#1 Pick – Kansas City Chiefs
With the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Chiefs will take Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle out of Texas A & M. The Chiefs could certainly use help at the OT position, and with excellent fundamentals and big game experience, Joeckel has the potential to have an immediate impact in the NFL.
#2 Pick – Jacksonville Jaguars
For the second pick, the Jaguars will go one of two ways. They could take the proverbial “second best overall” in OT Eric Fisher, but instead, I think they will look to fill their immense need for a pass rusher, and go with Dion Jordan, Outside Linebacker from Oregon. Jordan has great versatility and upside, and would fit well in the Leo position within Jacksonville’s defense.
#3 Pick – Oakland Raiders
Ahh, the Raiders – notorious in recent years for making disastrous decisions on draft day. (Jamarcus Russell, anyone?!) But this year, in the third spot, they’ve got some great options, and I think the best choice for them is Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle out of Florida. Floyd has monster talent, and his tackles for loss, which included 6.5 sacks, were brutal last year.
#4 Pick – Philadelphia Eagles
With the fourth pick and solid options available, the Philadelphia Eagles should make an upgrade either on defense or in their offensive line. Instead though, I just have this feeling that Chip Kelley will get his way, and they will take Geno Smith, Quarterback from West Virginia. Smith would fit well with the type of offense Kelley runs (assuming it’s similar to the one he ran at Oregon), and could be a solid backup for Michael Vick in the likely event that he goes down with injury again.
#5 Pick – Detroit Lions
In the #5 spot, the Lions are going to take advantage of the best guy available, which in this case is Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle out of Central Michigan. The Lions have a hole to fill after the retirement of longtime OT Jeff Backus, and Fisher is just the type of strong, fiery competitor that the Lions want on their offensive line.
#6 Pick – Cleveland Browns
Here I think we may see the Browns trade down, as word on the street is that they are yet again (gasp!) shopping for a quarterback. They really could use a solid guy at corner, though, so if they don’t, they should take Dee Milliner, Cornerback from Alabama, who would fit in very will with the Brown’s defense.
#7 Pick – Arizona Cardinals
After an offseason of trading away much their proven talent, the Cardinals have a lot of needs. One of the most pressing, though, is their offensive line, so their best option is to go with Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle from Oklahoma. Johnson is consistently regarded as the next bet at OT after Joeckel and Fisher, and although he needs some development, has all of the physical tools (length, hand strength and movement) to become a premier tackle in the NFL.
#8 Pick – Buffalo Bills
With the number eight pick, the Buffalo Bills have a tough decision to make, as there is a lot of talent still on the board that they could use. After deliberation, I’d put my money on Chance Warmack, Guard out of Alabama. Warmack proved his worth at the position time and time again, and is, without question, the most talented guard on the board this year.
#9 Pick – New York Jets
With the Revis trade going down less than a week ago, the #9 pick has become a very interesting one. The Jets acquired the Bucs’ 1st round pick (the #15 spot) in the he trade, so now possess two picks in the top 15. This provides great flexibility for them, as well as the ability to make a trade for this pick. Rather though, I think they’ll add a kick to their line by selecting Barkevious Mingo out of LSU. Mingo has great athleticism, which he showed in stellar form at the NFL Combine.
#10 Pick – Tennessee Titans
And in the number ten spot – the Tennessee Titans. With tons of talent still left on the board, the Titans will be looking to take the best available player here, and I think they’ll go defensive. That being said, they should take my personal favorite draftee this year – Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End from BYU. Ansah had a breakout performance at the combine this year (as predicted by yours truly), clocking in at 4.56 in the 40 and killing it in the drills. He also has a great story – coming to the states from Ghana as a member of the track team, and having only played football for 3 seasons heading into the draft. Sure, that means relative inexperience, however Ansah’s strength and skill set paired with his willingness to learn make him almost a shoe-in for greatness in the NFL.
