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Rotoworld 2013 Mock Drafts

Playoffs

Playoffs

Hall of Fame
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/42858/60/post-free-agency-mock-draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs -- Texas A&M LT Luke Joeckel

2. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Oregon LB/DE Dion Jordan

3. Oakland Raiders -- West Virginia QB Geno Smith

4. Philadelphia Eagles -- Florida DT Sharrif Floyd

5. Detroit Lions -- BYU DE Ziggy Ansah

6. Cleveland Browns -- Alabama CB Dee Milliner

7. Arizona Cardinals -- Central Michigan LT Eric Fisher

8. Buffalo Bills -- Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert

9. New York Jets -- Utah DT Star Lotulelei

10. Tennessee Titans -- North Carolina OG Jonathan Cooper

11. San Diego Chargers -- Oklahoma LT Lane Johnson

12. Miami Dolphins -- Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes

13. Tampa Bay Bucs -- Florida State DE Bjoern Werner

14. Panthers -- Alabama OG Chance Warmack

15. New Orleans Saints -- Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones

16. St. Louis Rams -- West Virginia WR Tavon Austin

17. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Alabama RB Eddie Lacy

18. Dallas Cowboys -- Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson

19. New York Giants -- Washington CB Desmond Trufant

20. Chicago Bears -- Kansas State LB Arthur Brown

21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Florida S Matt Elam

22. St. Louis Rams -- Texas S Kenny Vaccaro

23. Minnesota Vikings -- Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins

24. Indianapolis Colts -- LSU DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo

25. Minnesota Vikings -- Florida International S Jonathan Cyprien

26. Green Bay Packers -- North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams

27. Houston Texans -- Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson is a top-ten prospect in terms of upside, but NFL evaluators may envision the JUCO transfer as a raw, boom-or-bust project who must polish up his routes. He's an obvious candidate to be drafted later than expected. Patterson would still be a no-brainer pick for the Texans, who are intent on adding perimeter speed and would use Patterson as a No. 2 wideout, working him in gradually as a short to intermediate threat opposite Andre Johnson. Patterson shouldn't take long to establish himself as a winner versus single coverage and post-catch tackle breaker.

28. Denver Broncos -- UCLA DL Datone Jones

29. New England Patriots -- California WR Keenan Allen

Allen isn't quite the vertical field-stretcher New England is believed to be searching for, but his run-after-catch ability and route-running chops make him a pro-ready NFL prospect. Allen has drawn comparisons ranging from Miles Austin to Reggie Wayne. While Danny Amendola is entrenched at one receiver spot, the Pats won't enter the season with Donald Jones at the other.

30. Atlanta Falcons -- Florida State DE Tank Carradine

31. San Francisco 49ers -- Alabama NT Jesse Williams

32. Baltimore Ravens -- Tennessee WR Justin Hunter

Left Out of Round One: Georgia LB Alec Ogletree, Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks, Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o, Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore, Florida State OT Menelik Watson, USC QB Matt Barkley, Alabama T/G D.J. Fluker, SMU DE Margus Hunt, Stanford TE Zach Ertz, Auburn OLB Corey Lemonier, Boise State CB Jamar Taylor, LSU ILB Kevin Minter, Georgia NT John Jenkins, Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib, Arkansas-Pine Bluff OT Terron Armstead, Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins, Florida State QB E.J. Manuel.
 
If the draft falls that way I don't see the Bills taking a TE at number 8. Warmack, Patterson, Whatever QB they think is the second best in the draft, or some kind of hard hitting run stopper (Could be an LB) would probably tickle their fancy more.
 
Having to choose between Patterson and Allen would be crazy.

Dutchrudder said:
I would be really surprised to see Lacy go in the 1st. I would be even more surprised to see the Steelers take him.
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Lacy should be there in the 2nd. If not, they could take Ball. I don't see a RB any where near the 1st round this year.
 
I actually like lacy a lot. He's flown under the radar some, but I like his game a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if a rb needy team takes him in the first.
 
Rey said:
I actually like lacy a lot. He's flown under the radar some, but I like his game a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if a rb needy team takes him in the first.
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I somewhat agree. I have been agreeing with you quite strongly recently, I need to spread some rep. Another guy is LaVeon Bell. Just watch the kid play and he fits the one cut zone scheme extremely well. I'd bet he will be a good pro, Lacy as well, but I also don't see the Texans needing to grab a RB that high in this draft. Too bad because I really like Bell.
 
htownfan32 said:
I would cry tears of joy if somehow we got Cordarelle Patterson.
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I got a chubby just thinking about it. The only way we should draft a WR int eh first round is if we believe he can eventually be a number one or an instant number two. Patterson could be a number one. Allen could easily be an instant number two. No one else is worthy of a first IMO.
 
i'm completely ignorant to patterson. what i get from scouting reports is a juco transfer who split time between receiver, runningback, and returner. it seems he's more athlete than receiver, but has merely above average combine stats. watching highlights, i see a guy with ideal size with a high ceiling and exceptional bust potential - half of his tape isnt going to work in the pros. what i dont see is an heir to andre johnson or a #2, what i see is jacoby jones.

what am i missing?
 
Scooter said:
i'm completely ignorant to patterson. what i get from scouting reports is a juco transfer who split time between receiver, runningback, and returner. it seems he's more athlete than receiver, but has merely above average combine stats. watching highlights, i see a guy with ideal size with a high ceiling and exceptional bust potential - half of his tape isnt going to work in the pros. what i dont see is an heir to andre johnson or a #2, what i see is jacoby jones.

what am i missing?
Click to expand...

Edit
 
Scooter said:
i'm completely ignorant to patterson. what i get from scouting reports is a juco transfer who split time between receiver, runningback, and returner. it seems he's more athlete than receiver, but has merely above average combine stats. watching highlights, i see a guy with ideal size with a high ceiling and exceptional bust potential - half of his tape isnt going to work in the pros. what i dont see is an heir to andre johnson or a #2, what i see is jacoby jones.

what am i missing?
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He's got way more shake and bake than Jacoby. I see a bigger, faster Peter Warrick. Warrick ran a 4.6 at the combine, which is why he was in and out of the league so quick. Patterson has the elite elusive ability of Warrick, but combines it with being two inches taller, twenty pounds heavier and possessing 4.4 speed.
 
Scooter said:
i'm completely ignorant to patterson. what i get from scouting reports is a juco transfer who split time between receiver, runningback, and returner. it seems he's more athlete than receiver, but has merely above average combine stats. watching highlights, i see a guy with ideal size with a high ceiling and exceptional bust potential - half of his tape isnt going to work in the pros. what i dont see is an heir to andre johnson or a #2, what i see is jacoby jones.

what am i missing?
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The same things were said about Harvin.Patterson has that kind of talent. You try to get the ball in his hands anyway you can.

He's a bigger version of Harvin, which will allow Patterson to be able to play outside too. Patterson is a big play waiting to happen.

The lack of route running skills can be said about almost all WR's coming out of college. It was said about AJ. The question is whether Patterson will put in the work to become AJ. Or will he settle for being a Miles Austin? Either way Patterson is well worth the 27th pick. IMHO
 
i'm still not getting #1 (or even #2) wide receiver from either response, more a #3 playmaker. peter warrick and percy harvin ... two playmakers who havent topped 1000 receiving yards as pros.

like i've said, i dont watch college ball so my opinion is less than worthless, but patterson wouldnt even be my first choice from tennessee. he just doesnt look like he translates to the pro game, which i assume is why he's dropping. i'd personally rather have a wide receiver than a playmaker.
 
either guy would do for me as potential replacements for AJ and also guys that could serve as great #2's in the meantime...but i do like Hunter more..he appears much more polished and his ceiling looks to be higher.
 
You guys are all getting your hopes up over an offensive player in the 1st, when we know that chances are it will be defensive player like ILB Minter or Brown. Then Kubiak will outsmart everyone by drafting a WR in the 2nd like Aaron Dobson, Marquess Wilson or Da'Rick Rogers (small school, big body WR that can block). Then we will spend the 3rds on a blocking TE like Dion Sims, and a smallish NT like Jordan Hill or Chris Jones. Thus helping us continue to tread water rather than take significant risks on players or make changes that might put us over the hump.

I wish I could be as optimistic as you all, but this team has a formula that hasn't really changed in years and I don't expect it to any time soon.
 
Scooter said:
i'm still not getting #1 (or even #2) wide receiver from either response, more a #3 playmaker. peter warrick and percy harvin ... two playmakers who havent topped 1000 receiving yards as pros.

like i've said, i dont watch college ball so my opinion is less than worthless, but patterson wouldnt even be my first choice from tennessee. he just doesnt look like he translates to the pro game, which i assume is why he's dropping. i'd personally rather have a wide receiver than a playmaker.
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Playmakers win games

Harvin was a top 10 player before getting injured. (Excluding QB's) The goal is to score points, not to pidgeon hole players in to a this position or that position.

Players like Harvin/Patterson help win games. Patterson has only played 1 yr of college ball and lit up the SEC, he has so much untapped potential. Teams like the Seahawks seem to agree with this philosophy. They gave up the picks/$$$$ to get Harvin and Patterson has the ability to be better than Harvin.

If you want a good solid WR then draft a guy like Hopkins. If both Hopkins and Patterson are available at 27 give me a playmaker like Patterson everyday and twice on Sundays. This is not meant as a slight on Hopkins.
 
DR, I get your point but who would have thought they would go after let alone get Reed?
I think McNair is voicing his opinion more. I do think WR will be round two and a defensive player round one but if Patterson or a healthy Keenan Allen there #27, I doubt anyone will faint.
 
Scooter said:
i'm completely ignorant to patterson. what i get from scouting reports is a juco transfer who split time between receiver, runningback, and returner. it seems he's more athlete than receiver, but has merely above average combine stats. watching highlights, i see a guy with ideal size with a high ceiling and exceptional bust potential - half of his tape isnt going to work in the pros. what i dont see is an heir to andre johnson or a #2, what i see is jacoby jones.

what am i missing?
Click to expand...

Greg Cosell of NFL Films/Shutdown Corner agrees: "Patterson will be drafted high solely because of his size, and his dynamic movement. I don't think he's anywhere close to being a quality receiver in terms of the subtleties of how to run routes. In fact, he's so much quicker and more dynamic with the ball in his hands, as opposed to running routes. Running routes, he's not that dynamic, because he doesn't know how to do it yet. He needs to go to a team with a very good receivers coach, and he needs to be taught how to become a receiver."
 
Dutchrudder said:
You guys are all getting your hopes up over an offensive player in the 1st, when we know that chances are it will be defensive player...
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Absent unexpected draft picks ahead of us, this will be an interesting test to see who has Rick Smith's ear. Wade & Gary will both be making a case for their side of the ball with that 27th pick.
 
Playoffs said:
Absent unexpected draft picks ahead of us, this will be an interesting test to see who has Rick Smith's ear. Wade & Gary will both be making a case for their side of the ball with that 27th pick.
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Should come down to which need position is more highly represented in second round.
 
badboy said:
DR, I get your point but who would have thought they would go after let alone get Reed?
I think McNair is voicing his opinion more. I do think WR will be round two and a defensive player round one but if Patterson or a healthy Keenan Allen there #27, I doubt anyone will faint.
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It's not really surprising that he got Ed Reed, Rick was a safety in college and probably idolizes him. Plus he had Andre Johnson helping him recruit, so there's that. In the drafts since Rick got here, we have gone defense in the first round of all of them but the Duane Brown pick. Rick's a defensive guy by nature, and I'm sure that he would love nothing more than to have a team like the 2000 Ravens who relied on excellent defense, and a solid running game. I think it's been pretty obvious that he focuses on the defense more than the offense.

Playoffs said:
Absent unexpected draft picks ahead of us, this will be an interesting test to see who has Rick Smith's ear. Wade & Gary will both be making a case for their side of the ball with that 27th pick.
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Well so far, Gary is 1 for 6, so I would bet on Wade.
 
Dutchrudder said:
You guys are all getting your hopes up over an offensive player in the 1st, when we know that chances are it will be defensive player like ILB Minter or Brown. Then Kubiak will outsmart everyone by drafting a WR in the 2nd like Aaron Dobson, Marquess Wilson or Da'Rick Rogers (small school, big body WR that can block). Then we will spend the 3rds on a blocking TE like Dion Sims, and a smallish NT like Jordan Hill or Chris Jones. Thus helping us continue to tread water rather than take significant risks on players or make changes that might put us over the hump.

I wish I could be as optimistic as you all, but this team has a formula that hasn't really changed in years and I don't expect it to any time soon.
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We didn't because we have AJ; but it's getting close to the time when we need to find a guy to tool up; especially without Walter and Posey on the shelf.

I'm not hooked on the Texans having to go WR in the first, but I see it as a BPA at a few positions of need.
 
IIRC, Kubiak is a stickler on precise route running. Patterson's known for not running precise routes and relying on pure talent alone. Could he learn? You bet, but Kubiak hasn't really been known to throw a rookie skill player into the fire on day 1. Are we willing to use a 1st round pick on a player that might not see many snaps at all at the WR position in his 1st year? I dunno, man.
 
HOU-TEX said:
IIRC, Kubiak is a stickler on precise route running. Patterson's known for not running precise routes and relying on pure talent alone. Could he learn? You bet, but Kubiak hasn't really been known to throw a rookie skill player into the fire on day 1. Are we willing to use a 1st round pick on a player that might not see many snaps at all at the WR position in his 1st year? I dunno, man.
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True

Just another difference between the Belichiks/Carrolls of the world and Gary.
 
HOU-TEX said:
IIRC, Kubiak is a stickler on precise route running. Patterson's known for not running precise routes and relying on pure talent alone. Could he learn? You bet, but Kubiak hasn't really been known to throw a rookie skill player into the fire on day 1. Are we willing to use a 1st round pick on a player that might not see many snaps at all at the WR position in his 1st year? I dunno, man.
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True, but Kubiak also said many times that you want playmaker.
Do you think that Jacoby Jones was a good route runner out of college?
No.

Hunter isn't a great route runner either.

So I guess the best bet is Keenan Allen?
 
Dutchrudder said:
You guys are all getting your hopes up over an offensive player in the 1st, when we know that chances are it will be defensive player like ILB Minter or Brown. Then Kubiak will outsmart everyone by drafting a WR in the 2nd like Aaron Dobson, Marquess Wilson or Da'Rick Rogers (small school, big body WR that can block). Then we will spend the 3rds on a blocking TE like Dion Sims, and a smallish NT like Jordan Hill or Chris Jones. Thus helping us continue to tread water rather than take significant risks on players or make changes that might put us over the hump.

I wish I could be as optimistic as you all, but this team has a formula that hasn't really changed in years and I don't expect it to any time soon.
Click to expand...

I think if they take any defensive player in the first round it's going to be a pass rusherm but I'm not entirely sold that there's going to be a pass rusher the Texans really want at #27. I'm not entirely sold on your point that they use a formulaic approach that involves always going defensive in the top of the draft, I think the holes in the roster in previous years have just fallen that way come draft time.
 
76Texan said:
True, but Kubiak also said many times that you want playmaker.
Do you think that Jacoby Jones was a good route runner out of college?
No.

Hunter isn't a great route runner either.

So I guess the best bet is Keenan Allen?
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Jacoby was chosen in the 3rd round and wasn't expected to come in and start.

Personally, I'd go defense in the 1st and select someone like a Justin Hunter in the 2nd.
 
HOU-TEX said:
Jacoby was chosen in the 3rd round and wasn't expected to come in and start.

Personally, I'd go defense in the 1st and select someone like a Justin Hunter in the 2nd.
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I thought you'd bring up Jones' third round status; and it's a good point.

I would take Patterson with our spot in the first and/or Hunter at our spot in the second if they are there. No question asked.
 
Dutchrudder said:
You guys are all getting your hopes up over an offensive player in the 1st, when we know that chances are it will be defensive player like ILB Minter or Brown. Then Kubiak will outsmart everyone by drafting a WR in the 2nd like Aaron Dobson, Marquess Wilson or Da'Rick Rogers (small school, big body WR that can block). Then we will spend the 3rds on a blocking TE like Dion Sims, and a smallish NT like Jordan Hill or Chris Jones. Thus helping us continue to tread water rather than take significant risks on players or make changes that might put us over the hump.

I wish I could be as optimistic as you all, but this team has a formula that hasn't really changed in years and I don't expect it to any time soon.
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It's refreshing to see someone else has as much confidence in Kubiak as I do. :bat:
 
I wouldn't be pissed with tavon Austin, but I think there are better players we could take.

I think Austin can be explosive, but I think he will struggle as a receiver in a traditional offense. I think someone like Brice McCain could get physical with him at the line and take him out of his routes.

Gonna have to put him in the right situation and use him correctly.
 
Rey said:
I wouldn't be pissed with tavon Austin, but I think there are better players we could take.

I think Austin can be explosive, but I think he will struggle as a receiver in a traditional offense. I think someone like Brice McCain could get physical with him at the line and take him out of his routes.

Gonna have to put him in the right situation and use him correctly.
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pretty much. A player chosen in the first shouldn't be relegated to just a package or 2 in the offense which should make him a no-go for most teams except for those with multiple picks in the 1st and the last 2 teams in the 1st.

For him to be as effective as possible he'd need to be in a spread offense of some sort. and all those offenses already have guys who can do what he does and have proven it on the next level.

GB = Randall Cobb
NO = Darren Sproles
NE = Danny Amendola

Aside from that, i think he could work well with Cam in Carolina, but with them needing a true outside threat in the worst way, i doubt they waste a 1st on him if any one of these top WR prospects is within their reach.

he's a helluva an athlete, but he's just too small to really become a consistent force on an offense.
 
Dutchrudder said:
It's not really surprising that he got Ed Reed, Rick was a safety in college and probably idolizes him. Plus he had Andre Johnson helping him recruit, so there's that. In the drafts since Rick got here, we have gone defense in the first round of all of them but the Duane Brown pick. Rick's a defensive guy by nature, and I'm sure that he would love nothing more than to have a team like the 2000 Ravens who relied on excellent defense, and a solid running game. I think it's been pretty obvious that he focuses on the defense more than the offense.

Well so far, Gary is 1 for 6, so I would bet on Wade.
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I dunno, tough call... Uncle Bob is still maintaining the old BPA mantra

After a franchise-best 12-4 season, the Texans have the 27th overall pick in the 2013 draft. McNair was asked if he expects his team to prioritize drafting a wide receiver.
“It depends on what’s available when our pick comes up,” he said. “If we had an outstanding wide receiver who was available at that point in time, I don’t doubt we’d take him. If there was a football player that was a better player that was an inside linebacker than the wide receiver that’s available, we’d take him. We’re going to take the best player that’s available. We got a number of positions where we could use the player, so we’re not limited to just one position looking for that player.”
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...and if you don't think Uncle Bob hasn't started flexing his football muscles...
LINK
(on what his role is in the draft process)
“Well, my role is to meet with (GM) Rick (Smith) and with (COO) Cal (McNair) and with (Head coach) Gary (Kubiak) and the coaches and go through this analysis and make sure that we’re all thinking clearly and not overlooking something. That we have come to a consensus {translation: They UNDERSTAND what *I* want!} as to what it is that we need to do and where we need to make changes. Then Rick and his people go out and work hard to get all the information on the players out there. And the coaches will work with them to try to get the right player at the right position. It’s a group effort and we’ve got good people in place, and they’re gonna do a great job.”
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What's that do to your mocks?
:)
 
Mr teX said:
whomever drafts Tavon Austin in the 1st is gonna be wasting their 1st pick on a returner...pray its not the texans....:mariopalm:
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Not necessarily. I think Austin would be a dynamite weapon for a team like San Francisco. They drafted LaMichael James last year though.

It just depends on how you utilize the guy. Philly would probably take a run at him if they weren't currently rebuilding the entire roster from top to bottom.
 
HOU-TEX said:
IIRC, Kubiak is a stickler on precise route running. Patterson's known for not running precise routes and relying on pure talent alone. Could he learn? You bet, but Kubiak hasn't really been known to throw a rookie skill player into the fire on day 1. Are we willing to use a 1st round pick on a player that might not see many snaps at all at the WR position in his 1st year? I dunno, man.
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That's not all he's a "stickler" on. Blocking is another skill he wants in a WR. That's how Walter stuck around so long and I think it's one of the reasons Martin and Posey didn't see the field as much earlier in the season. Is Patterson known for being a good blocker?

I guess I'm looking at this WR selection thing differently than most on this MB. Most here seem to want a potential #1 to develop and replace Johnson in the next few years. I don't see that WR anywhere in this draft. Patterson may be close on the physical end and with his "potential." But, there are 2 reasons I don't think it will happen; one is, he'll be long gone by the time we pick at #27, and two is, with the loss of Walter and possibly Posey (for the year), they need a #2 WR that will start day 1. Are Patterson or Hunter, with all their "upside", potential, and question marks that guy? My guess is no. I think the Texans will be looking at either Allen or Hopkins at #27 if either are still there. Neither has the "upside" that Patterson or Hunter do, but both are way more NFL ready (route running, blocking, hands, etc..) and should be solid #2 WR's for years to come.
 
Insideop said:
That's not all he's a "stickler" on. Blocking is another skill he wants in a WR. That's how Walter stuck around so long and I think it's one of the reasons Martin and Posey didn't see the field as much earlier in the season. Is Patterson known for being a good blocker?

I guess I'm looking at this WR selection thing differently than most on this MB. Most here seem to want a potential #1 to develop and replace Johnson in the next few years. I don't see that WR anywhere in this draft. Patterson may be close on the physical end and with his "potential." But, there are 2 reasons I don't think it will happen; one is, he'll be long gone by the time we pick at #27, and two is, with the loss of Walter and possibly Posey (for the year), they need a #2 WR that will start day 1. Are Patterson or Hunter, with all their "upside", potential, and question marks that guy? My guess is no. I think the Texans will be looking at either Allen or Hopkins at #27 if either are still there. Neither has the "upside" that Patterson or Hunter do, but both are way more NFL ready (route running, blocking, hands, etc..) and should be solid #2 WR's for years to come.
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That's the way I see it as well. Very well presented. DeAndre Hopkins has been my fav for a while. He just seems more complete and NFL ready 'day one' than Keenan Allen. I think he runs better routes, has better hands, not afraid of the middle and YAC as well as being able to get separation from what I've researched as well as deceptive playing speed. I know there are probably just as many if not more folks in Keenan's camp so I wouldn't be disappointed.

Also think we need a fatty in the middle for the first time.

I can't wait till draft day!

Doesn't matter though. The brain trust will turn in a card out of left field that will make folks think WTF? Maybe this year things will be different. I hope so.
 
Josh updates w/trades

1. Kansas City Chiefs -- LT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

I prefer Fisher, and think the team could also look at Dion Jordan and Star Lotulelei, but the buzz appears to be around Joeckel. The left tackle had issues against Florida during the season opener, but he has solid technique to mirror edge rushers.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars -- QB Geno Smith, WVU

I could easily see this being Dion Jordan or a trade down to land Ezekiel Ansah, but with Jason la Canfora’s adamant article that Geno Smith will not make it out of the top three, this pick makes sense. The Jaguars are seemingly the only team with QB issues who failed to address the position during free agency.

3. Arizona Cardinals -- LT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan (trade with Raiders)

The Cardinals can’t afford to wait until pick No. 7, just in case the Eagles, Lions, or another team trade up to target the remaining two tackles. Fisher and Johnson are more proven commodities than many prospects in this class, so they should go off the board early.

4. Philadelphia Eagles -- NT Star Lotulelei, Utah

Because of their free agency spending, the Eagles do not have a critical need to fill, allowing them to go in a variety of directions with this pick. Lotulelei is an excellent nose tackle prospect but is not locked into that position and could help in a variety of ways along the front three.

5. NY Jets -- OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon (trade with Lions)

I could easily see Jordan being a top four pick, but if that is not the case he will not last much longer. The Jets would add more picks in the projected Darrelle Revis trade, and Jordan is worth trading up for. I prefer him at SLB behind a four man front, but the Jets use a variety of sets.

6. Miami Dolphins -- T Lane Johnson, Oklahoma (trade with Browns)

With their free agent additions (and loss of Jake Long in free agency), it makes too much sense for the Dolphins to solidify their left tackle spot. Fans of the team will argue about the multitude of needs, but Jonathan Martin is not the answer at one of the premier positions in the NFL.

7. Oakland Raiders -- DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida (trade with Cardinals)

If the Raiders stay at No. 3, Floyd is a very viable option. But a short trade down is a dream scenario. He can be a bit of a positional tweener at times, but Floyd has the tools to win by plowing through blockers or working around them due to athletic feet.

8. San Francisco 49ers -- WR Tavon Austin, WVU (trade with Bills)

The 49ers have the most picks of any team, with 13. Now, they could target a variety of prospects, but Austin is dynamite in the open field. Michael Crabtree frequently lined up in the slot, but Austin would create even more difficult matchups for any opposing defense.

9. Detroit Lions -- DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU (trade with Jets)

I really do think Ansah can succeed in a variety of different sets, but his most immediate impact could be as a rusher from the 9 or 7 alignment. His hands are strong on first contact, and blessed with outstanding closing speed, Ansah could be a pass rushing force on top of his dependable run defense.

10. Tennessee Titans -- G Chance Warmack, Alabama

Yes, the Titans signed Andy Levitre in free agency, but Warmack was the most consistently dominant draft-eligible player during the 2012 season. The positional value will be discussed, but teams might prioritize leaving this draft with a good player.

11. San Diego Chargers -- RT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

The Chargers need offensive line help, whether it is at left tackle, right tackle, or inside. True right tackles are rarely selected this early, but I think the NFL evaluates Fluker as a much better prospect than I do. I only hope they don’t try him on the left side.

12. Cleveland Browns -- CB Dee Milliner, Alabama (trade with Dolphins)

Another dream scenario. I’m not sure if the Browns would be able to recoup their missing second-round pick in this trade, but Milliner is an ideal fit.

13. NY Jets -- TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (Revis trade)

With their second first-round pick (after a projected trade for Darrelle Revis), the Jets grab the top tight end in this class. Some even go as far to call Eifert the top skill position player, but I won’t go that far.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers -- OLB Cornellius Carradine, FSU (trade with Panthers)

Carradine’s pro day on April 20 is vital, but if teams believe the Seminole pass rusher is on the path to full health, he should be a top 15 selection. There are still some raw elements to his game, but Carradine is strong and explosive on the edge.

15. New Orleans Saints -- OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

The Saints need pass rushers and Mingo’s tools warrant the selection. He isn’t a finished product, but if set loose with his pass rushing line, Mingo has the athleticism and length to wreak havoc in the backfield.

16. St. Louis Rams -- S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Vaccaro is more than a typical safety, he matches up very well against a variety of offensive playmakers near the line of scrimmage. Turn on the tape against Tavon Austin or bigger receiving targets, and Vaccaro utilizes a nice blend of quickness and technique to mirror his opposition.

17. Carolina Panthers -- CB Xavier Rhodes, FSU (trade with Steelers)

The Panthers utilized a lot of off coverage in 2012. I think that can be blamed more on the lack of talent rather than scheme. Rhodes is a physical, in your face press corner who has a great frame to slow opposing receivers and ride in their hip downfield.

18. Dallas Cowboys -- G Jonathan Cooper, UNC

There has been some buzz noting that Cooper might be selected before Warmack. The UNC product failed during his attempt at center in college, but teams will love how agile he is in space. He lost weight in 2012, so I’m looking forward to seeing more strength when playing at a natural weight.

19. NY Giants -- DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Richardson could instantly bring more interior pass rushing to the Giants. He could absolutely be picked before this, and if that is the case I think the Giants might target UCLA’s Datone Jones.

20. Chicago Bears -- CB Jamar Taylor, Boise State

Some will be surprised, but Taylor is an absolute stud. He’s going in the first-round, it is just a matter of how high. The Bronco has displayed positive play in a variety of coverages, but is at his best when disrupting at the catch point.

21. Cincinnati Bengals -- S Johnathan Cyprien, FIU

One of my favorite prospects in this class, Cyprien spent a large amount of time near the line of scrimmage but has enough range to be an interchangeable piece. Like Taylor, I truly think Cyprien will be selected in the first-round, and I wouldn't be shocked if it was earlier than this.

22. St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) -- WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

There have been reports of Patterson struggling on the whiteboard. He certainly didn’t struggle on the green field in 2012, however. There are areas of improvement, but Patterson is dynamic with the ball in his hands.

23. Minnesota Vikings -- WR Keenan Allen, Cal

Allen will work through his own pro day this week, and teams are likely anticipating those results. He shows nice burst in and out of his routes while competing at the catch point. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see Allen last until the second-round.

24. Indianapolis Colts -- OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

The Colts added young free agents to fill a lot of their immediate needs. However, I still think they need pass rushing help off the edge. Jones wins by anticipating the snap and using a great motor to chase. He might not have the length or athletic upside, but if Jones can maximize leverage he can improve his counter move.

25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seahawks) -- LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

The Vikings don’t shy away from Notre Dame prospects, but they must decide if Te’o is more than a two down linebacker, and if not, where does his value rest? He is a solid run defender and would be a good, not great, option in the middle.

26. Green Bay Packers -- DL Jesse Williams, Alabama

The Packers are one of the more difficult teams to predict. If they want more of a pass rusher along the front three, Datone Jones is possible. Williams offers good athleticism and brute strength. He might not penetrate the backfield on every play, but he can occupy blocks and allow others to run free.

27. Houston Texans -- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

Hopkins projects very similarly to Roddy White. He consistently high points passes and maneuvers his body in front of defenders with strong hands and underrated athleticism.

28. Denver Broncos -- LB Arthur Brown, Kansas State

The Broncos could use a pass rusher after losing Elvis Dumervil, but Brown is an instant upgrade at the inside linebacker spot. He’s excellent in coverage and offers a very physical style when attacking forward. Don’t get caught up in his size... I think he’ll remind John Fox of Jon Beason.

29. New England Patriots -- DL Datone Jones, UCLA

Jones can be a force on the edge while moving inside in pass rushing situations. He was caught hand fighting at the line of scrimmage too often at UCLA, but when asked to aggressively get upfield at the Senior Bowl, Jones was very difficult to stop.

30. Atlanta Falcons -- DE Bjoern Werner, FSU

Werner is a tough player to slot. Even though he went through outside linebacker drills at the Combine, I don’t see him projecting to that position other than a role of designated pass rusher. The Falcons like to incorporate multiple fronts, but Werner would improve a thin position.

31. Buffalo Bills -- QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse (trade with 49ers)

Even if the Bills do not trade back this far from pick No. 8, I do think they could trade back into the first-round to nab Nassib. The other possibility is E.J. Manuel. I don’t rank either at this spot among quarterbacks, but certainly understand NFL teams might.

32. Baltimore Ravens -- S Matt Elam, Florida

Ozzie Newsome values the middle section of his defense, so after losing both starting safeties from 2012, Elam could be targeted. He’s a bit shorter than ideal for an in the box defender, and Elam can be inconsistent on a play to play basis, but his highlight reel and 2011 tape are great.
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I'm good with Hopkins if that the direction they go. He's probably one of the safest WR picks.

He's never going to be the Andre type of number 1 reciever, but I think he can be a Boldin, Hines Ward, Chris Carter type of 1b guy.
 
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