Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M) - Andy Reid is in town. So is veteran signal caller Alex Smith. Two instant upgrades to an offense could easily send the Chiefs to the defensive side of the ball in this draft. With that said, I expect that to start maybe round two. As of now, Reid looks to avoid what sealed his fate in Philly. Sloppy o-line play. With or without current offensive tackle Branden Albert, Joeckel seems like the most logical fit for instant success. I have him rated as my #1 prospect in this draft. Eric Fisher should get love as well but the tougher competition should end any debate Kansas City is currently having.2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dion Jordan (DE, Oregon) - Jordan is the most impressive athlete from a pure physical standpoint in the draft. His numbers aren't bad but definitely not elite either. However, with his ceilings showing no reasonable limit, his potential is doing all the talking right now. a 4.6 40-yard dash at the combine and weighing almost 250 pounds has catapulted Jordan to the front of the long list of edge rushers available this April.
3. Oakland Raiders
Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) - The Raiders need to stop the run and rush the QB, but they also need cornerback help after Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer both bombed badly. Milliner is the pick here based on the defensive line just being a deeper draft than cornerback. I expect Oakland to attempt to trade down, but if not, they go CB and wait until the mid-rounds for d-line help. Quarterback is also an option but GM Reggie McKenzie may see Milliner as less of a gamble than Geno Smith or Matt Barkley.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
*Eric Fisher (OT, Central Michigan) - The buzz around Eric Fisher sounds more like an atomic bomb exploding. He quickly dispelled any preconceived notions that being from a smaller school meant he was less prepared. He's showed excellent from mechanics and strength from day one. He's often a step ahead of any moves a defender can throw at him. With his elite frame he looks to be a pretty safe bet. The Eagles could use 'safe' in their offense which right now is laced with dynamite from many perspectives.
5. Detroit Lions
6. Cleveland Browns
Ezekiel Ansah (DE, BYU) - Cleveland could go a number of ways. Next to Oakland, Cleveland may have the most holes to fill this offseason. With Brandon Weeden possibly getting a chance to "wow" the new staff, the Browns' next biggest need could be pass rusher. Phil Taylor is a beast in the middle that needs help from the outside. Ziggy Ansah has a huge upside. It may be a bit
7. Arizona Cardinals
Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) - Arizona just traded for Carson Palmer and could pass his stat sheet around if they want to attempt to pass him off as a starting caliber QB. But if Geno falls to #7, Arizona will probably pull the trigger. Even if Palmer can be successful, he will not have many years left. And Larry Fitzgerald shouldn't be wasted just because the Cards can't find a signal caller.
8. Buffalo Bills
Chance Warmack (OG, Alabama) - The eighth overall pick is typically too high for a guard but with Warmack arguably the most can't miss prospect this year (if there's ever such a thing) and uncertainty at other positions, the Bills could pull the trigger. Warmack fits the power blocking and zone blocking schemes. He was also the best offensive lineman on the most dominant line in the nation last year.9. New York Jets
Barkevious Mingo (OLB, LSU) - The Jets have been needing a pass rusher for years. Rex Ryan and former G.M. Mike Tannenbaum have put the premium on run defense and pass coverage when rushing the quarterback effectively is clearly the best means of stopping an NFL offense. Because of all the bad contracts that the Jets have handed out, using their first round pick on an edge rusher is a must. Quinton Coples is not enough. Mingo has been overshadowed by Dion Jordan's freakish athleticism this draft seaon but could very well end up as the class of 2013's best rusher down the road.
10. Tennessee Titans
Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah) - The Tennessee Titans could use a big defensive tackle. Lotulelei is billed as a nose tackle by many but he has the frame of a 4-3 defensive tackle. He could play both one-tech and three-tech. He's really good at pushing the pocket with his pass rush. I am not impressed with his ability to take on a double team, but the lateral agility for 320 pound man is remarkable.
11. San Diego Chargers
Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) - Johnson, like Fisher, dominated competition at the Senior Bowl looking like a man among boys. The Chargers have problems at left tackle with the retirement of Marcus McNeil and injuries to Jared Gaither. Johnson is a safe pick, although it could be a bit early, with their franchise quarterback Philip Rivers being the backbone of their offense.
12. Miami Dolphins
Shariff Floyd (DT, Florida) - The Dolphins are no doubt in the hunt for a left tackle with Jake Long leaving for St. Louis in free agency, but unless they trade up the top three tackles will be off the board by pick twelve. In this scenario, Miami takes BPA and goes with Shariff floyd. He can move around and rush the quarterback from many spots. He's primarily a 3-tech but is versatile in passing situations.
13. New York Jets (f/ Tampa Bay)
Xavier Rhodes (CB, Florida State) - The Jets have sent the rights to "Revis Island" to Tampa in exchange for this pick. Lots of mock drafts have the Jets going Tavon Austin but there is still a chance they look to replace Revis immediately. Rhodes isn't the most dominate player when it comes to man coverage but he's a complete corner with excellent range and ball skills. He's similar to Antonio Cromartie who may not be in New York too much longer if a youth movement and salary cap purging is really in the Jets' future.
14. Carolina Panthers
Shariff Floyd (DT, Florida) - The Dolphins are no doubt in the hunt for a left tackle with Jake Long leaving for St. Louis in free agency, but unless they trade up the top three tackles will be off the board by pick twelve. In this scenario, Miami takes BPA and goes with Shariff floyd. He can move around and rush the quarterback from many spots. He's primarily a 3-tech but is versatile in passing situations.
13. New York Jets (f/ Tampa Bay)
Xavier Rhodes (CB, Florida State) - The Jets have sent the rights to "Revis Island" to Tampa in exchange for this pick. Lots of mock drafts have the Jets going Tavon Austin but there is still a chance they look to replace Revis immediately. Rhodes isn't the most dominate player when it comes to man coverage but he's a complete corner with excellent range and ball skills. He's similar to Antonio Cromartie who may not be in New York too much longer if a youth movement and salary cap purging is really in the Jets' future.
WR Keenan Allen (WR, Cal) - Allen's season ended early but his future is still bright. He's a big, physical receiver who looks to be quite polished. Carolina has an aging Steve Smith who is still a number one receiver in my opinion, but having two number ones can be fatal to an opposing defense. Carolina still needs to fix its defense but it will be hard to pass on the opportunity to draft a young stud receiver to grow with their young stud QB.
15. New Orleans Saints
Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia) - The Saints will go marching this selection to the podium as quick as they can if he's on the board at fifteen. With the Saints moving to a 3-4 and not having a clear outside rusher, this is a match made in heaven. Jones is undersized but can be moved around to get the optimal matchup in a 3-4 (think Clay Matthews). New Orleans will answer a need and get value if Jones' injury history doesn't rear it's ugly head.
16. St. Louis Rams
Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia) - By virtue of having two first round picks, the Rams can take the best player available and feel pretty good about it. No second-guessing. No wasting time. They seem to have fallen for Tavon Awesome. With that nickname, it's hard not to. The aforementioned Jake Long should be there ansnwer at left tackle so receiver becomes the biggest void on St. Louis' roster. Austin is an all-around playmaker that will add explosion to any offense. Bradford's accuracy will go perfectly with Austin's sudden game.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Tennessee) - Mike Wallace left for Miami. Emmanuel Sanders was retained but possibly just for one year. Part of having a franchise QB is keeping him happy. Patterson is a new-age big bodied receiver. He doesn't have the top end speed of Mike Wallace but can still take the top off a defense. Patterson also morphs into a running back with the ball in his hands and is a deadly returner.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Kenny Vaccaro (FS, Texas) - Vaccaro is most popularly the highest rated safety. Dallas needs safeties. Vaccaro fits here. With the shift to a Monte Kiffin 4-3 defense, safety play will be the second most critical juncture in Dallas.
19. New York Giants
Manti Te'o (ILB, Notre Dame) - I haven't been one to think Te'o's girlfriend/no girlfriend story would dissuade teams from taking him, but if there was team no to take him, it's the Giants. The media can eat you alive in the Big Apple. Te'o will be up for it. He's precisely what New York's defense is missing. His intelligence and cover skills as a middle linebacker will boost the Giants from day one.
20. Chicago Bears
Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) - Richardson has the best acceleration of any defensive tackle in this draft. The Chicago Bears' d-line lives and dies off penetration. Richardson could play the 3-technique and get up field. If Richardson is able to rush the quarterback as effective as he did at Missouri, attempting to contain he and Julius Peppers could be a nightmare.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Daton Jones (DE, UCLA) - Jones is an aggressive, stout defensive lineman. He normally lines up outside but has had success as an interior defensive lineman as well. Jones could contribute to the Bengals defense immediately as a run stopper and pass rusher.
22. St. Louis Rams (f/ Washington)
Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) - After Warmack, Cooper is the highest rated interior lineman. St. Louis gets Sam Bradford even more protection by going guard. Cooper is a complete guard who fits any offense similar to Warmack. Some even rate Cooper ahead of Warmack. That's likely a stretch but Cooper is quality in his own right.
Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) - After Warmack, Cooper is the highest rated interior lineman. St. Louis gets Sam Bradford even more protection by going guard. Cooper is a complete guard who fits any offense similar to Warmack. Some even rate Cooper ahead of Warmack. That's likely a stretch but Cooper is quality in his own right.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Johnthan Banks (CB, Mississippi State) - Banks, if anything, is versatile. He's rangy for outside coverage. He has mental capacity and flexible hips to move inside as a nickel corner. He pulled double duty as a returner for his Bulldogs. Banks can help Minnesota all over.
24. Indianapolis Colts
John Jenkins (NT, Georgia) - Jenkins is a mammoth. He is strong at the point of the attack but is extremely agile for a man of his size. The Colts could use a true nose tackle so taking the best one in the draft makes a lot of sense at #24.
25. Minnesota Vikings (f/ Seattle)
Jesse Williams (DT, Alabama) - The Vikings' defensive line hasn't been the same since the Williams Wall was together. has done well drafting on both sides of the ball. Drafting a versatile defensive tackle who stops the run well (whose name is also Williams) could fill the void left by Pat Williams. Kevin Williams' uncertainty also further stresses the importance of this position. Receiver is also an option for the purple and gold.
26. Green Bay Packers
Eddie Lacy (RB, Alabama) - Green Bay has an air show comparable to the Northern Lights. What's missing is the physical ground game that keeps opposing defense respectful. Lacy, while not an excellent receiver from the backfield, can provide the Packers with the two elements it needs most from its running backs: yards and pass protection. His bulldozing running style complemented by a spin move only other wise seen in Warner Bros. cartoons allow him to wear down a defense. Other than his limited receiving ability, his collegiate career long battle with turf toe and other minor injuries make him slide to the bottom of the first or possibly early second round.
27. Houston Texans
Matt Elam (SS, Florida) - Houston's secondary has been much improved since hiring Wade Phillips but they still haven't had a "box-safety" presence since Bernard Pollard left for Baltimore. Elam is a ferocious hitter with a knack for finding the football. He will remind some of Bob Sanders.... A little.
28. Denver Broncos
Damontre Moore (DE, Texas A&M)) - Moore has fallen down draft boards after a poor combine. With the vacant spot at defensive end after Elvis Dumervil's release, Moore could find a home in Denver. He's stout against the run but is also effective off the edge as a pass rusher which could complement superstar Von Miller.
29. New England Patriots
Justin Hunter (WR, Tennessee) - Hunter is a smooth 6'4" receiver who had an up and down junior season for the Vols before declaring for the draft. His sophomore season started hot before he tore his ACL. He could be a steal after being more than a year removed from his ACL surgery for a Patriots team who doesn't have a dynamic outside threat on the roster.
30. Atlanta Falcons
D.J. Fluker (OT, Alabama) - The massive Fluker has been impressive this offseason. He's measured as he hoped he would and performed equally well. The Falcons have an experienced Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle in Sam Baker but plenty of questions on the right side. Fluker could give Atlanta a young pair of tackles to go along with three exciting receivers and a franchise quarterback. What a foundation.
31. San Francisco 49ers
D.J. Hayden (CB, Houston) - San Francisco is puzzling this draft season after basically redshirting last year's first round pick receiver A.J. Jenkins. The signing of Nnamdi Asomugha (as well as the rumors of Charles Woodson potentially joining the 49ers) points to some level of uncertainty in the defensive backfield. They could give the veterans one last go at it while they prepare a young cornerback or safety for the future similar to Jenkins. In that case, I have them picking D.J. Hayden, a cornerback with excellent size similar to Chris Culliver who seems to be a Harbaugh favorite when he can keep his mouth shut.
32. Baltimore Ravens
D.J. Hayden (CB, Houston) - San Francisco is puzzling this draft season after basically redshirting last year's first round pick receiver A.J. Jenkins. The signing of Nnamdi Asomugha (as well as the rumors of Charles Woodson potentially joining the 49ers) points to some level of uncertainty in the defensive backfield. They could give the veterans one last go at it while they prepare a young cornerback or safety for the future similar to Jenkins. In that case, I have them picking D.J. Hayden, a cornerback with excellent size similar to Chris Culliver who seems to be a Harbaugh favorite when he can keep his mouth shut.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Alec Ogletree (ILB, Georgia) - The Ray Lewis era has ended and Dannell Ellerbee left via free agency as well, so Baltimore is going to be looking hard for a fill-in... or two. The Ravens have already signed Rolando McClain to a one-year low cost "prove it" deal. But that by no means will keep Baltimore from going after inside linebackers in the draft. Ogletree could be the choice at the end of the first round because he's a sideline-to-sideline guy which is what the NFL is evolving into.
This concludes this portion "The Football INN's" coverage of the NFL Draft. If you would like to see more, we direct you to the upper right screen or just click here. If you have any question, feel free to comment below. As always, thank you for taking the time to view our material and have a blessed day!
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