2013/02/23 at 5:59 pm

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Complete First Round (Combine Edition)

Posted by Oren Shiri (Analyst, Creative Director)

With the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine underway, here’s an updated and complete first round 2013 NFL mock draft.

Photo Credit: KCChiefs.com

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Many mock drafts around the web project Geno Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs.

But there will be other options for Andy Reid and this new regime at quarterback.

Luke Joeckel is considered the top offensive tackle in this draft class and arguably the best overall prospect at any position. He’ll immediately address a pressing need for this team, which allowed a whopping 40 sacks in 2012.

By the way, Deion Sanders wasn’t the only guy pretending to be Leon Sandcastle in that funny Super Bowl commercial. Ball State cornerback Andre Dawson was Sanders’ stunt double; sprinting in scenes from the combine.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Star Lotulelei led his team with 11 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in 2012. The star senior defensive tackle also racked up three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries (T-2nd in the nation) and four pass breakups. Though the Jaguars are searching for more playmakers, Lotulelei is a low-risk, high-reward prospect that will greatly improve this defense in the trenches.

3. Oakland Raiders: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

The Raiders must bolster their front four and with Lotulelei off the board, they take DE Damontre Moore.

Moore unleashed absolute havoc on the opposition this past season, as the 6-4, 250-pound athletic freak led the Aggies in total tackles (80), solo tackles (54), sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (20.0). He’ll have a huge impact for a Raiders defense that registered only 25 sacks last season.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Chip Kelly chooses the top prospect from Nick Saban’s crop in this draft class.

Philly finished 29th in points allowed in 2012. When the Eagles added Nnamdi Asomugha via free agency, he was seen as a key piece to the “Dream Team.” However, his two-year tenure with the team has been nothing short of a nightmare.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is also expected to exit in 2013 NFL Free Agency.

A consensus first-team All-American, Dee Milliner finished with 51 tackles, 18 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2012 and looks to help turn Philly’s secondary into the type of young, aggressive group of pass defenders we see in Seattle.

5. Detroit Lions: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Plan B for the Lions’ first-round choice looks to be DE, especially following the release of Kyle Vanden Bosch. Perhaps the top prospect on the team’s draft board here, Bjoern Werner will help strengthen Detroit’s defense to defend the run better and get to the quarterback quicker.

6. Cleveland Browns: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

When the Browns went with Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor in the first two rounds in the 2011 NFL Draft, it became clear Cleveland was leaving the door open to possibly running the 3-4 system in the future. Jarvis Jones is an extremely explosive and very physical complete prospect at the outside linebacker position who has a knack for finding the football.

He finished with a total of 13 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in one of the Bulldogs’ biggest games of year against the Florida Gators. He has a history of spinal stenosis, which could do slight damage to his draft stock, but Jones would make a momentous impact in the Browns’ defense from the moment he steps onto the field.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Geno Smith finally hears his name called as the seventh pick overall. The Cardinals are arguably the most QB-needy team entering the 2013 NFL Draft and Smith is seen as the top prospect at the position in this draft class.

However, there will be a slight learning curve for Smith when he makes the shift to a pro-style NFL offense. He may be the most prolific and accurate passer in his school’s history as the only QB to throw for more than 4,000 yards at WVU (and he did it twice).

But the competition will be much different in the NFL. A very confident player with above-average athleticism, Smith has been a pocket passer throughout his career and should develop into a natural leader.

8. Buffalo Bills: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

Ezekiel Ansah may be raw, but the NFL-ready run defender has seen his stock soar since the Senior Bowl and looks to be a lock for the Top 10 this April. He possesses plenty of upside and great versatility to give Mike Pettine the ability to move him around with Mario Williams off the edge on the Bills’ defense.

Alternative: It may seem unlikely that the Bills will pull the trigger on the signal-caller from Syracuse who is projected to get drafted in the second round, but it’s important to remember just two years ago that Jake Locker (No. 8 overall) and Christian Ponder (No. 12 overall) were each considered second-round prospects entering the 2011 NFL Draft.

Don’t buy that nonsense that the team isn’t interested in Ryan Nassib. Teams put out misleading information on purpose every year during draft season. However, Nassib may not even be in play this early due to the recent drop in his draft stock.

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

Gang Green certainly can use an overhaul in its 3-4 scheme. Barkevious Mingo is an extremely explosive pass rusher who excels with regards to strength, toughness and run defense.

His stats may not have been staggering this past season, but he belongs in the first half of the first round and is an ideal fit for Gang Green. He also plays to the whistle and addresses an important piece to the Jets’ puzzle—at least on defense.

10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Chance Warmack comes from the confides of the top team in college football and is the top interior lineman in this draft class. He has displayed the lateral agility to slide and anchor to handle powerful bull rushers very well. Warmack will improve pass protection for Jake Locker and give Chris Johnson more wiggle room and lanes to exploit.

He’s considered deceptively light on his feet given his massive frame and is equally effective in meeting and rejecting linebackers at the second level and driving defensive tackles off the ball.

11. San Diego Chargers: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Eric Fisher is a fiery competitor. He breaks down well in space to contain speed rushers. An All-American offensive tackle that started all 13 contests at left tackle for Central Michigan, Fisher anchored an offense that averaged 6.2 yards per play and nearly 400 yards per game.

He’ll do a stellar job protecting the left side of the line for veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers. The team surrendered 49 sacks in 2012 and finished 27th in rushing, 24th through the air and next-to-last in total offense. A premium offensive lineman will help to improve production.

12. Miami Dolphins: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Phins’ prime priority this offseason is to find a No. 1 receiver for Ryan Tannehill. In 2012, the team’s receivers racked up a combined total of three touchdowns. Cordarrelle Patterson brings elite size and athleticism to the position.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Miss St

Tampa Bay must bolster its secondary right away on draft day. Johnthan Banks made 59 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble this past season at Mississippi State. He is a very physical corner and an excellent tackler who has the ability to get into the backfield quickly without playing outside his position.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Sharrif Floyd, an explosive and versatile defensive tackle on the rise, takes his talents to Charlotte, where he’ll have an immediate impact. Floyd is a great grab here as one of the best prospects available and addresses one of the team’s top needs.

15. New Orleans Saints: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

New Orleans needs to bolster its front seven this offseason. The team decides to take arguably the top overall prospect available and a premier pass-rusher who will make life easier this year for an overmatched Saints secondary. Dion Jordan racked up a total of 44 tackles, including 5.0 sacks and a whopping 10.5 tackles for loss in 2012. He has a rare combination of size and athleticism for a player at his position, making him dangerous in the open field in coverage and when he pursues the quarterback.

16. St. Louis Rams: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

St. Louis selects the top offensive lineman available here. Lane Johnson was a leader on Oklahoma’s O-Line and is just a few years or so removed from playing quarterback at junior college. He has massive upside and awesome athleticism at 305 pounds and plenty of evaluators believe his best football is ahead of him as he heads into draft day.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU

Sam Montgomery is a steal to kick off the second half of the first round and is an ideal fit in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme. He’ll help to continue to add more balance between veteran leadership and young blood to the defense as the days appear to be numbered for James Harrison and Larry Foote. Montgomery made 18.0 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in his college career at LSU.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

While the Cowboys could consider looking to name a new franchise signal-caller in the near future, this team needs to get tougher in the trenches. The futures of Jay Ratliff and Josh Brent are uncertain at the moment.

Sheldon Richardson comes out of college early and his stock is fluctuating—mostly in the forward direction. He’s very quick off the snap and his terrific upper body strength allows him to push through the line with ease.

19. New York Giants: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Arguably the best first-round option for the G-Men, Arthur Brown addresses a pressing need and doesn’t come with the off-the-field history like Alec Ogletree or the media circus like Manti Te’o. With two colossal defensive tackles clearing the way in front of him, Brown will be free to roam and attack the backfield—which is what he does best.

Note: Related article was published before the whole Te’o hoax fiasco.

20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

The speculation and scandal surrounding Manti Te’o may never end and probably turned some teams’ interest away immediately, but anyone as talented as Te’o can only fall so far. Moreover, all it takes for a guy to go int the first round is for one team to be willing to pull the trigger. But there will be handful of teams looking to Te’o that pick after the Bears on April 25.

Marc Trestman chooses the heir to Brian Urlacher at inside linebacker. Some suggest Te’o's performance in the BCS National Championship could also hurt his stock, but this is a Top-10 talent who chalked up a total of 324 tackles (157 solo stops), 28.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, six pass break ups and a pair of forced fumbles in his college career at Notre Dame.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Kenny Vaccaro recorded 92 tackles, six knockdowns and a pair of interceptions at Texas in 2012. He’s clearly the top safety is this draft class and he has the potential to be a star at strong safety in the NFL with his blend of size, speed and athleticism. He’ll help in a big way to bolster the Bengals in the secondary.

22. St. Louis Rams: Keenan Allen, WR, California

The Rams don’t have a problem on offense when it comes to getting decent production from several weapons.

Brandon Gibson, 25, finished second on the team with 51 catches for 691 yards and five scores in 2012. Chris Givens racked up 42 receptions for 698 yards and three TDs. And tight end Lance Kendricks caught 42 passes as well for 519 yards and four scores in his second season. Danny Amendola led the team with a total of 63 receptions.

However, no receiver racked up at least 64 catches, 700 yards or six scores. The team had the same problem in 2011. Brandon Lloyd led the team with 51 receptions for 683 yards and five TDs in 11 games.

Keenan Allen, a speedy, tall target from comes from the confides of California, looks to be exactly what the doctor—and quarterback Sam Bradford—ordered. Allen’s athleticism is impressive, but his ability to make defenders miss and run through tackles is what’s particularly eye-catching about his game. He also possesses great vision once the ball is in his hands.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Regardless of what happens with Percy Harvin, early in this draft Minnesota must address the defensive tackle position, one of this team’s top offseason needs. Johnathan Hankins fits the bill at No. 23 and is one of the best prospects available.

Standing at 6-3, 322 pounds, Hankins is a powerful defensive tackle who excels against the run. He has a knack for utilizing his heavy hands and his combination of size, strength and quick feet to penetrate past double teams to get to the ball carrier.

24. Indianapolis Colts: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Andrew Luck had a tremendous rookie season, but he was sacked 41 times. In order to sustain his immense success, he will need better protection from the offensive line. D.J. Fluker will be one of the best offensive tackles available this April.

He finished his college career with 36 starts under his belt at Alabama. He’ll help open things up in the running game for Vick Ballard and allow Luck to have more time to throw due to his enormous frame and length he uses to immerse rushers.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue

The ‘Hawks have a dominate defense, but the unit needs a better pass-rushing presence up front on the line of scrimmage. Kawaan Short was a star in his senior season at Purdue, collecting a total of 42 tackles, including 14.5 TKFL with six sacks, four PBUs, four blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Short should be an excellent fit on Seattle’s D-Line.

26. Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Cooper, OG, UNC

With Greg Jennings hitting the open market next month, it makes sense that many mocks project a wide receiver here. However, after Aaron Rodgers suffered a total of 51 sacks this past season, improving his protection is clearly a top priority. Jonathan Cooper is a sure-fire steal at the end of the first round and adds more stability up front and allows for more lanes for Green Bay’s array of running backs.

27. Houston Texans: Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor

With Allen and Patterson off the board, Houston’s options are limited to DeAndre Hopkins and Terrence Williams. The Texans could be interested in a proven NFL playmaker like Percy Harvin or Wes Welker, but the team is unlikely to take a chance on a smaller receiver on draft day. Houston has to find a No. 2 receiver who can make a significant immediate impact.

One inch taller and one pound heavier than Hopkins, Williams will fit the bill for the Texans offense opposite Andre Johnson. He had double-digit TDs the past two seasons and put on a clinic in 2012 with 1,832 receiving yards.

28.Denver Broncos: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

The Broncos need to bolster their front seven this offseason and John Jenkins looks to become that big body in the middle of the defensive line that will collapse the pocket, occupy multiple blockers and open up lanes for Denver’s star pass rushers. The versatile defensive tackle registered 28 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss with 3.0 sacks.

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

With Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth, Julian Edelman and Deion Branch all potentially headed out the door, New England needs to find some new, talented playmakers at wide receiver. Tavon Austin, who self-identifies himself as the top prospect in the entire draft, collected 4,444 career yards in the running and receiving game in his four years with the Mountaineers and grew up a fan of his hometown Ravens and the Patriots. He also studies and patterns his play after Welker.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Tyler Eifert has been emerging as the top tight end in this draft class at the combine in Indianapolis. Eifert is equipped with the skills set and imposing physicality to make an immediate impact in Atlanta’s high-powered offense. And with the Falcons’ assortment of weapons, he won’t have to deal with the overwhelming pressure of trying to replace a legend like Tony Gonzalez.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Desmond Trufant, CB, WASH

San Francisco must address its secondary either through the draft or free agency. The Niners like to convert players to different positions, so if Desmond Trufant—who is drawing comparisons Texans star cornerback Johnathan Joseph—is a better fit at safety, the 49ers are golden.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

Kevin Minter emerged as one of the top prospects at linebacker in this draft after a stellar season at LSU, where he recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, three sacks and an interception. He was also one of only four defenders in the entire SEC to finish with triple-digit tackles in 2012. The 6-2, 242-pound Minter is a hart-hitter, terrific tackler and will be ready to deliver right away in the Charm City.

Oren Shiri is the Creative Director and an analyst at GridironGrit and Founder of NFL Draft Insiders. Be sure to ‘like’ Gridiron Grit on Facebook and follow @NFLorentime and @GridironGrit on Twitter to keep up with the latest coverage on college football, the NFL and more!