Week 15 Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - Jarvis Jones (LB/Georgia)

I have seen some people place Manti Te'o at the top spot recently, but it is hard to imagine a non-rush linebacker taking the top spot in a draft.  They seldom make it into the top 10.  Regardless, Jacksonville's biggest need this offseason is fixing a pass rush unit that has amassed a measly 14 sacks so far this season.  Jason Babin played well last week, acquiring his first sack as a Jaguar as well as a forced fumble, but in a division that features Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck, more is needed.

Jones has 13 sacks this season, just one less than the entire Jaguars team.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

There is no possible way the Chiefs can bring back Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn, they both have just stunk up the joint in Kansas City.  The Chiefs will look to bring in a new quarterback this offseason, but they need to do so in the NFL draft, something the team has avoided.  The last quarterback drafted in the first round by the Chiefs was Todd Blackledge (and to think, they passed up on Dan Marino and Jim Kelly for him).

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

The Raiders seem ready to cut their losses with Rolando McClain, and I can't blame them.  He has been in trouble off the field and ineffective on it.  Regardless, Oakland's overall defense is a disgrace, they can't defend against the run, they have no pass rush and they're 29th in the league in passing yards allowed.  Te'o could emerge as a defensive leader for Oakland as they begin to overhaul their roster (again).

4. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

There is no point in the Cardinals drafting a quarterback if they can't even protect him.  The Cardinals have surrendered 51 sacks this season, easily the most in the league.  This also marks the third consecutive season that Arizona has allowed 50 sacks or more.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

Andy Reid is a lame duck.  Michael Vick has already been benched and there is no guarantee that Nick Foles will be the starter in Philadelphia next season, think Jimmy Clausen last year with Carolina.  New regimes mean new quarterbacks.

6. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)

Tennessee simply can't get to the quarterback and as a consequence, their cornerbacks are getting exposed.  Derrick Morgan is a bust and Kamerion Wimbley only has five sacks on the season.

7. New York Jets (6-10) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

The Jets struggle to get to the quarterback unless they blitz, which they need to address in the offseason.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Tampa's run defense is there, but their secondary is abysmal.  Mark Barron was a step in the right direction last year, so why not bring in his former college teammate as well.

9. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

The Saints are awful everywhere on defense, but especially in the front seven.  Sedrick Ellis has been awful and he will be a free agent this offseason.

10. Detroit Lions (7-9) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Detroit needs help in their secondary, especially if they expect to compete with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

11. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

If Bryce Brown's performance didn't tell you that Carolina needs help in the interior defensive line, I don't know what will.  Carolina their biggest problem area on the team.

12. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well anough that he will most likely remain in Buffalo for another season.  What the Bills do need to do, however, is give him another weapon across from Stevie Johnson.

13. Cleveland Browns (7-9) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

Cleveland spent last year's draft addressing their offense, but now they need to focus on improving their defense.  They have 34 sacks this season, but with the new CBA taking the best player available is an easier option.

14. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

San Diego's offensive line has been terrible all year both with penalties and protecting Phillip Rivers.  An upgrade is needed.

15. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Sheldon Richardson (DT/Missouri)

Kevin Williams is a 32-year-old free agent this offseason.  Even if he is retained, the Vikings need to bring in someone else to be groomed to replace him in the future,

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Danny Amendola can't stay healthy, which means he can't be Sam Bradford can't rely on him as his top option at wide receiver.

17. Miami Dolphins (8-8) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Miami is the second-highest blitzing team in the NFL and while it has worked now, teams will eventually figure it out.  Montgomery can provide a quality pass rush across from Cameron Wake.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Ike Taylor's salary could force the Steelers to cut him in the offseason.  Their defense got old fast this season so it would be no surprise if they made some moves.

19. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)

The interior offensive line has been an Achilles heel for Dallas this season.  Bringing in a guy like Warmack is an immediate upgrade and will help the run game for the Cowboys.

20. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

This all depends on whether or not Matthews declares, but if he does, don't be surprised if Fisher, who not only coached his father, but was his college teammate as well, takes him.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Rey Mauluga has been a weak spot in Cincinnati this season.   He is in his contract year, so Cincinnati may let him walk.

22. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Johnathan Cooper (G/North Carolina)

Chicago's offensive line is a mess and nearly every player is playing out of position.  Adding a guard like Cooper can add some stability.

23. Indianapolis Colts (10-6) - Eric Fisher (OT/Central Michigan)

Anthony Costonzo has done well so far in the NFL, but the rest of the Colts offensive line stinks and needs to be upgraded.

24. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) - Tavon Austin (WR/West Virginia)

Seattle recently waived the ineffective Braylon Edwards.  Sidney Rice has been a disappointment, but Golden Tate has stepped it up in Seattle.  With Austin, however, the Seahawks get a mulch-dimensional player who can run as well as catch.

25. Denver Broncos (10-6) - Johnathan Jenkins (DT/Georgia)

 Denver needs to improve the middle of their defense.  Drafting Jenkins will allow Derek Wolfe to kick to the outside.

26. New York Giants (10-6) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)

There is a good chance Osi Umenyiora will go elsewhere this season in free agency.  Justin Tuck has taken a step back and the Giants, who are predicated by their pass rush, will look to upgrade the position in the offseason.

27. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Jermichael Finley has been a massive disappointment this season and it is doubtful that Green Bay will bring him back.

28. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - CJ Mosley (LB/Alabama)

Ray Lewis may be returning next week, but how much longer can he play in the NFL?

29. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Todd McClure may retire in the offseason.  The Falcons has Peter Konz waiting in the wings to replace him, but moving him to center leaves a void at right guard.  Luckily, Jones can play almost anywhere on the offensive line.

30. Houston Texans (14-2) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

After Monday night's debacle against the Patriots, is there any question that the Texans need to improve their secondary?

31. San Francisco 49ers (10-5-1) - Dion Jordan (DE/Oregon)

Aldon Smith and Justin Smith are already one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL, but it wouldn't surprise me if the added a third person, much like the Giants had last season.

32. New England Patriots (11-5) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Deion Branch is in the twilight of his career and the Patriots need to bring better talent to the team at receiver.

Week 14 NFL Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - Jarvis Jones (LB/Georgia)

Jacksonville seems well aware of their pass rushing issue.  Last week, they claimed Jason Babin off waivers, but they will need to add more in a division that features Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck.

Jones is the best player available in this draft and if he is available for Jacksonville, they simply cannot avoid him.  The team has at the very least a stop-gap solution in Chad Henne at quarterback, so they can focus on addressing other needs.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

Kansas City will look for a new signal caller this offseason whether is be through the draft or in free agency.  Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel are not reliable and the team will be stuck in rebuilding mode this offseason.

Smith has emerged as the top dog at quarterback in this draft.  Last week against Kansas, Smith completed 23 of 24 passes for three touchdowns.  His only incompletion, however, was an interception.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-11) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

Andy Reid most likely will not be retained this offseason and if he is gone, Michael Vick will be too.  Nick Foles has not fared very well in his limited time as a starter and the new head coach for the Eagles will most likely look for "his guy."

Barkley slipped a little bit after being considered the top quarterback in this class at the beginning of the season, but he could improve his stock at the combine.

4. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

Arizona is in desperate need for both a quarterback and offensive tackle, but if neither Smith or Barkley are available, the team will need to go for Joeckel.  The Aggies offensive tackle has anchored the offensive line since  his freshman season.

5. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

Oakland's defense is a mess and the Raiders are seemingly ready to move on from Rolando McClain, evidenced by the team reportedly releasing him before they ultimately suspended him for two games.  The Raiders may try to trade him away in the offseason, especially if they are able to obtain Te'o.

6. Carolina Panthers (5-11) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

The Panthers have a lot of trouble on the interior of their offensive line, as Jamaal Charles and Bryce Brown have shown in the past two weeks.  Carolina surrenders nearly 130 yards per game.

7. New York Jets (6-10) - Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)

New York's pass rush is pretty much non-existent unless they are blitzing, which can't always be relied upon.  Moore is the top pass rusher available in the draft and would give the Jets an immediate upgrade on defense.

8. Cleveland Browns (6-10) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

For Cleveland, taking the best player available is a necessity.  In this case, Mingo can provide an excellent option in Cleveland, where the Browns need all the pass rush help they can receive in the AFC North.

9. Tennessee Titans (7-9) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

The Titans pass defense is a mess.  Their corners are covering poorly and the pass rush isn't there.  Either position needs to be addressed in the offseason.  In this situation, Milliner is the best option available in Tennessee.

10. Detroit Lions (7-9) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

As evidenced during Andrew Luck's comeback win, the Lions desperately need help in their secondary.  Amerson is a ballhawk at cornerback and teams have avoided his side of the field all season.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well enough to keep his job, but the team needs more option at wide receiver besides Stevie Johnson.

12. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

Hankins is the best player available and fits a need for the Vikings, especially if Kevin Williams leaves via free agency.

13. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

San Diego has poorly protected Phillip Rivers this season.  If the Chargers expect to contend, they will need to fix this issue.

14. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Sam Bradford needs someone to throw to in order to be a successful NFL quarterback.  Danny Amendola is too injury prone and should not be a team's top option.


15. Miami Dolphins (8-8) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Miami is the second-highest blitzing team in the NFL.  Blitzing that frequently may work in the first season, but teams figure it out in later seasons (as the Jets).  Adding another guy across from Cameron Wake who can get to the quarterback could be beneficial.


16. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Sedrick Ellis has been horrible this season and will be a free agent.  It is doubtful that he will return to the team, especially with a draft that has a lot of talent on the defensive line.


17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

Tampa Bay needs help in their secondary, especially now that Aqib Talib has been shipped away and Eric Wright has been suspended for Adderall usage.


18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)

Dallas desperately needs to upgrade their interior offensive line, which has blocked poorly all season, especially in the running game.  Tony Romo needs a healthy running game to be successful.


19. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Pittsburgh's defense got old very quickly and the Steelers need to bring in young talent to replace some of the aging players.  Ike Taylor will be 33 next season with a $6 million salary.


20.St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

The Rams will spend the offseason looking for an upgrade at offensive tackle, particularly Jake Long, if they whiff on him, however, they can locate someone else in the draft.  Fisher coached Matthews' father, Hall of Famer Bruce, while at Tennessee.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

A value pick for the Bengals, who lead the league in sacks.  The draft is all about taking the best player available and at this juncture, it's Werner.

22. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Jonathan Cooper (G/North Carolina)

The Bears offensive line is a mess.  It is no wonder that Jay Cutler was seen screaming his his linemen earlier this season.  Nearly everyone is playing an unnatural position.  Cooper can help stabilize the offensive line.

23. Indianapolis Colts (9-7) - Sheldon Richardson (DT/Missouri)

Indianapolis has played well this season, but struggle against the run, where they surrender 4.8 yards per carry.

24. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Golden Tate has played well lately, but Sidney Rice and Braylon Edwards could be upgraded.

25. Denver Broncos (9-7) - Jonathan Jenkins (DT/Georgia)

Adding a big defensive tackle is a need in Denver this offseason.  Adding a big body like Jenkins can allow Derek Wolfe to play on the outside.

26. New York Giants (10-6) - Dion Jordan (DE/Oregon)

New York's defensive line, aside from Jason Pierre-Paul, has not played up to their reputation this season.  With Osi Umenyiora a free agentm expect the Giants to improve their line in the draft.

27. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Jermichael Finley has been a disappointment this season and Green Bay most likely will let him walk away in free agency.  Eifert can help Packer fans forget him.

28. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Baltimore may see Ray Lewis on the field again this season, but they need to prepare soon for the day where he is not lining up at middle linebacker regularly.

29. New England Patriots (10-6) - Tavon Austin (WR/West Virginia)

Bill Belichick loves versatile guys, so why not add Austin, who is a do-it-all player, much like Percy Harvin in Minnesota.

30. Atlanta Falcons (14-2) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Todd McClure is likely to retire this offseason and when that happens, the Falcons will look to move Peter Konz to center.  Jones, however, is versatile enough to play nearly anywhere on the offensive line, including right guard, where Konz currently plays.

31. San Francisco 49ers (10-5-1) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

San Francisco may be in the market for a safety this offseason.  Dashon Goldson is a free agent and Donte Whitner has not played well.

32. Houston Texans (15-1) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Andre Johnson isn't getting any younger and Houston will need to find another option at receiver to take the pressure off of him.