Time to kick GridironGrit.com’s 2013 NFL Draft coverage into full swing with my first 2013 NFL Mock Draft, as I project the Top 10 picks of the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft.
Photo Via collegefantasyfootballinsider.com
[RELATED: 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Underclassmen Driving Round One - NFL's Future]
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
The success of rookie QBs in recent years will not be lost on KC. The Chiefs must find a franchise quarterback. Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel are not the answer. Geno Smith has solid size (6’3″, 214 pounds) and has seen a ton of success, tossing a total of 97 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions over the last three seasons.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Jacksonville finished 30th against the run with a league-low 20 sacks in 2012. Star Lotulelei is equally powerful as he is agile. He should help improve both areas for the Jaguars.
3. Oakland Raiders: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones may be best suited for a 3-4 alignment. However, he could serve as an edge rusher in a 4-3 front as well, using his quickness to get to the quarterback. Jones finished 2012 with 13.5 sacks, while the Raiders finished with a total of 25 (31st in NFL).
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Over the last three years, the Philadelphia Eagles have allowed an average of 43 sacks.
Nick Foles had some decent moments and the team wasn’t as bad as its record suggests.
Picking up the top tackle in this draft class that can get penciled in for the next decade makes sense for a talented young offense.
5. Detroit Lions: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Damontre Moore could make it back-to-back Aggies in the Top 5. More forced a total of 21 sacks the past two seasons and has displayed the versatility to play the Joker position in the Aggies’ 3-4 front and defensive end when the team switched to the 4-3 scheme. This star pass-rusher from Texas A&M could be menace playing alongside Nick Fairley or Ndamukong Suh.
6. Cleveland Browns: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Bjoern Werner recorded 13 sacks for the Seminoles in 2012 and shapes up to be a solid compliment to Jabaal Sheard, who has caused 15.5 sacks combined in his first two NFL seasons. Werner should also bolster the Browns’ performance against the run.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Though the more immediate need is quarterback, there doesn’t appear to be any QB available worth taking this early. Plus, after allowing at least 50 sacks for three years in a row, Arizona must upgrade its offensive line.
8. Buffalo Bills: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State
Ryan Fitzpack isn’t the answer. Glennon has the size and arm strength to play at a high level at the NFL level.
9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The New York Jets need to improve their pass rush and Barkevious Mingo could be tempting option. He has the makings of one of those freak athletes that soar up the draft board.
10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dee Milliner addresses an immediate need for Tennessee, a team which finished 26th against the pass and allowed 31 touchdowns through the air last year.
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