Week 9 Mock Draft

1.      Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13) – Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

Since Blaine Gabbert was drafted last season, the Jaguars have a new owner, head coach and possibly after this season, a new general manager.  The Jaguars have provided him with offensive weapons (Justin Blackmon, Laurent Robinson, Maurice Jones-Drew) and he still is unable to produce.  If the Jaguars have the first overall pick in this draft, they will be looking for a signal caller.

Barkley is back on top after a few subpar performances from Geno Smith, but he is not doing much to maintain first overall status.  The two could be in a dogfight for this spot up until draft day.

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

Matt Cassel lost his starting job to Brady Quinn, now Cassel may get his job back if Quinn does miss time with a concussion.  Either way, the quarterback situation in Kansas City is a mess and both quarterbacks have shown that they cannot even be a game manager, much less a franchise quarterback.

Smith set the NCAA world on fire with his performance on the first half of the season, but his last two games he has looked normal, including throwing his first two picks of the season.  Regardless, he has still thrown 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions.

3.      Cleveland Browns (4-12) – Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

No matter where Cleveland is picking in the top three, they are still getting their guy.  Jones has been an absolute animal this season.  Last week against Florida, Jones tallied 13 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles while playing on a bad ankle.  Jones will provide Cleveland with the defensive leader they need in a division known for stout defenses.

4.      Arizona Cardinals (6-10) – Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

Welcome back to reality, Arizona! With an abomination of an offensive line, it is no surprise that the Cardinals are picking so low.  A new left tackle is a priority for the Cardinals.

5.      Minnesota Vikings (6-10) – Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

After playing tough throughout the first month of the season, Minnesota’s defense has looked subpar in the last three weeks.

Kevin Williams will be a 32-year-old free agent this spring and while there is a good chance the Vikings will retain him, adding a young replacement would be helpful as well.  Hankins has looked unblockable at times this year and could wreak havoc for the Vikings.

6.      Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) – DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Philadelphia has a penchant for taking the best player available and in this situation; it fills a potential need as well.  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is an impending free agent who will be seeking a big paycheck.  Nnamdi Asomugha, last year’s blockbuster free agent signing, could become a cap casualty due to his age (32) and his salary ($15 million.)

7.      Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) – Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

One of the big reasons why Cincinnati has struggled this season is due to their offensive line, which can’t seem to protect Andy Dalton.  Taylor Lewan is a reach at this spot, but Cincinnati could easily trade down as well.

8.      Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) – David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Tampa Bay’s secondary is absolutely horrendous.  Ronde Barber needs to retire, Aqib Talib is again in trouble with the league and Eric Wright can’t seem to cover anyone.  There is no way Greg Schiano can continue to let this sideshow on his team.

9.      Buffalo Bills (7-9) – Tyler Wilson (QB/Arkansas)

With Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bills are nothing but an inconsistent, mediocre team.  The team has not played anywhere near to the high-level performance they showed in the first six weeks of last season.  If Buffalo fails to achieve a winning record, both Fitzpatrick an Chan Gailey could be out of a job.

10.  Pittsburgh Steelers (7-9) – Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

Pittsburgh’s defense got old fast.  James Harrison and Troy Polamalu can’t stay healthy and the defense has struggled without them.  Adding in youth to the system will be a necessity.

11.  Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

The Colts need to add youth to their defensive line.  Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are getting older and can no longer play every down.  Bringing in someone new can help rejuvenate the defensive front.

12.  St. Louis Rams (7-9) – Robert Woods (WR/USC)

The Rams have two major needs that have to be addressed in the offseason: wide receiver and offensive tackle.  Luckily, they have two first-round draft picks to use. (This one is Washington’s.)

13.  Oakland Raiders (7-9) – Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Richard Seymour is getting older and Tommy Kelly has not been consistent this season.  Lotulelei is a monster at defensive tackle and can add a spark to the Raiders front seven.

14.  Dallas Cowboys (7-9) – Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)

Dallas’ pass rush tends to disappear at times.  DeMarcus Ware is an animal, but Marcus Spears could be replaced and is in a contract year.

15.  St. Louis Rams (7-9) – DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

St. Louis needs to protect Sam Bradford, something he has not had much of since coming to the NFL.  Jeff Fisher saw firsthand just how bad a quarterback can become if he does not have a strong offensive line protecting him.  Just look at what happened to David Carr.

16.  Carolina Panthers (8-8) – Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Carolina is struggling mightily this season, especially in the defensive front.  Andre Brown, who was unknown before the Giants played Carolina, looked like an All-Pro against the Panthers.

17.  New Orleans Saints (8-8) – Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

New Orleans’ defensive has not fared well this season.  Will Smith is in the twilight of his career and New Orleans needs to bring in another pass rusher.

18.  New York Jets (8-8) – Eric Reid (S/LSU)

You know it’s bad when Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry are the starting safeties on your team.  The Jets need to upgrade their secondary, especially now that there is uncertainty with Darrelle Revis coming off of an ACL tear.

19.  Detroit Lions (8-8) – Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

Detroit has had an issue with their secondary since last season and it has continued to affect them in 2012.  Adding more to the secondary will be beneficial for next year.

20.  Miami Dolphins (8-8) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

Ryan Tannehill’s performance is a huge reason why Miami is one of two teams to be over .500 with a rookie quarterback (Colts.)  Tannehill needs help though, especially at wide receiver, where Brian Hartline is the team’s top target.

21.  Denver Broncos (8-8) – Manti Te’o (LB/Notre Dame)

Denver needs help at both defensive tackle and inside linebacker.  Te’o is having a huge campaign and with middle linebackers going earlier in drafts, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go in the top 10.

22.  Seattle Seahawks (9-7) – Keenan Allen (WR/California)

If Seattle wants Russell Wilson to be successful, they need to provide him with more than just Golden Tate as an option at wide receiver.  Allen can also return punts.

23.  Tennessee Titans (9-7) – Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Tennessee’s interior offensive line is a mess, but they have played better as of late.  Regardless, if the versatile Jones is available, picking him is a no-brainer.

24.  Chicago Bears (11-5) – Ale Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Sad to admit, but Brian Urlacher is almost at the end of his career.  Chicago needs to bring in a new middle linebacker to be mentored by Urlacher before he hangs it up.

25.  Green Bay Packers (10-6) – Le’Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

I still say Cedric Benson’s Linsfranc injury is a blessing in disguise.  He sucks and is incredibly overrated.  Green Bay needs to add a running back to keep defenses honest instead of just worrying about stopping Aaron Rodgers.

26.  San Diego Chargers (9-7) – Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Both Quintin Jammer and Antoine Carson will be free agents this offseason and it is hard to imagine both returning.  Offensive tackle is a possibility as well.

27.  Baltimore Ravens (10-6) – CJ Mosley (LB/Alabama)

With Ray Lewis out for the season with a triceps injury, it is now more prevalent that the team needs to prepare for the day when he no longer suits up.  Much like Chicago, Baltimore would benefit from brining in a young talent to learn before taking over the role.

28.  New York Giants (12-4) – TJ McDonald (S/USC)

The Giants lack a lot of depth in their secondary and it showed when injuries started taking their toll.  Both safety and cornerback are a need.

29.  New England Patriots (9-7) – Johnathan Jenkins (DT/Georgia)

Bill Belichick loves large nose tackles and with Vince Wilfork getting older, he will look for a younger model.

30.  Atlanta Falcons (12-4) – Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)

Peter Konz is playing right guard now, but he is expected to slide into center once Todd McClure leaves.  This will leave a void at guard which needs to be filled.

31.  San Francisco 49ers (11-5) Corey Lemonier (DE/Auburn)

San Francisco is thin at the pass rush behind Aldon and Justin Smith.  It never hurts to have a plethora of pass rushers in the NFL, just ask the Giants.

32.  Houston Texans (13-3) – Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

Right tackle is a need in Houston, why not draft someone who’s father had a Hall of Fame career at the same position in Houston?

Week 8 Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

Smith finally threw his first (and second) interception of the year last week and West Virginia was pounded for the second week in a row, but I am sticking with the West Virginia gunslinger until he puts up another bad performance.  There is a chance Jarvis Jones could go first overall, but with an entire new regime in Jacksonville along with how poorly Gabbert has been all season, a quarterback will be more likely if the Jaguars hold the top pick.


2. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

Cleveland spent last year addressing needs on offense.  This year, they have several needs on defense that they need to address.  It seems like the only thing slowing down Jones is himself.  Jones sprained his ankle and missed last week's game against Kentucky.


3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

With the Matt Cassel mercifully coming to an end, it is pretty much a guarantee that the Chiefs will look into bringing in a new signal caller this offseason.  Barkley had a bounce-back game against Colorado, completing 19 of 20 passes, six of which were touchdowns in just three quarters.

4. Indianapolis Colts (6-10) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are getting older and if the Colts want to maximize their production, they will need to bring in another player who can rotate in with them.


5. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

Oakland's run defense looked stout against Jacksonville, but they were without Maurice Jones-Drew. The Raiders defensive line is aging and Tommy Kelly has been ineffective this season.


6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Ike Taylor is committing too many penalties this season and he is owed a hefty pay-raise next season.  He coudl easily become a cap casualty.


7. Arizona Cardinals (6-10) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

Arizona surrendered another seven sacks this week and they are the only team in the league to allow more than 30 sacks this season (they have allowed 35.)


8. Minnesota Vikings (6-10) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Kevin Williams will be a 32-year-old free agent this offseason.  Even if he does return, it is time for Minnesota to begin grooming his replacement.


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Tampa Bay's secondary was again torched this week.  Ronde Barber is pretty much done and Aqib Talib is again suspended and Eric Wright has been awful, much like he was last year in Detroit.


10. Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

Michael Vick may cause a lot of turnovers, but it doesn't help that his offensive line offers very little in regards to protection.  Demtress Bell and King Dunlap have shared the let tackle spot and Jason Peters has had a set back in his recovery.


11. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

Cincinnati drafted Dre Kirkpatrick last April, but they need help at safety as well.  Taylor Mays was benched, but his replacement has not played much better.


12. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Tyler Wilson (QB/Arkansas)

If Buffalo ends up with a losing record this season, Ralph Wilson will most likely want to get rid of Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Tyler Wilson has played well since coming back from a concussion.


13. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Miami has nobody to rush the quarterback across form Cameron Wake.  This will need to be addressed in the offseason.

14. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Sam Bradford really has nobody the throw to now that Danny Amendola is out.  Giving him more options in the passing game will be necessary.


15. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)

The Saints are going to have several needs along the offensive line this offseason.  Jerome Bushrod is a free agent and Carl Nicks was never adequately replaces last summer.

16. Detroit Lions (8-8) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

Detroit's secondary leaves a lot to be desired.  If Detroit wants to contend, their offense will need to keep up with their defense.

17. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

St. Louis needs an offensive lineman just as badly as they need a receiver.  Bradford cannot be expected to be a premier quarterback if he is constantly being slammed to the turf.

18.   Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Dallas needs to bolster the interior offensive line in order to be more effective in the running game.  Jones is versatile enough to play anywhere on the offensive line.

19. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Denver added Derek Wolfe with their top pick (a second rounder) last April, but Wolfe would be more beneficial playing from the outside.  Short is a stout defender who can eat up space on the inside and help prevent Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil being double teamed. 

20. Carolina Panthers (9-7) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

If Carolina is not satisfied with  the offensive linemen available at this spot, they will either trade the pick or look for another need.  Justin Hunter is the best player available and Carolina has a glaring need at wide receiver with Brandon LaFell failing to live up to expectations and Steve Smith regressing.  Smith is the only receiver to be in the top 30 in receiving yards who has not scored a touchdown.

21. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Russell Wilson needs better targets to throw to in order to be successful in the NFC West.  Their defense is set, but their offense needs to grow.

22. New York Jets (9-7) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

New York's pass rush has struggled for years now when they were not blitzing.  The Jets only have 10 sacks this season.

23. Tennessee Titans (10-6) - Jackson Jeffcoat (DE/Texas)

Tennessee's pass rush has been horrible all year and it has led to their pass defense struggling.  The Titans will need to find someone who can get to the quarterback.

24. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

Brian Urlacher is at the end of his career.  Chicago will want to bring in another person who can anchor the defense soon once Urlacher retires.

25. San Diego Chargers (9-7) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Quintin Jammer and Antione Carson are both free agents and it is unlikely both will return.  Regardless, Jammmer will turn 34 next summer.

26. Green Bay Packers (10-6) - Marcus Lattimore (RB/South Carolina)

Green Bay lost Cedric Benson essentially for the season, but it is not like they will be missing his 3.5 yards per carry.  The Packers need more balance in their offense and adding a running back will help.

27. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Baltimore has a big question mark placed in the center of their defense where Ray Lewis normally roams.  If Lewis does return from his season-ending triceps injury, how effective will he be at 38-years-old? Either way, the Ravens need to start grooming his heir.

28. New York Giants (11-5) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

New York's offensive line is aging and will need to be upgraded during the offseason.  Matthews' father, Bruce, is a former Hall of Fame tackle for the Tennessee Titans.

29. New England Patriots (9-7) - TJ McDonald (S/USC)

Patrick Chung is slated for free agency and if he does not return, New England will seek a replacement.

30. Atlanta Falcons (12-4) - Le'Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

Michael Turner's tires are worn and he cannot be relied upon to be their every down back like he used to.  The Falcons will need to upgrade at the position.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-5) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)

San Francisco has a lot of talent on their defensive line, but they lack depth.  Okafor can provide more of a pass rush while keeping the other defensive players energized.

32. Houston Texans (13-3) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Andre Johnson seemingly cannot stay healthy and is in the twilight of his career.  Houston has needed another receiver to line up across from Johnson for a while now and it is now more of a need than ever,

Week 7 Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

Cleveland finally won their first game of the season and the Browns recorded two sacks in the process, but much of that has to do with the Bengals failing to protect Andy Dalton.

Georgia had off last week, but Jones has been on a tear this season, recording a sack in all but one game.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

 

West Virginia finally fell and while Smith did not have a great game, he wasn't terrible either.  He is still yet to throw an interception this year.

If Jacksonville is picking this low, it is doubtful that Blaine Gabbert will return for the third year.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11) - Tyler Wilson (QB/Arkansas)

Kansas City has looked horrible all season.  Matt Cassel has proven that he can't be enough of a game manager to carry the team any longer.

Wilson has clearly recovered from the concussion he suffered earlier in the season and I doubt teams will be as wary and I initially projected.  Matt Barkley has continued to struggle and has dropped again at the quarterback rankings.

4. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

Oakland's run defense looked stout against Atlanta, which was one of the reasons why they almost pulled off the upset.  Regardless, their pass rush was still ineffective, which helped Atlanta win the game.

Hankins is great against both the run and the pass and has looked unstoppable at times this year.

5. Minnesota Vikings (5-11) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

Minnesota's defense was looking very good all season until Robert Griffin III put them in their place.  The Viking's defensive line is aging.  Jared Allen will be 31 next year and Kevin Williams will be a 32-year-old free agent in the spring.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

The Steelers once elite defense is getting old and battered.  The team will need to take the best defensive player available Ike Taylor committed a pair of penalties against Tennessee last Thursday and it is doubtful that the Steelers will want to pay his high salary next season.

7. Indianapolis Colts (6-10) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Robert Mathis is out for a few weeks with a knee injury and both him and Dwight Freeney aren't getting any younger.  Adding a young defensive end to rotate will be a necessity.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Aqib Talib just can't stay out of trouble.  On top of this, Ronde Barber is at the end of his career.  The Buccaneers need to address their secondary again this offseason and bring in new talent.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

Jason Peters is out for the year with an Achilles injury.  Demetress Bell has played horribly at left tackle and King Dunlap hasn't looked much better.  Is Peters isn't on pace to recover, the team may look for a new left tackle.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

The Bengals need a tackle, but unless Joeckel is available here, they will look elsewhere.  Cincinnati's secondary, their safeties in particular, are an abomination and need to be upgraded.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven that he cannot be relied upon to lead a team.  Ralph Wilson is getting desperate to see his team win the Super Bowl, so he may pull the trigger is Barkley is available.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Ryan Tannehill has looked impressive so far this season with a weak group of receivers.  The Dolphins will be looking to give him more weapons next season.

13. Arizona Cardinals (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

Arizona has surrendered a league-high 28 sacks this season, including five last week against Buffalo.  Regardless of who is throwing the ball in Arizona, the team will not be successful if they can't stay off their back.

14. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

 It is no secret that the Rams need help at receiver.  Sam Bradford lost his top receiver, Danny Amendola, for six weeks and even before that he should not have been the top target on the team.

15. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Jackson Jeffcoat (DE/Texas)

New Orleans only has 11 sacks to show for the first five games of the year.  On top of this, their top pass rusher, Will Smith, will be a 32-year-old free agent in the spring.  The Saints need to improve their pass rush in a division that features Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Josh Freeman.

16. Detroit Lions (8-8) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

The way to beat Detroit right now is through the air.  At the moment, Detroit's secondary is mediocre at best and there is no way that head coach Jim Schwartz, a former defensive coordinator, can be satisfied with this.

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

The Cowboys running attack had a coming out party this week against Baltimore, but it doesn't mean that the team is necessarily satisfied with their interior offensive line.

18. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Peyton Manning proved last night that Denver is not a team to count out.  On top of this, Denver's defense abused Phillip Rivers in the second half, forcing him to throw four interceptions to go along with four sacks.

Short is the best player available who makes the most sense for Denver.  He has the ability to not only get to the passer, but he is an effect run-stopper as well and has the ability to swat the ball on passing plays from the line.

19. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

Another need for the Rams is an offensive tackle.  Jason Smith was shown the door before the season started and Roger Saffold is not fit to be a left tackle in the NFL.  The Rams have allowed the third most sacks this season.

20. Carolina Panthers (9-7) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Carolina needs help at defensive tackle.  Currently, the Panthers have the 23rd ranked rush defense in the NFL.  Lotulelei slips in the draft due to inconsistency issues, but he could be a steal at this spot.

21. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Seattle needs to improve their wide receiver corps if they expect to make a deep playoff run.  Their defense is there and Marshawn Lynch is a serviceable running back, but Russell Wilson cannot succeed if Golden Tate is his primary option.

22. New York Jets (9-7) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

The New York Jets pass rush has been gone for two seasons after teams firgured out Rex Ryan's blitz scheme.  If Ryan wants his defense to work again, he will need someone on the defensive line who will draw fear into opponents.

23. Tennessee Titans (10-6) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Jones is the best player available and makes a lot of sense for Tennessee.  Jones is a versatile player who can play all across the offensive line and would be a good fit for the interior line that the Titans desperately need help at.

24. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

Brian Urlacher has pretty much been the face of the Bears franchise since being drafted in 2000, but he will be 35 next season and he has lost a step.  The team will need to bring in a young replacement to spell Urlacher during his final years.

25. San Diego Chargers (9-7) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

San Diego has two huge needs at the moment: offensive line and the secondary.  Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason are both entering free agency at the end of the season.  Jammer will turn 34 during the offseason.

26. Green Bay Packers (10-6) - Marcus Lattimore (RB/South Carolina)

Cedric Benson is now on injured reserve and even before he left Green Bay's rushing offense was struggling.

27. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Ray Lewis is out for the season and he will be 38 next season when he returns.  Baltimore needs to bring in someone soon who can learn from Lewis before he retires.

28. New York Giants (10-6) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

New York did a great job of protecting Eli Manning in the Giants win over San Francisco, but the line is getting older and younger talent needs to be brought in.

29. New England Patriots (9-7) - Jonathan Jenkins (DT/Georgia)

Vince Wilfork will turn 31 this month and needs to be spelled more often now than he used to.  Belichick has always been a fan of mammoth-sized defensive tackles and he will look to bring in another one soon to help alleviate Wilfork.

30. Atlanta Falcons (12-4) - Le'Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

Michael Turner is a shell of his former self and will turn 31 during the offseason, which is around 62 in running back years.  Atlanta has had a hot start for the year, but if they want to take the next step, their running game needs to be improved.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-5) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)

The game against New York showed that San Francisco needs more depth in their pass rush.  Okafor can help take pressure away from Justin and Aldon Smith.

32. Houston Texans (12-4) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Andre Johnson is getting older and is not the player he once was.  Houston has needed a second wide receiver for many years and with Johnson turning 32 during the offseason, it has become a more pressing matter.  

Week 6 Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

The Browns are a mess, but I see a lot of potential with Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson.  Weeden's two interceptions were costly, but a team is expected to go through growing pains when they start a rookie quarterback, even if he is 28.

What looked awful, however, was just about every aspect of the Browns defense.  Ahmad Bradshaw played angry after an early fumble and wound up running for 200 yards.  Hell, David Wilson, who is perpetually in Tom Coughlin's doghouse, ran fro 44 yards and a touchdown on only two carries.

More importantly, however, is that Cleveland failed to provide and pressure on Eli Manning, allowing him to bring back the Giants from an early 14-point deficit.

Jones was still a factor in the loss to South Carolina, registering another sack to go along with four tackles.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

Another week, another abysmal start from Blaine Gabbert, but hey, he threw two touchdowns this week, albeit to the other team.

Smith, on the other hand, had what was arguably his biggest win of the season last week, winning a shootout against Texas.  Smith tossed another four touchdowns and is yet to throw an interception this season.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

You know your quarterback situation is bad when the fans are celebrating Brady Quinn entering a game.  Kansas City needs to get rid of Matt Cassel ASAP.

4. Indianapolis Colts (6-10) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

Indianapolis will need to take the best player available and in this situation it is Mingo.  Getting a young defensive end can help elongate Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis' careers by keeping them fresh and rotating.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10) - Dee Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Probably the most surprising thing about Tampa Bay this year is how well they have been against the run.  Unfortunately, they are also the worst team in the league against the pass.  Ronde Barber is at the end of his career and Tampa will need to replace him.

6. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - Jonathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

Oakland is in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed.  You know the run defense has a problem when Reggie Bush is able to amass 172 yards on the ground.

7. Minnesota Vikings (6-10) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Kevin Williams will be a will be a 32-year-old free agent in the offseason.  Even if he does return, it is time to bring in a younger model.  The Vikings were at their best when they had a veteran and a young stud at defensive tackle with Kevin and Pat Williams, why not try to let it happen again?

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-9) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Pittsburgh's defense is starting to get old and battered.  Along with this, Ike Taylor is due a hefty salary next season, which could make him a cap casualty.

9. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

The Dolphins need to add more to their pass rush.  Cameron Wake has been a stud in Miami, but in order to knock off Tom Brady, they will need more than just him.

10. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M) 

St. Louis allowed just one sack against the Cardinals last week, but it's not like their issues with protecting Sam Bradford suddenly disappeared.  Bradford did release the ball much better this week and protection was better, but the Rams will look into bringing a new left tackle in the offseason.

Joeckel has started at left tackle since his freshman season at Texas A&M.

11. Detroit Lions (7-9) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

Detroit's secondary has been as bad as advertised so far in the season.  The Lions and Oakland are the only teams in the league who have not forced an interception this year.

12. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Logan Thomas (QB/Virginia Tech)

The enigma that is Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to torment Buffalo and their fans.  The Bills have talent all across their roster, but if they want to take the next step and make the playoffs for the first time since 1999, the will need to move on from Fitzpatrick.

13. Denver Broncos (7-9) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Denver is in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed due to a combination of a lack of bulk on the interior defensive line and the loss of D.J. Williams at MLB.  At some point this year, the Broncos will get back Williams, unless of course he decides to give Roger Goodell more animal urine, which by the way, I really want to know not only what animal it was, but how did he get it and how did he dupe the drug testing agency?

14.  St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Danny Amendola is now out for a significant period of time and Sam Bradford is yet again stuck without a top receiver.  Even is Amendola was healthy, he should not be the team's top target.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

Andy Dalton was sacked three more times last week against Miami.  If the Bengals want to keep winning, the need to protect their quarterback.

16. Arizona Cardinals (7-9) - DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

No team has allowed more sacks in the NFL than Arizona.  In fact, no team has allowed their quarterback to be sacked more often since 2010 since Arizona.  In 2009, their last playoff appearance, they allowed just 26 sacks all year.  In every season since then, they have allowed 50 or more and are on pace to allow 74 this year.

17. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Jackson Jeffcoat (DE/Texas)

New Orleans need to add more to their pass rush, especially in a division filled with young, talented quarterbacks.  Hard to believe that Will Smith will turn 32 in the offseason.

18. Seattle Seahawks (8-8) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

After throwing that now infamous game winning interception, Russell Wilson has seriously regressed, throwing for just 381 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions in his past two games.  One of the reasons why he is struggling is because he has nobody to throw to.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is in his contract year and Nnamdi Asomugha will be 32 and owed $15 million next year.  There is a chance that neither player will return in 2013.

20. Carolina Panthers (9-7) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)

Remember at the beginning of the year when every analyst said Carolina had the best running game in the NFL? Carolina has the talent in the backfield, but their offensive line is killing them.  The Panthers need help at bot guard and tackle, so the team will need to take the best player available at either position.

21. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Dallas needs help in their interior offensive line.  Jones is a versatile lineman who can play four of the five positions across the line.

22. New York Jets (9-7) - Marcus Lattimore (RB/South Carolina)

One of the biggest problems in New York is that the team does not have the personnel for the ground and pound approach that Rex Ryan wants.  Shonn Greene's 2.8 yards per carry is garbage and it causes the team to rely on Mark Sanchez winning games with his arm.  Lattimore has scored in every game this season and has ran for 100 yards in back-to-back games.

23. Tennessee Titans (9-7) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Tennessee's defense has looked terrible so far this year.  Teams have been able to pass the ball all over them.  Cortland Finnegan was never replaced and needs to be.

24. Green Bay Packers (9-7) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Jermichael Finley has made Green Bay regret using their franchise tag on him.  There is a good chance they will move on from him and look elsewhere for a check down option in 2013.

25. San Diego Chargers (9-7) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

San Diego was marching up the field to take the game back against New Orleans until their anemic offensive line ruined nearly every opportunity.  San Diego was flagged for holding twice before the line allowed Phillip Rivers to be sacked, which caused the game-deciding turnover.

26. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

Brian Urlacher turns 35 next may.  Chicago has had a great run with him patrolling the middle, but the team will need to groom the heir in the near future. 

27. New York Giants (10-6) - TJ McDonald (S/USC)

The Giants depleted secondary gave up a lot of big plays to Cleveland before their offense was able to bounce back and help them settle down.  Regardless, the Giants are thin in the secondary and many of their starters are injured often.  New York needs depth at cornerback.

28. New England Patriots (10-6) - Jonathan Jenkins (DT/Georgia)

Bill Belichick has always been a big fan of having a mammoth nose tackle in his defense.  Vince Wilfork is aging and will soon need to be a rotational player to stay effective.

29. Atlanta Falcons (12-4) - Le'Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

Michael Turner will be 31 next season and has already seen a decrease in carries this season.  Atlanta needs to bring in a new back to take over.

30. Houston Texans (12-4) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Andre Johnson can't stay healthy and Houston does not have many other options at wide receiver.  Houston will need to bring in another receiver soon.

31. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)

San Francisco has pummeled teams on both sides of the field in the past two weeks, but the team does have one weakness: they are thin at pass rush depth. The teams does not have much else to provide behind Aldon and Justin Smith.

32. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

Baltimore has mustered just nine sacks so far this year without Terrell Suggs.  Even when he does return, it is obvious that the need to add more to the pass rush.

Week 5 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Again guys, sorry for not posting an update last week, my computer was in the shop.

1. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

Brandon Weeden has looked pretty awful and a new regime is very likely in Cleveland since they have a new owner, but I highly doubt that the team is going to abandon their quarterback after one season, especially after giving him a four year deal.

Just as bad as their offensive needs, however, is the need to address their pass rush.  The team has 13 sacks so far this season, but six of them came against Cincinnati.

Jones has been the best defensive player in the nation this season.  Last week against Tennessee marked the first game this season where he was unable to register a sack.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)

Geno Smith has outplayed Matt Barkley in every game this season and with the rise of mobile quarterbacks who are also accurate in the NFL like Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton, Smith will easily ascend to the top of this list of he keeps playing at a high level.

3. Minnesota Vikings (5-11) - Jonathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

Hankins and Star Lotulelei are neck-and-neck at this position, but for now the edge goes to Hankins.  Minnesota may need to replace 32-year-old free agent to be Kevin Williams.  Either way, they will need to bring in youth to the position.

4. Indianapolis Colts (5-11) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

With Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis aging, the Colts will need to inject some youth into their defensive line rotation.  Mingo registered his first sack of the season last week against Towson.

5. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

In this draft, Oakland lands their franchise quarterback who is also a homegrown prospect.  Barkley will not only provide Oakland with an opportunity to contend in the AFC West, but he will also sell seats, something desperately needed in Oakland.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

Tampa Bay needs to upgrade their secondary across from Aqib Talib.  Eric Wright can't defend anyone and Ronde Barber needs to retire.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-9) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

The best player available makes sense for Pittsburgh.  Ike Taylor will most likely be a cap casualty next season.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) - Logan Thomas (QB/Virginia Tech)

Matt Cassel proves each week that he cannot be a reliable quarterback in the NFL.  Kansas City has the talent on their team to win, but not at the most important position on the roster.  Thomas has a cannon for an arm and is deadly with his legs as well.

9. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Miami does not have much on their pass rush across from Cameron Wake.  Wide receiver is also an option here, but no receiver in this draft is worth a top-ten pick.

10. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

Sam Bradford has already been sacked 14 times this season.  Roger Saffold works better on the right side, but the team is stuck using him on the left side due to their lack of talent across the offensive line.  Joeckel is a veteran stud who has started at left tackle since his freshman year.

11. Detroit Lions (7-9) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

The key to beating the Lions right now is to open up the vertical game against their defense.  Detroit and Oakland are the only two teams in the league who have not intercepted a pass this season.

12. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Tyler Wilson (QB/Arkansas)

Do you think Ralph Wilson regrets giving Ryan Fitzpatrick that big contract?  Fitzpatrick continues to disappoint in Buffalo.  Wilson has played well since recovering from a concussion and may even slide up in the draft.

13. Denver Broncos (7-9) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

The Broncos need to improve their interior pass rush, which in the end will help take pressure away from Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller.  Lotulelei could easily be a top-ten pick in this draft and would be a great fit in Denver's system.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - Marcus Lattimore (RB/South Carolina)

Cincinnati got rid of Cedric Benson this offseason only to bring in another running back who can't average more than 3.5 yards per carry.  Lattimore has showed no signs of rust from the knee surgery he has last year.

15. Arizona Cardinals (7-9) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

Kevin Kolb is winning in Arizona, so I will lay off addressing a quarterback there for now, but he is still getting pummeled.  Arizona has surrendered 14 sacks this season.  If the team wants to continue winning, they will need to protect their quarterback.

16. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Jackson Jeffcoat (DE/Texas)

Will Smith will be 32 next summer.  Regardless, the Saints only have six sacks this season and need to bolster the pass rush.  Jeffcoat has recorded a sack in each of his last three games.

17. Seattle Seahawks (8-8) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Fans may remember Golden Tate for his game-winning interception last week, but I remember him dropping two passes in the end zone beforehand.  Russell Wilson will need someone to throw to in order to be successful in the NFL.

18. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee) (via Washington)

Danny Amendola has been a pleasant surprise for the Rams this year, but he is not the long term solution as the team's top wide receiver.  Hunter could overtake Woods as the top receiver of the class.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

Dominique Rogers-Cromartie is an impending free agent and Andy Reid has always made sure to have a healthy stock of cornerbacks on the roster.  If Rogers-Cromartie walks, Rhodes will be a no-brainer.

20. Carolina Panthers (9-7) - DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

Carolina is giving up way to many sacks for them to be comfortable with. Jeff Otah was released in the offseason, but he was never replaced.

21. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

The Cowboys need help on their interior offensive line.  DeMarco Murray has the potential to be a stud in the NFL, but the Cowboys offensive line is holding him back.  The team is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry and are among the worst rushing teams in the league.

22. New York Jets (9-7) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

With Santonio Holmes out, the Jets are going to see just how bad their receivers are.  Stephen Hill was a nice additon during the draft last year, but he can't be relied upon as the team's top target.

23. Tennessee Titans (10-6) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)

Tennessee has absolutely nothing to offer in the pass rush department.  Derrick Morgan is healthy, but not looking good.  Okafor already has four sacks this season.

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Tony Gonzalez will be a 36-year-old free agent this offseason and will most likely retire.  Either way, he has taken a step back on what has been a Hall of Fame career.

25. Chicago Bears (10-6) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

Brian Urlacher is in the twilight of his career and Chicago should look into molding his replacement.  Te'o could rise in this draft.

26. San Diego Chargers (9-7) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Last year, San Diego lost Vincent Jackson, this year, they may lose Malcolm Floyd.  Robert Meachem was a nice addition, but the Chargers will need more at the position.

27. New York Giants (10-6) - Chris Faulk (OT/LSU)

The Giants need to overhaul their entire offensive line.  Eli Manning is entering the second half of his career and if the team wants to preserve him, they need to protect him.

28. New England Patriots (10-6) - TJ McDonald (S/USC)

Patrick Chung is a free agent in 2013.  Regardless, the Patriots need to upgrade their leaky secondary.

29. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

The 49ers defense has been stifling, but the team could upgrade at defensive tackle.  Short is an animal who could easily be picked earlier.

30. Houston Texans (13-3) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

Houston needs to upgrade their right tackle position.  Matthews' father, Bruce, was a Hall of Fame tackle for the Oilers.

31. Green Bay Packers (10-6) - Le'Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

Green Bay can't be satisfied with Cedric Benson at running back.  Bell is a contributor in both the run and the passing game for Michigan State.

32. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

The absence of Terrell Suggs has effected the Ravens pass rush significantly.  Werner is the best player available and has 6.5 sacks so far this year.