Showing posts with label 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Show all posts

Sunday, April 14, 2013

2013 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

1. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel: Unlike the 2012 NFL draft, where Indianapolis was clearly going to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick, this year, half a dozen players have the potential to be drafted by Kansas City. OT Eric Fisher has been climbing up mock drafts instead of OT Luke Joeckel, the original favorite to be selected by Kansis City. Though Joeckel remains my first overall pick in the draft, Eric Fishers has a legitimate shot at playing in Kansas City in the 2013 NFL season.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE/OLB Dion Jordan: Jacksonville might just have the worst roster on paper in the entire National Football League. Technically, every position apart from running back needs to be improved if they wish to compete for a playoff spot. If the Jaguars were to draft defensive end Dion Jordan, Jordan would be playing alongside fellow defensive end Jason Babin, and hopefully, Jacksonville's pass rush will be more reliable in 2013.

3. Oakland Raiders: DT Sharrif Floyd: A surprisingly silent offseason for the Oakland Raiders means 2013 will not be any more successful than 2012. The signing of defensive tackle Vance Walker will not be able to solve their problems on the defensive line, which is why Sharrif Floyd will be drafted third overall in April.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Dee Milliner: After what appeared to be the construction of a Dream Team, Philadelphia's hopes of a Super Bowl title were quickly dashed. In March, the Eagles organization parted ways with cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomgha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, two former Pro-Bowlers. The Eagles will look to add Milliner to their roster, so they can focus on a struggling offensive line in the next several rounds.

5. Detroit Lions: DE Ezekiel Ansah: Ansah has been playing football for approximately three years since he moved to the United States from Ghana, but already has skills resembling All-Pro defenders in the National Football League. His technique is in need of tweaking, which is why he will not overtake Dion Jordan at the number two spot, but the Lions need a defensive end after their busy offseason on the offensive side of the ball.

6. Cleveland Browns: QB Geno Smith: It seems the Cleveland Browns are willing to give quarterback Brandon Weeden another shot at the starting quarterback position, even though his mediocre rookie season did not lead Cleveland into the 2012 playoffs. With the sixth overall pick in the draft, it would be very tempting to draft Geno Smith as a backup. Head coach Rob Chudzinski served as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, and has experience with mobile quarterbacks, seeing that he was able to re-animate the Panthers offense with quarterback Cam Newton.

7. Arizona Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher: Despite having the worst offensive line in the entire league (an NFL worst 58 sacks allowed in 2012), the Arizona Cardinals did not add a single offensive lineman through free agency. Clearly, the Cardinals are looking to draft someone to protect their quarterback in a draft class loaded with offensive linemen. Eric Fisher's draft stock is gradually climbing upwards, and it is possible the Arizona Cardinals won't even have the opportunity to draft Eric Fisher at the seventh overall pick in the draft.

8. Buffalo Bills: DE Björn Werner: The Buffalo Bills organization signed Mario Williams to a blockbuster deal in 2012, but his productivity did not live up to the hype. Björn Werner, a junior coming out of Florida State, is the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and when alongside Mario Williams, teams will be forced to adjust their offensive schemes.

9. New York Jets: OLB Barkevious Mingo: Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have been showing a lot of interest in Barkevious Mingo, an outside linebacker/defensive end from LSU. Mingo posted a 40-yard-dash time of 4.58 seconds at the combine, and hopefully, Mingo would be able to ressurect a fading franchise.

10. Tennessee Titans: OG Chance Warmack: There is little doubt in my mind that Tennessee will draft a guard with the tenth overall pick. The titans signed running back Shonne Green to a minor deal this past off season, as he will join Chris Johnson in the back-field. The Titans offensive line needs minor tweaking before Week 1, and Chance Warmack fits the bill. Chance Warmack is a very talented offensive lineman, but he is also competing against guard Jonathan Cooper in the 2013 draft for a spot on the Titans roster.


Saturday, March 9, 2013

2013 NFL Mock Draft 3.5

1. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel: I am still a firm believer that the Kansas City Chiefs will use their first overall pick to draft offensive lineman Luke Joeckel. The release of offensive tackle Eric Winston only solidifies my belief. At 6'6" and 310 pounds, Luke Joeckel will surely do a great job of protecting newly acquired quarterback Alex Smith. Joeckel has proven he can protect both types of passers while playing at Texas A&M; a mobile quarterback in Johnny Manziel, and a pocket-passer in Ryan Tannehill.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Ziggy Ansah: The NFL combine is a great way for small school individuals to blossom into first round draft picks. Ziggy Ansah has been playing football for just three years, but already he has proven himself to be worth the second overall pick. Ansah's size and talent closely resembles Jason Pierre-Paul, and rumors have been swirling around that Jacksonville would not be afraid to take a risk in the draft.

3. Oakland Raiders: DT Sharrif Floyd: As the season progressed, Sharrif Floyd became a stronger presence on defense. In his final game at Florida, Floyd posted two sacks with 5 tackles. Even though he weighs close to 300 pounds, Sharrif Floyd ran 40 yards in 4.92 seconds, and his draft stock has been soaring upwards ever since.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB/DE Dion Jordan: Dion Jordan has all the attributes necessary to succeed in the NFL. His combination of size and speed resembles Aldon Smith, apart from the 40-yard dash times, where Jordan's time beat Smith's time by a decent margin. Jordan should not feel out of place in Philly with former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly leading the way.

5. Detroit Lions: CB Dee Milliner: Out of all the conferences in the NCAA, the conference with the most prestigious reputation as of late is awarded to the South Eastern Conference. Corner back Dee Milliner is a product of the SEC, so clearly, he knows what it takes to succeed in a competitive environment. A blazing 40 yard dash time will provide Detroit with a shutdown corner they so desperately need.

6. Cleveland Browns: OLB Jarvis Jones: The only major downside to Jarvis Jones is his spinal stenosis. Though Jarvis has said he feels fine at the moment, many teams are worried with his current state of health. When healthy, Jarvis Jones may be the highest rated prospect in the draft. His 14.5 sacks  and 24.5 tackles for loss in 2012 rightfully earned him All-American honors. Cleveland would certainly be taking a risk by drafting Jones.

7. Arizona Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher: Alex Smith has clearly effected Geno Smith's draft stock, where in our new mock draft, he is not even in the top 10. Eric Fisher is a great option at the seventh overall spot in the draft. Arizona allowed a mind-boggling 58 sacks. Maybe John Skelton or Kevin Kolb or whomever the Cardinals sign as quarterback can have more time in the pocket.

8. Buffalo Bills: WR Tavon Austin: Tavon Austin's blazing speed at the combine makes him a serious contender to be drafted in the top 10. While attending West Virginia, Austin posted a very honorable stat line, with 1,289 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. Buffalo has several options if they wish to enhance their wide receiver corp, whether it be through the draft or free agency. Tavon Austin would be a great teammate alongside Stevie Johnson in New York.

9. New York Jets: OLB Barkevious Mingo: Barkevious Mingo's sack production while playing for LSU has hurt his draft stock in the eyes of scouts. New York tends to draft defense when April rolls around. Truthfully speaking, Geno Smith may be one of the best options at ninth overall, but OLB Barkevious Mingo is likely going to be a member of the Jets in 2013.

10. Tennessee Titans: OG Chance Warmack: For a team that relies so heavily on the running game, Tennessee can not afford to have a weak offensive line. A young quarterback with a speedy running back could easily be well protected by Chance Warmack. Size and speed are not a problem, so NFL teams certainly love to draft defenders out of the SEC.

Friday, March 1, 2013

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine

1. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel: With Alex Smith expected to be traded to Kansas City, the Chiefs no longer need to draft Geno Smith in order to fill the gap at quarterback. New head coach Andy Reid has said he will draft the best player on the board, which is why Luke Joeckel will be selected first overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Bjoern Warner: Jacksonville's new logo may be the start of a brand new franchise, so drafting Bjoern Warner has the potential to solve the problem on defense. The Jaguars ranked dead last in sacks last season, allowing the opposing team's quarterback to feel comfortable in the pocket. Jacksonville has many other options at defensive end, but Warner is capable of fixing the problem long term.

3. Oakland Raiders: QB Geno Smith: Even though Carson Palmer had a successful 2012 season statistically, the Oakland Raiders appear to be interested in drafting Geno Smith. Originally, Smith was the favorite to be drafted first overall, but now that Kansas City is in the process of acquiring Alex Smith, Geno will fall to number 3 in the draft.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Dion Jordan: At 6'6" and 250 pounds, Jordan has extraordinary speed that will improve Philadelphia's sack problem. The Eagles ranked 25th overall in terms of sacks, and former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly would be more than thrilled to draft one of his former players.

5. Detroit Lions: CB Dee Milliner: Milliner's incredible 40 yard dash time of 4.37 seconds has increased his draft stock exponentially. Detroit is in desperate need of a shut down corner if the Lions lose Chris Houston and Jacob Lacey via free agency.

6. Cleveland Browns: DE Barkevious Mingo: A corner back would be nice at the sixth spot in the draft, but because we expect Milliner to be drafted by Detroit, the Browns may have to settle with a defensive end. Barkevious Mingo, unlike DE Demontre Moore, maintained his high draft stock after a good showing at the combine. The better move for Cleveland would be to trade down and wait for a draft class with more depth, but if they were to keep their sixth overall pick, Cleveland will draft Mingo in order to improve their mediocre defense.

7. Arizona Cardinals: QB Matt Barkley: Offensive lineman Eric Fisher appears to be the more appropriate pick for Arizona, but many experts believe the Cardinals will take Matt Barkley in the first round. Barkley did not play any games toward the end of the 2012 season at USC due to an injury. This same injury kept him from participating the 2013 NFL combine. Even then, Arizona likes their chances with Barkley as their new quarterback in September.

8. Buffalo Bills: WR Cordarelle Patterson: Patterson is one of the most talented offensive players in this year's draft class. At 6'2", the former Tennessee Volunteer resembles NFL star wide receiver Julio Jones, with size, speed, and spectacular hands. Whomever the Bills select at quarterback (via free agency or draft), he will have a second option apart from Stevie Johnson.

9. New York Jets: OLB Ezekiel Ansah: Historically, Rex Ryan loves those players who dumbfounded scouts at the NFL combine. Last weekend, Ezekiel Ansah ran the 40 yard dash in 4.60 seconds. Considering the BYU linebacker is 6'5" and 270 pounds, his insane athleticism is bound to catch the eye of Rex Ryan, whose New York Jets could use an upgrade on the defensive side of the ball.

10. Tennessee Titans: OG Chance Warmack: While at Alabama, Chance Warmack successfully cleared the lane for running backs Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie Lacey. Warmack's size can overpower most defensive ends, and the Titans will look to rush their star running back Chris Johnson a lot more in 2013.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Picks 1-10

Feel Free to send us your mock drafts by emailing me at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!

1. Kansas City Chiefs: QB Geno Smith: Though the "Geno Smith For Heisman" ended halfway through the season, his talent in the eyes of scouts remains valuable. By signing Andy Reid for the head coaching job, Kansas City proved they are not afraid to rebuild this team for the next two or three years. They can start by drafting Smith, and acquiring players to suit their quarterback's needs.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Demontre Moore: Where to begin? Jacksonville needs help at almost every position on the field. Offensive line, defensive line, quarterback; the team struggles in almost every statistical category. Demontre Moore, a defensive end out of Texas A&M, has the potential to revive a pass rush ranking dead last in the National Football League.

Star Lotulelei
3. Oakland Raiders: DT Star Lotulelei: Oakland's defensive line has suffered when it comes to both running the ball, as well as applying pressure on the quarterback. Drafting a well rounded defensive tackle may be a step in the right direction for this struggling front seven.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Luke Joeckel: While coaching Oregon, Chip Kelly enjoyed having many options when running the ball, especially when his quarterback has the speed necessary to accomplish the read-option. Mike Vick has shown off his speed and athleticism, but it is unclear whether or not Chip Kelly wishes to keep him. Maybe the Eagles move up to draft Smith, but the offensive line is struggling as well. Enter Luke Joeckel.

5. Detroit Lions: LB Jarvis Jones: Detroit's disappointing 2012 season, to the relief of Lions fans everywhere, ended last December, so they now have the opportunity to rebuild. Jarvis Jones is one of the most skilled defenders in this year's draft class, and may be able to help Detroit's pass rush.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner: Cleveland has shown signs of improvement since their 2011 season thanks to rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. However, the Cleveland defense could use a shut down cornerback that may be able to stop an opposing team's number one wide receiver (Dez Bryant caught 12 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland).

 7. Arizona Cardinals: QB Matt Barkley: Originally the Heisman favorite, Matt Barkley disappointed many with his play throughout the 2012 season. However, scouts are still impressed with his leadership and throwing abilities, the intangibles Arizona needs desperately at quarterback.

8. Buffalo Bills: QB Ryan Nassib: With many speculating whether or not quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be playing in Buffalo next season, a quarterback is what the Bills ought to acquire in the upcoming draft. Seven coaches who at some point in their careers coached in Syracuse now coach for Buffalo, meaning Ryan Nassib out of Syracuse may be preferred over Ryan Wilson.

9. New York Jets: DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo: The New York Jets were the punchlines of many jokes in 2012 for their embarrassing offense and un-intimidating defense. New York's pass rush ranked 25th in the league, so Rex Ryan will be looking for a speedy pass rusher like Barkevious Mingo out of LSU.

10. Tennessee Titans: DE Bjoern Werner: Some have defensive end Bjoern Werner making an appearance all the way at number two in certain mock drafts, but the FSU defender will eventually fall to the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to create a more dominant pass rush.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Preseason 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Complete

     Yes, the next NFL draft may be nine months away, but we believe it is important to give our predictions before the season starts. As we enter the heart of football, the season will begin to shape a more accurate mock draft. Until then, we will make our predictions, where the team's rankings are based off of our preseason power rankings post (click HERE). Please make sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport! Also, if you wish to set up a link exchange and have your website displayed on The NFL Report's sidebar, email me at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!

Matt Barkley
1. Minnesota Vikings: QB Matt Barkley: Christian Ponder will have improved in 2012, but not enough to resurrect this franchise. With Barkley available, it is hard to turn down the Heisman front runner.

2. Cleveland Browns: DE Sam Montgomery: Cleveland may have finished second overall in pass defense, but they did not fair well when defending the run. At 6'4",  Sam Montgomery will make opposing offenses run the ball up the middle due to his ferocious mentality.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: QBTyler Wilson: Jacksonville would have loved to select Matt Barkley, but now that he is off the board, they will settle with quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson will have proved he can compete in the SEC, and therefore deserves a top 5 pick.

4. St. Louis Rams: WR Robert Woods: In two consecutive drafts, the St. Louis Rams missed out on a rookie wide receiver. First, it was Julio Jones, then Justin Blackmon, and even Michael Floyd. However, Robert Woods will give Sam Bradford a lethal weapon at the receiver position.

5. Indianapolis Colts: DE Barkevious Mingo: The Colts rebuilt their offense in last year's draft, so now it is time to improve their defense. Barkevious Mingo is a fabulous all around pass rusher, and will be a superb defensive end when along side Dwight Freeney.

6. Miami Dolphins: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones: The biggest need entering 2012 is to fill the hole at defenseive end. Cameron Wake appears to be the lone pass rusher on this team, and if they wish to do better than 25 overall in pass defense, Jarvin Jones is the correct choice.

7. St. Louis Rams: OT Taylor Lewan: Now that St. Louis has taken a wide receiver, there next biggest need is an offensive lineman. For a team who ranked dead last in sacks allowed, offensive lineman Taylor Lewan has the size necessary to succeed in the NFL.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NT Star Lotulelei: Tampa Bay did a great job of addressing their offense in 2011. Now, they must improve their 32 rush defense, and they can start by drafting nose tackle Star Lotulelei.

9. Oakland Raiders: CB David Amerson: Ever since Nnadmi Asomghu left town, Oakland has not filled the hole by their star corner. Now, the Raiders have the opportunity to draft a youthful defensive back by the name of David Amerson, who tied the ACC interception record in 2011.

10. Tennessee Titans: DE Jackson Jeffcoat: There is absolutely no depth behind the Tennessee pass rush, one who ranked 31st in sacks. Jackson Jeffcoat is 6'5" and 235 pounds, the perfect size for any defensive end. Hopefully, he can be a key factor in the Titans success by 2013.

Justin Hunter
11. Arizona Cardinals: QB Logan Thomas: The Arizona quarterback situation is not one to be proud of when dealing with players like John Skelton and Kevin Kobb. Eventually, receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd will get fed up, therefore want a new quarterback. Enter Logan Thomas.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Johnathon Hankins: Kansas City is a pretty well rounded team, but they have trouble blowing past opposing team's offensive lines. Both the pass rush and rush defense struggled in 2011, and not much should change in 2012. Nose tackle Johnathon Hankins should be able to improve the two related issues.

13. Seattle Seahawks: WR Keenan Allen: Matt Flynn is clearly a hit or miss signing, but is likely to hold down the starting job for the next few years. Flynn will not have the same wide receivers as he did in Green Bay, and therefore the Seahawks will need to take immediate actions. What better way than to draft wide receiver Keenan Allen?

14. New York Jets: S Eric Reid: Often overlooked by football scouts and fans, Eric Reid is a spectacular safety, who can add youth to an aging secondary. Both Laron Landry and Yeremiah Bell are past their prime, so Reid appears to be the perfect pick.

15. Carolina Panthers: OT D.J. Fluker: For a team who will rely heavily on their offense, it will be important for Carolina's offensive line to protect their stars. D.J. Fluker's size allows him to overpower defensive lineman, and is the perfect man to shield Cam Newton.

16. San Diego Chargers: WR Justin Hunter: With both Vincent Jackson and possibly Malcolm Floyd gone (free agent in 2013), the Chargers need to find long term replacements. Sadly, Hunter suffered a season ending ACL tear in 2011, and there is no guarantee he can return to full strength. In the short span he was healthy for, this Tennessee wide receiver led the nation in yards per game, and can be a star in the NFL.

17. Buffalo Bills: CB Johnthan Banks: Though Buffalo drafted corner back Stephon Gilmore last April, another shutdown corner wouldn't hurt. Johnthan Banks is an extraordinary all around defender, and will only improve over time.

Marcus Lattimore
18. New Orleans Saints: OT Barrett Jones: Not much has been going well for the Saints, but the worst loss in terms of the roster in 2011 was the loss of guard Carl Nicks. I believe no one could do a better job of protecting Drew Brees than 6'5", 310 pound offensive lineman Barrett Jones.

19. Dallas Cowboys: S T.J. McDonald: The Cowboys took several steps towards improving their pass defense, starting by drafting corner back Morris Claiborne. Now, they can upgrade the secondary even more by selecting safety T.J. McDonald of USC. 

20. Denver Broncos: WR Marquess Wilson: It is clear John Elway wishes to build a franchise around his new quarterback in Peyton Manning. With Marquess Wilson still available, it is hard to believe they will pass on a lethal, 6'4" wide receiver. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Manti Te'o: Manti Teo's 2011 campaign (128 tackle, 13.5 tackles for loss) earned him a spot on the Second Team All American squad. Pittsburgh has an aging defense, and someone like Te'o would bring youth to the linebacker position. 

22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Tyrann Mathieu: The Eagles have proven they are not afraid to take chances in the draft, especially when taking Fletcher Cox with the 15th overall pick. Tyrann Mathieu is an extraordinary athlete, but is not the tallest corner back at 5'9". In fact, if the Eagles believe no other teams will take him, they might trade down 6 or seven spots and draft the LSU star later in the first round.

23. Atlanta Falcons: DE Alex Okafor: The Atlanta Falcons do not have many weaknesses, but one thing they can fix is the number of sacks. It may not be last in the league, but if they were to add Okafor, the number of sacks would rise, and the number of passing yards allowed would fall.

24. Chicago Bears: RB Marcus Lattimore: After what looks to become a disappointing 2012 campaign from Matt Forte, the Bears organization will try to find either a back-up or even a replacement. Marcus Lattimore is the best running back in college football, and somehow falls to 24 on this list. Chicago will be eager to add the Heisman nominee. 

Chris Faulk
25. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Terrance Williams: AJ Green is a future star, but Andy Dalton needs other weapons. Adding Terrance Williams will not only take away the double team from AJ, but improve the passing game as a whole.

26. Baltimore Ravens: DE/OLB Sean Porter: Injured Raven Terrell Suggs may be an inside linebacker, but the Ravens could easily move Sean Porter away from outside linebacker.

27. Houston Texans: OT Chris Faulk: The Texans were hoping to draft a right tackle in last year's draft, but did not until the later rounds. Now, they have the chance to take LSU lineman Chris Faulk, a great first round pick.

28. Detroit Lions: DT Kawann Short: A superbly gifted offense based in Detroit needs some work on the defensive side of the ball--especially the run defense. Defensive tackle Kawann Short will stop the run, and from time to time sack the quarterback.

29. San Francisco 49ers: OT Luke Joekel: San Francisco spent much of their off season adding wide receivers for quarterback Alex Smith. The 49ers ranked 25th overall in sacks allowed, so improving their offensive line will be the most important step towards a Super Bowl.

30. New York Giants: S Tony Jefferson: The Giants ranked third overall in sacks last season, but their pass defense ranked 29th. This means the one thing they need to upgrade is their secondary, and therefore draft Tony Jefferson.

31. New England Patriots: CB Johnny Adams: New England somehow managed to reach the Super Bowl even with an atrocious pass defense. One of the youngest (and weakest) secondary's in the league should improve with more experience, and drafting another cornerback will add to this team's potential.

32. Green Bay Packers: DE William Gholston: The Green Bay Packers defense was one of the biggest surprises in 2011. The sack count dipped from 47.0 to 29.0, which also has to do with the large sum of passing yards allowed per game. William Gholston will be a great pass rusher along side linebacker Clay Mathews. 




Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Preseason 2013 NFL Mock Draft: 1-10

1. Minnesota Vikings: QB Matt Barkley: Christian Ponder will have improved in 2012, but not enough to resurrect this franchise. With Barkley available, it is hard to turn down the Heisman front runner.

2. Cleveland Browns: DE Sam Montgomery: Cleveland may have finished second overall in pass defense, but they did not fair well when defending the run. At 6'4",  Sam Montgomery will make opposing offenses run the ball up the middle due to his ferocious mentality.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: QBTyler Wilson: Jacksonville would have loved to select Matt Barkley, but now that he is off the board, they will settle with quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson will have proved he can compete in the SEC, and therefore deserves a top 5 pick.

4. St. Louis Rams: WR Robert Woods: In two consecutive drafts, the St. Louis Rams missed out on a rookie wide receiver. First, it was Julio Jones, then Justin Blackmon, and even Michael Floyd. However, Robert Woods will give Sam Bradford a lethal weapon at the receiver position.

5. Indianapolis Colts: DE Barkevious Mingo: The Colts rebuilt their offense in last year's draft, so now it is time to improve their defense. Barkevious Mingo is a fabulous all around pass rusher, and will be a superb defensive end when along side Dwight Freeney.

6. Miami Dolphins: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones: The biggest need entering 2012 is to fill the hole at defenseive end. Cameron Wake appears to be the lone pass rusher on this team, and if they wish to do better than 25 overall in pass defense, Jarvin Jones is the correct choice.

7. St. Louis Rams: OT Taylor Lewan: Now that St. Louis has taken a wide receiver, there next biggest need is an offensive lineman. For a team who ranked dead last in sacks allowed, offensive lineman Taylor Lewan has the size necessary to succeed in the NFL.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NT Star Lotulelei: Tampa Bay did a great job of addressing their offense in 2011. Now, they must improve their 32 rush defense, and they can start by drafting nose tackle Star Lotulelei.

9. Oakland Raiders: CB David Amerson: Ever since Nnadmi Asomghu left town, Oakland has not filled the hole by their star corner. Now, the Raiders have the opportunity to draft a youthful defensive back by the name of David Amerson, who tied the ACC interception record in 2011.

10. Tennessee Titans: DE Jackson Jeffcoat: There is absolutely no depth behind the Tennessee pass rush, one who ranked 31st in sacks. Jackson Jeffcoat is 6'5" and 235 pounds, the perfect size for any defensive end. Hopefully, he can be a key factor in the Titans success by 2013.

Preseason 2013 NFL Mock Draft: 18-24

Marcus Lattimore
18. New Orleans Saints: OT Barrett Jones: Not much has been going well for the Saints, but the worst loss in terms of the roster in 2011 was the loss of guard Carl Nicks. I believe no one could do a better job of protecting Drew Brees than 6'5", 310 pound offensive lineman Barrett Jones.

19. Dallas Cowboys: S T.J. McDonald: The Cowboys took several steps towards improving their pass defense, starting by drafting corner back Morris Claiborne. Now, they can upgrade the secondary even more by selecting safety T.J. McDonald of USC. 

20. Denver Broncos: WR Marquess Wilson: It is clear John Elway wishes to build a franchise around his new quarterback in Peyton Manning. With Marquess Wilson still available, it is hard to believe they will pass on a lethal, 6'4" wide receiver. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Manti Te'o: Manti Teo's 2011 campaign (128 tackle, 13.5 tackles for loss) earned him a spot on the Second Team All American squad. Pittsburgh has an aging defense, and someone like Te'o would bring youth to the linebacker position. 

22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Tyrann Mathieu: The Eagles have proven they are not afraid to take chances in the draft, especially when taking Fletcher Cox with the 15th overall pick. Tyrann Mathieu is an extraordinary athlete, but is not the tallest corner back at 5'9". In fact, if the Eagles believe no other teams will take him, they might trade down 6 or seven spots and draft the LSU star later in the first round.

23. Atlanta Falcons: DE Alex Okafor: The Atlanta Falcons do not have many weaknesses, but one thing they can fix is the number of sacks. It may not be last in the league, but if they were to add Okafor, the number of sacks would rise, and the number of passing yards allowed would fall.

24. Chicago Bears: RB Marcus Lattimore: After what looks to become a disappointing 2012 campaign from Matt Forte, the Bears organization will try to find either a back-up or even a replacement. Marcus Lattimore is the best running back in college football, and somehow falls to 24 on this list. Chicago will be eager to add the Heisman nominee. 

Preseason 2013 NFL Mock Draft: 25-32

Chris Faulk
25. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Terrance Williams: AJ Green is a future star, but Andy Dalton needs other weapons. Adding Terrance Williams will not only take away the double team from AJ, but improve the passing game as a whole.

26. Baltimore Ravens: DE/OLB Sean Porter: Injured Raven Terrell Suggs may be an inside linebacker, but the Ravens could easily move Sean Porter away from outside linebacker.

27. Houston Texans: OT Chris Faulk: The Texans were hoping to draft a right tackle in last year's draft, but did not until the later rounds. Now, they have the chance to take LSU lineman Chris Faulk, a great first round pick.

28. Detroit Lions: DT Kawann Short: A superbly gifted offense based in Detroit needs some work on the defensive side of the ball--especially the run defense. Defensive tackle Kawann Short will stop the run, and from time to time sack the quarterback.

29. San Francisco 49ers: OT Luke Joekel: San Francisco spent much of their off season adding wide receivers for quarterback Alex Smith. The 49ers ranked 25th overall in sacks allowed, so improving their offensive line will be the most important step towards a Super Bowl.

30. New York Giants: S Tony Jefferson: The Giants ranked third overall in sacks last season, but their pass defense ranked 29th. This means the one thing they need to upgrade is their secondary, and therefore draft Tony Jefferson.

31. New England Patriots: CB Johnny Adams: New England somehow managed to reach the Super Bowl even with an atrocious pass defense. One of the youngest (and weakest) secondary's in the league should improve with more experience, and drafting another cornerback will add to this team's potential.

32. Green Bay Packers: DE William Gholston: The Green Bay Packers defense was one of the biggest surprises in 2011. The sack count dipped from 47.0 to 29.0, which also has to do with the large sum of passing yards allowed per game. William Gholston will be a great pass rusher along side linebacker Clay Mathews. 

Monday, July 23, 2012

Preseason 2013 NFL Mock Draft

     Yes, the next NFL draft may be nine months away, but we believe it is important to give our predictions before the season starts. As we enter the heart of football, the season will begin to shape a more accurate mock draft. Until then, we will make our predictions, where the team's rankings are based off of our preseason power rankings post (click HERE). Please make sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport! Also, if you wish to set up a link exchange and have your website displayed on The NFL Report's sidebar, email me at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!