1) Team – Pick: Luke Joekel, OT, Texas A&M
Analysis: Andy Reid will always be famous for adding offensive and defensive linemen in the draft, and early. The top spot this year is up in the air, but one thing is for sure; after trading for Alex Smith, the Chiefs need to make sure their offensive line keeps him upright. The Chiefs were smart to place the franchise tag on Albert, and I could see them trading him away on draft day to a team that misses on one of the top offensive tackles in the 2013 draft. Albert deserves to play LT, so even if the Chiefs don’t trade him away this year, watch Andy play Albert at LT and mentor Luke into the position while he plays RT his rookie season, after Eric Winston was lost in free agency.
Second Option: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida – With losing Dorsey in Free Agency to inter-conference rival Denver, Andy Reid may be take the fast rising Sharriff to add the a powerful front seven.
Team Needs: RT, OLB, CB
2) Jaguars – Pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Analysis: It is no secret that Blane Gabbert is not seen, nor performs, as a starting quarterback in the NFL. It was a gutsy move to draft Gabbert in the Top 10, and unfortunately the team whiffed. Time to reset and look to a new option at quarterback. The current rave in the NFL is for mobile quarterbacks, and Geno Smith fits the bill. Early in the offseason his draft stock fell, but after a strong West Virginia Pro Day, Geno Smith is now seen again as a Top 10 draft pick for a team needing a quarterback. Key here is a team needing a quarterback, so I see Jaguars, Bills, and Cardinals as being main players in Geno Smith in April.
Second Option: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – Losing Parrish Cox in Free Agency to the San Diego Chargers takes their best secondary player out of their roster. Filling this hole with the top corner in the draft would not be a bad first move of the new head office in Jacksonville.
Team Needs: QB, CB, OLB, RT
3) Raiders – Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Analysis: Plain and simple, they need help on the defensive line… before free agency, after free agency, and lucky for the Raiders their need lines up nicely with the players that are available still at the top of the 2013 NFL draft. Floyd was a beast in the SEC last year for Florida, and would fit in nicely in a Raiders uniform.
Second Option: Star Loutulelei, DT, Utah – I think the pick is between the two top DTs, so this pick will be whoever the Raiders fall in love with. I think Floyd is the more sure fire bet, but some are amazed with what Star was able to do last year.
Team Needs: DL, LB, QB
4) Eagles – Pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Analysis: Although most have Eagles drafting OL, I think that Jason Peters will play LT for another year, and draft an OL for RT might be too high at #4, when they still have Dee Milliner on the board. Trading down would be an option here for teams trying to get Eric Fisher, but taking the best cover corner in the draft is not a bad idea on the opposite side of Chip Kelly’s high speed offense. Locking down the opposing deep threat will keep opponents from coming back against the Eagles in 2013.
Second Option: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – The Eagles could really use an upgrade at RT, as I think Jason Peters will get another year to show he can lock down the left side of the offensive line. Some have Eric Fisher better than Luke Joekel, so getting Fisher here at #4 wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Team Needs: CB, S, OT, QB
5) Lions – Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Cental Michigan
Analysis: The Lions lost both of their 2012 starting tackles this offseason, and they would be wise to address this need very early, especially with a player like Eric Fisher on the board still, and who I actually like more than Joekel.
Second Option: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon – Lions also lost two DE’s this offseason and some are touting Dion Jordon as the best player in this years draft. If he is still available at #5, the Lions will look closely at him as well as Eric Fisher. In the end though, keeping Stafford upright is way more important, and why I think the Lions go tackle for this pick.
Team Needs: OT, DE, WR
6) Browns – Pick: Chance Warmack, OL, Alabama
Analysis: This is Trent Richardson’s team right now, and both of the Brown’s current Guards are liabilities. Some seen Warmack as the best player in the draft, and could go as high as #1! This is probably going to be the least “sexy” pick of the top 10, but could end up yielding the most rewards in 2013… 2000+ yards rushing for Trent Richardson?!
Second Option: Dion Jordon, OLB, Oregon – This is the pick that everyone assumes the Browns will make as they continue to evolve into a 3-4 defense.
Team Needs: QB, CB, OL, OLB
7) Cardinals – Pick: Dion Jordon, OLB, Oregon
Analysis: Man did I want to pick a offensive tackle or guard here, especially with 3 or 4 available… but in the end, the Cardinals make a splash with this pick and finally snag Dion Jordon off the boards. This kid is freakish and some compare to Jason Pierre Paul off the Giants squad.
Second Option: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma – The line needs help, and although they can start with who they have, whoever they have at quarterback needs some more help. Lane is extremely smart and could literally line up at multiple positions across the offensive line, making him a very smart choice here.
Team Needs: OT, QB, RB, OLB
8) Bills – Pick: Ezekiah Ansah, OLB, BYU
Analysis: The Bills have slowly transitioned to a 3-4 defense, and with so much money put into the front 7 they really need to start producing. Getting to Tom Brady twice a year is a major priority, and the Bills take a big risk with huge upside on Ansah. The kid has freakish pass rushing ability and would look really good opposite of Mario Williams.
Second Option: Matt Barkley, QB, USC – Here is the first time Matt Barkley’s name will come up in the 2013 draft first round, and could be the only time… but with that being said I still think that Matt Barkley is a first round talent. He really hurt his stock coming back to USC for his Senior year, but his numbers weren’t so bad he should drop out of the first round, and since there is such a high priority on quarterbacks I could see the Bills snagging him up before he is gone in the second round.
Team Needs: OLB, QB, WR
9) Jets – Pick: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
Analysis: Ive had this penciled in for over 2 months now, and I don’t see it changing. Mingo is a perfect player for Rex Ryan to utilize while he calls plays next year, and if he is still available Rex will definitely scream to get him drafted. The defensive line is much improved and has some great youth, and getting a top rushing linebacker in the draft will greatly help this defensive unit as a whole.
Second Option: Trade down!!! Jets need help, and they really should try hard to trade down and get some more draft picks to continue to build this unit. With a few of the best OL in the draft still available, past the top 3, count on a few teams calling to see what it would cost to move up and get one of them.
Team Needs: QB, OLB, WR/TE/RB
10) Titans – Pick: Star Leautleli, DT, Utah
Analysis: Not sure how he fell this far, but I think some teams will be nervous about the heart condition, whether he past the primary physicals or not. With that being said he is a very big man, that can take up a lot of space, and could one day look something like Ngata in Baltimore. Titans need help in the middle of their defensive line, and if Star is still available at 10, they pass on the OL draftees and pick the big man from Utah.
Second Option: Jonathan Cooper, OL, UNC – The Titans desperately need help on the interior of their line, and with some of the top offensive line talent about to come off the board they might be thinking of snagging one before that happens. This pick would greatly help Chris Johnson is his attempts at breaking the single season rushing title.
Team Needs: OL, DL, S
11) Chargers – Pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Analysis: It’s a good day to be a Chargers fan and Phillip Rivers! He finally gets a stud protecting him on the offensive line. Everyone knew they needed to draft help on the line, especially when losing the best player on the 2012 team to free agency. Luckily Lane Johnson fell to the Chargers, who can line him up at either left or right tackle. I still think they should draft a guard in either the second or third round of this year’s draft as well.
Second Option: Jonathan Cooper, OL, UNC – Big man on campus in UNC, will fit right in with Phillip Rivers, who also is from North Carolina. Losing Vasquez in free agency to in conference rivals Denver hurt, really bad, but getting a player like Cooper can make everyone forget about him. Cooper can road grade people, and easily get into the second level, where Mathews should enjoy some additional running yardage.
Team Needs: OT, OL, CB,
12) Dolphins – Xavier Rhodes, CB, FSU
Analysis: Losing Sean Smith in free agency could hurt the Dolphins more than anything in the coming year, so it would be wise for the head office to address this need early in the draft. Xavier Rhodes is an amazing press cover corner, and would be a fan favorite by staying in Florida after college. Picking him this high is a little bit of a stretch, but unless the Dolphins can trade back they would be smart to address their greatest need, especially playing in the same conference as Tom Brady!
Second Option: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – Not the fan favorite pick, but aside from the off the field issues, Jarvis is an amazing rush the quarterback talent, with top 5 ability. Lining him up opposite of Cameron Wake would not let Tom Brady sleep well twice a year.
Team Needs: OL, CB, OLB
13) Buccaneers – Desmont Trufant, CB, Washington
Analysis: When all is said and done, I think Darell Revis will in fact be counted towards this draft pick. The Bucs desperately need a top notch corner, and why draft one when you could trade the pick for a proven commodity like Revis-Island? Sure he is coming off an injury plagued year, but I still think he is one of the top 3 starting corners in the NFL, and getting him with the #13 pick would be a steal in any GM’s book. With all that being said, if the trade doesn’t materialize, and with Xavier Rhodes just coming off the board, the Bucs look at the next corner on the board in Desmond Trufant, brother of Seattle’s starting corner.
Second Option: Johnathan Banks, CB, Miss St – If the trade for Revis doesn’t go through, then this pick will come down to either Trufant or Banks and whoever the Bucs feel can come in from day 1 the best.
Team Needs: CB, LB, WR
14) Panthers – Bjorn Werner, DE, FSU
Analysis: The Panthers were horrible rushing the passer last year! Everyone around the league is looking for the next J.J. Watts, and I think Werner will stop his draft day plummet here in Carolina. Bjorn was born in Germany and has the nonstop motor that will make Panther top officials not blink twice snagging him. The Panthers do well fulfilling their greatest need by taking a top 10 player here at number 14.
Second Option: Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Syracuse – The Panthers are going to need to keep to surround Cam Newton with offensive threats and Steve Smith isn’t getting any younger. Taking the best WR of the draft would make a splash for sure.
Team Needs: DL, OL, WR
15) Saints – Jarvis Jones
Analysis: Common theme for the Saints is that they need to get an impact defensive player in the 2013 draft. Lucky for them, Jarvis Jones has fallen right into the Saint’s laps. The Saints are switching to a 3-4 defense after having one of the worst defenses in the NFL history in 2012. Jarvis Jones will bring a presence off the edge rushing the passer, and is a perfect OLB for the new 3-4 scheme.
Second Option: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Syracuse – The WR corp of the Saints is not that great and Drew Brees makes them look much better than they really are. DeAndre is an amazingly versatile WR, after playing QB, and could be the answer the Saints are looking for across the middle of the field, or even as a red zone threat. I see a lot of Anquan Boldin in him.
Team Needs: LB, DL, Secondary
16) Rams – Jonathan Cooper
Analysis: The Rams are very happy that Jonathan Cooper is still on the board, as I, and many, have him rated as a top 10 talent. Lucky for the Rams that guard isn’t normally drafted very high, so Cooper is still available at 16. The Rams definitely need help along the interior of the offensive line and Cooper will instantly help from day 1.
Second Option: Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Syracuse – The WR from Syracuse gets another look here by the Rams, as the franchise has determined that they need more offensive talents for Bradford. Signing Cook was a great offseason pickup, but getting the best WR in the draft could be enticing. In the end, the Rams have a pick a little later in the first round that they can still get one of the top WR, so they upgrade the OL, which will pay bigger dividends.
Team Needs: OL, WR, S
17) Steelers – Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Analysis: Losing Mike Williams was a blow that the Steelers fans and teammates had a hard time swallowing. The Steelers also have a few big needs here also, so picking a WR is not always the wisest choice, but the Rooney family takes the WR Patterson, and hopes to give Big Ben a big time red zone threat for years to come.
Second Option: Kenny Vaccarro, S, Texas – If Kenny Vaccarro is still available here at the 17th pick, the Steelers will take a long hard look. Troy Palomalu isn’t getting any younger and has a hard time staying healthy for an entire season. Drafting another hard hitting safety as his heir apparent would be a smart idea for a franchise that is known for hard nose defensive play.
Team Needs: OLB, WR, S, DL
18) Cowboys – Kenny Vaccarro, S, Texas
Analysis: The Cowboys need immediate help at the Safety position, and I think this is where the University of Texas, hard-hitting safety comes off the draft board. Church is coming off an ACL injury, and Sensabaugh was released in the offseason; the Cowboys need a Safety in the worst way.
Second Option: DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama – Fluker may be a true RT, and with the Free experiment gone wrong in Dallas, Jerry Jones may very well take the massive Fluker to wall off the right side of the offensive line. I actually like this pick best, due to being able to get rid of Free’s contract, which is abnormally large since he was signed as a LT but playing the cheaper RT position.
Team Needs: S, OL, LB
19) Giants – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Analysis: GM Jerry Reese loves taking DE’s in the draft, and this year will be no different with Moore still on the board. Tuck had a down year in 2012, and Osi is flirting with other teams in free agency and may not be back. Moore is a little raw, but had a great 2012 season, and did Reese balk on someone being “raw” when he reached on Jason Pierre Paul?
Second Option: DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama – Diehl was a nightmare at RT last year and shouldn’t be allowed to play there again. Fluker would solidify an offensive line unit that needs to protect Eli in the worst way.
Team Needs: OT, DE, LB
20) Bears – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Analysis: This pick might shock a lot of people, but I think Tavon Austin will get a solid look here by the Bears. They really have tried to surround Jay Cutler with weapons by bringing in Marshall, and Jeffrey now shaping into a nice #2. Wes Welker has shown how impressive a small, quick WR can be out of the slot in a West Coast offense that Jay Cutler thrives in, so why not take Austin who is sometimes compared to Wes Welker quickness.
Second Option: Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU – The end has come for Urlacher in Chicago, and the franchise will need a leader at this position. If Kevin Minter is still available the team will definitely need to look into this being the pick.
Team Needs: OL, LB, WR
21) Bengals – DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Andre Smith is creating an interesting situation in Cincinnati; for the first time the team has no huge holes, so they can draft for a few positions. Smith could be back, but taking Fluker would give the franchise another premier tackle to build the team around for the next decade.
Second Option: Matt Elam, S, Florida – The team needs to get better at the Safety position, and should move Clements back to being a corner where he belongs. Matt Elam is a smart player that could excel in this defense.
Team Needs: RT, LB, S, RB
22) Rams (from Redskins) – Keenan Allen
Analysis: Could the Rams be more lucky? First they take care of a huge need by getting Jonathan Cooper, and now Keenan Allen is still available for the team! Bradford needs a prime time threat on the outside to stretch the defense and go up high for grab balls; Keenan Allen will be his new best friend. Adding Keenan Allen, and Jared Cook, will pay off huge for the offense in 2013.
Second Option: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Syracuse – Which WR will be favored more by the team, Hopkins or Allen? Whoever it is will be picked at this draft spot.
Team Needs: OL, WR, S
23) Vikings – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Syracuse
Analysis: The Vikings has a ton of needs in this offseason and they already signed Greg Jennings in free agency but I think they continue to give Ponder offensive weapons. This could be a little high and they might look to this pick at #25, but I think the front office will be scared of the Colts grabbing him at #24 now that the WR’s are starting to come off the board.
Second Option: Johnathan Banks, CB, Miss St – Winfield was released and the team was looking at Claiborne last year in the first round; getting Banks here would be a smart move. I could also see Johnathan Hankins getting a look here.
Team Needs: CB, WR, DL, OL
24) Colts – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Analysis: Richardson is an explosive player and although the team signed Aubrayo Franklin in free agency, they get a young player to build the DL around. Richardson is good against the run and pass, which will help immensely in this conference.
Second Option: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama – Lacy is seen as one of the true 3 down backs of the 2013 draft. The Colts, and specifically Andrew Luck, would benefit a ton from the hard-nosed Lacy running between the tackles all day long.
Team Needs: OLB, DL, OL, WR, RB
25) Vikings (from Seahawks) – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio St.
Analysis: Perfect player, at the perfect time. Kevin Williams needs another strong presence playing next to him, and Hankins would definitely fit the mold. He excelled in the Big Ten conference and would help the mediocre LB corp.
Second Option: Johnathan Banks, CB, Miss St – Again, getting Banks here would be a smart move.
Team Needs: CB, WR, DL, OL
26. Packers – Tyler Eirfert, TE, Notre Dame
Analysis: Finley has said that there is a 50/50 chance he will be playing for the Packers in 2013, so the front office has quietly taken notice and will be picking another TE early in the draft. They will look hard at taking Tyler Eirfert early, before he gets drafted by someone else. Eirfert excelled at the combine and will definitely be the first TE off the board come April.
Second Option: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama – The Packers have been looking for an every down back for some years now, and taking Lacy would definitely fill that void. I really like Lacy at the end of the first round, and with the Packers I see there being a great fit.
Team Needs: WR, RB, OL, OLB
27) Texans – Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
Analysis: The Texans desperately need to get some help at ILB next to Cushing. Minter is a steal at the #27 pick and the Texans would be stupid not to snag the falling LSU star. He is a perfect fit for an ILB in a 3-4 defense and Wade Philips will have a great time rushing him through the A gaps.
Second Option: Robert Woods, WR, USC – Getting a #2 WR has been a top priority for some time now, as they need to stop letting Andre Johnson getting double teamed every week. Anyone thinking that he is getting older too as well? Not only could this be a complement to Johnson, but also his heir apparent in a few years; not a bad franchise move.
Team Needs: WR, OL, LB
28) Broncos – DaTone Jones, DE, UCLA
Analysis: There is no doubt that the Broncos will be looking to draft a DE in this years draft due to the “fax issues” of resigning Dumervil. Even if Dumervil is resigned I think Elway becomes enamored by this PAC12 prospect. Few people have heard of DaTone Jones, but after watching tape, I see why he is flying fast up draft boards, and will be a beast rushing the passer as a 3 technique DE.
Second Option: Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Broncos are looking to upgrade the middle of their defense this draft, and Matt Elam would be a smart pick here. Brass has given their blessing to Rahim Moore, but don’t be fooled that they wont look to upgrade the position.
Team Needs: DE, S, LB
29. Patriots – Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Analysis: Belichek really likes versatility in his defensive front 7, and I think he leans towards drafting Alex Okafor here. Okafor was a stud at Texas and also the combine, and would be a huge upgrade at DE for the Patriots. He can also line up as a DE in traditional 4 or 3 man fronts.
Second Option: Matt Elam, S, Florida – McCourty really is a corner and should be moving back to that position in 2013. The team signed Adrian Wilson, but getting a young Matt Elam could help the defense for a long time to come.
Team Needs: DL, WR, CB
30) Falcons – Johnathan Banks, CB, Miss St.
Analysis: Dunta Robinson is gone in free agency, and although Grimes is a solid starter, he is coming off an ACL injury. Drafting Banks would help this huge hole on the Falcons roster.
Second Option: Tank Carradine, DE, FSU – The Falcons also have a huge need at DE, and Tank Carradine is seen as an impressive talent rushing the passer off the edge… problem, he is also coming off ACL surgery, and could be a risk considering the Falcons must get a starter out of this draft pick.
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB
31. 49ers – Matt Elam, S, Florida
Analysis: Gholdson was allowed to leave in free agency due to the Niners being cheap and not wanting to pay many of their key players to stay around. Getting Matt Elam will sooze a lot of angry fans in the bay, and could eventually be an upgrade over Gholdson who left at an expensive price tag.
Second Option: Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama – This defense hasn’t had a true NT in a long time, and this could be the year that they find it. Williams is a huge body and can easily lock up multiple blockers on the line of scrimmage. I still think the team has bigger needs and looks elsewhere early on.
Team Needs: Secondary, OLB, DL
32) Ravens – Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Analysis: Ray Lewis is gone and the team needs to find an heir apparent. They find one luckily at the end of the first round in Alec Ogletree. Some would think that the Ravens would be scared of the off the field issues… but, the loved Ray Lewis was once charged for manslaughter, so I think maybe they found the perfect pick indeed. Never the less, Alec is a hard-hitting middle linebacker and would thrive in this defense behind Ngata.
Second Option: Robert Woods, WR, USC – This WR has unreal talent but wasn’t showcased enough last year on national TV due to USC being such a failure. With that being said, the team gets Woods to quiet the loss of Boldin leaving town.
Team Needs: LB, S, WR
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