2013 NFL Draft: Mocking the Top Ten Picks

Ryan LesterJan 4, 2013

Here’s my first look at the top ten picks of the 2013 NFL Draft.

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

The success of rookie quarterbacks in recent years will not be lost on the Chiefs. They were an embarrassment at the position with Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn. Smith has good size (6’3″, 214 pounds) and has been extremely successful. He has 97 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions over the past three years.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Lotulelei is equally powerful as he is agile. Jacksonville ranked 30th in the league in run defense and had a league-low 20 sacks. Lotulelei should help improve both areas.

3. Oakland Raiders: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jones had 13.5 sacks last year for the Bulldogs. Oakland ranked 31st in the league with just 25 sacks. He may be better suited for a 3-4 alignment, but he could serve as an edge rusher in a 4-3, as well, using his quickness to get to the quarterback.

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

The Eagles allow too many sacks, giving up 43 sacks per season over the last three years. Nick Foles had some decent moments last year. The Eagles aren’t as bad as their record suggests. Grabbing a tackle that they can pencil in for the next decade makes sense for a good, young offense.

5. Detroit Lions: Damontre Moore, OLB/DE, Texas A&M

Moore could make it back-to-back Aggies. He showed the versatility to play the Joker position in the Aggies’ 3-4 scheme and defensive end when they switched to the 4-3. Moore combined for 21 sacks over the past two years, and could be a menace playing outside of NdamukongSuh and Nick Fairley.

6. Cleveland Browns: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Werner recorded 13 sacks last year and would be a nice complement to JabaalSheard, who has 15.5 sacks in two seasons. He should also bolster the Browns’ run defense.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan.

The more immediate need is quarterback, but presently there doesn’t appear to be a QB worth taking this early. Plus, after allowing at least 50 sacks for three straight years, there is a serious need to upgrade the offensive line.

8. Buffalo Bills: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

Ryan Fitzpatrick is not cutting it. Glennon has the size and arm strength to quarterback at the NFL level.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

Mingo has the makings of one of those freak athletes that shoots up the draft board. The Jets need to improve their pass rush and Mingo could be a tempting option.

10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Milliner fills an immediate need for the Titans. They ranked 26th against the pass and allowed 31 passing scores.