2013 NFL Mock Draft – Updated Top 10 Picks Following Free Agent Signings: While the results from the scouting combine began to shape the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, there is no substitute for watching a team actively sign new players and cut players from last season. With free agency in full swing, we have had the opportunity to see just that the past several days. As a result, the potential draft strategies and biggest needs of many teams have become more apparent. With that in mind, here is the latest mock draft with updated top 10 picks in light of free agent signings that have occurred thus far.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
The Chiefs brought in Alex Smith, eliminating the need to take a QB with the top pick. They also gave the franchise tag to left tackle Brandon Albert, making Luke Joeckel’s polished technique a little less of a necessity. On the flip side, Kansas City released right tackle Eric Winston, and Fisher’s raw strength and bulldozing run blocking ability will allow him to ease into his role while he develops technique to go with his physical upside. The Chiefs can then decide whether to move him to left tackle in the future or keep both Albert and Fisher going forward.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
New coach Gus Bradley used several undersized defensive ends to build a stout defense in Seattle, and he will begin his tenure in Jacksonville in similar fashion. After all, the Jaguars desperately need a pass rush after managing a league-low 20.0 sacks last year. Mingo’s measurable were off the charts at the combine, and his combination of size and strength gives him a chance to become an elite edge rusher. The Jaguars need a difference maker on defense, and Mingo has the physical tools to become just that.
3. Oakland Raiders: Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon
Only Jacksonville had fewer sacks than the Oakland’s 25.0 last year, and Jordan has the blend of power and speed that teams covet in edge rusher’s these days. Not to mention the fact that the Raiders defense is just lacking in terms of explosive playmakers in general, making a physically-gifted linebacker like Jordan even more of an asset.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
The Eagles have a lot of needs on the defensive side of the ball after cutting starters in the secondary and along the defensive line. That being said, Philadelphia also committed to Michael Vick for at least this year, and keeping him upright is a must. The Eagles’ offensive line was a joke last year, and adding the most NFL-ready tackle and the draft’s safest pick makes too much sense.
5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril were cut loose, leaving Detroit in desperate need of a pass rusher off the edge. After wowing scouts at the Senior Bowl and the combine, it has become apparaent that Ansah’s physical tools are among the best in the draft. In fact, the Lions’ staff probably knows his upside more than anyone after getting to coach Ansah at the aforementioned Senior Bowl. Yes, he is raw as far as technique is concerned, but the Lions can turn him loose on passing downs until he becomes a bit more polished.
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Cleveland already addressed its need for a pass rusher by signing Paul Kruger, which opens up their options on draft day. Milliner is by far the best corner in the class and the best player on the board, and teaming him with current starter Joe Haden will further solidify an improving defense
7. Arizona Cardinals: Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
I expect the Bills to try to jump ahead of Arizona to get Smith, but assuming things remain as is, the Cardinals will waste no time scooping him up. After all, they just released Kevin Kolb, and finding a franchise QB has to be priority No. 1. Smith was super productive in college, and he has done nothing but impress in all his workouts thus far in terms of his mobility, arm strength and accuracy.
8. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Nassib, Quarterback, Syracuse
Even before the Bills cut ties with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo made it clear they were searching for a franchise QB. Smith is probably on top of their draft board, but if he isn’t available, I think they will reach for Nassib. Don’t discount the fact the new coach Doug Marrone turned the Syracuse football program around in large part because of the play of Nassib.
9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
With rumors swirling that Kevin Kolb is coming to down, the Jets aren’t going to grab a QB until the later rounds. With that in mind, New York’s attention will shift to reviving a defense that hasn’t been able to rush the passer like the unit that took the team to back-to-back AFC title games. Fresh off getting a clean bill of health, adding Jones and his explosive edge rushing ability will be a step in the right direction.
10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
With Hall-of-Fame-caliber guard Steve Hutchinson retiring, the Titans suddenly have a big hole in the interior of their offensive line. Fortunately, Warmack happens to be the most coveted prospect at the guard spot since Hutchinson. His raw strength and nasty attitude should allow him to make plenty of holes for Chris Johnson to run through.
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