2013 NFL Mock Draft: Best- & Worst-Case First-Round Scenarios for Every Team

Going into Day 1 of the 2013 NFL draft, every team with a first-round pick will have to prepare for a wide variety of scenarios that could affect who will be available when they are on the clock. Some teams will be lucky enough to have their top choice fall to them, but many others will have to resort to backup plans once the player atop their board is selected by another team.

In this mock draft, we take a look at the dream scenario and the backup plans for each first-round pick, while also breaking down which end of the spectrum each pick falls in this projected scenario.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Best Case: Geno Smith, West Virginia

The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need to upgrade over Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn at the quarterback position. Geno Smith is far from the No. 1 overall prospect in this draft class, but the Chiefs need to find a franchise quarterback, and he is the best quarterback prospect in this draft class.

Worst Case: Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

If the Kansas City Chiefs manage to win another game and fall to the No. 2 overall pick behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, they may miss out on Geno Smith. If that happens, the Chiefs’ best move would be to trade down. USC’s Matt Barkley would be a significant reach, and the Chiefs have a plethora of needs on both sides of the ball.

If trading down is not an option, however, a solid choice would be Notre Dame inside linebacker Manti Te’o, who is as good as any prospect in the draft class and would fill a spot of need inside next to Derrick Johnson in the Chiefs’ 3-4 defensive front.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia (Jr.)

Best Case: Geno Smith

If the Jaguars end up with a chance to draft Geno Smith, they shouldn’t pass it up. Blaine Gabbert hasn’t proven himself to be the answer at quarterback in two seasons. If the Jaguars are going to rebuild and become a contender, they have to start with a quarterback upgrade.

Worst Case: Jarvis Jones

The Jaguars are almost certainly going to pick in the top two. So with Smith going No. 1 overall in this scenario, the worst case is the selection of anyone else on the board. As a team that's especially in need of defensive playmakers, their best bet is to draft the best player available, and that's Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.

Jones is an outstanding athlete, skilled pass-rusher and talented all-around outside linebacker who can help the Jaguars at a position of need and be a star for years to come.

3. Oakland Raiders: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame

Best Case: Manti Te’o

In the aftermath of Rolando McClain’s recent falling out with the Raiders, they should be looking for a replacement at middle linebacker. Te’o would be the perfect fit. While character issues have been a derailing factor for McClain, Te’o is a natural leader with high character.

Te’o is a complete middle linebacker. He would be an instant upgrade and much-needed playmaker for the Raiders defense.

Worst Case: Best available pass-rusher

The Oakland Raiders have needs at more positions than not, so with what should almost certainly be a top-five draft pick, the Raiders have plenty of options. If Te’o is off the board, the Raiders should look to improve their pass rush by drafting Jarvis Jones at outside linebacker or Florida State’s Bjoern Werner or Texas A&M’s Damontre Moore at defensive end.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M (Jr.)

Best Case: Trade down

Adding a missing piece at linebacker in Jarvis Jones or Manti Te’o would be hard to pass up if either is available. But with a top-five draft pick, the Eagles would be best served by trading down within the first round and picking up additional selections.

They have many areas of need, but the greatest is rebuilding their secondary. With no defensive backs worthy of a top-five pick, the Eagles could trade down to draft one at better value while also picking up more assets to fill other gaps on their roster.

Next-Best Case: Luke Joeckel

The Eagles will be hard-pressed to pass on Joeckel if he is available for them. Even if All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters returns healthy and strong next season from a torn Achilles, drafting the best offensive lineman who can be a franchise left tackle would be a great investment.

Worst Case: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

If Jarvis Jones, Manti Te’o and Joeckel are all off the board when the Eagles make their first draft pick, selecting the draft’s top cornerback prospect in Dee Milliner would be the best route for them to go. Even though Milliner is a reach as a top-five pick, he is a potential star cornerback who could help stabilize an Eagles secondary that struggled mightily this season.

5. Detroit Lions: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State (Jr.)

Best Case: Bjoern Werner

With star defensive end Cliff Avril likely to leave as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Lions will likely be in need of a new pass-rusher to replace him. If the Lions have a shot to draft Bjoern Werner, an outstanding all-around defensive end with great length, athleticism, pass-rushing skill and run-stopping ability, he would be a perfect choice to replace Avril.

Worst Case: C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama (Jr.)

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is known to draft on the basis of “best player available.” A cornerback would make sense if the draft’s top two pass-rushers, Werner and Texas A&M’s Damontre Moore, are off the board. But the lack of value at the position in this year’s draft would likely turn Mayhew in another direction with a top-five draft pick.

If Werner and Moore end up being selected before the Lions' pick, a strong possibility, even at No. 5 overall, would be Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley. He can do it all anywhere on the field as an outside linebacker and would be an upgrade to a subpar linebacking unit in Detroit.

6. Cleveland Browns: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M (Jr.)

Best Case: Bjoern Werner

The Cleveland Browns defense has gotten significantly better this season, but it still lacks a premier pass-rushing defensive end. The Browns could fix that by selecting the draft's most complete defensive end prospect and an explosive pass-rusher in Werner.

Next-Best Case: Damontre Moore

Damontre Moore would fill the Browns’ need for a pass-rushing end, and he isn’t much of a drop-off from Werner. Moore is an athletic playmaker who has shown an affinity for getting into the backfield in his junior season at Texas A&M.

Worst Case: Eric Reid, FS, LSU (Jr.)

If the draft’s top two pass-rushers are off the board, the Browns should look in another direction with their first-round pick. Eric Reid is an outstanding playmaker and the best defensive back in the draft. He is likely to be available when the Browns are on the clock and would be a big upgrade over Usama Young at free safety.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan (Jr.)

Best Case: Luke Joeckel

The Arizona Cardinals have the NFL’s worst offensive line and are in desperate need of a complete overhaul at the position. Luke Joeckel is the best offensive lineman in the draft and would be the franchise left tackle that the Cardinals so desperately need.

Next-Best Case: Taylor Lewan

Missing out on Joeckel would be a disappointment for the Cardinals, but Taylor Lewan is a very good left tackle prospect. While he isn’t quite the standout Joeckel is, Lewan would be an immediate upgrade for an offensive line that has given up 52 sacks through 14 games this season.

Worst Case: Best available offensive lineman

If Joeckel and Lewan are off the board before the Cardinals pick, addressing their other massive need at quarterback with USC’s Matt Barkley would be another real possibility. But if in doubt, the Cardinals should draft the best available offensive lineman. That's because, with the exception of left guard Daryn Colledge, Arizona should be looking for new starters at four offensive line positions.

Texas A&M’s other offensive tackle, Jake Matthews, would be a great choice to fill in at either left or right tackle should Joeckel and Lewan be off the board. One of two Alabama interior linemen, guard Chance Warmack or guard/center Barrett Jones, would also be a great choice.

8. San Diego Chargers: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (Jr.)

Best Case: Luke Joeckel

The San Diego Chargers could use upgrades at both offensive tackle spots, so the ideal scenario for the Chargers would be for the draft’s elite left tackle prospect, Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, to still be available. Joeckel would be an immediate upgrade over Mike Harris on the left side and could be a franchise player at the position.

Next-Best Case: Jake Matthews

Joeckel isn’t the only A&M offensive tackle who would be a great first-round pick for the Chargers. Jake Matthews plays right tackle at A&M, but he has the length, athleticism and pass-blocking prowess to make the transition to left tackle. He could also be an immediate upgrade over Jeromey Clary on the right side.

Worst Case: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

If all three of the top offensive tackles are off the board, a logical move for the Chargers would be to upgrade at cornerback. Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason are both headed for unrestricted free agency.

Alabama’s Dee Milliner is the best cornerback in the draft. Even if he is off the board, Johnthan Banks is a well-rounded cornerback with the potential to be the No. 1 cornerback the Chargers need. Banks has been a shutdown cover corner for years in the SEC, and he has the size and athleticism to hang with any wide receiver in the NFL.

9. Buffalo Bills: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Best Case: Manti Te’o

The Buffalo Bills’ run defense has been pitiful this season. Only two NFL teams have allowed more rushing yards per game. One big reason is a lack of playmakers at linebacker. If the Notre Dame standout middle linebacker were to fall to the Bills, he would be a huge coup and could make an immediate impact.

Next-Best Case: Matt Barkley

Linebacker is the Bills’ biggest need, but unless Te’o is available, they will most likely turn to drafting a new quarterback instead. Matt Barkley is a bit of a reach as a top-10 pick. But even with a disappointing senior season, he still has the potential to be a very good NFL quarterback. With the Bills needing an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick, it would be hard for them to pass up Barkley here.

Worst Case: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame (Jr.)

If Te’o, Barkley, Geno Smith, Jarvis Jones and  C.J. Mosley are all off the board, the Bills should look to trade down. That's because there would not be a linebacker, quarterback or another player on the board worthy of a top-10 pick who fits the Bills’ needs. In that scenario, however, the Bills could upgrade at tight end with an explosive playmaker such as Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert.

10. Tennessee Titans: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Best Case: Star Lotulelei

Defensive tackle isn’t the Tennessee Titans’ biggest need. But without a true difference-maker at the position, Star Lotulelei would be tough to pass up. A massive but explosive, consistently disruptive nose tackle, Lotulelei is one of the elite prospects in this draft and could give the Titans the star (not only in name) they do not have on their defensive line.

Worst Case: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

It is rare for a guard to be a top-10 draft pick—the last true guard selected that high was Chris Naeole in 1997—but regardless, Chance Warmack would be a solid choice. With massive size (6'3", 320 pounds), power and surprising athleticism for his size, Warmack is a top-notch guard prospect who could be a star at the position.

11. Carolina Panthers: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State (Jr.)

Best Case: Star Lotulelei

The Carolina Panthers’ run defense has been weakened by subpar play at the defensive tackle position. The Panthers need to find a dominant run-stopper and difference-maker at the position in this year’s draft. Star Lotulelei is the draft’s best defensive tackle with his combination of size, strength, athleticism and penetrating ability. He would be a no-brainer choice if available for the Panthers.

Next-Best Case: Johnathan Hankins

If the Panthers miss out of Lotulelei, Johnathan Hankins would not be much of a drop-off. While he isn’t quite the consistent and dominant playmaker that Lotulelei is, he is a massive nose tackle with explosive quickness and has the potential to be an elite NFL defensive tackle.

Worst Case: Jesse Williams or Sheldon Richardson

Fortunately for the Panthers, their biggest need also comes at the draft’s strongest position in terms of first-round prospects. Even if Lotulelei and Hankins are off the board, other valid choices would be stout but quick Alabama nose tackle Jesse Williams, or athletic, quick Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama (Jr.)

Best Case: Dee Milliner

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Aqib Talib to the New England Patriots, they lost their No. 1 cornerback. Add in that the Buccaneers could release Eric Wright after a suspension that voids future guaranteed money in his contract, and cornerback is the Buccaneers’ biggest need.

If Dee Milliner is available for the Buccaneers, the best all-around cornerback in the draft should be an easy choice. Milliner has the size, athleticism, ball skills and tackling ability to be a real star at the position.

Worst Case: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri (Jr.)

In the event that the top defensive backs (Milliner, Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks, Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, should he declare, and LSU free safety Eric Reid) are off the board, finding another starting-caliber defensive tackle to play next to Gerald McCoy would be another position to address.

An explosive interior penetrator, Sheldon Richardson is one of the draft's quickest risers. He would likely excel on a defense where he would be able to exploit offensive lines when McCoy draws double-teams.

13. Miami Dolphins: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Best Case: Taylor Lewan

The Miami Dolphins found their franchise left tackle when they selected Jake Long with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. But his rookie contract is coming to an end this offseason, and the Dolphins have not moved to re-sign him yet.

Even with the selection of Jonathan Martin in the second round of the 2012 draft, the Dolphins will need another starting offensive tackle if they lose Long.

Luke Joeckel falling this far in the draft order may be unrealistic, but there is a possibility that Michigan’s Taylor Lewan, who often draws comparisons to Michigan alum Long, could still be available. If so, he would be a perfect fit as Long’s successor in Miami.

Next-Best Case: Johnthan Banks

Having traded Vontae Davis prior to the start of this season, the Miami Dolphins need another cornerback to start across from Sean Smith. Johnthan Banks is a good all-around cornerback prospect who could give the Dolphins a formidable duo at the position.

Worst Case: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU (Jr.)

If the top cornerbacks and offensive tackles are off the board, the Miami Dolphins would certainly benefit by adding another defensive end, one of the deepest positions for first-round talent. A great choice would be LSU’s Sam Montgomery, an athletic defensive end with the skill set to be a three-down lineman. He could be a difference-maker opposite Cameron Wake.

14. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU (Jr.)

Best Case: Jarvis Jones

Some doubters of Jarvis Jones believe that a medical condition (spinal stenosis) could cause him to fall much further than expected on the draft board. If that ends up being the case, the Jets should take a chance on him. He could be a perfect fit for fill their massive void at outside linebacker, especially considering his ability to get after the quarterback.

Next-Best Case: Barkevious Mingo

With Jones, Bjoern Werner and Damontre Moore all off the board, the Jets would have to reach down to the second tier of pass-rushing prospects to fill their need for an outside linebacker. The Jets had reportedly hoped to draft West Virginia’s Bruce Irvin, a boom-or-bust pass-rusher with freakish athleticism, in the 2012 draft, and they could get a similar prospect in LSU’s Barkevious Mingo in this scenario.

Worst Case: Alex Okafor, OLB, Texas

Even if the Jets miss out on the top three pass-rushers and Mingo, they would still have another option to fill their need of a pass-rushing outside linebacker in Alex Okafor. While Okafor is not quite as well suited to make the transition from defensive end as the first four, he is a well-rounded and athletic defender who can bring heat on the quarterback and is a sound run-stopper.

15. New Orleans Saints: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama (Jr.)

Best Case: Dee Milliner

The New Orleans Saints have holes all over their defense, but their biggest need is for another cornerback to start opposite Patrick Robinson. If Dee Milliner is still available at the No. 15 overall pick, selecting the draft's best cornerback should be an easy choice for the Saints.

Next-Best Case: C.J. Mosley

With the top two cornerbacks in the draft class off the board, drafting the best defensive player available would be a smart strategy to employ. In this case, that player is C.J. Mosley, a terrific all-around linebacker who could give the Saints the athleticism, sideline playmaking and coverage skills that they lack at outside linebacker.

Worst Case: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (R-So.)

Even with Milliner and Banks off the board, drafting a cornerback would still make sense in the first round. Should Ohio State’s Bradley Roby declare for the draft, he would likely still be available. He is a tremendous athlete with great ball skills, tackling ability and the potential to be a star cornerback.

16. St. Louis Rams: Eric Reid, FS, LSU (Jr.)

Best Case: Jake Matthews

The St. Louis Rams need another offensive tackle to pair with Rodger Saffold. Jake Matthews would be a perfect fit. The angular and athletic A&M right tackle could be an immediate fix at right tackle and could eventually take over on the left side of the line.

Next-Best Case: Eric Reid

If the Rams end up with the opportunity to draft Eric Reid, that would also be close to a best-case scenario. The Rams need to add a playmaker at safety, especially one with great coverage skills, and Reid is a tremendous talent and great value in the middle of the first round.

Worst Case: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame (Jr.)

If Matthews, Reid and C.J. Mosley are all off the board, another player who would make a lot of sense with the Rams’ first pick is Tyler Eifert. The Rams could benefit by adding another vertical playmaker to their offense. They would get that at the tight end position with the big, athletic Eifert.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama (Jr.)

Best Case: C.J. Mosley

Larry Foote has been a productive tackler this season, but the 32-year-old inside linebacker is slated for unrestricted free agency. The Steelers would benefit by replacing him with a more athletic inside linebacker with better coverage skills. C.J. Mosley would be a perfect fit and a terrific value in the latter half of the first round.

Next-Best Case: Jesse Williams

At 35 years old, nose tackle Casey Hampton’s best years are behind him, and his heir apparent, Alameda Ta’amu, was cut earlier this season after being arrested on felony charges. The Steelers need to find a new anchor for their three-man defensive front, and the strong, powerful Williams would be a terrific fit and great value in the second half of the first round.

Worst Case: John Jenkins, NT, Georgia

If Jesse Williams is off the board, another great choice at nose tackle would be Georgia’s John Jenkins. On the north side of 350 pounds, Jenkins is absolutely massive. But with that size comes great strength and surprising quickness that make him a tough load to handle in the middle of a defensive front.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Woods, WR, USC (Jr.)

Best Case: Johnathan Hankins

The Minnesota Vikings’ run defense simply hasn’t been the same since Pat Williams’ departure broke up the “Williams Wall” on their interior defensive line. Kevin Williams is still a good defensive tackle, but his play is in decline, so the Vikings need to find a difference-maker at nose tackle to give them a dynamic interior line duo again.

If Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins were to fall this far in this draft, he would be a perfect fit and an outstanding choice to fill that spot.

Worst Case: Best available wide receiver

Outside of Percy Harvin, the rest of the Minnesota Vikings’ wide receivers may not even be good enough to make the rosters of some NFL teams. The Vikings desperately need to add playmakers at the position. If the top three nose tackles are off the board, the best bet for the Vikings is to draft the top available wide receiver, even though none in this year’s class are worth a top-20 pick.

Among the wide receivers available, the best all-around prospect is USC’s Robert Woods. A terrific route-runner with great hands and open-field playmaking ability, Woods would give the Vikings the playmaker on the outside they desperately need.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

Best Case: Jake Matthews

Right tackle Doug Free has struggled so badly this season that the Cowboys have been spelling him with subpar backup Jermey Parnell over the past two weeks.

Even with more than $23 million remaining on Free’s contract over the next two seasons, it’s time for the Cowboys to move forward at the position. Matthews is a perfect fit to step in right away as an NFL right tackle and would be an immediate upgrade.

Next-Best Case: Barrett Jones

Right tackle hasn’t been the only problem on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Upgrades are also needed at center and right guard. Either of two terrific Alabama interior offensive linemen, Barrett Jones or Chance Warmack, would make sense here as an upgrade at right guard. But Jones’ versatility to also play center or right tackle gives him the nod here.

Worst Case: Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

The Cowboys need to address their offensive line in the draft, and they can do so even if they miss out on Matthews, Jones and Warmack. North Carolina’s Jon Cooper is a big, powerful guard with tremendous feet. He could be an immediate and much-needed upgrade at either guard spot.

20. Chicago Bears: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

Best Case: Jake Matthews

2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi has looked to be a complete bust, leaving the Chicago Bears in desperate need of an upgrade at right tackle. It is highly unlikely Jake Matthews will fall all the way to the Bears, but given the chance to draft him, he would be a no-brainer as an upgrade at a position of desperate need.

Next-Best Case: Chance Warmack

The Bears could use an upgrade at every position on their offensive line, and there is still one offensive lineman of great value who still could be available in Alabama guard Chance Warmack. The massive, powerful, quick mauler could be an immediate upgrade at either guard spot.

Worst Case: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama (Jr.)

If the top three offensive tackles are off the board, drafting an offensive tackle would mean reaching on a second-round player in the first round. That said, the Bears are desperate for an upgrade at right tackle.

Alabama’s D.J. Fluker has the power, length and footwork to be a solid long-term starter at the position for the Bears, which would make him worth the reach.

21. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Best Case: Matt Barkley

The Baltimore Ravens have stumbled down the stretch. A big reason has been the subpar play of quarterback Joe Flacco, whose contract expires at the end of this season. Even if the Ravens give Flacco the franchise tag for the 2013 season, they would be smart to draft a potential successor rather than making a long-term commitment to him.

Matt Barkley is a very skilled passer with the tools to be a very good NFL quarterback. But a disappointing senior season could set him up for a fall down the draft board. If that were to happen, the Ravens should pounce on the opportunity to draft him.

Next-Best Case: Tyler Wilson

Barkley most likely won’t make it through the top 20 picks, but Tyler Wilson is a legitimate first-round quarterback prospect in his own right. Like Barkley, he had a subpar senior season, but he is a skilled pocket passer with a strong arm and good footwork.

In a franchise-tag situation for Flacco, Wilson would be a perfect choice to develop as a potential successor in 2014.

Worst Case: Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU (Jr.)

The end of 37-year-old Ray Lewis’ career is near, and without much talent outside of Lewis at inside linebacker, the Ravens need to add young talent at the position. Kevin Minter is a good athlete and an instinctive tackler, but he likely won’t be a top-20 pick, so he could be a great choice for the Ravens late in the first round.

22. New York Giants: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (R-So.)

Best Case: Bradley Roby

New York Giants cornerbacks have gotten burned far too often this season. So, even with numerous draft picks invested in the position over the past two years, the Giants still need to upgrade at the position. Bradley Roby is a tremendous playmaking cornerback who would be a good value outside of the top 20 picks. He could develop into the true No. 1 corner the Giants have struggled to find.

Worst Case: Best available linebacker

Another major position of need for the Giants is linebacker, where they could use upgrades outside of Michael Boley. At least one of three between LSU’s Kevin Minter, Kansas State’s Arthur Brown and Georgia’s Alec Ogletree should be available, which would leave the Giants the opportunity to draft a quality player who could be an immediate playmaker at either middle or strong-side linebacker.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State (Jr.)

Best Case: C.J. Mosley

The Cincinnati Bengals found one diamond in the rough at linebacker in undrafted free agent Vontaze Burfict. But with underperforming Rey Maualuga and Manny Lawson both slated for unrestricted free agency, the Bengals need another playmaker at linebacker. C.J. Mosley is unlikely to fall to the Bengals, but he would be a perfect addition if available.

Next-Best Case: David Amerson

The Cincinnati Bengals’ other big need is for a safety to start next to Reggie Nelson. More specifically, they need more playmakers in the secondary. David Amerson, a big cornerback with great athleticism who compares favorably to Devin McCourty, would fit the bill.

Amerson tends to be overaggressive in coverage, but he has a tremendous nose for the ball. He may actually be suited to make the transition to safety, where he could fill a need.

Worst Case: Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas

Kenny Vaccaro is a slight reach as a first-round pick, but he would fill a need at strong safety, which would keep Nelson in his more natural position of free safety. Vaccaro has trouble with inconsistency, but he is an athletic safety with great size and tackling ability. He is an effective cover safety.

24. Seattle Seahawks: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson (Jr.)

Best Case: Chance Warmack

Even though the Seahawks have made some recent early-round draft picks at guard, James Carpenter and John Moffitt have struggled through injuries and subpar showings when healthy. Still searching for an answer at guard, the opportunity to draft Chance Warmack as an immediate upgrade at either guard spot would be too good to pass up if he were available for the Seahawks.

Next-Best Case: DeAndre Hopkins

The Seahawks need to add another weapon to the passing offense—specifically, a wide receiver who can stretch the field and make plays downfield to take advantage of Russell Wilson’s deep throwing ability. A wideout with dynamic speed and downfield receiving ability, DeAndre Hopkins may be the best deep-threat receiver in the draft.

Worst Case: Best available wide receiver

While Hopkins rates as the best available receiver in this scenario, there is little gap between him and a number of other options as late first-round picks. Robert Woods would be an attractive choice if available, especially to Pete Carroll, who recruited him to USC. Tennessee’s Justin Hunter, California’s Keenan Allen and Baylor’s Terrance Williams are also options.

25. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

Best Case: Barrett Jones

The Indianapolis Colts desperately need to upgrade their interior offensive line, which has struggled to protect Andrew Luck. Alabama’s Barrett Jones is a tremendous all-around lineman who could play any spot on the interior line as well as right tackle, which is also an area of need. So his versatility and blocking skill would make him a great asset.

Next-Best Case: Jonathan Cooper

If the Colts miss out on Jones and Chance Warmack, North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper is the next-best option and not a big step down at all. With great size and power and the best feet of any guard prospect in the draft, Cooper could be a real difference-maker for an interior offensive line that has struggled consistently.

Worst Case: Inside linebacker upgrade

If the Colts miss out on all of the top offensive linemen in the first round, another strong course of action would be to upgrade next to Jerrell Freeman at inside linebacker. LSU’s Kevin Minter, Kansas State’s Arthur Brown and Georgia’s Alec Ogletree could all be available here. Any of them would add a much-needed playmaker in the middle of the Colts’ linebacker unit.

26. St. Louis Rams (from Redskins): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame (Jr.)

Best Case: Tyler Eifert

With their second pick of the first round, the St. Louis Rams can afford to draft for more than need. That said, adding a playmaker like Tyler Eifert, a terrific downfield receiver and strong blocker, could pay huge dividends for the Rams offense, which remains short on weapons in the passing game.

Worst Case: Eric Fisher or D.J. Fluker

If the Rams miss out on the top offensive tackles with their first pick, they will need to look to the offensive tackle position sooner rather than later. Knowing that eventually another run on offensive tackles will take the best of the rest off the board, the Rams could opt to reach on Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher or Alabama’s D.J. Fluker in the first round rather than wait until their second-round pick.

27. Green Bay Packers: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri (Jr.)

Best Case: Barrett Jones

It’s hard to see an offensive lineman with the polish, experience and versatility of Barrett Jones lasting this late into the first round, but it could happen. If the versatile Alabama interior lineman is available when the Packers are on the clock, he would be a perfect pick as a successor to Jeff Saturday at center. He also could be a fix at virtually any other spot on the Packers’ shaky offensive line.

Next-Best Case: Sheldon Richardson

The Green Bay Packers have a solid group of interior defensive linemen, but what the group lacks is an interior pass-rusher to line up alongside B.J. Raji. Sheldon Richardson is the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft and would be great value late in the first round, whereas any available offensive lineman would be a reach.

Worst Case: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama (Jr.)

There is no true first-round running back in the draft, but Alabama’s Eddie Lacy is a possible early second-round pick who would be a valid choice late in the first round. The Green Bay Packers have no feature back and could benefit by adding a powerful and fast back in Lacy.

28. Denver Broncos: John Jenkins, NT, Georgia

Best Case: John Jenkins

The Denver Broncos need to upgrade at defensive tackle. More specifically, they need a big, powerful nose tackle who can be a sound run-stopper and have the quickness to line up alongside Derek Wolfe inside on pass-rushing downs. Even at more than 350 pounds, John Jenkins has that quickness. He has the potential to be the force the Broncos lack on their interior defensive line.

Worst Case: Best available defensive tackle

With a deep class of defensive tackles, the Broncos should have options late in the first round even if Jenkins is off the board. North Carolina’s Sylvester Williams and Florida’s Sharrif Floyd are fringe first-round picks who would be great additions as difference-makers on the Broncos’ interior defensive line.

29. Houston Texans: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

Best Case: David Amerson

The Houston Texans secondary has given up many big passing plays this season and needs to add young talent to rectify that problem. North Carolina State cornerback David Amerson would be a great choice as a big-play cornerback with great size, athleticism and ball skills. He could also be an option to take over at free safety if Glover Quin leaves as an unrestricted free agent.

Next-Best Case: Justin Hunter

The Texans need a wide receiver with size and athleticism who can draw coverage away from Andre Johnson and give Matt Schaub a second downfield playmaking weapon. Tennessee’s Justin Hunter would be a great choice as a late first-round pick. He has huge upside as a downfield receiver. If he can overcome his issues with drops, he could be a standout opposite Johnson.

Worst Case: Best available wide receiver

Hunter is one of many fringe first-round wide receivers who could be a possibility here. While Hunter is the best fit, Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins would also be a great choice if available, as would California’s Keenan Allen or Baylor’s Terrance Williams, all of whom are big, athletic receivers with the potential to be a good No. 2 NFL wideout.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU (Jr.)

Best Case: Sam Montgomery

Having released Ray Edwards earlier this season, the Atlanta Falcons are likely to be in the market for another pass-rushing defensive end, a player who can bring athleticism and rotate with John Abraham and Kroy Biermann. Sam Montgomery is a tremendous athlete and skilled pass-rusher who would be great value late in the first round.

Worst Case: Best available defensive tackle

The Falcons should also address the interior of their defensive line. They could use a significant upgrade next to Jonathan Babineaux in their four-man front. If Montgomery and the other top pass-rushing defensive ends are off the board, a defensive tackle such as Florida’s Sharrif Floyd or North Carolina’s Sylvester Williams would make sense.

31. New England Patriots: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Best Case: Sheldon Richardson

The New England Patriots have one of the NFL’s elite defensive tackles in nose tackle Vince Wilfork. But in order to improve their fairly weak pass rush, they would benefit greatly by adding an under tackle with more quickness and ability to penetrate. Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson would fit the bill and likely form a dominant duo in the middle with Wilfork.

Next-Best Case: Tavon Austin

If Wes Welker leaves this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, a slot receiver will be needed on a team already thin on receiver depth. With terrific speed, quickness and route-running ability, West Virginia’s Tavon Austin is a terrific playmaker. He would be a perfect fit to replace Welker and give the Patriots another useful weapon in their passing offense.

Worst Case: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State (Jr.)

Whether or not Aqib Talib is signed to a contract extension, the Patriots have a major need for talent and depth at the cornerback position. Xavier Rhodes is a slight reach as a first-round pick, but he is a big, physical, athletic cornerback who would fit the Patriots’ scheme well. He would give them another much-needed playmaker in the secondary.

32. San Francisco 49ers: Sylvester Williams, DT/DE, North Carolina

Best Case: John Jenkins

The San Francisco 49ers have an elite defensive front seven, but the one piece they lack is a true anchoring nose tackle in the middle. With his size, strength and power, John Jenkins is one of the truest nose tackles in this draft. With great quickness for his size, he could be yet another difference-maker on the 49ers’ defensive front.

Next-Best Case: Sylvester Williams

Sylvester Williams isn’t a true nose tackle, but the 49ers could make a strong defensive front stronger by adding him into the mix. At 320 pounds, Williams has enough size to line up as a nose tackle. He also has explosive quickness that would make him an option to play at defensive end as rotational depth for Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.

If he were drafted by the 49ers, Williams may not come in with one true role. But he certainly has the talent to make an immediate impact and may be best in a rotational role.

Worst Case: Best available cornerback

The 49ers have a decent trio of cornerbacks in Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver, but there is certainly room for upgrade in that secondary, where depth is also always needed. A cornerback like Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes or Rutgers’ Logan Ryan wouldn’t be a huge reach at the end of the first round, as both would likely have an opportunity to make an immediate impact in the San Francisco secondary.

Dan Hope is an NFL draft Featured Columnist and the New England Patriots game-day correspondent for Bleacher Report.

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