I’m aware that almost everyone will complain about my draft order. I’m not here to make excuses. Obviously, I don’t think your team is going to do so hot. Picks 21-32 are based off of potential playoff slots, not necessarily order of elimination. The Packers and the Patriots are my #1 seeds, but I’m not predicting a Patriots/Packers Super Bowl.
Check out my 2013 scouting report board: here.
1. Vikings: Keenan Allen, WR, California
The only player currently on my elite watch-list, and thus, the only player considered to be the #1 pick. He fills a pretty big need in Minnesota, too.
2. Buccaneers: Robert Woods, WR, USC
The Buccaneers have a couple of Receivers that are passable, but Josh Freeman does more for them than the other way around. Robert Woods would be someone that could make Freeman look better.
3. Colts: Sam Montgomery, RLB, LSU
Hated him as a Defensive End prospect, but I love how his skills project as a Sam Linebacker or a Rush Linebacker.
4. Bills: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
If the Bills are picking forth, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s days are numbered, and so too are Chan Gailey’s. A new face to run a new offense with a lot more talent than most give them credit for.
5. Browns: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
The most complete Defensive End prospect in the class. Dominant against the run and an improving pass rush that’s amongst the top of college football already.
6. Cardinals: Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
I think the Cardinals are bad – really bad – with Kevin Kolb. They will find that out in enough time to realize John Skelton has the tools to become the guy in Arizona.
7. Rams: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
I know Jeff Fisher doesn’t take Wide Receivers, but I don’t know how he can pass on Justin Hunter here. The 2013 class of Receivers is fantastic.
8. Jaguars: DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama
The Jaguars will probably do better than the 6-10 I predicted, but if they’re picking here, they have to be looking Offensive Tackle to continue to build on the offense.
9. Chargers: Jonathan Hankins, DL, Ohio State
The Chargers are thin on their Defensive Line. Hankins isn’t my highest rated Defensive Tackle, but I think he’s the most attractive for the 3-4 front.
10. Jets: Jarvis Jones, RLB, Georgia
The front office is in shambles. There is certainly more talent than this on the team, but you can’t continue to play at a high level when everything else is a mess.
11. Dolphins: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
A dominant pass rusher to complement Cameron Wake.
12. Rams (From Redskins): Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
I’m not betting on Jason Smith to suddenly be a passable option at Left Tackle. Taylor Lewan needs to add strength, but he’ll be ready for April.
13. Bengals: David Amerson, CB/S, NC State
The NCAA’s leader in Interceptions in 2011.
14. Chiefs: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
The tools are there, but he’s wildly inconsistent, and his ability down the field doesn’t come close to the 2011 standard set by Griffin, Luck, and Tannehill.
15. Saints: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue
One of my sleeper picks. A lineman with a great motor and first round skill.
16. Panthers: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Banks is primed for a rise up boards as well. I would be surprised if he didn’t end up in the top ten before season’s end.
17. Seahawks: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
A little over-rated right now. At some point, Pete Carroll has to dump Alan Branch, right?
18. Giants: Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Doesn’t post huge numbers, but has the tools you’re looking for. Double teamed a lot. Should see improved stats with the emergence of Bjoern Werner.
19. Cowboys: Barrett Jones, G/C, Alabama
The Cowboys are weak up the middle. Barrett Jones could play either Guard position or Center (If that works out for him this season at Bama.)
20. Steelers: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
James Farrior is a thousand years old.
21. Titans: Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S/PR, LSU
A smaller Corner that’s much better in zone than he is in man. Could be moving to Safety. Elite return-man, in the mold of Devin Hester.
22. Bears: Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
The Bears could still use help at Offensive Tackle.
23. Broncos: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Willis McGahee won’t be around forever. Montee Ball is the more skilled back but will need to improve his pass-protection ability if he wants to be taken ahead of this workhorse.
24. Lions: Eric Reid, FS, LSU
An absolute ball-hawk that will take the place of the often-burned Amari Spievey.
25. Raiders: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Even if the Raiders make the playoffs, Carson Palmer’s days are numbered. Tyler Wilson is going to struggle next year, but like Jake Locker his Senior season, his stock won’t fall too far.
26. Eagles: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama
Boykin is more of a slot Corner and Rodgers-Cromartie has been disappointing since the Kevin Kolb trade.
27. Ravens: CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama
An Inside Linebacker to be groomed behind Ray Lewis.
28. 49ers: Johnny Adams, CB, Florida State
Not a position of need, but a position than Jim Harbaugh obviously likes to keep strong.
29. Texans: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
I thought the Texans would consider Coby Fleener. Eifert isn’t quite the Receiving option Fleener is, but he’s a superior blocker. Owen Daniels isn’t beyond replacement by any means.
30. Falcons: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Montee Ball is the most talented Running Back in this class. If he can work on his pass blocking, he could be destined for the top half of the first round.
31. Patriots: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The Patriots need to continue to build defensively. Jesse Williams is a big time Tackle prospect.
32. Packers: TJ McDonald, S, USC
The Packers lost Nick Collins to a likely career ending neck injury. Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah are likely to struggle next year with a full off season to find their weaknesses now that teams don’t have to scheme for Collins.
I’m just curious..why are the Bengals taking another CB? I’m not upset with it and think it’s interesting, but do you really think they would? Furthermore, do you think Kirkpatrick would move to safety?
I said during the draft process that Kirkpatrick was a better prospect at Safety. He reminds me of Antrel Roole a little bit. His best trait as a player is playing off man and closing in for the tackle. However, Amerson is equally as able to move to Free Safety. I didn’t list him as a CB/S in the mock draft, but I should have. There are enough spots in the Secondary to play them both, in my mind, and if he’s the top guy on the board, I would assume they would take him.
Leon Hall would be down to his final two seasons with the team and I don’t think anyone at Safety is about to turn heads.