2013 NFL Mock Draft: Geno Smith vs. Star Lotulelei & the Battle for the Top Pick

I know the NFL 2012 regular season is just about to end, and the college bowl season has just started, but it's never too early to get a gauge on the 2013 NFL draft.

To get a good assessment of the 2013 draft class, the scouts, coaches and front office-types are looking forward to a look at the bowls, the East-West Shrine game, the Senior Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine and the Pro Day workouts for the players.

This mock draft is based on the needs of each particular NFL team, and how the board looks at the time they have a selection.

The order is based upon the current standings in the NFL, and the opposition's won-loss percentage for each team.

In terms of the No. 1 pick, which right now would belong to the 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs, it depends on whether or not the Chiefs will retain Scott Pioli as their general manager.

If the Chiefs go in a different direction and clean house, the new GM might take a shot and select quarterback Geno Smith of West Virginia, since that is such a glaring need for Kansas City.

Otherwise, if Pioli is indeed kept on, I believe he will select defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, and select a quarterback later, perhaps in the second round.

1) Kansas City Chiefs: DT Star Lotulelei (Utah)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 320 pounds

With a record of 2-13, the Chiefs obviously have a number of issues. Two big ones are passing offense and rushing defense. Kansas City is 31st in the NFL in passing and 26th in the league in stopping the run.

As I mentioned earlier, if Scott Pioli is retained, I think he will focus on the defense and draft defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. The Utah standout will play right next to last season's No. 1 draft pick...Dontari Poe.

Remember that is was Pioli who traded for quarterback Matt Cassel in 2009. Pioli traded with the same organization he used to work for...the New England Patriots. The first two years with Cassel were pretty good (43 touchdowns vs. 23 interceptions). But it's been downhill since then for Cassel (16 TD passes vs. 21 picks), who has been benched.

A new general manager may throw caution in the wind and select a quarterback like Geno Smith with the first overall pick of the draft. Smith threw 40 touchdown passes, compared to six interceptions for West Virginia.

But if Pioli still is the general manager, then expect a selection like Lotulelei, who had 42 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and four passes broken up on the season for Utah.

2) Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Bjoern Werner (Florida State)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 255 pounds

The Jacksonville Jaguars are like the Chiefs, in that they need an upgrade at the quarterback position. That's even after drafting Blaine Gabbert in 2011. Up to this point, Gabbert has struggled in the NFL, plus went on injured reserve this year due to a shoulder injury.

Backup quarterback Chad Henne has brought a bit of a spark to the Jacksonville passing game, but he's probably not the long-term answer at quarterback either. Plus, the rumors are rampant that hometown hero Tim Tebow will become a Jaguar in 2013, after he is jettisoned by the New York Jets.

Still, I expect the Jaguars to concentrate on defense in the first round and select defensive end Bjoern Werner from Florida State. Jacksonville is currently ranked 31st in total defense in the NFL, and the Jags need to upgrade their pass rush.

3) Oakland Raiders: OLB Jarvis Jones (Georgia)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 240 pounds

The Oakland Raiders now have some stability in their front office since they hired Reggie McKenzie to become their general manager prior to the 2012 NFL draft. McKenzie's hands were somewhat tied then though, as he didn't have a selection until the third round, thanks to some ill-advised moves by the previous regime.

This year McKenzie will seek to bolster the 21st-ranked Oakland defense by selecting outside linebacker Jarvis Jones from Georgia.

Jones has had a monster season thus far for the Bulldogs. Jones has 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles, two passes broken up and one interception going into the Capital One Bowl, where Georgia will take on Nebraska.

4) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Jake Matthews (Texas A&M)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 305 pounds

The Philadelphia Eagles are a mess in terms of their offensive line stability. The Eagles have given up 47 sacks thus far in 2012. Philadelphia has to upgrade the offensive tackle position for sure, due to injuries and dismal play.

The Eagles should look to Texas A&M for their new offensive tackle. They can chose either right tackle Jake Matthews or left tackle Luke Joeckel. Both would be good choices.

I'm picking Matthews though, mostly because of his lineage. His father Bruce is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of his stellar career as an offensive lineman with the Houston Oilers/Tennesse Oilers/Tennessee Titans. Jake's uncle Clay Matthews, Jr. might get to the Hall of Fame eventually, where he excelled as an outside linebacker for the Cleveland Browns.

Jake's grandfather Clay Sr. also played in the NFL in the 1950s. Right now Jake's cousin Clay III,  is having an excellent start to his NFL career as an outside linebacker with the Green Bay Packers, where he has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the league. 

Jake has another cousin Casey Matthews, who is ironically a member of the Eagles. Casey was drafted in 2011.

Jake was a three-year starter at Texas A&M where he played right tackle, but he has the skill set to move to the left side if necessary. 

5) Detroit Lions: CB Dee Milliner (Alabama)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 200 pounds

The Detroit Lions play in the NFC North. That means they have to face the likes of Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers twice a year. Add to that, the secondary of the Lions needs some help, where the Lions have given up 11 plays of 40-plus yards through the air this year.

Dee Milliner, of Alabama, will help. Milliner is considered the best cover corner prospect in the draft. He has 51 tackles, two interceptions and 18 passes broken up so far in 2012, leading up to the BCS Championship Game against Notre Dame.

6) Buffalo Bills: QB Geno Smith (West Virginia)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 220 pounds

The Buffalo Bills made a mistake in 2011 when they gave quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a contract extension worth $59 million, with a $10 million signing bonus. Fitzpatrick has not exactly flourished since then, as he has thrown 46 touchdown passes, but also a whopping 38 interceptions. The Bills are currently ranked 24th in passing offense in the NFL.

Therefore, I expect the Bills to select a quarterback in this draft, and Geno Smith would be a nice option, if available. Smith threw 40 touchdown passes versus just six picks for West Virginia, plus is very mobile.

7) Cleveland Browns: DE Damontre Moore (Texas A&M)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 250 pounds

The Cleveland Browns have the 24th ranked defense in the NFL, and they need to bring in some help. Enter defensive end Damontre Moore from Texas A&M.

Moore has 80 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, a blocked kick and a forced fumble for the Aggies heading into the Cotton Bowl, where Texas A&M will take on Oklahoma.

8) Tennessee Titans: G Chance Warmack (Alabama)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 320 pounds

The Tennessee Titans need some help on their offensive line, especially the interior of the line. Nobody knows that more than head coach Mike Munchak, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to his prowess as a guard in the league.

I expect to the Titans to help themselves in that area by selecting guard Chance Warmack from Alabama. Warmack has been a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, plus has had an excellent 2012 season heading into the BCS Championship Game against Notre Dame.

9) Arizona Cardinals: OT Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M)

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 310 pounds

The Arizona Cardinals are dead last in the NFL in sacks allowed right now, as they have allowed 56 so far. That's almost four a game on average. That is why the Cardinals need to improve their offensive line.

However, the Cardinals might look at upgrading the quarterback position yet again, as Arizona is ranked 28th in passing offense in the NFL. The Cardinals traded for Kevin Kolb in 2011, plus have drafted John Skelton and Ryan Lindley the past couple of years.

The big problem appears to be pass protection, however, and that is why the Cardinals should jump at the chance to select someone like left tackle Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M. Joeckel has top-five talent in the 2013 draft and if he falls to Arizona, they should not hesitate to select him.

10) San Diego Chargers: OT Taylor Lewan (Michigan)

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 310 pounds

It's hard to believe, but the San Diego Chargers are ranked just 23rd in passing offense in the NFL right now. Quarterback Phillip Rivers has had a poor year by his standards (24 touchdown passes vs. 15 interceptions), but a lot of his problems stem from terrible pass protection.

The Chargers have given up 47 sacks so far in 2012. It looks as though San Diego will be cleaning house with both the front office and the coaching staff, but whoever is in charge of the draft should look for offensive line help.

Massive offensive tackle Taylor Lewan of Michigan would definitely help. Lewan is a very good run blocker, and his pass protection has gotten better throughout his college career.

11) New York Jets: LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 250 pounds

The New York Jets will definitely be making some changes, after another disappointing season in 2012. Head coach Rex Ryan's job appears to be safe, but it looks like general manager Mike Tannenbaum will be reassigned with the organization.

The Jets have to be very concerned about the play of quarterback Mark Sanchez, who just signed a three-year contract extension (worth $20 million in guarantees) prior to the 2012 season.

Sanchez looked lost at quarterback this season for the Jets before he was finally benched. Sanchez threw 13 touchdown passes, compared to 17 picks. The Jets are in a bind due to the cap ramifications if they traded or released Sanchez.

The Jets might think about drafting Matt Barkley out of USC in the first round, but that probably won't go over too well in New York, as USC was where Sanchez went to school. The Jets will most likely have to hope that either Sanchez or Greg McElroy upgrade their play in 2013.

The Jets are ranked seventh in total defense in 2012, but still need some help at inside linebacker. That help would come in the form of linebacker Manti Te'o from Notre Dame.

Te'o would be too good to pass up for the Jets and a defensive-minded coach like Ryan. He had 103 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes broken up and seven interceptions, going into the BCS Championship Game against Alabama.

12) Tampa Bay Bucs: Johnthan Banks (Mississippi State)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 185 pounds

It's pretty obvious what the Tampa Bay Bucs need to do in the 2013 NFL draft. That would be getting some quality talent at the cornerback position. The Bucs are ranked 29th in pass defense right now in the NFL.

The Bucs traded away problem-child, cornerback Aqib Talib to the New England Patriots earlier this season, while Eric Wright, who was signed as a free agent earlier this year, just ended a four-game suspension due to a violation of NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy (Adderall). Talib had a four-game suspension for the same reason.

The Bucs can help themselves by selecting cornerback Johnthan Banks from Mississippi State. Banks has 59 tackles, four interceptions and seven passes broken up so far in 2012, going into the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl versus Northwestern.

Banks was a four-year starter at Mississippi State.

13) Carolina Panthers: DT Johnathan Hankins (Ohio State)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 320 pounds

The Carolina Panthers already fired their general manager (Marty Hurney) earlier this season, so who knows what might happen with the coaching staff after the season ends.

The Panthers have been gashed in the running game defensively a lot recently, so shoring up that part of the team would seem to be a priority. 

Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, of Ohio State, would definitely help out in that area. Hankins is very tough against the run, and had 55 tackles, four tackles for a loss and a sack this season for the Buckeyes.

14) Pittsburgh Steelers: DE Sheldon Richardson (Missouri)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 295 pounds

Yes...it's true. The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be playing in the postseason this year. That is somewhat of a shock, with all of the talent on that team. But, injuries and age definitely affected the Steelers this season.

The Steelers are ranked first in total defense in the NFL this year, so it may seem odd that I would suggest picking up a defensive lineman in the first round. However, the Steelers are getting long in the tooth defensively, and defensive end Sheldon Richardson would add to the tenacious legacy of the Pittsburgh defense over the years if he was selected in round one. 

Richardson had 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles for Missouri.

15) Miami Dolphins: WR Justin Hunter (Tennessee)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 200 pounds

The Miami Dolphins have had a nice first season under head coach Joe Philbin, who has led the team to a 7-8 record so far, with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill behind center. Tannehill has had his ups and downs as a rookie, but the glaring issue with the Miami offense is the lack of a play-making wide receiver, especially after Miami traded away Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears.

The Dolphins will be able to get a nice option at wide receiver by selecting Jason Hunter of Tennessee in the first round. Hunter has excellent size, plus had 73 receptions for 1,083 yards and nine touchdowns this year.

Hunter suffered an ACL tear last season, but looks to be all the way back from the injury.

16) New Orleans Saints: OT Eric Fisher (Central Michigan)

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 305 pounds

The New Orleans Saints have had a Twilight Zone-type of season, because of the Bountygate affair, which saw head coach Sean Payton suspended for the year, along with acting head coach Joe Vitt getting suspended for six games, as well.

However, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue overturned the suspensions of four current and former Saints players. which includes two current players, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith.

Bottom line, the Saints are a disappointing 7-8 so far in 2012. The Saints need help in a number of areas, and one of the places is at offensive tackle.

Eric Fisher, of Central Michigan, would be a nice selection for the Saints in the first round, and has played a number of offensive line positions, including left tackle, right tackle and guard. 

17) St. Louis Rams: OT Oday Aboushi (Virginia)

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 310 pounds

The St. Louis Rams will have two choices in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. One is their own, while their second choice is coming from the Washington Redskins, when the Redskins moved up to select Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL draft.

The Rams need to shore up their offensive line. The Rams are 19th in passing offense in the NFL, plus have given up 35 sacks so far this season.

St. Louis can help themselves by selecting offensive tackle Oday Aboushi from Virginia. Aboushi is a very good pass-blocker, and has gotten better in his run-blocking, as well.

18) Dallas Cowboys: OL Barrett Jones (Alabama)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 305 pounds

The Dallas Cowboys need some help on the interior of their offensive line and someone who can help them is Barrett Jones, of Alabama.

Jones played center his senior year at Alabama, but has played both guard and tackle earlier in his Crimson Tide career, and he played those positions very well.

Jones won two very prestigious awards recently, as he won 2012 Rimington Trophy (best center in college football) and the 2012 William V. Campbell Trophy (best scholar-athlete in the nation).

Jones will be going for his third national championship, as the Crimson Tide will be taking on Notre Dame in the BCS Championship Game.

19) New York Giants: DE Sam Montgomery (LSU)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 260 pounds

The New York Giants always seem to be drafting defensive linemen, and this year will be no exception. The G-men might lose Osi Umenyiora to free agency in 2013, so it's time to replenish their very talented defensive front four.

The help will come from defensive end Sam Montgomery, of LSU. Montgomery has 32 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and seven sacks this year, going into the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Clemson.

20) Chicago Bears: LB Alec Ogletree (Georgia)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 235 pounds

The Chicago Bears have had an outstanding year this season defensively. Da Bears are ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense, and have created 24 turnovers in 2012. However, middle linebacker Bryan Urlacher is getting up there in years, plus has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

That is why the Bears will select his heir apparent, Alec Ogletree, of Georgia, in the first round. Ogletree has 98 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks an interception and five passes broken up this season, going into the Capital One Bowl.

21) Cincinnati Bengals: WR Keenan Allen (California)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 210 pounds

The Cincinnati Bengals need to draft a wide receiver who can balance the passing offense, along with wide receiver A.J. Green.

That ingredient can come with the selection of Keenan Allen from Cal. Allen has excellent size, plus 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns in 2012.

Allen can also return punts.

22) St. Louis Rams (from Washington): G Jonathan Cooper (North Carolina)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 310 pounds

The Rams will add another piece to their offensive line by selecting guard Jonathan Cooper, of North Carolina.

Cooper is one of the best offensive guards in the country, but his best position in the NFL might end up being center.

Either way, the Rams will be happy.

23) Minnesota Vikings: WR Tavon Austin (West Virginia)

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 175 pounds

The Minnesota Vikings have had a lot of issues in their passing game in 2012, as they are ranked dead last in the NFL in passing offense. Add to that, it appears that this may be the last season as a Viking for wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has had some run-ins with head coach Leslie Frazier.

That's why wide receiver Tavon Austin would be a nice option in the first round for the Vikes. Austin is like Harvin in many ways, but mostly because he has game-changing ability.

Austin had 110 receptions for 1,259 yards and 12 touchdowns this year for West Virginia, plus had 598 yards and three touchdowns running the football.

24) Indianapolis Colts: OLB Barkevious Mingo (LSU)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 240 pounds

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season, as they are headed to the playoffs behind rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who led the Colts to a 10-5 record so far this season.

However, the Colts are only ranked 26th in total defense in the NFL this year, and that is where Indianapolis should look for help.

Barkevious Mingo, of LSU, would be a nice addition. Mingo played defense end in LSU's 4-3 defense, but looks to be a natural 3-4 outside linebacker. Mingo has 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and four sacks this season, going into the Chick-fil-A Bowl. 

 

25) Baltimore Ravens: LB C.J. Mosley (Alabama)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 235 pounds

The Baltimore Ravens hope to get linebacker Ray Lewis back for the playoffs, after he has missed several games in 2012 due to a triceps injury. The Ravens have to start looking for the successor to the aging Lewis, who started his NFL career in 1996.

C.J. Mosley from Alabama could be that player. Mosley has 99 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, going into the BCS Championship Game against Notre Dame.

26) Seattle Seahawks: DT Kawann Short (Purdue)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 315 pounds

The Seattle Seahawks have one of the most physical and hard-hitting defenses in the NFL. The Hawks are ranked fourth in total defense in the NFL after 15 games.

They could get even better in 2013 if they select defensive tackle Kawann Short from Purdue. Short has 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up, four blocked kicks and a forced fumble in 2012, going into the Heart of Dallas Bowl versus Oklahoma State.

27) San Francisco 49ers: DT Jesse Williams (Alabama)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 320 pounds

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the very best defenses in the NFL. They are currently the second-ranked defense in the league. However, they were definitely affected by the loss of defensive tackle Justin Smith (elbow) in their 42-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Smith not only missed the Seattle game, but he may not be back until the playoffs, if then.

Smith is no spring chicken anyway, as he has played in the NFL since 2001. That is why the Niners should consider drafting someone like defensive tackle Jesse Williams from Alabama.

Williams has 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack so far for the Crimson Tide in 2012, going into the BCS Championship Game.

Williams is a very good run-stuffer, but needs to improve in rushing the passer.

28) New England Patriots: CB Xavier Rhodes (Florida State)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 215 pounds

The New England Patriots are having trouble with their pass defense in 2012, just like they did in 2011. The Pats are ranked 29th in pass defense so far in 2012.

New England did acquire cornerback Aqib Talib from the Bucs via a trade, but they would be well-advised to look for more help in that area in the draft, especially if one looks at Talib's track record off the field.

One player that could help is cornerback Xavier Rhodes, of Florida State. Rhodes has 35 tackles, seven passes broken up and three interceptions, going into the Discover Orange Bowl.

29) Green Bay Packers: TE Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 255 pounds

The Packers would prefer a top-notch offensive lineman, but since the players they really like are already off the board, they should go with the top tight end in the draft, Tyler Eifert. This makes sense, especially since it appears that the Packers will be cutting the cord with tight end Jermichael Finley in 2013, at least according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Bob McGinn.

Even with the trade or release of Finley, the Packers would still have four tight ends on their roster, but none have the skill set of Eifert, who could be an excellent red zone option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Eifert has 134 career receptions with the Fighting Irish, plus has 11 career touchdowns, going into the BCS Championship Game against Alabama.

Head coach Mike McCarthy loves utilizing a number of tight ends for the Packers, plus he was a tight end himself in college (Baker University), where he was an all-conference selection.

30) Denver Broncos: LB Kevin Minter (LSU)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 245 pounds

The Denver Broncos, behind quarterback Peyton Manning, have had a great 2012 season thus far, as they are 12-3, and have a chance to get home-field advantage in the AFC.

The Broncos don't have a lot of holes, as they are ranked fourth in total offense and third in total defense in the NFL.

Still, an addition like linebacker Kevin Minter, of LSU, would help any team. Minter has been exceptional in 2012, as he has 111 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, five passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble.

31) Houston Texans: WR Terrance Williams (Baylor)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 205 pounds

The Houston Texans also don't have a lot of holes, but one that can be helped is the wide receiver position. The Texans have Andre Johnson, but would like someone who can help out in the passing game, as well.

That someone could be Terrance Williams, of Baylor. Williams has 95 receptions, for 1,764 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012, going into the Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl. Last year, Williams caught 59 passes for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.

32) Atlanta Falcons: TE Zach Ertz (Stanford)

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 255 pounds

The Atlanta Falcons have home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, thanks to a 13-2 record so far in 2012. The big test for the Dirty Birds will be finally winning in the postseason.

One player that is still playing well, but also has hinted that this will be his last year, is tight end Tony Gonzales. Gonzales has 88 receptions for 889 yards and eight touchdowns for the Falcons this year, so he obviously still plays a big role in their offense.

Depending on what happens with Gonzales, the Falcons could possibly look at tight end Zach Ertz, of Stanford. Ertz has 66 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns, going into the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin.