-This scenario examines the possibility of Geno Smith going very early. If he slides to the back end of the top 10, it could shake things up. Such a case, I plan to go through very soon.
(Updated 3/30/13) -
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1. Kansas City ChiefsEric Fisher | OT | Central Michigan |
| A case can be made for either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher here, but I believe Fisher is the better athlete and has the higher upside. His competition level has not been of the consistent high quality of Joeckel, but it is hard to ignore the dominance Fisher displays in pass protection (see Pass Blocker Rating). | |
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2. Jacksonville JaguarsGeno Smith | QB | West Virginia |
| Jacksonville has made sweeping changes this offseason. This franchise is headed in a new direction under new GM David Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley.To really right the ship, the Jags need to create more competition at the quarterback position. Drafting Geno Smith makes sense here, but it is by no means a slam dunk. The team has given mixed signals about how they expect the QB position to look going into 2013, expressing an interest in giving Gabbert every opportunity to win the job, but also they have been doing extensive work evaluating all their options, going as far as sending a bevy of staff to see Geno work out. Jacksonville is expected to draft a quarterback, the question is how early. |
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3. Oakland RaidersDion Jordan | OLB/DE | Oregon |
| For a creative defensive mind with a love for unusual blitzes and varied fronts, Oakland could not hope for a better fit than Dion Jordan. This former receiver is incredibly athletic and can create matchup problems from various spots. Jordan also posted the 2nd highest Pass Rusher Rating of all the top level rushers. This guy is more productive than he he is credited and could become one of the premiere defenders in the game. | |
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4. Philadelphia EaglesStar Lotulelei | DT | Utah |
| If Chip Kelley runs a similar scheme to that his Oregon Ducks, then expect a hybrid 34 defense that prefers stout 2-gap defensive linemen. The Eagles have some interesting options on the edges, but they are short on bodies in the middle. Coach Kelley will have had first hand experience scheming against PAC-12 DT Star Lotulelei. If Philly is comfortable with Lotulelei’s newly discovered heart condition, watch out NFL East, the Eagles could create a fearsome front seven. | |
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5. Detroit LionsLuke Joeckel | OT | Texas A&M |
| I like the possibility of Detroit selecting an edge rusher here, but Luke Joeckel is a top talent at an impact position. And so long as Martin Mayhew is calling the shots, the Lions will be emphasizing talent over need. Adding Joeckel would give the Lions flexibility in moving Riley Reiff around, maybe to fill the vacant RG and RT positions previously manned by Stephen Peterman and Gosder Cherilus. | |
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6. Cleveland BrownsDee Milliner | CB | Alabama |
| After an active free agency spree, the Browns took care of a major problem area by adding Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves to help the transition to the 3-4 defense. Now, they can turn their attention to grabbing whatever stud player falls to no. 6 overall. In this scenario, said stud is Dee Milliner. Few corners in today’s game can run, cover, and hit as effectively as Milliner. And his aggressiveness in run support cannot be understated as spread option offenses place tremendous pressure on the edges of the defense. | |
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7. Arizona CardinalsMatt Barkley | QB | USC |
| I cannot stress enough how important it is for Arizona to upgrade the quarterback talent this offseason. The skill positions are loaded, the defense is excellent. The major issues that remain are to get that QB and add some blockers who can protect him. If Geno Smith goes very early, it could start a potential run on quarterbacks, in which case Arizona could call on Matt Barkley here. If Geno is still on the board, then it may make more sense to snatch Lane Johnson here, then hope one of the top quarterbacks is available at the back end of round 1. | |
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8. Buffalo BillsE.J. Manuel | QB | Florida State |
| I’d be surprised if the Bills don’t make a play at some quarterback here or in the 2nd round. To compete in the NFL, you need stability and high-level quarterback play. Coach Doug Marrone likes the idea of throwing lots of different looks at opponents, and in the past he has dabbled with spread option concepts. Of the remaining high level QBs, E.J. Manuel let it rip quickly, but he may be even more dangerous once the play breaks down. He make need a patient coaching staff, but this guy would give Buffalo a quarterback to build around. | |
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9. New York JetsEzekiel Ansah | DE | BYU |
| Yes, the play of Mark Sanchez has been cause for frustration. But equally alarming is the complete lack of pass rush from the defense. If only the Jets could generate some consistent pressure up front….I wrote an article on New York’s ideal pass rusher, and I have little doubt that Rex Ryan could line Ansah at OLB in base situations, then slide him inside with the Jets’ other two talented DE’s to form a dynamic trio in nickel situations. |
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10. Tennessee TitansChance Warmack | OG | Alabama |
| Heavy-handed and nimble footed, I like Warmack’s fit in Tennessee. He can blast open holes on the 1st and 2nd level for Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, while providing protection for Jake Locker. This may be a bit early for a OG, but he is a rare talent at the position. | |
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16. St. Louis RamsAlec Ogletree | ILB | Georgia |
| Jeff Fisher is one of the few coaches in the game today who has successfully handled the higher risk players. The Rams have the right locker room to handle Alec Ogletree, and make no mistake, if he stays clean off the field, Ogletree is a tackling machine with natural coverages skills and movements. A good schematic fit. | |
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17. Pittsburgh SteelersXavier Rhodes | CB | Florida State |
| After stumbling across one of the best Steelers articles ever, I can make a case for two players that fit the Pittsburgh profile: Xavier Rhodes and Eddie Lacy. In the secondary, the Steelers place tremendous value on elite speed, toughness, and size. Xavier Rhodes is a big and physical corner at 6’1″ and 210 pounds. He clocked a 4.4, which is plenty fast, and he has outstanding length (33 3/4 arms). Fans may not be crazy about this pick right now, since it doesn’t address a critical need right now, but great teams build for the future. | |
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18. Dallas CowboysSylvester Williams | DT | North Carolina
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| Dallas needs a safety to help the transition to the Tampa Two defense. But Jerry Jones’ fondness for LSU prospects coupled with the high ceiling of Mingo make this pick understandable. The Tampa Two requires consistent pressure from the DL, so depth is a necessity. | |
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19. New York GiantsCordarrelle Patterson | WR | Tennessee |
| New York could add a creative playmaker with size and speed to their deep receiving talent. Just think about the match up issues with defending Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Reuben Randle, David Wilson, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Yikes! | |
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20. Chicago BearsTavon Austin | WR/RB| West Virginia |
| Marc Trestman, the Bears new head coach, loves flooding targeted defensive zones with receivers. Such a strategy can open up significant space for the primary receiver. Just think how unstoppable a quick as lightning player like Tavon Austin could be in such circumstances. Perhaps the Bears will look to replace Brian Urlacher here, but they might elect to add more offensive firepower with Austin. | |
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