Mel Kiper NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Da_Eggman

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1
Luke Joeckel
Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 310
POS: OT

Analysis: At this point the Chiefs could be weighing at least a handful of players for this spot, if they stay here. As of now, at No. 1, a quarterback shouldn't be in the mix. So I think fans needs to consider that K.C. could be looking to secure the best available player here, period. From there, they either consider a QB with their first pick in Round 2, or perhaps the option of trading into the late first to mazimize value. As for Joeckel, at this time he probably represents the best guaranteed production on the pick value. A gifted technician at left tackle, he is already capable of handling good NFL pass-rushers, and could hold down the position for 10 years. Regardless, the Chiefs will be thinking about total draft value and strategy, not just a single pick here.
PLAYER CARD

2
Damontre Moore *
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 20
HT: 6-4
WT: 250
POS: DE

Analysis: I'm staying with this selection. The Jaguars were again arguably among the worst pass-rushing teams in the NFL in 2012, and need a guaranteed difference-maker. Moore is that kind of player. I've had a pass-rusher as a top need for this franchise going on four years, and Moore checks that off the list. He's an exceptionally productive defensive end prospect with very good quickness, long arms and elite closing burst as a rusher. He will get to the quarterback, period. The Jags should be a better team in 2013, but it's not just based on whether they get better at quarterback.
PLAYER CARD

3
Star Lotulelei
Oakland Raiders (4-12)
COLLEGE: Utah
AGE: 23
HT: 6-4
WT: 320
POS: DT

Analysis: The Raiders are really compelled to take the best player available. They're desperate for immediate impact, and Lotulelei is one of those players that makes everybody around him better. He demands multiple blockers or he'll collapse the pocket, and his instincts, vision, bust and power effect both the pass and the run. Oakland also has needs at linebacker, wide receiver and cornerback, but outside of maybe Dee Milliner, I don't think the Raiders can match the value of this pick, much less improve on it.
PLAYER CARD

4
Dee Milliner *
Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-1
WT: 199
POS: CB

Analysis: I noted in the previous mock that on a per-play basis, rookie Brandon Boykin might have been the best player in the Eagles secondary toward the end of the season. The Eagles could see a number of personnel changes with the new regime, but they can't afford to fall off significantly in the secondary in a division with Eli Manning, Robert Griffin III and Tony Romo. You might expect Chip Kelly to score points, but he's always put a great emphasis on his defense too. Milliner has elite grades in terms of awareness and ball skills, and he's a physical corner who can push wideouts off routes. And he can flat-out tackle.
PLAYER CARD

5
Jarvis Jones *
Detroit Lions (4-12)
COLLEGE: Georgia
AGE: 23
HT: 6-3
WT: 241
POS: LB

Analysis: On Tuesday, Detroit cut veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch to clear more cap space. Jones isn't the pure 4-3 defensive end to fill that void, but he'll certainly upgrade the pass rush. No, he's not a perfect fit in the current system, but Gunther Cunningham will be thrilled to scheme with Jones in mind. Roll the tape, and regardless of the how teams tried to stop Jones, you see them fail. He led the nation in sacks even though he was a blocking target, used great leverage to hold up as a run defender and in every case, was simply relentless. Sure, Detroit could also use Milliner if available, but a great pass defense starts with pressure.
PLAYER CARD

6
Bjoern Werner *
Cleveland Browns (5-11)
COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 22
HT: 6-4
WT: 255
POS: DE

Analysis: The Browns regressed on defense in 2012, and the pass rush was a culprit. This was, by every standard, a bottom-10 unit, and they simply need to add talent. If they want the best player available at this spot, and a guy who fills a void, it might be Werner by the time we get to April. In fact, by then he could be expected to go higher. A late arrival to football, he has a high ceiling, but already has a decent portfolio of pass-rush skills. What's great about Werner isn't just the explosiveness as a pass-rusher, it's also his awareness. He keeps his eyes up and disrupts passing lanes. He's a good fit for the Browns.
PLAYER CARD

7
Eric Fisher
Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
COLLEGE: Central Michigan
AGE: 22
HT: 6-8
WT: 305
POS: OT

Analysis: This is one of the spots where you could see a QB come off the board, but at this stage a QB taken at No. 7 would be a significant reach. Until we see major strides by one of the QB options, Arizona is better off adding a key piece it can start right away and looking for a QB in Round 2, or trading up into the late first. And remember, the Cardinals may have moved on a QB in free agency or via a trade by April. Fisher isn't a big name, but he's as a good as any tackle in this class outside of Joeckel. Arizona was a train wreck at tackle for much of 2012, and even with some young guys on the roster, they need to consider a better option if available.
PLAYER CARD

8
Alec Ogletree *
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
COLLEGE: Georgia
AGE: 21
HT: 6-3
WT: 237
POS: LB

Analysis: Sticking with a linebacker here, but going with the higher ceiling. The Bills really need help at interior linebacker, where Kelvin Sheppard is merely adequate. Ogletree was at one time a safety, and you see those kinds of instincts when he plays, because he simply flies to the ball. He's a great pursuit player and a guy who will shoot gaps and make stops in the backfield, but that's also because he has really good instincts. A big key with Ogletree is versatility. There's no reason he can't work on the edge, or inside. He has the ceiling of a player who can do it all.
PLAYER CARD

9
Dion Jordan
New York Jets (6-10)
COLLEGE: Oregon
AGE: 22
HT: 6-7
WT: 243
POS: OLB

Analysis: Yes, they really need skill position upgrades, with wide receiver, tight end and running back all areas of need. But the value is an issue, so if the Jets don't trade down, they're better served going with the best player available at another position of need. I'm a big fan of the interior, with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples in place, but the Jets could really use an edge rusher. Jordan is light, but he has long arms, great athleticism and I think can be a guy they don't need to shuttle in and out depending on downs and matchups. He has star potential, and the pass rush gets some help.
PLAYER CARD

10
Barkevious Mingo *
Tennessee Titans (6-10)
COLLEGE: LSU
AGE: 22
HT: 6-5
WT: 242
POS: DE

Analysis: Mingo sits on that fine line you can find in this range of the draft. He has the natural skills and athleticism of a devastating pass-rusher in the mold of an Aldon Smith -- those guys don't last into the teens. But there's a small bust potential too if his technique doesn't get better. The guy is long, fast, has a great burst and can flat-out turn the corner. But he also needs to play with better leverage, take on blockers more effectively and find ways to simply be more productive. When you watch Mingo at his best, closing on a QB, he looks too good to pass up. Tennessee needs the pass-rush help, and Mingo could develop into a star.
PLAYER CARD

11
Jonathan Cooper
San Diego Chargers (7-9)
COLLEGE: North Carolina
AGE: 23
HT: 6-3
WT: 298
POS: G

Analysis: I wasn't sure exactly where San Diego would go, but as I talked to people there and also went back to the tape myself, I was surprised at how urgent the interior line situation has become. The run-blocking in particular was a total mess, and it put too much pressure on the passing game. The passing game, of course, also suffered from inconsistent blocking. We'll see how free agency plays out, but I think the Chargers could be ready to focus on problems up front. Cooper fits the bill, can start immediately and should be able to upgrade this unit.
PLAYER CARD

12
Cordarrelle Patterson *
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
COLLEGE: Tennessee
AGE: 21
HT: 6-3
WT: 205
POS: WR

Analysis: This is where I projected Patterson the first time around, and I still like it. The question is whether Patterson will still be around this far down the board. The Dolphins need pass-catching help for Ryan Tannehill, mainly of the impact variety. They need a legit matchup problem. Patterson had just one year in the SEC after spending two years at the junior-college level, but he's got the skill set you want for a pick this high. Very good hands, he can beat cornerbacks with his height and strength, and he'll beat defenders for 50-50 balls. He can hurt you after the catch, and the value makes sense.
PLAYER CARD

13
Manti Te'o
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 22
HT: 6-2
WT: 255
POS: LB

Analysis: For a pure interior linebacker, Te'o is still the best one on the board. I pushed Ogletree ahead of him based on versatility. I know there will still be questions on the off-the-field stuff, but for the most part Te'o is a known football commodity among NFL evaluators, and he's also considered a safe player to take for the specific goal of having him work inside or on the strongside at linebacker. Tampa Bay could take Te'o and go either way, but he'd represent an upgrade there, particularly on run defense. That said, this is also a LB who was second nationally in INTs, so he knows how to move in coverage as well.
PLAYER CARD

14
Sheldon Richardson *
Carolina Panthers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Missouri
AGE: 21
HT: 6-4
WT: 295
POS: DT

Analysis: With Luke Kuechly in place to shore up the linebacking corps, the Panthers should be looking up front; they need a talent upgrade on the defensive line. Richardson is just incredibly active, piling up tackles at a position where that's not easy to do. He's quick off the snap, shows great strength in short-yardage situations and uses his hands to get off blocks and make plays. The guy can even drop into coverage and will destroy screens. If Patterson is here, that's an option, and this could be a reach spot for a guy like Keenan Allen, but they should be thrilled with an impact DT.
PLAYER CARD

15
Sharrif Floyd *
New Orleans Saints (7-9)
COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 20
HT: 6-3
WT: 303
POS: DT

Analysis: Few players finished the season on a higher note. Floyd was a star out of high school, and has moved around a bit on the defensive line. Because he has some decent pass-rushing skills, and a lot of quickness for his frame, Florida had him over the tackle and the benefit was clear. Floyd had great lower-body strength and can drive O-lineman into the pocket, but he also has powerful hands and moves well to disengage and come free. The Saints are desparate for help on the defensive line, and Floyd can provide balance, as a big, powerful pass-rusher who knows how to identify and use leverage against the run.
PLAYER CARD
 

Da_Eggman

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16
Lane Johnson
St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma
AGE: 22
HT: 6-7
WT: 303
POS: OT

Analysis: The Rams can afford to go a few different ways here because they have that other first-round pick. I think the offensive line has to be a priority at one of these spots. Johnson is a steady tackle who upgrades the team on the right side immediately and has the ceiling of a very good NFL left tackle. He has the long arms you look for, gets into good position immediately and slides really easily to derail speed-rushers. The Rams have skill-position questions, and those could be answered here. But they need to block better, period, or it won't matter how much skill they have.
PLAYER CARD

17
Ezekiel Ansah
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
COLLEGE: BYU
AGE: 23
HT: 6-6
WT: 272
POS: LB

Analysis: Sticking with Ansah here. You hand an exceptional physical talent with a high ceiling but plenty of development required to dikk LeBeau. When that's the equation, where's the downside? What I think is particularly interesting about this situation is the idea that Ansah could ultimately work out as a 3-4 DE. Ansah might lack polish as a pass-rusher, but he has a lot of power both with raw strength and because he has such a burst, can rush with leverage and also utilize his quickness in one-on-one matchups. The Steelers must get younger on defense and, as I said before, Ansah makes sense given their track record of development.
PLAYER CARD

18
Chance Warmack
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-3
WT: 320
POS: G

Analysis: Follow my Big Board week to week and you're probably surprised I could fathom a situation where Warmack is still around at No. 18. But remember, the mock also takes into account where I hear teams are valuing guys, and in the case of a player like Warmack, the positional value aspect hurts him as a guard. Make no mistake, he's a stud, a dominant guard who makes your offensive line better the second he signs his contract. But he's staying inside, period, limiting his shot at the top 10. Dallas could certainly use an upgrade at guard, and I don't think the Cowboys can pass up Warmack at this spot on the board if he's available.
PLAYER CARD

19
Zach Ertz *
New York Giants (9-7)
COLLEGE: Stanford
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 252
POS: TE

Analysis: The Giants got passable tight end play in 2012 from Martellus Bennett, but they could really use a more complete, dynamic player at the position. Bennett could be gone by April, for starters, and they really need to outfit Eli Manning with a difference-maker at the position. Ertz is a good one, a hands-catcher who can really move at over 250 pounds. Giants fans wondering about the ceiling on this kid should watch the Rose Bowl. He can beat teams up the seam, work the edges and use his size and strength to shield defenders and create matchup problems all over the field. He's ready to play now.
PLAYER CARD

20
D.J. Fluker *
Chicago Bears (10-6)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 335
POS: OT

Analysis: A fourth-year junior, Fluker was allowed to participate at the Senior Bowl, and he took advantage. He has great size, and has extremely long arms he can use to move and frustrate pass-rushers. It's possible he was overlooked a little during the season because the level of play along the Bama offensive line was so good. I think when Marc Trestman starts rolling the tape on the Bears, he's going to see that the offensive line simply has to see a talent infusion. Fluker could be the best one the Bears have by the end of his rookie year.
PLAYER CARD

21
Kenny Vaccaro
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
COLLEGE: Texas
AGE: 21
HT: 6-1
WT: 219
POS: S

Analysis: This is just a big need spot for the Bengals. Reggie Nelson rated out pretty well for them, but the drop-off is significant from there. What you get in Vaccaro is a player who upgrades at either free or strong safety. Given Nelson's presence, Vaccaro should step in and be the Week 1 starter at strong safety. The Bengals need help at linebacker, and Vaccaro can actually offer that kind of presence, because he's a physical defender who can play in the box and defend the run effectively, or drop into coverage. He's a solid value here and fills a need.
PLAYER CARD

22
Keenan Allen *
St. Louis Rams (from WAS) (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: California
AGE: 20
HT: 6-3
WT: 210
POS: WR

Analysis: The Rams lock down some blocking help, then get a wide receiver who can help them immediately. That would be a productive first round. It's possible I've worried too much about how well Allen will run, because aside from what should just be a pedestrian 40 time, he can do everything else well. He has a prototypical build, long enough to be taller than most corners, but lean and strong enough where his burst is very good, and quickness out of breaks isn't a question. His hands are very strong, and dependable, and he works back to the ball. A one-time safety, he has game smarts and helps his QB. Sam Bradford will benefit from his presence.
PLAYER CARD

23
Sylvester Williams
Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
COLLEGE: North Carolina
AGE: 24
HT: 6-3
WT: 315
POS: DT

Analysis: Wide receiver is also a big need, but the Vikings might not be able to pass on great value if the board breaks this way. And consider what they have on the defensive line -- namely, a few age questions. By Week 1, Kevin Williams will be 33, Jared Allen 31 and Brian Robison 30. Basically, regardless of where they choose to find impact on the defensive line, it can be a useful commodity, and soon. In Williams, they get a player mature enough to contribute immediately. He gets down the line well and is solid against the run, but his burst off the snap can wreck pockets.
PLAYER CARD

24
Johnthan Banks
Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
COLLEGE: Mississippi St.
AGE: 23
HT: 6-2
WT: 188
POS: CB

Analysis: The Colts are in a range where they might get some phone calls for potential trades. I can imagine teams drafting early in the second round moving here to get a QB in a decent value range. If Indy stays, the Colts can go a few different ways. If they really like an O-lineman here, I think that's a smart play because they simply have to do more to protect the future of the franchise. But we know the defense could use help in a few places, and the chance to take the second-best CB in the draft is something that could make sense here. Banks can start early and help this defense.
PLAYER CARD

25
Johnathan Hankins *
Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
COLLEGE: Ohio St.
AGE: 21
HT: 6-3
WT: 335
POS: DT

Analysis: Another good spot for someone to call and trade up. As for the pick, if Seattle wants a penetrator on the interior of the D-line, Hankins really isn't that guy. He doesn't have the burst to split gaps and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage. What he can do is occupy multiple blockers, help other rushers find space and better matchups and make the Seahawks more difficult to run against as he holds up blockers intent on getting a body in front of Seattle's tandem of great LBs in K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner. Hankins is an impact guy when his motor is running and will particularly make a run defense sturdier immediately.
PLAYER CARD

26
Eddie Lacy *
Green Bay Packers (11-5)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 22
HT: 6-0
WT: 219
POS: RB

Analysis: I'll go a little bit out on a limb here, but I think by the time the NFL combine is over Lacy may be at the top of a number of draft boards at running back. And for a franchise that has lacked dynamic play at the position for way too long, Lacy could fill a need, allowing them to do more than simply "show" the run, but to gain some legitimate value out of it. Lacy has really good vision, balance and more shiftiness than many saw because the Bama O-line was so good at clearing a clean path. He has power to push the pile in short-yardage situations, and people will find he's an underrated catcher of the football. He's no lock here, but I like the fit at this early stage.
PLAYER CARD

27
Quinton Patton
Houston Texans (12-4)
COLLEGE: Louisiana Tech
AGE: 22
HT: 6-2
WT: 198
POS: WR

Analysis: Houston needs to find another weapon for Matt Schaub. Andre Johnson will be 32 this summer, and if he's out of the lineup, the drop-off is significant. If you're a fan that hasn't seen anything from Patton, roll the tape from his game against Texas A&M. All he did to the Aggies was 21 catches, 233 yards and 4 TD catches. Simply put, Patton was really, really hard to cover in 2012, and when he went to the Senior Bowl against some of the top competition in the draft, he didn't get any easier to cover. Love the way he release from pressure, can set defenders up and work the sides or the middle of the field, using long arms to snatch the ball away from his body. A rising player meets a good fit.
PLAYER CARD

28
Kawann Short
Denver Broncos (13-3)
COLLEGE: Purdue
AGE: 23
HT: 6-3
WT: 312
POS: DT

Analysis: Right now Justin Bannan is listed atop the Denver depth chart at nose tackle, and Bannan is 33 with no guarantee of returning in 2013. Insert Short, who can use leverage and strength to eat up blockers, and also has a knack for using long arms to swat passes. The question with Short has been whether he can generate consistent impact play to play, but when he's at his best, he can really free up pass-rushers and linebackers. Denver could also give corner a look here, where a player like Xavier Rhodes could be available.
PLAYER CARD

29
Matt Elam *
New England Patriots (12-4)
COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 21
HT: 5-11
WT: 203
POS: S

Analysis: What you get from Elam is versatility at safety. He's adept at sitting back and playing center field, using his speed and instincts to make plays in the passing game. But when it's called for, Elam can surface at the line of scrimmage and even attack the backfield. He's not a big safety, but gains in quickness and range what he lacks in size, and he simply isn't shy about taking on bigger ball-carriers, or lining up hits. New England might have found some solutions at corner, but the Patriots could use another safety, and Bill Belichick will find Elam's versatility useful.
PLAYER CARD

30
Tyler Eifert *
Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 22
HT: 6-6
WT: 248
POS: TE

Analysis: If all the begging pays off, and Tony Gonzalez does in fact return in 2013, the presence of Eifert would still be valuable. If Gonzalez is back, you add a player that can contribute immediately, who can be moved all over the formation and along with Julio Jones and Roddy White, cause matchup problems for defenses in multiple ways. If Gonzalez does come back, Eifert gets a year to learn from the master, and contribute plenty in the mean time. The Falcons do need help with the pass rush, but it would be hard to pass on Eifert at this spot with the presumption that Gonzalez is headed for retirement.
PLAYER CARD

31
John Jenkins
San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
COLLEGE: Georgia
AGE: 23
HT: 6-2
WT: 358
POS: DT

Analysis: The current construct of the Niners' roster really offers them a great chance to maximize value, and getting a player like Jenkins this far down the board would represent a lot of value. I also think San Francisco should be conscious of depth and age on the defensive line. We saw how diminished the pass rush was when Justin Smith wasn't healthy, and that's because Smith simply eats up blockers. Jenkins can do the same, though he's certainly no proxy for Smith. But at 359 pounds, he can really move.
PLAYER CARD

32
Kevin Minter *
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
COLLEGE: LSU
AGE: 22
HT: 6-2
WT: 244
POS: LB

Analysis: Word is the Ravens will be down an interior linebacker next season, and they should be thrilled if Minter is still around at this point. In fact, I can see Minter climbing higher, and maybe occupying the spot where Te'o goes, pushing Te'o down into this range. Minter is instinctive, shoots gaps, can play sideline to sideline and is particularly hard for blockers to line up. He's a steady tackler, and a good quarterback for your defense. The Ravens need a new one, finally.
PLAYER CARD

:ehh:
 

Silkk

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This QB class aint even being thought about :heh:
 

Da_Eggman

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This QB class aint even being thought about :heh:

will have to wait till after all the workouts and than some buzz will start but only team i can see doing something really stupid like taking a qb in the top ten this year is the Bills
 

Silkk

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will have to wait till after all the workouts and than some buzz will start but only team i can see doing something really stupid like taking a qb in the top ten this year is the Bills

shyt i remember talk of Geno going no.1 overall :pachaha:

Looking back, i know Barkley wish his ass wouldve left school. Came back for absolutely nothing
 

PTBG

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:ehh: Would prefer the Raiders getting Jarvis Jones, but wouldn't mind Star at all. But, knowing the Raiders and draft picks, whoever gets picked, I just hope he does just OK or fine, no huge expectations this time. :beli: And if whoever gets picked after us and becomes a superstar :snoop:
 

cleanface coney

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Jarvis Jones, Werner, and Demetri Moore are the best picks imo

this is a defensive draft and some QB is gonna get overrated as usual just cuz

sleeper the boy from Tennessee at WR
 

tremonthustler1

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IMO theres no way the bills or jets pass on geno if he's there


Geno Smith: A Tale in Accuracy - Arrowhead Pride

I like Geno, but taking Geno or any QB this year is a waste of a draft pick.

Geno won't beat Fez out for a starting job as long as Fez is here.

They have other needs.

They ain't goin nowhere anyway.

The 2014 QB class is better.

There's also a chance that Rex gets the boot after this year and the new coach would want his own QB.

As for Dion Jordan, he's coming off a fukked up labrum and won't get a chance to show his skills at a combine since he's recovering. That's cause for a red flag, but ideally I'd like to move down anyway and get Warmack or Ansah. I'm iffy on Jordan. He better wind up being Von Miller.
 
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