Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Justin Worsley Mock Draft 2/26 Edition

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)



In two weeks, free agency will officially begin and the Chiefs will officially be able to search for their next signal caller.  Until then, however, the quarterback position is their biggest need and the Chiefs will need to look at the draft for this player.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)



Jacksonville needs to address their pass rush this offseason.  Fortunately, this draft features a number of players who can get to the quarterback.  Werner rises after a poor combine by Damontre Moore.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - Sharrif Floyd (DT/Florida)



Oakland may be hesitant on taking Star Lotulelei after it was revealed at the combine that he has a heart condition.  Floyd, however, has crept into the top 10 of many mocks lately.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)



Philadelphia has committed to Michael Vick for at least one more year.  If they want to win, however, they will need to find a way to protect him.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)



Not the biggest need on the team, but Detroit has always gone for the best available player under Jim Schwartz.  Milliner solidified himself as a top five pick after a solid combine.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)



Cleveland needs to upgrade their pass rush if they want to compete with the rest of this division.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Eric Fisher (OT/Central Michigan)



Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but if Geno Smith falls to the Cardinals, expect him to be the pick here.

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)



Both of the Bills starting guards are free agents.  Luckily for them, Warmack is considered one of the best prospects at this position in over a decade.

9. New York Jets (6-10) - Ezekiel Ansah (DE/BYU)



The Jets need to bring in a guy who can get to the quarterback regardless of whether of not the team is blitzing.

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - Dion Jordan (DE/Oregon)



Tennessee has not had a player with 10 or more sacks in a season since Jason Babin in 2010.

11. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)



Red flags emerged for Lotulelei at the combine, but he is still a top prospect.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Tavon Austin (WR/West Virginia)

 

I dropped Austin in the last mock because there was more buzz about Patterson, but Austin's versatility and 4.25 40-yard-dash should make teams interested again.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - Sheldon Richardson (DT/Missouri)



Tampa Bay will be upset that Floyd won't be available here, but Richardson is not a bad consolation.

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



Bryce Brown showed you all you need to know about the Panthers interior defensive line.  This run stop unit needs to be upgraded.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - Jarvis Jones (LB/Georgia)



Medical concerns still exist with Jones, but he is a steal for the Saints at this spot.

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Lane Johnson (OT/Oklahoma)



If Johnson falls to the Rams, it will be hard for them not to take him.  St. Louis needs to find a way to protect Sam Bradford.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)



The Steelers defense showed it's age last season.  Injecting some youth will be necessary.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Bennie Logan (DT/LSU)

 
Dallas needs to bring in another defensive lineman as the team converts to a 4-3.

19. New York Giants (9-7) - Johnthan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)



Corey Webster was burned too ofter in 2012 to enter this year as the team's top cornerback.

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



Chicago will look to find a way to make their offensive line in 2013 gel.  Adding Cooper could help stabilize them.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)



Ogletree comes with baggage, but the Bengals have never cared about that before.

22. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Kenny Vaccaro (S/Texas)



The Rams have talent at cornerback, but the team needs help at safety.

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - Cordarrelle Patterson (WR/Tennessee)



With Percy Harvin often injured, Minnesota will need to find a more reliable target for the inconsistent Christian Ponder.

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)



Indianapolis is severing their ties with Dwight Freeney, now they will seek to replace him.

25. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - John Jenkins (DT/Georgia)



The defense looked very good last season, but stopping the run is still an issue.

26. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Eddie Lacy (RB/Alabama)



Cedric Benson is past him prime and the Packers will seek someone who can be more reliable handling the football.

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



Houston will seek to find a complimentary option for Andre Johnson.

28. Denver Broncos (12-4) - Jesse Williams (DT/Alabama)



Denver lacks a true nose tackle for their system.  Williams can help resolve this issue.

29. New England Patriots (12-4) - Sylvester Williams (DT/North Carolina)



Vince Wilfork is beginning to age and Bill Belichick will need to find another mammoth defensive tackle to rotate with him.

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - Zach Ertz (TE/Stanford)



This pick depends on what happens to Tony Gonzalez.  If he decides to come back for one last ride, the team could look at running back instead.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)



San Francisco has a great pass rush when healthy, but Justin Smith's injury really slowed them down.

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - Kevin Minter (LB/LSU)



Baltimore will seek a successor for the recently retired Ray Lewis.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Matt Geiger Pre-Combine Mock

Please note that all of my picks in this draft were made before the combine started.

1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joeckel (OT Texas A&M)

New Coach Andy Reid has some choices to make. There is no clear top QB which is why i think the Chiefs will pick the best player in this years draft.

2.Jacksonville Jaguars- Damontre Moore (DE Texas A&M)

Jacksonville has glaring holes in multiple areas going into the offseason. As we have all learned, you can never have too many pass rushers. Even with Jason Babin on the roster, I believe Moore is still the pick here.

3. Oakland Raiders- Star Lotulelei (DT Utah)

Oakland needs to address the defensive line in any way possible. Lotulelei is considered by many the best player in this years draft. He is a monster in the middle and can instantly impact the rush defense in Oakland.

4. Philadelphia Eagles- Chance Warmack (OG Alabama)

The Eagles have the best roster of any team drafting in the top 10 this season. They might be looking to add to the pass rush, but i don't see the new regime passing up on the talent Warmack brings to the table. Warmack is one of the most NFL ready players in this years class, so expect him to start playing immediately.

5. Detroit Lions- Demarcus Milliner (CB Alabama)

Detroit has had a ton of trouble in the secondary for a long time. If anyone wants to keep their front office job next year, Milliner should be a no brainer. He has the size and all the tools to be the closest thing to a "shut down corner." He would instantly become the best cornerback the Lions have.

6. Cleveland Browns- Ezekiel Ansah (DE BYU)

Cleveland is another team with a pretty good roster, so look for them to add the best available player. Ansah is shooting up draft boards, and could have his raw talent molded into exactly what the browns want him to be.

7. Arizona Cardinals- Geno Smith (QB West Virginia)

Arizona needs a quarterback, plain and simple. They locked Larry Fitzgerald up to be with them for the long run, but he is getting frustrated with the lack of QB play. Smith is the best quarterback in this years draft, but that could change. He needs to do well in the combine to stay as the first quarterback drafted,

8. Buffalo Bills- Eric Fisher (OT Central Michigan)

I had Mike Glennon slated to go here barring the Bills would release Ryan Fitzpatrick, and then they didnt do that. There are a lot of spots to be filled in Buffalo, but the way Fishers stock has risen, i do not see Buffalo passing up on him.

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

The Jets' pass rush has been awful. They need to address this problem during the draft so they can get a young player that will grow with the defense. They will look in free agency, but nobody has the ability to rush the QB like Werner does. He will fit well into New York's hybrid 3-4 defense, as he can play defensive end as well as outside linebacker.

10.Tennessee Titans- Sylvester Williams (DT North Carolina)

Tennessee's best defensive tackle will be leaving in free agency. I have seen Sharif Floyd jump up boards recently, but I have yet to see exactly why. Williams was a force for UNC and should be productive in Tennessee as long as he doesn't have to be an every down player to start his career.

11. San Diego Chargers- Lane Johnson (OT Oklahoma)

San Diego needs to keep QB Philip Rivers protected in order to be successful this season. Lane Johnson is the best available lineman at this point. He is very versatile with excellent footwork, and can immediately plug into the right side of the line in San Diego. Eventually he will be the anchor on the left for Rivers and Co.

12. Miami Dolphins- Jarvis Jones (OLB Georgia)

Its no secret that the only person getting to the QB in Miami in Cameron Wake. Maimi needs help, and can take a shot on Jones here. The health issues could be a concearn, but the fact that Jones was once seen as the best prospect in this draft will woo Maimi to take Jones here.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Barkavious Mingo (DE LSU)

Tampa Bay is uncertain of the status of DE Da'Quan Bowers after he was arrested for possession of a loaded fire arm in New York. Either way, Tampa needs more pass rushers. Mingo was thought to be a top 5 pick earlier this off-season, until the surge of Ezekiel Ansah. They will get a great talent with a non-stop motor, and he size and speed should translate well into the NFL.

14. Carolina Panthers- Cordarelle Patterson (WR Tennessee)

Carolina needs help along the defensive line, but they also need to add weapons to Cam Newtons arsenal. There is no clear cut top wide receiver this year, but Patterosn would fit well into Carolina's offense. He can stretch the field, and turn intermediate passes into big plays. Steve Smith is aging, and although he keeps proving doubters wrong, they need a long term answer at receiver.

15. New Orleans Saints- Johnathan Hankins (DT Ohio State)

The census in most circles is that New Orleans will address the holes in their linebacking core with their first pick. i do not think this is the case. Hankins would be a value pick for the Saints at 15, and would fill a hole at DT as well. Most of the Saints defensive lineman are free agents, and none have done enough to guarantee themselves a roster spot next year. Hankins is a monster in the middle and could help with plugging holes to relieve what will most likely be a brand new set of linebackers next year.

16. St. Louis Rams- Kenny Vaccaro (S Texas)

Everyone saw the Rams take a huge step foward last season, but the major issues they had on defense were at the safety position. Craig Dahl might not be a starter on some college teams, and Vaccaro adds a true "center fielder" to the Rams defense. Vaccaro plays all over the field in passing situations, and can come inside the box and hit with the best. These are the types of players coach Jeff Fisher loves on defense.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Johnathan Jenkins (DT Georgia)

Pittsburgh needs to get younger on defense in order to compete with the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens, and the young and rising Bengals. Casey Hampton may not be returning, and is getting old and unreliable. The Steelers may address the holes they have at RB and WR with their first pick, but the value of a first round selection isn't there to do so. Look for them to nab Hamptons replacement, and a guy who can plug holes from the Nose Tackle position like Jenkins can.

18. Dallas Cowboys- Johnathan Cooper (OG North Carolina)

Dallas has come out and said Jay Ratliff will return next season, so the Cowboys will more then likely add to the offensive line. Cooper is the best available lineman at this point, and fills a hole in the Cowboys roster too. Cooper has excellent footwork, and excels in both facets of the offensive protection. He has the frame to add weight to and become a true guard at the next level.

19. New York Giants- Alec Ogletree (LB Georgia)

Even with his recent DUI arrest, Alec Ogletree is the best non-pass rushing linebacker in this draft. He can rush the QB, but is a force in the run game, and played safety in high school. His speed and coverage are mind blowing for a pro linebacker, and New York needs a player like him. The Giants need to take a chance with his off the field issues, although I'm sure they'll ask about the altercation at the combine and get the answers they need.

20. Chicago Bears- Dion Jordan (DE Oregon)

Even with the news that Jordan tore his labrum, there will be a team that drafts him in the first round. Chicago has a solid defense, but as i said earlier, it always helps to add pass rushers. I am not certain if Jordan will drop this far into the first round, but if he does Chicago will snatch him up.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Manti Te'o (LB Notre Dame)

Rey Maualuga should be cut to stay under the salary cap, and the Bengals need someone to pair up with former undrafted LB Vontaze Burfict. Te'o obviously comes with off field drama, but Marvin Lewis has been known to take on players with trouble off the field. Te'o should not run into anymore trouble and has the tools and instincts to be a successful player in the NFL.

22. St. Loius Rams (Via Washington)- DJ Fluker (OT Alabama)

Another issue that needs to be addressed in St. Louis is the offensive line. To be successful next year they must keep bradford protected. Fluker can play guard or tackle in the NFL, but his size may restrict him to the right side. He will surely be an upgrade either way. Many people see the Rams taking a WR with their second first-round choice, but they can get talented players later in the draft.

23.Minnesota Vikings- Keenan Allen (WR California)

The next step in Minnesota is adding weapons around Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson. Percy Harvin is unhappy with his contract and his future past next year is not certain. Allen is a dynamic player, much like Harvin. He adds a dimension to an offense to where you will need to know where he is at all times. he can take short gains and turn them into big plays, something Minnesota would love to have as a compliment to Harvin and Peterson.

24. Indianapolis Colts- Sheldon Richardson (DT Missouri)

The Colts immediate success in the Andrew Luck era came as a suprise to many. In order to keep the success coming they must bolster their sub-par defense. Richardson will be a rotational early in his career, but will end up as a full time starter sooner then later.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Tavon Austin (WR West Virginia)

Seattle will probably want to add to their pass rush in the draft since Chris Clemons tore his ACL, but the more desperate need is at receiver. They would like to have a dynamic player in the slot with speed and precision. Tavon Austin can be a play maker in Seatlle, pairing him with Sidney Rice and Golden Tate.

26. Green Bay Packers- Kevin Minter (LB LSU)

Green Bay needs some young linebackers to start mixing in their rotation. Minter is a work in progress, but his raw athleticism will get him the nod in the first round. Green Bay hasn't had much production from any line backer not named Clay Matthews, and can take a little time to groom Minter.

27. Houston Texans- Johnathan Banks (CB Mississippi State)

Houston is in a position to draft the best player available in this slot. They do have a need at corner, so Banks is an obvious choice. He can be put in at nickel and dime packages, and plays very physical which will throw off slot receivers' routes.

28. Denver Broncos- Sharif Floyd (DT Florida)

Denver needs to get a player along the defensive front in free agency or the draft. Like i stated earlier, Floyd is shooting up boards, but until I see why, I have Denver taking him here. Floyd will be a great addition to the Broncos defense, and should start immediately.

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

New England will likely address the offensive line with their first pick. Jones has the versatility that coach Belichick loves, and can rotate in the mix at multiple positions.

30. Atlanta Falcons- Zach Ertz (TE Stanford)

Atlanta insists the Tony Gonzalez may be back next season. Regardless of his availability, they will need to find an heir to his throne when he is gone. Ertz is considered as the best tight end in the draft, and excels in the receiving and blocking game. Atlanta is hoping he will become what Rob Gronkowski has for New England.

31. San Francisco 49ers- Sam Montgomery (DE LSU)

The Niners are getting old across the defensive line, with the exception of Aldon Smith. Adding a young player into the mix who can learn while he plays would be an ideal scenario for the Niners, and Montgomery has shown explosiveness and a great first step off the snap.

32. Baltimore Ravens- Eric Reid (S LSU)

Baltimore needs to fix many things on the defensive side of the ball, so getting younger in any position will be valuable. Taking care of Ed Reed's replacement should be high priority. Reid is a ball hawk, and can learn from Reed if he does return next season. Reid showed flashes of excellence at LSU, and coach Harbough will love his constant motor and decision making skills.




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Justin's Mock 2/19 Edition

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - Geno Smith (QB/West Virginia)



This pick is based on what the team decides to do in the offseason.  The more likely route is that they find a quarterback through trade or free agency.  If they fail, however, they will be forced to take Smith.  If they do have a quarterback when the draft approaches, expect the Chiefs to go for Luke Joeckel instead.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - Damontre Moore (DE/Texas A&M)



The Jaguars are lacking in the pass rush department.  Fans want Blaine Gabbert, but this is not the draft to assess that position.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)



Oakland will spend this offseason trying to overhaul a defense was among the worst in the NFL in points allowed.  The Raiders will need to find help up front where father time has nipped them.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)



The Eagles are going to need to find a way to protect Michael Vick if they are serious about keeping him around for another season.  He has only played one full season in his NFL career, so a stud pass blocker is necessary.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12) - Bjoern Werner (DE/Florida State)



Detroit will most likely let Cliff Avril walk in the offseason.  Kyle Vanden Bosch was already released as well.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Dion Jordan (DE/Oregon)



Cleveland finished 11th in the league in sacks, but no player on the team had more than 7.0.  Cleveland will need a premier pass rusher in order to compete in the AFC South.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Eric Fisher (OT/Central Michigan)



Arizona's pass rush has been an Achilles heel for some time now.  If the team expects to compete, they will need to have a healthy quarterback.

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Chance Warmack (G/Alabama)



Guards rarely go into the top half of the draft, let alone the top 10, but Warmack is a special talent.  Both of the Bills starting guards are free agents, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Buffalo pick Warmack.

9. New York Jets (6-10) - Ezekiel Ansah (DE/BYU)



Ansah has risen in many draft boards and the Jets have just released Calvin Pace. The team needs to get someone who can get to the quarterback this offseason.

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)



Tennessee's poor pass defense was a key factor in the team allowing a league-high 29.7 points per game, so expect either a cornerback or defense end to be brought in.

11. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - Lane Johnson (OT/Oklahoma)



Poor protection of Phillip Rivers and bonehead plays by the offensive line led to a few San Diego losses this season.  The offensive line is a weak point that will need to be fixed.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Cordarrelle Patterson (WR/Tennessee)



Miami has their potential quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, but they need to bring in a wide receiver to help him succeed.  There is no consensus top receiver in this draft, but Patterson has the ability to make big plays after the catch.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - Sharrif Floyd (DT/Florida)



Floyd has risen into the top 10 in many other mock drafts, but I cannot see a team needing a defensive tackle as badly as other positions outside of Oakland at those spots.  Floyd could form a lethal interior rush with Gerald McCoy.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - Sheldon Richardson (DT/Missouri)



The Panthers defensive line was ran over all season, especially by opposing team's backup running backs (Andre and Bryce Brown).  The interior defensive line needs to be improved.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - Jarvis Jones (LB/Georgia)



The Saints only recorded 30 sacks this season.  While many expect the Saints to bounce back, not being able to take down Matt Ryan and Cam Newton in four games next season will be a major problem.

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Kenny Vaccaro (S/Texas)



The Rams cornerbacks played extremely well last season, but both safeties could be upgraded.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)



Pittsburgh could release James Harrison in the near future since his salary is not equaling his production.  If he is cut, the Steelers will need to find a new person who can disrupt the quarterback.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)



With Dallas' switch to a 4-3, bringing in another defensive tackle will be a necessity.

19. New York Giants (9-7) - Manti Te'o (LB/Notre Dame)



If Te'o slips to the Giants, don't expect him to fall further.  New York is planning on overhauling their linebacker unit and the team has has top 10 talent fall to them in recent years.

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



The Bears need to bring some stability to an offensive line that was forced to mix their starting offensive line week in and week out.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - Alec Ogletree (LB/Georgia)



Ogletree has a red flag now after being arrested for DUI.  Normally, I would drop him (this is not his first time in trouble), but I really doubt the Bengals really care whether or not he was hit with a DUI.

22. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)



Sam Bradford needs a top option at receiver.  Adding Williams will give the Rams the ability to spread out the field.

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - Bennie Logan (DT/LSU)



Kevin Williams will be a free agent in three weeks.  Even if he does re-sign, the Vikings will need to inject some youth into the position as well.

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)



With the Dwight Freeney era officially over, the Colts are going to need to bring in a new pass rusher.

25. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - John Jenkins (DT/Georgia)



Seattle's defense as a whole was very talented this season, but the defensive tackle position needs to be improved.  Jenkins is a space eater who will force running backs to go to the outside.

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



Green Bay waived Charles Woodson, so adding another defensive back is a possibility in this draft.  Banks could fall, but would be a great value pick for the Packers at this spot.

27. Houston Texans (12-4) - Tavon Austin (WR/West Virginia)



Andre Johnson is getting older and the Texans do not have many options at wide receiver outside of him.  Expect Houston to find another receiver at some point in the near future.

28. Denver Broncos (12-4) - Jesse Williams (DT/Alabama)



Defensive tackle is one of the few position of needs in Denver, but it is a major need.  Williams is a nose tackle who could be a natural fit in their defense.

29. New England Patriots (12-4) - Sylvester Williams (DT/North Carolina)



New England will need to bring in an heir to Vince Wilfork soon.  Wilfork is now 31 and has taken a step back in production over the past year.

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - Zach Ertz (TE/Stanford)



Atlanta looks really desperate to keep Tony Gonzalez from retiring, but if he does call it a career, Atlanta could target Ertz at this spot in the draft.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - Alex Okafor (DE/Texas)



San Francisco's pass rush was diminished once Justin Smith went down.  To prevent that from happening again, they will need to add depth to the position.

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - Kevin Minter (LB/LSU)



Now that Ray Lewis has retired, the Ravens will seek someone to fill his shoes in the heart of the defense.