Week 13 Mock Draft

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

Jacksonville got the win against Tennessee last week, but their pass rush was still non-existent.  Chad Henne has revitalized the quarterback position for the Jaguars so the team may not use a Day One draft pick on someone like Geno Smith or Matt Barkley.

With the quarterback situation somewhat settled, Jacksonville can instead focus on the best player in this draft, which is Jones.  Jones has not sacked the quarterback in his last two games, but he has made up for it by being all over the football field, earning nine tackles last week.  Jones also has 10.5 sacks this season despite missing a pair of games.

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

It is no secret that Kansas City is desperate for a new signal caller.  Brady Quinn hasn't fared well in his second chance in the NFL and Matt Cassel has already worn out his welcome in Kansas City.

Smith led West Virginia to their first win since October last week, but much of it had to do with their defense finally showing up, surrendering the least amount of points since Sept. 22.  Smith has completed 70.2-percent of his passes ans had 37 touchdowns to just five interceptions.

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

Andy Reid is pretty much done in Philadelphia and if he is gone Michael Vick will be too.  If this is the case, the new head coach (Joe Vitt?) will want to bring his guy in to take over.


Yes, Nick Foles was drafted in the third round last season, but Jimmy Clausen was picked in the second round by Carolina a few years ago before Cam Newton was brought in.  New regimes mean new quarterbacks with few exceptions (Tony Dungy in Indianapolis, Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh).

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

Arizona's offensive line has played better in the past few weeks, but there is no way they can go into next season without a new left tackle.  The Cardinals have surrendered the most sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits this season.

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

5. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

A value pick for Cleveland, Te'o is able to play both the middle and strong side, allowing him to play next to D'Qwell Jackson.

6. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)

Oakland needs help all across their defense, especially in their pass rush which has been an embarrassment.  Moore has stated that he intends on returning to school next year, but that could change in the next two months.

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

New York needs to develop a pass rush, which seems to only be around when they blitz.  Mingo has an ideal frame for a defensive end as well.

8. St. Louis Rams (6-9-1) - Justin Hunter (WR/Tennessee)

St. Louis desperately needs to provide Sam Bradford with a decent option at wide receiver.  Danny Amendola has shown he is too fragile this year to maintain that spot.

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

Carolina has a big hole right at defensive tackle and will need to address the position in the offseason.  Lotulelei has been hot and cold this season but when he plays well, he is the most domniant player on the field.

10. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Buffalo took Stephon Gilmore last year, but they still need help at cornerback, where they have been torched all season.  Double-dipping at the position makes sense, especially in a division that features Tom Brady and the ever-improving Ryan Tannehill.

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

If the Thanksgiving game wasn't enough to convince the Lions that they need help at wide receiver, then I don't know what will.  Even if Andre Johnson is the receiver, there is no way a team can allow someone to average more than 20 yards on nine catches in a game.

12. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

Minnesota has no options at wide receiver aside from Percy Harvin, who has shown that he is not durable enough to play a full season.  Adding Woods can help ease the pressure on Adrian Peterson as well.

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

San Diego's offensive line is horrendous.  They prevented the Chargers from making a comeback against New Orleans and have failed to give Phillip Rivers reliable protection this season.

14. Tennessee Titans (8-8) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)

Tennessee needs to bring in someone who can provide a pass rush in a division that has Andrew Luck and Matt Schaub.  Derrick Morgan is drifting towards bust status and Kamerion Wimbley has not provided much more.

15. Miami Dolphins (8-8) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

Ryan Tannehill has done a lot this season with very little.  The Dolphins need to bring in a no. 1 receiver during the offseason in order to make his life easier in 2013.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

Pittsburgh's defense got old quickly this season.  Both Ike Taylor and James Harrison could be let go in the offseason with their inflated contracts.  If the latter is gone, they will need to find someone else who can get to the quarterback.

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

Tampa Bay just can not catch a break at cornerback.  Aqib Talib and all of his troubles were finally sent packing to New England and now Eric Wright has been suspended for four games for Adderall usage.  Ronde Barber had a fantastic interception last week, but those plays don't come from him as much as they used to.

18. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

New Orleans' defense has been historically bad this year, so there is little doubt that their top pick will be used on the best defensive player available.

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

Dallas needs to fix their interior offensive line as soon as possible.  The unit is unable to open up running lanes and pass rushers are finding their way from the inside as well.

20. St. Louis Rams (6-9-1) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)

Sam Bradford has someone survived his offensive line so far this season, but unless Jeff Fisher wants to see another David Carr, he will bring in another tackle.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

The Bengals have one of the worst run-stopping units in the NFL.  On top of this, Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers are both headed to free agency.

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

Another team that is poor against protecting the run, Indianapolis needs to address this in a division that features three of the best running backs in the NFL.

23. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Seattle needs a more reliable option at wide receiver for Russell Wilson.  Williams can spread out opposing defenses and help provide the Seahawks develop an aerial attack.

24. Chicago Bears (11-5) - CJ Mosley (LB/Alabama)

Chicago needs to develop a contingency plan for when Brian Urlacher retires, which will happen sooner rather than later.

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

The Broncos have two major needs this offseason, defensive tackle and inside linebacker.  In this scenario, Jenkins is the better prospect of the two positions and will cause Derek Wolfe to kick to the outside for the Broncos.

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

After several years worth of rumors, Osi Umenyiora could leave the team this year via free agency.  Justin Tuck has also had a sub-par season so the Giants could look at bolstering their pass rush, which is the team's staple.

27. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Jonathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

Green Bay needs to add depth to a secondary that has been depleted this season.  A team with a good set of receiver, like the Giants, can pick apart this secondary in the playoffs.

28. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)

Ray Lewis doesn't not have many years left in the NFL and Baltimore will need to prepare for the day where he does not line up at linebacker.  Ogletree can play next to him for now before assuming his role.

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

The versatile Austin would fit well into New England's system both as a deep threat and as a running back, much like Percy Harvin in Minnesota.

30. Atlanta Falcons (14-2) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Tony Gonzalez hinted towards retiring this offseason.  If he does call it a career, the Falcons will need to find his heir.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

Donte Whitner had a good game last week against New Orleans, but he has not played well for the most part of the season.  Dashon Goldson is a free agent to be as well.

32. Houston Texans (14-2) - Eric Fisher (OT/Central Washington)

Houston needs to improve at right tackle during the offseason, where Derek Newton has been overmatched at times.

Week 12 Mock Draft

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

With the way Chad Henne played last week against Houston, Blaine Gabbert may not even end the season with his job.  Either way, contrary to popular belief, quarterback is not the biggest need in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars had a pair of sacks against Houston, but besides that, there was no pressure on Matt Schaub as he completed 78-percent of his passes.  In this league, you can't win if you can't pressure the quarterback.  In the past five seasons, only one team (New Orleans) has won the Super Bowl despite not finishing in the top three in the league in sacks.

Jones is an absolute animal who has 10.5 sacks this season despite missing two games.  He is also able to defend in pass protection as well.  He is by far the top prospect in this draft.

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

Matt Barkley struggled and was then injured against UCLA while Smith led his team from being down by 14 points to a near comeback before Oklahoma scored with 24 seconds remaining.  Smith may not be playing as well as he did at the beginning of the season, but his defense has consistently forced him into shootouts week in and week out.  I feel that Smith would be seen differently if he has a better defense to support him.

Either way, Kansas City will need a quarterback this season.  They have only led in one game this season during regulation and again were unable to create any momentum in a game.  Cassel and Quinn both looked terrible against Cincinnati and the Chiefs will look to clean house in the offseason, beginning with Scott Pioli.

3. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

The Browns defense feasted on Tony Romo, slamming him to the turf seven times, but several players in Cleveland's front seven are free agents and could be gone next season.  Even if they do stay, the Browns have needed to improve their defense prior to the game against Dallas and Mingo is the best player available.  Mingo has an athletic frame (6'5", 240 pounds) and is good against the run as well as the pass.

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

There is no way Andy Reid can be allowed to return to Philadelphia next season and if he is gone, Michael Vick will be too.  Nick Foles was taken in the second round of the draft last year, but with a new regime in Philadelphia, they may not want him as their starting quarterback.

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

Arizona only allowed three sacks this week, but that is still too many.  The Cardinals need a quarterback, but no matter who they get, it won't matter if their offensive line can't protect him.

6. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Oakland has a giant gap in middle of their defensive line.  They get no pressure on the quarterback and they are in the bottom 10 in rushing yards allowed.

Lotulelei leapfrogs Hankins, who did not play well againt Montee Ball and Wisconsin.

7. St. Louis Rams (6-9-1) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)

In nearly every mock draft I have written so far, I have had the Rams take a receiver and an offensive tackle with their first two picks, but it will be hard for the Rams to avoid Te'o if he is available.  They have James Laurinaitis patrolling the middle, but Te'o can also play on the strong side, which is a need in St. Louis.

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

 Carolina's inexperience on the defensive line showed against Tampa Bay, where Doug Martin was progressively better in the fourth quarter.  The Panthers need to upgrade the defensive line badly this offseason.

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

Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well enough lately that it is doubtful that the Bills will look to bring in a new quarterback to take over.  What he does lack, however, is a quality receiver aside from Stevie Johnson.  Adding another weapon on offense will be a necessity this offseason.

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

A value pick that fits a need in Miami.  Montgomery will help take some pressure off of Cameron Wake and improve Miami's pass rush in a league where you can never get to the quarterback enough.  A receiver is also a need, but if Hunter is not available, Miami will look elsewhere.

11. Detroit Lions (7-9) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

Aaron Rodgers did not have his best game against Detroit, but the Packers receiver still gained 12.4 yards per catch against the Lions secondary and scored twice on the air on 20-plus yard plays.

Milliner is the best available player and fits a great need for Detroit.

12. New York Jets (7-9) - Eric Reid (S/LSU)

There have been talks about moving Antonio Cromartie to safety, but he has proved to be too valuable at cornerback with Darrelle Revis out.  By grabbing Reid, they can keep Cromartie at corner for now and still improve their secondary.

13. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

Minnesota needs a defensive tackle to both play next to Kevin Williams and eventually replace the 32-year-old free agent to be.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - Taylor Lewan (OT/Michigan)

The Bengals offensive line has played much better since the first quarter of the season, but Andre Smith has been a disappointment so far in the NFL and is a free agent after this season.  It would be no surprise if the Bengals decide to let him walk.

15. Tennessee Titans (8-8) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)

 Tennessee needs to either take the best cornerback or defensive end avaiable and at this juncture, Amerson is a bargain.  After leading the NCAA in interceptions last season, teams are avoiding his side of the field in 2012.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)

Pittsburgh is going to need to revitalize a defense that suddenly got old this season.  James Harrison has been unable to stay on the field and is having one of his worst seasons since 2006.  At age 35, he and his $6.32 salary could become a cap casualty in the offseason.

17. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - DJ Fluker (OT/Alabama)

Jermon Bushrod is a free agent in New Orleans next year and there is a good chance they will let him walk.  If they do, however, they will need to bring in another tackle to protect Drew Brees.

18. St. Louis Rams (8-8) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)

The Rams need to give more weapons on offense for Sam Bradford.  Danny Amendola cannot possibly be the only option in St. Louis at receiver.

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

Dallas has their running back in DeMarco Murray, but they need to improve their interior offensive line.  The Cowboys are dead-last in the league with a 3.6 yards-per-carry average.

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

 Tampa Bay needs to bolster their secondary in a division that features Matt Ryan and Drew Brees, especially after trading away Aqib Talib.  Ronde Barber may reitre after the season ends and Eric Wright sucks.

21. San Diego Chargers (8-8) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)

San Diego lost Vincent Jackson last spring and may lose Malcolm Floyd this offseason.  The team needs to bring in a new receiver for Phillip Rivers.

22. Indianapolis Colts (9-7) - Le'Veon Bell (RB/Michigan State)

The Colts need to give Andrew Luck a quality running back much like Peyton Manning was give Edgerrin James.  Having a workhorse running back can take the pressure off of luck and keep defenses honest.

23. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

 Seattle lacks a true no. 1 receiver on their roster.  Golden Tate and Sidney Rice are good in complimentary roles, but for this team to make a deeper playoff run, they need a better deep threat.

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

Brian Urlacher is at the tail-end of his career and while he is still effective, he is nowhere near as dominant as he was five seasons ago.  Chicago will want to find someone early who they can groom into the next man to patrol the middle.

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

Denver will most likely look at either improving at defensive tackle or middle linebacker in the draft.  Jenkins is the better player available of the two positions and could be utilized in the middle while Derek Wolfe remains on the outside.

26. New York Giants (10-6) - Corey Lemonier (DE/Auburn)

Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora have gotten by mostly this season on their reputation.  Umenyiora is also a free agent and the Giants are never satisfied with how many pass rushers they have on their roster.

27. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Johnathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

A depth move from Green Bay, the Packers can bring in someone to play corner while they move Charles Woodson to safety.

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

Ray Lewis will most likely return next season, but at age 38, Baltimore needs to find someone to groom when he finally retires.

29. New England Patriots (9-7) - Barrett Jones (C/Alabama)

Brian Waters is a free agent this offseason and New England will need to bring in another guard to replace him in case he leaves.  Jones can play almost everywhere on the offensive line.

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - Tyler Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Tony Gonzalez hinted at retiring in the offseason.  If he does, the Falcons will need to find a new tight end for Matt Ryan.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - TJ McDonald (S/USC)

 




San Francisco will need to bring in a safety in case they cannot sign Dashon Goldson to a long-term deal.  Donte Whitner has also been ineffective this season.

32. Houston Texans (14-2) - Tavon Austin (WR/West Virginia)

Austin reminds me a lot of Percy Harvin, a guy who is a wide receiver, but is versatile enough to play almost anywhere on offense.  Bringing in a guy like Austin can give some pressure off of Arian Foster and Andre Johnson for the Texans.