2013 NFL Mock Draft: Who Are the Experts Picking for Every Team?
It's always fun to compare the different mock drafts put out by the various experts in the field. This article includes picks from Todd McShay, Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis, Matt Miller, Dane Brugler and me.
The article will be updated when Mel Kiper, Jr.'s mock is updated on Monday.
As you will notice, there isn't a single pick where each expert went in the same direction. This just shows the type of fluidity in the draft process.
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs
1 of 32Todd McShay: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Line, Utah
Daniel Jeremiah: Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Charles Davis: Joeckel
Matt Miller: Joeckel
Dane Brugler: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
My Mock: Joeckel
The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to part ways with Eric Winston created a clearing picture around the No. 1 pick. Without Winston, the Chiefs can move Brandon Albert to right tackle and bring in Luke Joeckel to play on the left side.
If Kansas City hung onto Winston, Star Lotulelei would have made a ton of sense. His ability to play two-gap football and also work his way into the backfield could have really helped the Chiefs defense.
This pick is anything but set in stone; however, things are starting to become clearer as we get closer to the draft.
No. 2: Jacksonville Jaguars
2 of 32Todd McShay: Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Daniel Jeremiah: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Charles Davis: Fisher
Matt Miller: Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Line, Florida
Dane Brugler: Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon
My Mock: Jordan
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a major need for a pass-rusher for several years. They tried to patch this hole with players like Aaron Kampman and Jason Babin. Only two of the above picks will address this need, and that player is Oregon's Dion Jordan.
Jordan possesses the quickness, length and motor to generate pressure on the quarterback. This makes him one of the top candidates in the running for the No. 2 pick.
McShay, Jeremiah and Davis all focused more on the best player available by mocking an offensive tackle to Jacksonville. This isn't a major need, but it would ensure the Jaguars get the most value for their pick.
No. 3: Oakland Raiders
3 of 32Todd McShay: Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
Daniel Jeremiah: Floyd
Charles Davis: Floyd
Matt Miller: Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
Dane Brugler: Floyd
My Mock: Smith
The Oakland Raiders have widespread needs across their roster. This gives them a lot of options with the No. 3 pick.
Most of the mocks have them adding Floyd to shore up the defense. He is a versatile defender who possesses the quick first step to wreak havoc in the offensive backfield.
While Floyd has the potential to be an elite player, he needs to work on becoming a more consistent player.
The selections of Geno Smith are interesting because of Carson Palmer's presence on the roster. It still makes sense because the Raiders are in a rebuilding mode, and Palmer is unlikely to be around when this team is in a position to compete.
No. 4: Philadelphia Eagles
4 of 32Todd McShay: Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Daniel Jeremiah: Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon
Charles Davis: Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
Matt Miller: Jordan
Dane Brugler: Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
My Mock: Milliner
The Philadelphia Eagles are in a great position to both fill a need and get value for the pick. They have needs along the offensive line, in the defensive backfield and for a pass-rusher. It makes sense for them to sit back and grab the best player available.
Their wide range of needs plays a part in the variety in the above mocks. However, Milliner looks like a strong candidate. His physical style of play and athleticism make him a well-rounded cornerback.
Philadelphia is looking at losing both Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
No. 5: Detroit Lions
5 of 32Todd McShay: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
Daniel Jeremiah: Ansah
Charles Davis: Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Matt Miller: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Dane Brugler: Milliner
My Mock: Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End, LSU
Generating pressure on the quarterback is a great way to help a weak secondary. This is why it makes sense for the Detroit Lions to target a pass-rusher with their first pick. Cliff Avril's free agency increases the urgency to address this position.
Both Ezekiel Ansah and Barkevious Mingo are capable of generating strong pressure on the quarterback. They feature good quickness and the motor teams look for in a pass-rusher.
Each of these players becomes more of an option if the top cornerback, Dee Milliner, is off the board.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns
6 of 32Todd McShay: Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon
Daniel Jeremiah: Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Charles Davis: Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Matt Miller: Milliner
Dane Brugler: Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside linebacker, LSU
My Mock: Jones
New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will run more of a 3-4 defensive attack. The Browns have the defensive linemen in place to make this transition, but they lack an elite edge-rusher. Luckily, this draft class features several players who fill that role.
Filling this hole really depends on what happens with the earlier picks in the draft. Jordan, Jones and Mingo would all be a great fit.
Jeremiah and Miller's pick of Milliner also makes sense. The NFL is a pass-heavy league, and it takes a strong secondary to be successful. Combining Milliner with Joe Haden would give the Browns one of the better duos in the league.
No. 7: Arizona Cardinals
7 of 32Todd McShay: Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
Daniel Jeremiah: Smith
Charles Davis: Smith
Matt Miller: Matt Barkley, Quarterback, Arizona
Dane Brugler: Smith
My Mock: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Their fans have had to deal with the likes of John Skelton, Kevin Kolb and Ryan Lindley over the past several years. This is why the majority of the experts above have the Cardinals selecting a quarterback at pick No. 7.
Smith would be a great addition for this franchise. He has all the physical tools and work ethic needed to exceed at the next level. He boasts the most talent and upside of any quarterback in this class.
It's also important to note that he's athletic enough to evade the rush. The Cardinals offensive line really struggles in quarterback protection, which played a major role in problems on offense over the past few years.
No. 8: Buffalo Bills
8 of 32Todd McShay: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Daniel Jeremiah: Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
Charles Davis: Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
Matt Miller: Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Dane Brugler: Patterson
My Mock: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
The Buffalo Bills are another team that could go in a number of directions with their first-round pick.
It's interesting that McShay and Jeremiah have them addressing the left tackle position. The Bills have Cordy Glenn in place at that spot, but the thought is that he could be a better fit on the right side.
If they decide to go in that direction, it's because they're set on going with the best player available, as they have more pressing needs.
Mike Pettine, Jr. will have the Bills running more 3-4 sets. They currently lack a player capable of fitting the all-important rush linebacker spot. Ansah is versatile enough to fit both the outside linebacker spot and even some five-technique.
Patterson is the type of explosive athlete the Bills need to help draw attention away from Stevie Johnson. However, his rawness might make this a little bit of a reach.
No. 9: New York Jets
9 of 32Todd McShay: Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
Daniel Jeremiah: Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Charles Davis: Dion Jordan, Outside Linebacker, Oregon
Matt Miller: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, BYU
Dane Brugler: Ansah
My Mock: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Since Rex Ryan took over as head coach, the New York Jets have focused on winning with their defense. Adding a top-notch edge-rusher would help ensure this approach continues to keep the Jets competitive. New York is lucky that this draft features several solid prospects at that position.
However, it may also decide to go in a different direction if it sees an opportunity to improve the explosiveness of the offense. This is why I have it taking a chance on Tavon Austin. He's the type of playmaker capable of helping Mark Sanchez turn things around.
Selecting Austin at this spot is a bit of a reach, which is why the majority of the experts went with a pass-rusher.
No. 10: Tennessee Titans
10 of 32Todd McShay: Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
Daniel Jeremiah: Cooper
Charles Davis: Cooper
Matt Miller: Tank Carradine, Defensive End, Florida State
Dane Brugler: Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
My Mock: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
I was a bit shocked to see three experts have Cooper coming off the board ahead of Warmack. These two are both highly rated prospects, but Warmack has been at the top of the rankings for the majority of the draft process.
Cooper is a better overall athlete, but Warmack is a more physical player.
Lotulelei also makes a ton of sense if he's still on the board. He's a dominant player who can make plays in the backfield and stuff the run.
Carradine pick is a bit of a surprise, but his stock has been steadily on the rise.
No. 11: San Diego Chargers
11 of 32Todd McShay: Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
Daniel Jeremiah: Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Charles Davis: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Line, Utah
Matt Miller: Johnson
Dane Brugler: Johnson
My Mock: Johnson
The San Diego Chargers offense and Philip Rivers struggled last season in large part because of issues along the offensive line. They lacked the players in position to keep edge-rushers out of the backfield. This is why it makes sense for them to target someone like Lane Johnson.
Johnson is a bit raw, but his athleticism will immediately increase the effectiveness of the Chargers' pass protection.
It's hard to imagine them passing on an opportunity to improve the offensive line. However, there's a chance all the first-round tackles are off the board by pick No. 11.
No. 12: Miami Dolphins
12 of 32Todd McShay: Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California
Daniel Jeremiah: Allen
Charles Davis: Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Matt Miller: Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
Dane Brugler: Rhodes
My Mock: Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
Ryan Tannehill had an excellent rookie season for the Miami Dolphins. He found this success despite lacking top-notch playmakers on offense. Someone like Allen has the potential to help Tannehill continue his development.
Allen's size and willingness to attack the ball at its highest point are assets for a young quarterback.
Sean Smith's free agency and the fact that he's looking for a big-money deal make the cornerback position a need for the Dolphins. Rhodes is a physical cornerback who features the athletic ability to develop into a shutdown corner.
The Dolphins couldn't go wrong addressing either position.
No. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 of 32Todd McShay: Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
Daniel Jeremiah: Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
Charles Davis: Rhodes
Matt Miller: Vaccaro
Dane Brugler: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
My Mock: Rhodes
Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Aqib Talib and saw Eric Wright fail to live up to expectations. Addressing the cornerback position early in this April's draft would be a wise move.
Rhodes' physical style of play and aggressiveness will fit perfectly with Greg Schiano's game plan, as he could develop a more aggressive game package.
McShay and Miller both have Tampa Bay selecting Vaccaro. This would mark back-to-back years that the Bucs went with a safety in the first round. However, Vaccaro is a very different player from Mark Barron.
No. 14: Carolina Panthers
14 of 32Todd McShay: Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Daniel Jeremiah: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
Charles Davis: Richardson
Matt Miller: Lotulelei
Dane Brugler: Richardson
My Mock: Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
The interior of the Carolina Panthers defensive line needs someone capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield. Richardson, Lotulelei and Floyd all possess the skills needed to fill that role.
Adding a player like this to the mix would help Luke Kuechly develop into one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
It's interesting to see that nobody mocked a wide receiver at this spot. Carolina could use another playmaker to help both Steve Smith and Cam Newton.
No. 15: New Orleans Saints
15 of 32Todd McShay: Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, Georgia
Daniel Jeremiah: Barkevious Mingo, Outside Linebacker, LSU
Charles Davis: Mingo
Matt Miller: Mingo
Dane Brugler: Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
My Mock: Sylvester Williams, Defensive Line, North Carolina
Rob Ryan's hire means the Saints will switch to a 3-4 defense. Making this transition won't be an easy task, as the team's current personnel doesn't fit. It must find at least one five-technique, a nose tackle and a linebacker capable of generating pressure off the edge.
Most of the experts went with Mingo, who's the type of explosive athlete able to generate pressure off the edge. He isn't a finished prospect, but should be able to make plays based on his natural ability.
Sylvester Williams would be a great fit at the nose tackle position. He has the size to play a two-gap role and the quickness to get some penetration.
No. 16: St. Louis Rams
16 of 32Todd McShay: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Daniel Jeremiah: Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
Charles Davis: Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California
Matt Miller: Warmack
Dane Brugler: Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
My Mock: Warmack
The St. Louis Rams would be thrilled if Warmack fell into their lap. His strength, explosive first step and nastiness help him dominate the line of scrimmage. St. Louis will see an instant boost in the running game, and Sam Bradford will deal with less pressure up the middle.
Passing on Warmack only makes sense if the Rams fall in love with a wide receiver or safety prospect. It's possible that someone like Austin could look too good to pass up.
With two first-round picks, the Rams have plenty of options.
No. 17: Pittsburgh Steelers
17 of 32Todd McShay: Jarvis Jones, Linebacker, Georgia
Daniel Jeremiah: Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
Charles Davis: Vaccaro
Matt Miller: Jones
Dane Brugler: Damontre Moore, Linebacker, Texas A&M
My Mock: Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
The overwhelming theme for the Pittsburgh Steelers focuses on upgrading the talent on the defensive side of the ball. They could use help along the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary. Jones would be a great replacement for the aging James Harrison, whom the Steelers released on Saturday.
Troy Polamalu's recent string of injuries also makes the safety position an area of concern. Kenny Vaccaro is a versatile player who both supports the run and can play some man coverage. He isn't the same type of player as Polamalu, but he could still have a major impact.
I went with Patterson because Pittsburgh needs to find a replacement for Mike Wallace. This team lacks explosive offensive weapons.
No. 18: Dallas Cowboys
18 of 32Todd McShay: Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
Daniel Jeremiah: Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Charles Davis: D.J. Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Matt Miller: Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
Dane Brugler: Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
My Mock: Cooper
Tony Romo's decision making has always been questionable, but it becomes more of a problem when he's forced to deal with pressure in his face. The Dallas Cowboys lack the talent along the interior of the offensive line to avoid this type of pressure.
Both Warmack and Cooper would represent major upgrades. Either addition would make an immediate impact on the consistency of the offense.
I'm surprised that only one expert mocked a disruptive defensive tackle to the Cowboys. Their switch to a 4-3 defense means they need to find a player capable of penetrating the pocket.
No. 19: New York Giants
19 of 32Todd McShay: Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame
Daniel Jeremiah: Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, Georgia
Charles Davis: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
Matt Miller: Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Dane Brugler: Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
My Mock: Richardson
The New York Giants' last two Super Bowl runs came on the heels of Eli Manning's strong play and the defensive line's ability to generate pressure. An aging Justin Tuck and the loss of Osi Umenyiora will limit the effectiveness of this group.
Ansah and Werner would be capable of stopping the group's regression. Adding this type of prospect brings added value because it will force offenses to take some attention away from Jason Pierre-Paul.
Eifert would be an interesting addition, as the Giants are facing the possibility of losing Martellus Bennett via free agency. Manning has always made good use of the tight end position.
No. 20: Chicago Bears
20 of 32Todd McShay: Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Daniel Jeremiah: Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame
Charles Davis: Eifert
Matt Miller: Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
Dane Brugler: Eifert
My Mock: Eifert
Despite an aging defense, all the experts mocked an offensive player to the Chicago Bears. Eifert is the most popular pick. His pass-catching ability is something the Bears have been lacking from the tight end spot.
New head coach Marc Trestman boasts the offensive mind to take full advantage of Eifert's talents. It's important for Chicago to come out of this offseason with another offensive weapon capable of taking pressure off Brandon Marshall.
Watson is an intriguing pick, as he has the potential to develop into an elite offensive tackle. He just needs time to refine his technique and develop a better feel for the position.
No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals
21 of 32Todd McShay: D.J. Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Daniel Jeremiah: Matt Elam, Safety, Florida
Charles Davis: Bjoern Werner, Defensive Line, Florida State
Matt Miller: Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Alabama
Dane Brugler: Fluker
My Mock: Lacy
This year's running back class lacks a sure-fire first-rounder. Most of the group consists of mid-round talent. However, Lacy features the power and quick burst to develop into a real difference-maker.
For a team in need of a running back like the Cincinnati Bengals, it makes sense for them to reach a little to ensure they land Lacy. Owning two second-round picks would make this a more acceptable risk for Cincinnati.
A top-notch safety is also an option at this spot. Matt Elam's aggressiveness and ability to deliver a big hit would fit nicely alongside Reggie Nelson.
No. 22: St. Louis Rams (From Wash)
22 of 32Todd McShay: Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
Daniel Jeremiah: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Charles Davis: Eric Reid, Safety, LSU
Matt Miller: Jonathan Cyprien, Safety, Florida International
Dane Brugler: Austin
My Mock: Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California
The direction of this pick depends on who the St. Louis Rams selected at No. 16. Miller's pick of Cyprien is intriguing and makes a ton of sense. He's a big hitter with the quickness to cover a lot of space in the back end of the defense.
Cyprien's stock has continued to climb throughout the draft process to the point where he's absolutely in this range.
Watson also makes a ton of sense. The Rams have a need at both tackle spots, and he has the versatility to fit at either position. Because of his inexperience, it might make sense for him to start on the right side and eventually transition to left tackle.
No. 23: Minnesota Vikings
23 of 32Todd McShay: Sylvester Williams, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
Daniel Jeremiah: Williams
Charles Davis: Williams
Matt Miller: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virgina
Dane Brugler: DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson
My Mock: Hopkins
Despite a surprise playoff appearance last year, the Minnesota Vikings have more than a few areas they need to address.
The most pressing need is at the wide receiver position. Minnesota's passing attack is one of the least explosive in the league.
Their offensive success heavily relies on Adrian Peterson's production. Someone like DeAndre Hopkins would give the offense a boost. He's a reliable target who does a great job attacking the ball at its highest point.
With Hopkins in the mix, Peterson could potentially see more open running lanes.
Sylvester Williams is a versatile player who would represent a long-term replacement for Kevin Williams.
No. 24: Indianapolis Colts
24 of 32Todd McShay: Justin Pugh, Offensive Line, Syracuse
Daniel Jeremiah: Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
Charles Davis: Jamie Collins, Outside Linebacker, Southern Mississippi
Matt Miller: Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, Washington
Dane Brugler: Johnathan Hankins, Nose Tackle, Ohio State
My Mock: Trufant
The Indianapolis Colts surprised several experts by earning a playoff berth last season. A lot of their success was due to Andrew Luck's quick development, but veterans like Reggie Wayne also played a role. However, they need to improve the overall talent on the roster if they hope to repeat last year's success.
All the picks above represent the team's most pressing needs. They could use upgrades on the offensive line, defensive line and in the secondary. This means the Colts can focus on adding the best player available.
Davis' Jamie Collins pick should turn some heads. Collins had an exceptional combine performance, but his play on the field doesn't match up with a first-round prospect.
No. 25: Seattle Seahawks
25 of 32Todd McShay: Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
Daniel Jeremiah: Justin Hunter, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Charles Davis: Sam Montgomery, Defensive End, LSU
Matt Miller: Alex Okafor, Defensive End, Texas
Dane Brugler: Datone Jones, Defensive Line, UCLA
My Mock: Menelik Watson, Offensive Line, Florida State
Jones is another player who stood out at the combine. His size, strength and athleticism make him one of the more versatile prospects in the draft. This type of versatility would make him a great fit for the Seattle Seahawks.
The picks of Werner, Sam Montgomery and Okafor speak to the fact that the Seahawks need to bring another pass-rusher into the mix. Chris Clemons' late-season injury puts them a man down in this department.
Seattle's recent draft history has been very unpredictable, so it's impossible to feel good about any mocks.
No. 26: Green Bay Packers
26 of 32Todd McShay: John Jenkins, Nose Tackle, Georgia
Daniel Jeremiah: Justin Pugh, Offensive Line, Syracuse
Charles Davis: Damontre Moore, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
Matt Miller: Johnthan Banks, Defensive Back, Mississippi State
Dane Brugler: Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Kansas State
My Mock: Jesse Williams, Defensive Line, Alabama
The Green Bay Packers are always a threat to earn a playoff berth as long as Aaron Rodgers is under center. This is why they can overcome some of the larger holes on the roster. Judging by the picks above, the Packers do have several areas of need.
Green Bay's defense has been a real issue over the past few seasons. Adding Jenkins or Williams would bulk up the defensive line. They need more players to work into that rotation, as current starters like B.J. Raji started to wear down over the course of the season.
Pugh would most likely need to kick inside to guard in order to find a role with the Packers. His short arms limit his upside as an offensive tackle.
No. 27: Houston Texans
27 of 32Todd McShay: Justin Hunter, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Daniel Jeremiah: Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
Charles Davis: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Matt Miller: DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson
Dane Brugler: Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California
My Mock: Khaseem Greene, Linebacker, Rutgers
Last year, the Houston Texans offense relied too heavily on Arian Foster and the ground game. The passing attack struggled mainly because they lacked a playmaker to help take pressure off Andre Johnson. An explosive wide receiver like Hunter, Austin, Hopkins or Allen would be a great fit.
I went with Greene because the Texans also need another inside linebacker to help Brian Cushing. Greene boasts the quickness to make plays from sideline to sideline. He also does a good job of generating turnovers and delivering big hits.
No. 28: Denver Broncos
28 of 32Todd McShay: Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
Daniel Jeremiah: Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, Washington
Charles Davis: Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, Georgia
Matt Miller: Jordan Poyer, Cornerback, Oregon State
Dane Brugler: Kawann Short, Defensive Line, Purdue
My Mock: Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
With Peyton Manning on board, the Denver Broncos have the luxury of focusing their attention on upgrading the talent on defense. Each of the above mock drafts has the Broncos addressing the secondary, defensive line or linebacker position.
Cornerback is a need because Champ Bailey's age is starting to become a concern. His level of play has slightly dropped, and his career isn't going to last much longer. This is why someone like Trufant or Rhodes would be a good addition.
No. 29: New England Patriots
29 of 32Todd McShay: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Cornerback, Connecticut
Daniel Jeremiah: Johnthan Banks, Cornerback, Mississippi State
Charles Davis: Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, Washington
Matt Miller: Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
Dane Brugler: Trufant
My Mock: Jonathan Cyprien, Safety, Florida International
The New England Patriots must use this offseason to improve the talent in the secondary. They could use an upgrade at both the cornerback and safety position. Things may change a little if they're able to bring Aqib Talib back into the mix.
Trufant's physical style of play would bring some toughness to the defense. He has the confidence to line up in man coverage against anyone on the field. His addition would allow the Patriots to blitz the quarterback more often.
I went with Cyprien because they need to bring in a safety so Devin McCourty can get back to the cornerback spot.
No. 30: Atlanta Falcons
30 of 32Todd McShay: Zach Ertz, Tight End, Stanford
Daniel Jeremiah: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Cornerback, Connecticut
Charles Davis: Ertz
Matt Miller: Damontre Moore, Defensive End, Texas A&M
Dane Brugler: Tank Carradine, Defensive End, Florida State
My Mock: Moore
McShay and Davis both feel the Atlanta Falcons need to find an immediate replacement for Tony Gonzalez. A lot of Atlanta's success last season was thanks to the play of the offense, and Gonzalez was a major part of the puzzle.
The Falcons' decision to cut ties with John Abraham opened a major hole at the defensive end position. They don't have another pass-rusher on the roster capable of consistently generating pressure on the quarterback.
Both Moore and Carradine would offer the Falcons a young and capable pass-rush option.
No. 31: San Francisco 49ers
31 of 32Todd McShay: Margus Hunt, Defensive Line, SMU
Daniel Jeremiah: Jamar Taylor, Cornerback, Boise State
Charles Davis: Justin Hunter, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
Matt Miller: Jesse Williams, Defensive Line, Alabama
Dane Brugler: Johnthan Banks, Cornerback, Mississippi State
My Mock: Johnathan Hankins, Defensive Line, Ohio State
The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with some age and free-agency issues on the defensive side of the ball. Justin Smith's career is starting to come to a close, and Ricky Jean-Francois and Isaac Sopoaga are both free agents.
Hunt, Williams and Hankins all possess the ability to fill in for one of last year's contributors.
San Francisco should also look to add some help at the cornerback position. The secondary really struggled dealing with Julio Jones and Roddy White in the playoffs.
No. 32: Baltimore Ravens
32 of 32Todd McShay: Manti Te'o, Linebacker, Notre Dame
Daniel Jeremiah: Te'o
Charles Davis: Te'o
Matt Miller: Te'o
Dane Brugler: Kevin Minter, Linebacker, LSU
My Mock: Te'o
The impact of Ray Lewis' retirement will be felt both on and off the field. It'll be impossible to replace his leadership, but bringing in a younger player will help increase the speed of the Baltimore Ravens defense. Despite his embarrassing fake-girlfriend scandal, Te'o features the playmaking ability to lessen the loss of Lewis.
Te'o has experience playing in a defense similar to the Ravens'. At Notre Dame, he had defensive linemen who did a great job occupying blockers. The Ravens defensive line will offer the same type of space for Te'o to flow to the football.
.png)
.jpg)








