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The Super Bowl is over and the final first-round order for the 2013 draft is set, and the lack of impact offensive players on the board makes for plenty of intrigue surrounding the top quarterback on the board.
However, as scouts continue to break down the game of West Virginia QB Geno Smith, there is no question about where the strength of the 2013 class lies. Seven of the top 11 prospects in my latest mock draft are linemen, including three players each from the defensive end and offensive tackle classes.
Utah DT Star Lotulelei still projects as the top overall pick at this point, but there is plenty of shuffling below. The top cornerback on the board has moved into the top three picks, while a big-name defensive end has tumbled out of the top 10 and a fast-rising defensive tackle has vaulted into the top 15.
As for the skill positions, only four players from the quarterback, wide receiver and running back classes are in this projection, with just one among the top 10 picks.
There is still plenty of film to study, and players will continue to rise and fall as the NFL combine, individual workouts and interviews with teams continue to highlight players' strengths and weaknesses. Here's how things project, though, based on what we know now.
Draft-eligible non-seniors are noted with an asterisk.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 2-14Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The biggest question at the top is whether the Chiefs think highly enough of any of the 2013 quarterback prospects to go in that direction with this pick. The second question is whether OT Branden Albert will return to Kansas City. Assuming the answers to those questions are no and yes, respectively, Lotulelei makes most sense. The Chiefs have a need for a 5-technique (DE) in their 3-4 scheme, and he is an ideal fit. Lotulelei has great size and natural tools, especially strength, but he is not just a space-eater. He makes plays versus the run and can help collapse the pocket as an inside power rusher.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 2-14Bjoern Werner*, DE, Florida State
The Jaguars might also hesitate to take a quarterback this early, and they need to improve a pass rush that had a league-low 20 sacks last season. Werner is a good overall player who is also strong against the run and would fit well opposite DE Jason Babin, but is he worth this pick? Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore* is a better athlete but could slip a bit due to growing concerns about maturity.
3. Oakland Raiders
Record: 4-12Dee Milliner*, CB, Alabama
New offensive coordinator Greg Olson brings a power, man-blocking running game to Oakland, which is not a great fit for Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel. Oakland also needs an upgrade along the defensive front, but with Lotulelei and Werner both off the board Milliner make the most sense. He is the most complete cornerback in the 2013 class and would address the team's most glaring weakness.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 4-12Luke Joeckel*, OT, Texas A&M
West Virginia QB Geno Smith is a possibility here, but Joeckel is one of the top three overall prospects in this class and would be tough to pass up. New head coach Chip Kelly favors smaller, more athletic linemen like Joeckel, who would take care of a desperate need for an overall talent and depth upgrade along the offensive line. The question is whether the Eagles would feel comfortable moving Joeckel to the right side to accommodate returning LT Jason Peters.
5. Detroit Lions
Record: 4-12Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
Cornerback is the Lions' biggest need, but with Milliner off the board the defensive line becomes the focus. With Kyle Vanden Bosch having been released and LDE Cliff Avril an unrestricted free agent, Detroit has a need at end. There is simply too much young talent at defensive tackle to let things deteriorate at end. Jordan is an underrated talent with the length and athleticism to develop into an impact starter in NFL, and he's shown the versatility to play multiple roles along the front seven.
6. Cleveland Browns
Record: 5-11Barkevious Mingo*, DE, LSU
New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will run a versatile scheme that likely will employ a base 3-4 front, and while the Browns have good depth along the defensive front they need more talented edge rushers. Mingo fits the bill. He is raw, but is the fastest, most athletic edge rusher in the class and could be part as a disruptive perimeter duo with Jabaal Sheard.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 5-11Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Cardinals have a glaring need at quarterback, and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians bringing a vertical attack to Arizona that makes NC State QB Mike Glennon the best fit there. But he might not be worth the pick. The Cards' No. 2 need is at offensive tackle, and Fisher has the feet, length and balance to move into the starting role at left tackle. That would allow aging, injury-riddled Levi Brown to move to the right side, where he is a better fit.
8. Buffalo Bills
Record: 6-10Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Smith has had some trouble in bad weather, which is clearly a concern for Buffalo, but he is a good fit in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's version of the West Coast offense. When he's on his game, Smith's mechanics, smarts and confidence are impressive. Where he lands is perhaps the most intriguing storyline leading up to draft day, with Kansas City, Jacksonville and Philadelphia all possibilities in the top five.
9. New York Jets
Record: 6-10Jarvis Jones*, OLB, Georgia
The Jets have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL right now, but they're not going to find an answer to their quarterback problem in this scenario. That means finding a competent right tackle, a young pass-rusher (Calvin Pace likely to be cut) are at the top of the priority list. Jones would fit the bill as a pass-rusher. He's versatile, closes quickly and looks to jar the ball loose when he gets to quarterbacks or ball carriers.
10. Tennessee Titans
Record: 6-10Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Defensive end is a strong possibility, especially with talented rushers like Mingo, Jordan and Moore possibly available. However, Warmack is the best guard prospect in a decade and would help solidify the offensive line in front of young QB Jake Locker. Warmack has an elite combination of strength, mobility and consistency, and he would be the perfect successor to Steve Hutchinson. The Titans are strong at OT with Michael Roos and David Stewart coming back, and Warmack would be a great fit inside.
11. San Diego Chargers
Record: 7-9Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Left tackle is the team's top need, and with the Chargers likely moving to a zone-blocking scheme, Johnson is a perfect fit. He could improve his overall strength and hand use, but Johnson has good mobility and can quickly develop into a solid pass protector for QB Philip Rivers, who has taken a beating in recent years. Current San Diego OT Jared Gaither lacks mental and physical toughness, and the team should strongly consider parting ways with him to make room for a player like Johnson.
12. Miami Dolphins
Record: 7-9Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Dolphins fans would likely prefer to see the team find a solution at left tackle (assuming Jake Long moves on) or a wide receiver who can threaten defenses. However, Vaccaro is one of the 10 best overall prospects in the class. He has the athleticism to hold up well against slot receivers and give Miami the kind of versatile playmaker it needs in the secondary.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 7-9Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
The Bucs finished last in the NFC with just 27 sacks last season and have plenty of questions along the defensive line. Moore has the athleticism and competitiveness you look for in a pass-rusher, and also the frame to develop into a good every-down player. He comes with some character baggage and could slip out of the top 10, and would be a good find for Tampa Bay with this pick.
14. Carolina Panthers
Record: 7-9Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Carolina is much stronger versus the pass than the run, and the team hasn't used a first- or second-round pick on a defensive tackle since taking Kris Jenkins in the first round in 2001. Floyd made huge improvements in terms of hand use and strength, and he also brings versatility and playmaking ability to the table. The arrow is pointing up in a big way for Floyd, who I recently moved up to the No. 7 overall spot on my board.
15. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
New Orleans is moving to a 3-4 scheme and can live with its inside linebackers and defensive ends, but the Saints need edge rushers and a true 3-4 nose tackle. With no pick in the second round, New Orleans could be interested in the scheme versatility Ansah provides. He can play the 5-technique and rush the quarterback off the edge, and while he's not a pure speed rusher Ansah has shown the ability to use speed-to-power moves to track down the quarterback from the perimeter.
16. St. Louis Rams
Record: 7-8-1Cordarrelle Patterson*, WR, Tennessee
Offensive tackle is the team's top need, but with Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson off the board there is not a good fit available. This is a bit high for any receiver in this class in my opinion, but Patterson is going to rise simply because of his elite skill set. He is raw as a route-runner, but is big and physical enough to get off press coverage and his speed and elusiveness make him a huge threat after the catch. Patterson would be a great weapon for young QB Sam Bradford.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 8-8Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Pittsburgh needs an heir apparent for current NT Casey Hampton, who is expected to leave as a free agent. There's depth at the position with Steve McLendon and Alameda Ta'amu, but neither appears to be the long-term answer. This might be a bit early for Hankins in my opinion, but some feel he grades out perfectly in the middle of Round 1. Regardless, you can't coach his size and ability to anchor in the middle against the run.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 8-8Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson fills a top need and is a perfect fit as 3-technique in the 4-3 scheme of new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. He lacks ideal size and strength, but Richardson has elite first-step quickness, change-of-direction skills and range to penetrate and disrupt plays.
19. New York Giants
Record: 9-7Alec Ogletree*, LB, Georgia
The Giants could also address needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, tight end or defensive en here, but if Ogletree's character checks out he is a steal this late in the first round. He is one if the best pound-for-pound athletes in the class and has the range to chase plays from sideline to sideline.
20. Chicago Bears
Record: 10-6 Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
Left tackle is the Bears' biggest need, but they cannot afford to miss at that position again after whiffing on the likes of Gabe Carimi and Chris Williams. Any tackle still on the board would be a reach here, and if Chicago elects to let 35-year old MLB Brian Urlacher walk in free agency, Te'o would be an interesting replacement with his three-down ability.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 10-6Eddie Lacy*, RB, Alabama
This is too high for Lacy in my opinion, but some believe he's worth a top-20 pick and if Cincinnati has a high enough grade on him it would make sense from a needs standpoint. I would rather see the Bengals address a different position, but they've used so many early-round picks on players at key positions (QB, OL, WR, DL, CB, TE) in recent years that they might be able to afford a luxury pick like this. Defensive end could also be an option if the right player were available.
22. St. Louis Rams
(From 10-6 WAS)Record: 7-8-1Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
Williams lost weight, got healthy and improved his quickness as a senior. He gets off the ball well and can disrupt things along the interior, and would add valuable depth in the middle. Alabama OT D.J. Fluker would be a reach at this point, but he might be in play for the Ram's need at right tackle.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 10-6Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
Minnesota has options here, and a big receiver like California's Keenan Allen might make sense. However, Wreh-Wilson is a value pick at a key position and the Vikings need another talented young corner to go with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson. Wreh-Wilson is one of the most underrated prospects in the class. He plays under control, has good speed and excellent balance, and also supports the run well.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 11-5Johnthan Banks*, CB, Miss. St.
The defensive front seven and the offensive line will certainly be in play here, but the Colts need to find some difference makers in the secondary. Banks has good size, is an instinctive cover corner, and shows toughness and outstanding ball skills. He notched 16 career picks at Mississippi State, including three he returned for scores.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 11-5Sam Montgomery*, DE, LSU
Seattle's defense was strong overall in 2012, but DE Chris Clemons tore his ACL late in the season and Bruce Irvin is at his best as a sub-package rusher. Montgomery has the size and strength to start opposite Red Bryant and help beef up Seattle's run defense.
26. Green Bay Packers
Record: 11-5Johnathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia
The Packers would like to find a left tackle in the first round, but there are none available worth the pick in this scenario. They can also address their need at running back in the second or third round. Nose tackle is not a pressing need, but it's tough to find massive pluggers with some mobility like Jenkins. He and B.J. Raji would give Green Bay versatility along its defensive front, and Jenkins could bolster a run defense that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in yards per carry allowed at 4.5.
27. Houston Texans
Record: 12-4Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Texans need more legitimate pass-catching options outside of Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson. Allen lacks elite top-end speed, but he's a great athlete with a good frame, and his ball skills are much-improved from early in his career. He would give QB Matt Schaub another quality option and help open up some room for Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos
Record: 13-3Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Denver could opt for a slot receiver who could give QB Peyton Manning another weapon, but the Broncos need to beef up the interior of their defensive line. Short is a strong run defender with a quick first step and a powerful upper body. The biggest knock on him is his inconsistent motor, but you don't see many guys loafing it in Denver now that Peyton is in town.
29. New England Patriots
Record: 12-4Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
This is a pure value pick. Cooper is a stud, the most mobile offensive line prospects in the class and a player with a chance to become an elite interior linemen in the NFL. Patriots fans surely want to see a WR with this pick and Allen or Tennessee's Justin Hunter would fit the bill, or perhaps a slot weapon like West Virginia's Tavon Austin. Cooper is an absolute steal if he lasts this long, though, especially given the durability issues current G Logan Mankins has dealt with in recent seasons.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 13-3Zach Ertz*, TE, Stanford Future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez has announced he will retire, and Ertz is the top-rated tight end on our board. He doesn't have elite speed, but he is a good athlete who knows how to separate from coverage, and can make tough catches over his head and in traffic.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Record: 11-4-1Justin Hunter*, WR, Tennessee
Nose tackle is a possibility here, but wide receiver is a legitimate need for the 49ers with both Randy Moss and Ted Ginn scheduled to hit free agency. The team would like A.J. Jenkins to become a difference-maker in the slot, but San Francisco needs another outside weapon who can take advantage of QB Colin Kaepernick's strong arm. Hunter's hands are a bit inconsistent, but he is a smooth athlete who runs good routes and can make plays downfield.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 10-6Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The newly crowned Super Bowl champs would love to find a future left tackle to groom, but probably won't with the last pick in the first round. Possible replacements for MLB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed might also be reaches at this point. General manager Ozzie Newsome is an Alabama guy and knows Williams well. He's not flashy, but Williams is the kind of big, tough, selfless defensive linemen who can occupy blockers and make average linebackers and safeties look much better as run defenders.
The Super Bowl is over and the final first-round order for the 2013 draft is set, and the lack of impact offensive players on the board makes for plenty of intrigue surrounding the top quarterback on the board.
However, as scouts continue to break down the game of West Virginia QB Geno Smith, there is no question about where the strength of the 2013 class lies. Seven of the top 11 prospects in my latest mock draft are linemen, including three players each from the defensive end and offensive tackle classes.
Utah DT Star Lotulelei still projects as the top overall pick at this point, but there is plenty of shuffling below. The top cornerback on the board has moved into the top three picks, while a big-name defensive end has tumbled out of the top 10 and a fast-rising defensive tackle has vaulted into the top 15.
As for the skill positions, only four players from the quarterback, wide receiver and running back classes are in this projection, with just one among the top 10 picks.
There is still plenty of film to study, and players will continue to rise and fall as the NFL combine, individual workouts and interviews with teams continue to highlight players' strengths and weaknesses. Here's how things project, though, based on what we know now.
Draft-eligible non-seniors are noted with an asterisk.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 2-14Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The biggest question at the top is whether the Chiefs think highly enough of any of the 2013 quarterback prospects to go in that direction with this pick. The second question is whether OT Branden Albert will return to Kansas City. Assuming the answers to those questions are no and yes, respectively, Lotulelei makes most sense. The Chiefs have a need for a 5-technique (DE) in their 3-4 scheme, and he is an ideal fit. Lotulelei has great size and natural tools, especially strength, but he is not just a space-eater. He makes plays versus the run and can help collapse the pocket as an inside power rusher.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 2-14Bjoern Werner*, DE, Florida State
The Jaguars might also hesitate to take a quarterback this early, and they need to improve a pass rush that had a league-low 20 sacks last season. Werner is a good overall player who is also strong against the run and would fit well opposite DE Jason Babin, but is he worth this pick? Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore* is a better athlete but could slip a bit due to growing concerns about maturity.
3. Oakland Raiders
Record: 4-12Dee Milliner*, CB, Alabama
New offensive coordinator Greg Olson brings a power, man-blocking running game to Oakland, which is not a great fit for Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel. Oakland also needs an upgrade along the defensive front, but with Lotulelei and Werner both off the board Milliner make the most sense. He is the most complete cornerback in the 2013 class and would address the team's most glaring weakness.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 4-12Luke Joeckel*, OT, Texas A&M
West Virginia QB Geno Smith is a possibility here, but Joeckel is one of the top three overall prospects in this class and would be tough to pass up. New head coach Chip Kelly favors smaller, more athletic linemen like Joeckel, who would take care of a desperate need for an overall talent and depth upgrade along the offensive line. The question is whether the Eagles would feel comfortable moving Joeckel to the right side to accommodate returning LT Jason Peters.
5. Detroit Lions
Record: 4-12Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
Cornerback is the Lions' biggest need, but with Milliner off the board the defensive line becomes the focus. With Kyle Vanden Bosch having been released and LDE Cliff Avril an unrestricted free agent, Detroit has a need at end. There is simply too much young talent at defensive tackle to let things deteriorate at end. Jordan is an underrated talent with the length and athleticism to develop into an impact starter in NFL, and he's shown the versatility to play multiple roles along the front seven.
6. Cleveland Browns
Record: 5-11Barkevious Mingo*, DE, LSU
New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will run a versatile scheme that likely will employ a base 3-4 front, and while the Browns have good depth along the defensive front they need more talented edge rushers. Mingo fits the bill. He is raw, but is the fastest, most athletic edge rusher in the class and could be part as a disruptive perimeter duo with Jabaal Sheard.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 5-11Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Cardinals have a glaring need at quarterback, and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians bringing a vertical attack to Arizona that makes NC State QB Mike Glennon the best fit there. But he might not be worth the pick. The Cards' No. 2 need is at offensive tackle, and Fisher has the feet, length and balance to move into the starting role at left tackle. That would allow aging, injury-riddled Levi Brown to move to the right side, where he is a better fit.
8. Buffalo Bills
Record: 6-10Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Smith has had some trouble in bad weather, which is clearly a concern for Buffalo, but he is a good fit in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's version of the West Coast offense. When he's on his game, Smith's mechanics, smarts and confidence are impressive. Where he lands is perhaps the most intriguing storyline leading up to draft day, with Kansas City, Jacksonville and Philadelphia all possibilities in the top five.
9. New York Jets
Record: 6-10Jarvis Jones*, OLB, Georgia
The Jets have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL right now, but they're not going to find an answer to their quarterback problem in this scenario. That means finding a competent right tackle, a young pass-rusher (Calvin Pace likely to be cut) are at the top of the priority list. Jones would fit the bill as a pass-rusher. He's versatile, closes quickly and looks to jar the ball loose when he gets to quarterbacks or ball carriers.
10. Tennessee Titans
Record: 6-10Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Defensive end is a strong possibility, especially with talented rushers like Mingo, Jordan and Moore possibly available. However, Warmack is the best guard prospect in a decade and would help solidify the offensive line in front of young QB Jake Locker. Warmack has an elite combination of strength, mobility and consistency, and he would be the perfect successor to Steve Hutchinson. The Titans are strong at OT with Michael Roos and David Stewart coming back, and Warmack would be a great fit inside.
11. San Diego Chargers
Record: 7-9Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Left tackle is the team's top need, and with the Chargers likely moving to a zone-blocking scheme, Johnson is a perfect fit. He could improve his overall strength and hand use, but Johnson has good mobility and can quickly develop into a solid pass protector for QB Philip Rivers, who has taken a beating in recent years. Current San Diego OT Jared Gaither lacks mental and physical toughness, and the team should strongly consider parting ways with him to make room for a player like Johnson.
12. Miami Dolphins
Record: 7-9Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Dolphins fans would likely prefer to see the team find a solution at left tackle (assuming Jake Long moves on) or a wide receiver who can threaten defenses. However, Vaccaro is one of the 10 best overall prospects in the class. He has the athleticism to hold up well against slot receivers and give Miami the kind of versatile playmaker it needs in the secondary.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 7-9Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
The Bucs finished last in the NFC with just 27 sacks last season and have plenty of questions along the defensive line. Moore has the athleticism and competitiveness you look for in a pass-rusher, and also the frame to develop into a good every-down player. He comes with some character baggage and could slip out of the top 10, and would be a good find for Tampa Bay with this pick.
14. Carolina Panthers
Record: 7-9Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Carolina is much stronger versus the pass than the run, and the team hasn't used a first- or second-round pick on a defensive tackle since taking Kris Jenkins in the first round in 2001. Floyd made huge improvements in terms of hand use and strength, and he also brings versatility and playmaking ability to the table. The arrow is pointing up in a big way for Floyd, who I recently moved up to the No. 7 overall spot on my board.
15. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
New Orleans is moving to a 3-4 scheme and can live with its inside linebackers and defensive ends, but the Saints need edge rushers and a true 3-4 nose tackle. With no pick in the second round, New Orleans could be interested in the scheme versatility Ansah provides. He can play the 5-technique and rush the quarterback off the edge, and while he's not a pure speed rusher Ansah has shown the ability to use speed-to-power moves to track down the quarterback from the perimeter.
16. St. Louis Rams
Record: 7-8-1Cordarrelle Patterson*, WR, Tennessee
Offensive tackle is the team's top need, but with Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson off the board there is not a good fit available. This is a bit high for any receiver in this class in my opinion, but Patterson is going to rise simply because of his elite skill set. He is raw as a route-runner, but is big and physical enough to get off press coverage and his speed and elusiveness make him a huge threat after the catch. Patterson would be a great weapon for young QB Sam Bradford.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 8-8Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Pittsburgh needs an heir apparent for current NT Casey Hampton, who is expected to leave as a free agent. There's depth at the position with Steve McLendon and Alameda Ta'amu, but neither appears to be the long-term answer. This might be a bit early for Hankins in my opinion, but some feel he grades out perfectly in the middle of Round 1. Regardless, you can't coach his size and ability to anchor in the middle against the run.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 8-8Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson fills a top need and is a perfect fit as 3-technique in the 4-3 scheme of new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. He lacks ideal size and strength, but Richardson has elite first-step quickness, change-of-direction skills and range to penetrate and disrupt plays.
19. New York Giants
Record: 9-7Alec Ogletree*, LB, Georgia
The Giants could also address needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, tight end or defensive en here, but if Ogletree's character checks out he is a steal this late in the first round. He is one if the best pound-for-pound athletes in the class and has the range to chase plays from sideline to sideline.
20. Chicago Bears
Record: 10-6 Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
Left tackle is the Bears' biggest need, but they cannot afford to miss at that position again after whiffing on the likes of Gabe Carimi and Chris Williams. Any tackle still on the board would be a reach here, and if Chicago elects to let 35-year old MLB Brian Urlacher walk in free agency, Te'o would be an interesting replacement with his three-down ability.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 10-6Eddie Lacy*, RB, Alabama
This is too high for Lacy in my opinion, but some believe he's worth a top-20 pick and if Cincinnati has a high enough grade on him it would make sense from a needs standpoint. I would rather see the Bengals address a different position, but they've used so many early-round picks on players at key positions (QB, OL, WR, DL, CB, TE) in recent years that they might be able to afford a luxury pick like this. Defensive end could also be an option if the right player were available.
22. St. Louis Rams
(From 10-6 WAS)Record: 7-8-1Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
Williams lost weight, got healthy and improved his quickness as a senior. He gets off the ball well and can disrupt things along the interior, and would add valuable depth in the middle. Alabama OT D.J. Fluker would be a reach at this point, but he might be in play for the Ram's need at right tackle.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 10-6Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
Minnesota has options here, and a big receiver like California's Keenan Allen might make sense. However, Wreh-Wilson is a value pick at a key position and the Vikings need another talented young corner to go with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson. Wreh-Wilson is one of the most underrated prospects in the class. He plays under control, has good speed and excellent balance, and also supports the run well.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 11-5Johnthan Banks*, CB, Miss. St.
The defensive front seven and the offensive line will certainly be in play here, but the Colts need to find some difference makers in the secondary. Banks has good size, is an instinctive cover corner, and shows toughness and outstanding ball skills. He notched 16 career picks at Mississippi State, including three he returned for scores.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 11-5Sam Montgomery*, DE, LSU
Seattle's defense was strong overall in 2012, but DE Chris Clemons tore his ACL late in the season and Bruce Irvin is at his best as a sub-package rusher. Montgomery has the size and strength to start opposite Red Bryant and help beef up Seattle's run defense.
26. Green Bay Packers
Record: 11-5Johnathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia
The Packers would like to find a left tackle in the first round, but there are none available worth the pick in this scenario. They can also address their need at running back in the second or third round. Nose tackle is not a pressing need, but it's tough to find massive pluggers with some mobility like Jenkins. He and B.J. Raji would give Green Bay versatility along its defensive front, and Jenkins could bolster a run defense that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in yards per carry allowed at 4.5.
27. Houston Texans
Record: 12-4Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Texans need more legitimate pass-catching options outside of Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson. Allen lacks elite top-end speed, but he's a great athlete with a good frame, and his ball skills are much-improved from early in his career. He would give QB Matt Schaub another quality option and help open up some room for Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos
Record: 13-3Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Denver could opt for a slot receiver who could give QB Peyton Manning another weapon, but the Broncos need to beef up the interior of their defensive line. Short is a strong run defender with a quick first step and a powerful upper body. The biggest knock on him is his inconsistent motor, but you don't see many guys loafing it in Denver now that Peyton is in town.
29. New England Patriots
Record: 12-4Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
This is a pure value pick. Cooper is a stud, the most mobile offensive line prospects in the class and a player with a chance to become an elite interior linemen in the NFL. Patriots fans surely want to see a WR with this pick and Allen or Tennessee's Justin Hunter would fit the bill, or perhaps a slot weapon like West Virginia's Tavon Austin. Cooper is an absolute steal if he lasts this long, though, especially given the durability issues current G Logan Mankins has dealt with in recent seasons.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 13-3Zach Ertz*, TE, Stanford Future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez has announced he will retire, and Ertz is the top-rated tight end on our board. He doesn't have elite speed, but he is a good athlete who knows how to separate from coverage, and can make tough catches over his head and in traffic.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Record: 11-4-1Justin Hunter*, WR, Tennessee
Nose tackle is a possibility here, but wide receiver is a legitimate need for the 49ers with both Randy Moss and Ted Ginn scheduled to hit free agency. The team would like A.J. Jenkins to become a difference-maker in the slot, but San Francisco needs another outside weapon who can take advantage of QB Colin Kaepernick's strong arm. Hunter's hands are a bit inconsistent, but he is a smooth athlete who runs good routes and can make plays downfield.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 10-6Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The newly crowned Super Bowl champs would love to find a future left tackle to groom, but probably won't with the last pick in the first round. Possible replacements for MLB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed might also be reaches at this point. General manager Ozzie Newsome is an Alabama guy and knows Williams well. He's not flashy, but Williams is the kind of big, tough, selfless defensive linemen who can occupy blockers and make average linebackers and safeties look much better as run defenders.
