost WR Mike Wallace, LB James Harrison, and RB Rashard Mendenhall to free agency. The Steelers are another team that may be looking to trade up the draft board to land an elite offensive lineman (a position that seems to always be deficient in Pittsburgh of late), but I don't expect them to do that. However I do see a possibility to draft OLB Jarvis Jones out of Georgia to replace LB James Harrison. This is my prediction although it is more hope than anything. Crossing my fingers that with the 17th pick in the draft the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft OLB Jarvis Jones.
18. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys always seem to flounder under expectations. Romo seems to never show up in big games as the always "so talented" rest of the team continues to not have an idea of how to use that talent. Their defense was average at best in 2012. With the 22nd ranked rush defense, owner Jerry Jones has to address this chink in their armor. He and Cowboys can do that by drafting DT Sylvester Williams from UNC to plug up the middle and aid in slowing down the opponents run game down.
19. New York Giants - The Giants were last year's favorite to make it back to the Super Bowl from the NFC. But Eli Manning and the Giants defense did not perform up to par in 2012. The Giants ranked 28th in pass defense and not much better 25th in rush defense. I know they had injuries to key players on defense but if they want depth and improvements to that secondary, CB Desmond Trufant out of Washington would be a fine option and who I predict the Giants will draft with the 19th pick.
20. Chicago Bears - The Bears need to bolster their pass protection. Especially with the Cutler - Marshall marriage. Alshon Jeffery also showed signs of a capable 2nd wide receiver. They ranked a disappointing 29th in pass offense but with the weapons Cutler has to throw the ball, this low number has to be chalked up to, in part, failure to protect Cutler. However while this was the primary goal going in to this draft, the absence of LB Brian Urlacher has made the middle linebacker position the top priority. This means that the Chicago Bears will draft ILB Alec Ogletree out of the University of Georgia.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are a much improved team. With superstar wide receiver A.J. Green dominating defenses, it wouldn't hurt to have a strong prominent wide receiver opposite side of him. Due to his stellar play, defenses will show Green more coverage and more double teams. Their next best pass catcher is tide end Jermaine Gresham. I look for the Bengals to address the number 2 wide receiver in selecting WR Keenan Allen from California with the 21st pick.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) - I look for the St. Louis Rams to try and find a way to trade this pick for a top 5, top 10 pick. This would be the one to trade away. If they don't get Kenny Vaccaro with their 16th pick then they may try add to their secondary by drafting DB Jamar Taylor from Boise St.
23. Minnesota Vikings - The Vikes somewhat addressed the wide receiver by signing former Packer WR Greg Jennings. They may attempt to trade up to get WR Tavon Austin to have another multifaceted player to replace what they lost in WR Percy Harvin. If they remain at twenty three, I believe they could get lucky enough to have Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert to fall into their lap which would be a great pickup for them. Imagine a two tide end attack with Rudolph and Eifert, and Peterson at running back. Lookout. The Minnesota Vikings, I predict, will draft TE Tyler Eifert come Thursday with the 23rd pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts - They hit the jackpot in last year's draft through QB Andrew Luck. They will look to They can really go two routes with this pick either plugging up the interior with a defensive tackle or protecting the franchise. I think that their offensive line is relatively solid for the upcoming year, however they ranked 29th against the run. With the elite lineman not dropping to the 24th pick, I think they will elect to draft DT Johnathan Jenkins from the University of Georgia.
25. Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have a situation similar to the St. Louis Rams where they could trade up to draft a better player due to having two picks in the first round. However there is a need at the middle linebacker position for this team. I know there are skeptics but I see Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o being selected with the 25th pick in order to fill this defensive gap.
26. Green Bay Packers - The biggest need for the Pack is at running back. Even QB Aaron Rodgers stated that they need more of a presence in the running game to balance their electrifying pass attack. The best fit, in my opinion, would be Eddie Lacy the running back from the University of Alabama in order to provide some toughness to the finesse of the pass attack.
27. Houston Texans - The Texans, while boasting the best record for much of the year in 2012, they appeared to stall at the end of the year losing three out of their last four heading into the playoffs. Their offense lacked the flare that had been so prevalent in the beginning of the year. In order to keep this spark across the entire season, they will select WR Robert Woods from USC.
28. Denver Broncos - The biggest gap in the Broncos is replacing DE/LB Elvis Dumervil. While they will probably end up signing free agent Dwight Freeney or John Abraham, I see them providing depth to their secondary in an attempt to erase the atrocious mistake that cost the Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl. You know exactly what play I'm talking about. They will select DB D.J. Hayden from Houston.
29. New England Patriots - Again the Patriots were one of the worst in pass defense ranking 29th in the league. That's bad. They will have to address that issue come draft time and with the 29th pick in this year's draft, I predict that the New England Patriots will select Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes.
30. Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons lost RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham. Abraham was responsible for almost a third of the entire team's sacks. This is extremely hard to replace. Atlanta was also only 21st in run defense too. This illustrates a clear need anywhere on the defensive line I predict that with the 30th pick in the draft, Atlanta will select DE Cornellius Carradine.
31. San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers really don't have any glaring needs. To be honest I will admit I have no idea who the 49ers will draft. But since I have to make a prediction I will say the 49ers will pick DE Marcus Hunt from SMU
32. Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens need to address the middle linebacker position with the retirement of Ray Lewis. I predict they will look at LSU middle linebacker Kevin Minter and use their 32nd on him.
There is my first mock draft ever but I looked at an almost ideal draft based on what I think the team needs and what is available. I treated this as though I was the GM of each individual team. Watch the first round of the NFL Draft live at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Thursday April 25th to see how close I get to selecting the correct draft picks.
Special thanks to ESPN.com for the stats and rankings of each team.
NEXT POST PREVIEW: US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying Outlook. ** This article will be posted on Friday, April 26th so be watching for this bonus article!
10. Tennessee Titans - The Titans as well could go a lot of places. They recently signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who would appear to be the starter heading into training camp. With a strong running game it would appear that in this draft of strong offensive lineman prospects, the Titans would surely take advantage. I think this would hold true. They seem to be wanting to rely on this running game with the acquisition of former Jets running back Shonn Greene as a backup to Chris Johnson. With this signal of reliance on the ground attack, I predict the Tennessee Titans will draft OG Jonathan Cooper from the University of North Carolina.
11. San Diego Chargers - The San Diego Chargers continue to puzzle me. There QB seems to have gone backwards in his development, they have young, talented wide receivers, and their defense is pretty decent. Yet they have under performed for the past few years. I look at the protection of QB Philip Rivers as a major issue which would point to the Chargers using their 11th pick on OG Chance Warmack from Alabama.
12. Miami Dolphins - With the release of Left Tackle Jake Long and LB Karlos Dansby, the Dolphins have huge holes to replace. They need to address this loss of Long. In order to do this, they will select D.J. Fluker out of Alabama with the 12th pick in the draft.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Welp. They traded this pick for CB Darrelle Revis from the New York Jets. This secondary now looks extremely formidable with the acquisition CB Revis and safeties Dashon Goldson and second year man Mark Barron. Look out.
14. Carolina Panthers - With the outbreak of LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina may feel as though their defense is okay for the future. Looking at the offensive side of the ball, with QB Cam Newton looking to a run option type offense, a small, quick, slot wide receiver could be a deadly weapon for the Panthers. Analyzing this year's draft, the guy who fits this mold is Tavon Austin who is the WR out of West Virginia. This is who the Panthers might draft to add another threat in their offense.
15. New Orleans Saints - The Saints had the worst defense in the NFL ranking 31st in pass defense and dead last in run defense. They could fix anything on that side of the ball. I think they will address the run in this case because with this "changing of the guard" in the style of offenses, teams have shown they can be successful and have a poor pass defense. Its the teams that can't stop the run that have the issue. The Saints will realize this and will draft DT Sheldon Richardson from Missouri (MIZ-ZOU) with the 15th pick to attempt to sew together the wounds that were caused by being run over during the 2012 season.
16. St. Louis Rams - The Rams were a surprising team last year. Being from St. Louis, I certainly didn't expect them to have this pick in the draft. But their improved defense led to some big wins. Keep this in mind. They didn't lose to the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. And they played them twice. While the departure of Stephen Jackson will hurt, the Rams have a huge pool of young, promising running backs and wide receivers. They addressed the offensive line with the addition of OT Jake Long, therefore I believe they will look to improve their secondary by using the 16th pick on the Texas Safety Kenny Vaccaro.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - My Steelers. Being born there and having been a fan of all Pittsburgh teams my entire life, last year was disappointing. Unfortunately, I was hoping we would make a big off season move or trade but instead we lost WR Mike Wallace, LB James Harrison, and RB Rashard Mendenhall to free agency. The Steelers are another team that may be looking to trade up the draft board to land an elite offensive lineman (a position that seems to always be deficient in Pittsburgh of late), but I don't expect them to do that. However I do see a possibility to draft OLB Jarvis Jones out of Georgia to replace LB James Harrison. This is my prediction although it is more hope than anything. Crossing my fingers that with the 17th pick in the draft the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft OLB Jarvis Jones.
18. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys always seem to flounder under expectations. Romo seems to never show up in big games as the always "so talented" rest of the team continues to not have an idea of how to use that talent. Their defense was average at best in 2012. With the 22nd ranked rush defense, owner Jerry Jones has to address this chink in their armor. He and Cowboys can do that by drafting DT Sylvester Williams from UNC to plug up the middle and aid in slowing down the opponents run game down.
19. New York Giants - The Giants were last year's favorite to make it back to the Super Bowl from the NFC. But Eli Manning and the Giants defense did not perform up to par in 2012. The Giants ranked 28th in pass defense and not much better 25th in rush defense. I know they had injuries to key players on defense but if they want depth and improvements to that secondary, CB Desmond Trufant out of Washington would be a fine option and who I predict the Giants will draft with the 19th pick.
20. Chicago Bears - The Bears need to bolster their pass protection. Especially with the Cutler - Marshall marriage. Alshon Jeffery also showed signs of a capable 2nd wide receiver. They ranked a disappointing 29th in pass offense but with the weapons Cutler has to throw the ball, this low number has to be chalked up to, in part, failure to protect Cutler. However while this was the primary goal going in to this draft, the absence of LB Brian Urlacher has made the middle linebacker position the top priority. This means that the Chicago Bears will draft ILB Alec Ogletree out of the University of Georgia.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are a much improved team. With superstar wide receiver A.J. Green dominating defenses, it wouldn't hurt to have a strong prominent wide receiver opposite side of him. Due to his stellar play, defenses will show Green more coverage and more double teams. Their next best pass catcher is tide end Jermaine Gresham. I look for the Bengals to address the number 2 wide receiver in selecting WR Keenan Allen from California with the 21st pick.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) - I look for the St. Louis Rams to try and find a way to trade this pick for a top 5, top 10 pick. This would be the one to trade away. If they don't get Kenny Vaccaro with their 16th pick then they may try add to their secondary by drafting DB Jamar Taylor from Boise St.
23. Minnesota Vikings - The Vikes somewhat addressed the wide receiver by signing former Packer WR Greg Jennings. They may attempt to trade up to get WR Tavon Austin to have another multifaceted player to replace what they lost in WR Percy Harvin. If they remain at twenty three, I believe they could get lucky enough to have Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert to fall into their lap which would be a great pickup for them. Imagine a two tide end attack with Rudolph and Eifert, and Peterson at running back. Lookout. The Minnesota Vikings, I predict, will draft TE Tyler Eifert come Thursday with the 23rd pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts - They hit the jackpot in last year's draft through QB Andrew Luck. They will look to They can really go two routes with this pick either plugging up the interior with a defensive tackle or protecting the franchise. I think that their offensive line is relatively solid for the upcoming year, however they ranked 29th against the run. With the elite lineman not dropping to the 24th pick, I think they will elect to draft DT Johnathan Jenkins from the University of Georgia.
25. Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have a situation similar to the St. Louis Rams where they could trade up to draft a better player due to having two picks in the first round. However there is a need at the middle linebacker position for this team. I know there are skeptics but I see Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o being selected with the 25th pick in order to fill this defensive gap.
26. Green Bay Packers - The biggest need for the Pack is at running back. Even QB Aaron Rodgers stated that they need more of a presence in the running game to balance their electrifying pass attack. The best fit, in my opinion, would be Eddie Lacy the running back from the University of Alabama in order to provide some toughness to the finesse of the pass attack.
27. Houston Texans - The Texans, while boasting the best record for much of the year in 2012, they appeared to stall at the end of the year losing three out of their last four heading into the playoffs. Their offense lacked the flare that had been so prevalent in the beginning of the year. In order to keep this spark across the entire season, they will select WR Robert Woods from USC.
28. Denver Broncos - The biggest gap in the Broncos is replacing DE/LB Elvis Dumervil. While they will probably end up signing free agent Dwight Freeney or John Abraham, I see them providing depth to their secondary in an attempt to erase the atrocious mistake that cost the Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl. You know exactly what play I'm talking about. They will select DB D.J. Hayden from Houston.
29. New England Patriots - Again the Patriots were one of the worst in pass defense ranking 29th in the league. That's bad. They will have to address that issue come draft time and with the 29th pick in this year's draft, I predict that the New England Patriots will select Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes.
30. Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons lost RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham. Abraham was responsible for almost a third of the entire team's sacks. This is extremely hard to replace. Atlanta was also only 21st in run defense too. This illustrates a clear need anywhere on the defensive line I predict that with the 30th pick in the draft, Atlanta will select DE Cornellius Carradine.
31. San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers really don't have any glaring needs. To be honest I will admit I have no idea who the 49ers will draft. But since I have to make a prediction I will say the 49ers will pick DE Marcus Hunt from SMU
32. Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens need to address the middle linebacker position with the retirement of Ray Lewis. I predict they will look at LSU middle linebacker Kevin Minter and use their 32nd on him.
There is my first mock draft ever but I looked at an almost ideal draft based on what I think the team needs and what is available. I treated this as though I was the GM of each individual team. Watch the first round of the NFL Draft live at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Thursday April 25th to see how close I get to selecting the correct draft picks.
Special thanks to ESPN.com for the stats and rankings of each team.
NEXT POST PREVIEW: US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying Outlook. ** This article will be posted on Friday, April 26th so be watching for this bonus article!
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