Reason #1: The Offensive Line is Much Improved

November 10, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle William Campbell (73) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

What I was most happy with about the Jets draft is how they spent all their late round picks on their offensive line after drafting quarterback Geno Smith to compete with Sanchez.  This way, whoever wins the battle (should be Geno) will have time to make their proper reads

The Jets offensive line hasn’t been the same since releasing Alan Faneca in 2009.  Reports out of Jets camp say that the team is very impressed with 3^rd round draft pick, Brian Winters and 5^th round defensive tackle to guard convert William Campbell.  The team additionally picked up starters Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman who were starters at guard last year for the Steelers and Lions respectively.  Although, those teams weren’t quite praised for their blockers, these are still start-able players with promising rookies competing to take over their jobs.   The Jets at the very least, should have the depth to rotate and keep legs fresh on the offensive line which will vastly improve their offensive line’s consistency.  Don’t forget that gang green still has two proven pro bowlers in the two most important spots on the line, Center (Nick Mangold) and Left Tackle (D’Brickashaw Ferguson).

Reason #2: Geno Smith is a Player to Be Optimistic About

May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith (7) (in red) addresses the media during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I’ll admit I didn’t want the Jets to draft a QB at all.  This was because I wasn’t 100% sold on anyone in this class and assumed anyone worth taking would be gone in the first round.  But in the 2^nd, after picking up 2 1st rounders, Geno is a fantastic pick and the Jets were lucky to have him available there.

Let’s also consider that there wasn’t a standout safety there with Elam, Reid, Cyprien and Vaccaro all off the board, nor a tight end worth taking with Eifert and Ertz gone.  Even if Ertz was on the board, I would still rather take the QB everyone projected to be the jewel of this QB class (until one reporter – who was wrong with Cam Newton decided to give him a bad write up).  A QB class would have to be exceptionally bad for there to be no prospects better than Mark Sanchez.  Of the 2013 class, Geno is by far the best looking and safest prospect.  Geno had a spectacular college career by the numbers, put up a solid combine and had an amazing pro day, there wasn’t a pass rushing linebacker in this class who had that trifecta.  These are the three most important measurables to go by in a prospect, but it seems that a few bad words about him brought him down in everyone’s minds.  I think of him in the same way I did before the negative reports (that aren’t based on anything tangible) and you should too.  As a first rounder, he’s a risk for a team with so many needs, and only because of his West Virginia’s W/L record in the Big 12.  But as a 2^nd rounder, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to give the best QB of the 2013 class a shot.

Let’s also look at the QB situation in Buffalo and Miami.  Buffalo will be trusting in Kevin Kolb, Tavaris Jackson or EJ Manuel, who was a riskier pick than Geno for their QB needs.  Miami is hoping for Ryan Tannehill to progress further.  This should ease the minds of Jets fans.  Only one team in the division doesn’t have a big “IF” at their QB position.  Of these three players, Geno has the coaching advantage in Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and QB coach David Lee who are proven at developing talent at the QB position (see Michael Vick 2010).  This makes the Jets a team with the best rookie QB prospect getting coached by some of the best QB coaches in the NFL.  Not a horrible place to be for a team that last year had the worst quarterback play in the NFL since Jamarcus Russell was on the field for Oakland.  Lastly, let’s also remember that John Idzik, the man who picked Russell Wilson in the 4th round last year, picked Geno Smith in the 2nd this year.  Geno not only will win the starting job for the Jets, but has a good shot of being the 2^nd best QB in the AFC East next year.

5. Quinton Patton, San Francisco 49ers

College/Conference: Louisiana Tech/WAC

Highest People Thought:  Late First Round

Lowest People Thought: Round 2

He Went: Round 4, Pick 31

Nov 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (04) on the bench during the second half against the San Jose Spartans at Spartan Stadium. The San Jose Spartans won 52-43. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Quinton Patton is a 2^nd team All-American who led the mid major Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on a near Cinderella like season.  They finishing 9-3 and he led the conference with 1392 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.  Against Texas A&M, their toughest opponent he led his team very close to an upset bringing in 21 passes for 233 yards and 4 touchdowns only to come short by 2 points.  Patton is the playmaking receiver the 49ers have been looking to add and will make up for the 1^st round pick of AJ Jenkins in last year’s draft.

4. Bacarri Rambo, S, Washington Redskins

College/Conference: Georgia/SEC

Highest People Thought: Round 2

Lowest People Thought: Early Round 4 (after character issues)

He Went: Round 6, Pick 23

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad wide receiver Marquise Goodwin of Texas (1) is pursued by Senior Bowl south squad defensive back Bacarri Rambo of Georgia (18) during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Bacarri Rambo is an immensely talented safety who started on one of the best defenses in the SEC since his sophomore year.  His junior year, he was named an AP 1^st team all American and was a consensus 1^st team all SEC.  He got into some trouble failing drug tests which suspended him 4 games his senior season but despite that he still made 73 tackles and caused 6 turnovers (3 INTs, 3 FFs).  He’s a true football player with an NFL skillset.  As long as he can focus on football and stay out of trouble, he’s a long-term solution for a full time safety on the Redskins.  That’s quite a haul for a 6^th round pick.

3. Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets

College/Conference: West Virginia/Big 12

Highest People Thought: Top Pick

Lowest People Thought: Top 5 of Round 2

He Went: Round 2, Pick 7

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Geno Smith (West Virginia) is introduced as the number thirty-ninth overall pick to the New York Jets during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Geno Smith is a great pickup who has been vastly underrated by his critics who compare him to the top QBs of last year, Luck and RG3.  Last year’s quarterbacks are rarer talent than your annual top QBs.  A good recently drafted QB to compare Geno Smith to is Ryan Tannehill, who went 8^th overall last year.  Geno’s West Virginia team basically took the spot of Tannehill’s Aggies.  Geno played all the same defense and finished with the same record as Tannehill.  Geno’s stats however, blow Tannehill’s out of the water.  Tannehill finished 2011 with 3744 yards, 29 tds and 15 ints, which is good in it’s own regard.  Geno Smith finished his season playing against the same style and caliber defenses with 4198 yards, 42 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.  Geno also wowed at pro day and had a good combine like Tannehill.  Geno Smith as a prospect is probably a little bit better of an NFL prospect than last year’s #8 overall pick was and the Jets got him with their 2^nd round pick after adding two dynamic defensive playmakers in the first.  Jets fans have a reason to get excited next season.

2. Larry Warford, G, Detroit Lions

College/Conference: Kentucky/SEC

Highest People Thought: Mid/Late Round 1

Lowest People Thought: Pre-teens of Round 2

He Went: Round 3, Pick 3

July 18, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford talks with reporters at the 2012 SEC media days event at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Larry Warford is a 3 time All-SEC guard who consistently dominates at the line of scrimmage.  Many thought he would rise from early 2^nd to the late 1^st round on draft day because of all the teams looking to build their offensive line.  The consensus was that Warford would be the 3^rd Offensive Guard off the board.  He’s a lucky grab for the Lions in round 3 who needed some depth on their offensive line and grabbed someone in the 3^rd that would’ve been 1^st round talent in last year’s draft.

1. Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals

College/Conference: Clemson/ACC

Highest People Thought: Late Round 1

Lowest People Thought: Round 2

He Went: Round 6, Pick 19

Nov 10, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Andre Ellington (23) during warmups prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Ellington is a 2 time All-ACC running back and has led the conference’s emerging power in Clemson to the ACC championship game his junior season.  In his senior season, he helped Clemson to its first 11 win season since 1981.  This guy is a quick, agile runner capable of making an immediate impact on an NFL team in need of a rusher.  Some people, including hall of fame San Diego Chargers running back, Ladainian Tomlinson had Ellington as their favorite running back in the draft this year.  For him to fall from the 2^nd round all the way to the 6^th is great news for the running back hungry Cardinals who add a pair of promising rookies to their backfield this season.

November 24, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Travis Frederick (72) blocks Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (91) at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Last night was the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Everyone has a different opinion of the draft and a different perspective of the first round, so we had the NFL Spin Zone writers give us their least favorite picks from the first round of the NFL draft.

We also have our favorite picks.

Least Favorite Picks:

Todd Frank: My least favorite move(s) was another obvious one that had most people scratching their heads: the Miami Dolphins trading up from #12 to #3 to grab pass rusher Dion Jordan out of Oregon. Jordan might turn out to be great, but it seems like the depth of this draft could have yeilded the Dolphins a solid pass rusher or offensive tackle at #12. They still have a 2nd rounder (#54 overall), but gave up their other 2nd rounder (#42 overall) to Oakland to move up for Jordan.

I also thought the Cowboys should have grabbed Safety Jonathan Cyrien (or Safety Matt Elam, picked next by the Ravens) after they traded back from #18 to #31, especially considering they drafted a Center that most expected to be available in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Mike Dyce: As a Cowboys fan, it is hard for me to think anyone had a worst first round than the Dallas Cowboys. They could’ve taken Sharrif Floyd at 18 instead of trading down. They didn’t even manage to get a second round pick out of the deal, which almost moved them out of the first round all together. The 49ers had 2 second round picks (34, 61) they could’ve parted with. They also have 2 picks in the 3rd round and gave the Cowboys the later of the 2 (74, 93). That is right, the Cowboys probably could have gotten that 61 pick, or 74 at least. San Francisco got a steal on this deal.

I also was hoping that the Cowboys would take Barrett Jones in the 2nd or 3rd round, a similar player with interior line versatility. Quite frankly, I think Jones resume is far more impressive than Travis Frederick’s and I think this will be a looked at as a mistake like when the Cowboys draft Felix Jones and passed on Ray Rice.

Josh Carter: The Cowboys traded all the way back from the middle of the 1^st to the very end of the 1^st, only picking up a 3^rd rounder.  This is a team in dire need of a safety and defensive tackle and had Sharrif Floyd, the best defensive tackle on the board available to them at their original pick.  Maybe Jerry figured he’d fall all the way to 32.  At #32 the Cowboys picked up a Center, Travis Frederick of Wisconsin who was believed to be a 2^nd- 3^rd round pick by many experts and bloggers.  This was with some great safeties and defensive linemen still available.  Even if he pans out to be first round, if he wasn’t on any other team’s boards in the 1^st, then it could’ve been an opportunity for Jerry Jones to look like a genius in nabbing him later and getting a more in demand player.  The University of Wisconsin, however, is known for producing great offensive linemen.  The big questions that remain now are: Did Jerry see something everyone else didn’t?  Or was he caught like a deer in the headlights and made a quick move based on stereotypes?  Only time will tell…

David Miniel: Least favorite pick, has to be the teams who need the most help on their offensive line, who passed up Barrett Jones. I thought he could have slipped into the 1st round, after what he did in 4 years in Alabama and playing all 5 positions on the offensive line, finishing his final year at the center position. I thought this kid who was projected to be either a 2nd round or 3rd round pick has what it takes to become a 1st round pick and an offensive line coaches dream prospect. You don’t see too many guys who play this sport who can jump from position to position on an offensive line and be able to do their job and do it well. Some take time adjusting to position changes, some avoid having to switch all together, so with Barrett Jones, you can stick him where ever you think he fits best and know he won’t have to adjust, being able to move him around the line if you were to have one of your other starters go down to an injury. Whoever picks him up in the 2nd round, where I think he goes early, within the first 10 picks, they will have a good 5 position player. This kid is only going to get better as his career goes on.

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (Florida) as the twenty third overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Last night was the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Everyone has a different opinion of the draft and a different perspective of the first round, so we had the NFL Spin Zone writers tell us their favorite picks from the first round of the NFL draft.

We also have our least favorite picks.

Favorite Picks:

Todd Frank: It’s easy to love the haul that the Vikings came away with. DT Sharif Floyd was thought to be a lock to go in the Top 5, and they also got great value with WR Cordarelle Patterson at #29 (after acquiring that pick from New England). Once considered the consensus top WR available, before Tavon Austin’s meteoric rise, Patterson should help fill the void left with the departure of Percy Harvin from Minnesota. On top of that, they also add CB Xavier Rhodes, who’ll they’ll certainly need to help defend against Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Jay Cutler if they hope to stay competitive in the NFC North.

I also thought the Cowboys should have grabbed Safety Jonathan Cyprien (or Safety Matt Elam, picked next by the Ravens) after they traded back from #18 to #31, especially considering they drafted a Center that most expected to be available in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Mike Dyce: I’m picking Sharrif Floyd (DT Florida) to the Minnesota Vikings at #23 as my favorite pick. Incredible value at that slot. Many had Floyd coming off the board in the top 10 or 15, no one expected him to slide that far down. This could wind up being one of the steals of this draft later.

The other pick I like is Cincinnati taking Tyler Eifert (TE Notre Dame) at number 21. This man was a force to be reckoned with at Notre Dame, and I think he’ll have a good solid career in the NFL. He’ll be a good compliment to Jermaine Gresham and another weapon for Andy Dalton. Could the Bengals win the AFC North this year?

Josh Carter: The Rams traded up for Austin and then traded back for Ogletree in the first. They trade up and get the player they need most then trade back to get the best linebacker in the draft to solidify the 2nd level of their defense, while picking up a 2^nd 3^rd round pick. Ogletree can also play a pass rushing outside guy too, as well as a big blitzing strong safety. In the Capital One Bowl he shined with 13 Tackles (9 solo), 3 TFLs and a sack, which was on par with his teammate who is more of a full time pass rusher, Jarvis Jones

The Minnesota Vikings were an honorable mention for me. The Vikings made a huge splash in the first round having a projected top 5 pick in an area of need fall to them in Florida defensive tackle, Sharrif Floyd and then filling another with a projected top 15 pick in the physical cornerback from Florida State, Xavier Rhodes.  The Vikings also were looking to draft a receiver to pair with Jennings and traded up for Cordarrelle Patterson, a boom/bust receiver with not much experience in college but who shows potential to be the best of this class with proper development.  This was a great pickup and will help the team immensely, but I’m not sure if it’s worth what Minnesota gave up to the Patriots (2^nd,3^rd,4^th and 7^th round).  This was a lot to give up, given the other (and most of the time, safer, higher floor) receiver talent still on the board including Quinton Patton, Robert Woods, Justin Hunter, Keenan Allen and Terrence Williams.

David Miniel: I love the attention the offensive linemen received in the 1st round of this draft but I think MY favorite pick has to be Tyler Eifert out of Notre Dame to the Cincinnati Bengals. A smart move by the Cincinnati Bengals front office, A young team that has so many weapons on offense and defense to work with and plenty of cap space to play with, will be a dangerous team in the AFC in just a few short years. When I mean dangerous, I mean one of the best in that conference. I think they have a solid starter with Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Andrew Hawkins, Brandon Tate mixed in with that young group of wide receivers and now Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham at tight end. Those two will definitely become Daltons favorite targets in the red zone, I could see him having atleast 6-7 touchdown receptions this season. They brought in James Harrison to compliment this linebacking core lead by Ray Maualuga and Vontaze Burfict and could end up drafting another linebacker early in the 2nd round, who could stand out in this defense this season, later on in this draft. I truly believe in this team and know they will start winning playoff games with the additions they have made this season.

September 22, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford (67) and guard Zach West (75) block against the Florida Gators in the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky – The Jets best fit I thought at the #9 pick, given everyone who was taken was Alabama’s Chance Warmack.  They could use a guard to help open up their run game, making their offense somewhat of a factor no matter how the QB plays.  Warford is the best guard on the board and was on lots of people’s mock drafts as a late 1st/early 2nd round pick.  Willlie Colon dropped in at the Jets draft party last night and the Jets seem to be very high on him.  Colon is a recent free agent guard from the Steelers whose coming to play in his hometown of NY this season for the Jets.  That still leaves another G position to be filled.  Will the Jets spend their 2nd on Warford?  Or will they wait on guard since its now a slightly smaller hole on this swiss cheese of a football team?

Nov 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) catches a pass against UCLA Bruins safety Tevin McDonald (7) during the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Robert Woods, WR, USC – If the Jets were interested in a receiver, Robert Woods would be their guy.  He’s USC’s reception leader and an elite outside threat.  If anyone were to be the receiver to get Sanchez back in the game it’s fellow Trojan alum Woods, he’s a proven weapon and should have good chemistry in Mark.  Hopefully the Jets trio of Trojans: Sanchez, McKnight and Woods can make the locker room a better place in 2013 and can bring this Jets offense back together.

Sep 29, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A

3. Damontre Moore, OLB/DE, Texas A&M – If the Jets are truly staying in the 3-4 and are playing the defense they played last year, Moore is a must.  He had a terrible combine and a decent pro day, but played amazing football in 2013 for the Texas A&M Aggies.  Like Jarvis Jones, Moore is a guy who was all tape and no workout, recording 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss, ranking in the top 10 in both categories in all of college football.  He’s a young player coming out a year early, and has experience playing in both the 3-4 as an OLB and a 4-3 DE; so no matter where the Jets go package wise, Moore will be a valuable asset to the team in round 2 or 3.

Nov 12, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Florida International Panthers defensive end Tourek Williams (97) and Florida International Panthers strong safety Jonathan Cyprien celebrate a sack against Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Graham Wilbert (not pictured) in the third quarter at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

4. John Cyprien, S, FIU – This may be one of the highest rated players left on the board.  I saw that some experts and bloggers even had him rated higher than Vaccaro.  If the Jets need a safety who can step in right away, small school prospect John Cyprien can be the guy to step in and make an impact for them right away.

Nov 3, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jonathan Franklin (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA – Of all the guys mentioned, Franklin is the only one who I’ve read the Jets have definite interest in.  Franklin may be the first running back off the board and has been slowly rising.  He’s a back capable of featuring and carried a good performing UCLA offense on his back in 2012, beating rival USC and bringing them to a bowl game.  Franklin is not only a dynamic play maker but an intelligent player and a leader who has aspirations to run for mayor of Los Angeles later in life.

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; University of Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have few holes on their roster. But despite that they are looking to be players in the NFL Draft. Jason Cole of Yahoo tweeted that the 49ers are interested in moving up in the draft via trade to go after a defensive lineman, preferably Sheldon Richardson of Missouri.

It increasingly sounds like SF wants a DL via trade up with Sheldon Richardson as the likely target.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) April 25, 2013

The St. Louis Rams are shopping around their No. 22 pick in the first round. They could be a potential trade partner for the 49ers. The 49ers certainly have a slew of draft picks (13 total) to package together in order to move up in the draft.

Unfortunately the 49ers could have some competition from teams that desperately need a quarterback. While many don’t see a quarterback worthy of a top 10 pick, teams could try to trade back into the first round to get a quarterback like Geno Smith, who could still be around, or E.J. Manuel.

The 49ers variety of draft picks give them the ammo, the problem is if the price is driven up, does it still become worth it for the 49ers.

But Adam Schefter says the 49ers could be aiming higher than the #22 pick.

Increasing chatter of SF coming up into top 15. 49ers looking to strengthen an already tough defense.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2013

The 49ers could also be looking at safety Kenny Vaccaro.

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Tavon Austin has been getting a lot of attention in this draft. He is quick with playmaking ability and could be a dynamic offensive weapon. Obviously the New York Jets are craving offense ahead of the 2013 season and he seems to be a natural fit.

And the Jets like Austin and have told him that they have a plan for him.

“He made a little joke, ‘We might throw you on the defensive side, a couple plays,’ but it was everything good,” Austin said, via Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. “He said he had a plan for me. I talked to the offensive coordinator (Marty Mornhinweg), and they said they like players like me who can bring big-play ability there.”

And it isn’t strictly his physical ability on the field that impressed the Jets.

“I had a visit with them, so I was in their facility. They put me on the board and everything, (to) see how smart I was. For the most part everything went well,” Austin said. “I met everybody, and they pretty much said they like me a lot, and hopefully we can make it happen.”

But as the most dynamic skill player in the draft they might have competition for him.

Oct 6, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Guys who play on Saturdays hope to become stars on Sundays, starting Thursday night when college and pro football collide at the 2013 NFL draft.

OK, maybe “collide” isn’t the best choice of words given the leagues’ concussion issues. Speaking of concussions and bad word choices, I’m brain dead from looking at mock drafts and reading the latest rumors of teams supposedly hoping to trade up or down. I’m not bothering with a mock draft because this stuff is impossible to forecast and this year presents a deep and particularly unpredictable draft.

We’re obsessed with the NFL draft because we’re obsessed with the NFL. And the best and easiest way to win in the NFL is to be able to predict which players will be great, so now we’re obsessed with mock drafts (even if it’s pointless to attempt predicting this stuff). On Grantland, NFL guru Bill Barnwell’s pre-draft column basically said the whole thing’s a crap shoot and NFL teams may or may not know how to draft any better than you or I do, and the best thing I read about the draft all week was by Rolling Stone political writer Matt Taibbi.

The most exciting thing about the 2013 NFL draft, for me, is the fact that two West Virginia Mountaineers will likely be the keys to how the first round of the draft will play out. Geno Smith, the concensus top-ranked QB, has been speculated to go as high as somewhere in the top 5 or to perhaps slip and slide all the way down to a team with an established starter (like Aaron Rodgers fell to the Packers in 2005).

WR Tavon Austin is one of the most electrifying game-changers available and, despite all the offensive and defensive line talent at the top of this draft (and teams always looking for those big, safe first-round picks), every team should consider drafting Austin or trading up to get into position to do so. Why? THE GUY SCORES TOUCHDOWNS. Give him the ball, on a quick slant or bubble screen, on a reverse or even delayed-draw hand off, or on kick/punt returns, and he can take it to the house. Herm Edwards famously reminded us that “You play to win the game,” and many awful announcers have said the team that scores the most points will win. Tavon Austin will score points in bunches, and that’s the only thing I know I’m sure of heading into the 2013 NFL draft.

As for the things we don’t know… here are a few bold predictions sure to go wrong:

• The Cleveland Browns will pick QB Geno Smith with the sixth overall pick, and trade Brandon Weeden for a mid-round pick. Too soon to give up on Weeden? Maybe, but there’s a whole new regime in Cleveland, and they’ve already brought in veteran QB Jason Campbell who can either play well until Smith is ready and/or mentor Smith as a solid backup (and he’s a mature pro who will accept either role). And Weeden turns 30 in October.
• Eddie Lacy and Montee Ball might be the top two RB’s drafted, but UCLA’s Jonathan Franklin (the 8^th-ranked RB on NFL.com) will be a superstar and easily have the best pro career of any RB in this class.
• During ESPN’s draft telecast, Jon Gruden will say “I love this guy” 14,682 times. And the corpse of Chris Berman will undoubtedly attempt some form of “Star Lotulelei is sure to be a star in this league” joke.
• Whichever blue-chip offensive lineman falls to the Eagles at number 4 will end up the best of this class and they’ll land QB E.J. Manuel in the 2^nd or 3^rd round.
• Tavon Austin will not go to the Jets, Panthers, Saints,or Rams (picks 13-16) because the Dolphins will beat them to the punch by taking Austin at number 12.
• No matter if they pick for offense or defense, if they make a great pick or a questionable one, the Jets and Bills fans will be shown on TV booing. Actually, that’s the only sure thing at the NFL Draft.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Eddie Lacy had a big task when he took over as running back for the University of Alabama. He was following in the footsteps of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and first round draft pick Trent Richardson. He handled it well rushing for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns.

But he had an injury that held him back in his Pro Day.

“I was out for a long time as far as trying to get my hamstring ready for me to run by my Pro Day,” Lacy said, via Sports Radio Interviews. “Even with that, by the time my hamstring was close to being ready where I could actually work out, I had about two weeks before my Pro Day so I wasn’t in the condition I should’ve been in due to a lack of time. But I’m glad I finished it, I did the best I could.”

“I know if I was in better shape or had more time to prepare for it then everything would have been a lot better than it was.”

This has brought about criticism of him, and it’s been hard for him to hear it. But if anything it is providing motivation for a determined young player.

“It’s very tough. You hear a lot of things. People saying ‘he’s not in shape’ or ‘he’s not fast.’ But in reality it’s due to a lack of time. It’s something you can’t really worry about. You know what you are capable of when you’re 100 percent and the guys doubting you on the next level know as well. I don’t think it should be said or anything like that but there is nothing you can do about it.”

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is returning to prime time this week with the 2013 NFL Draft, live from Radio City Music Hall. This is the 78th annual NFL Player Selection Meeting and it will all kick off Thursday night at 8 PM ET.

This year 23 NFL prospects will be attending including 4 players who have won BCS Championships: T D.J. Fluker, RB Eddie Lacy, CB Dee Milliner, G Chance Warmack. There will also be four Florida State players: QB E.J. Manuel, DE Bjoern Werner, T Menelik Watson, and CB Xavier Rhodes.

The draft will be aired live on NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN 2 all three days.

Here is the round breakdown:

• 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, April 25 (Round 1)
• 6:30 PM ET, Friday, April 26 (Rounds 2-3)
• Noon ET, Saturday, April 27 (Rounds 4-7)

The first round took exactly 3 hours in 2012, so expecting the same sort of time table you can expect the first round to conclude around 11-11:15 pm ET on Thursday. In 2012 the 2 and third rounds took roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes, and rounds 4-7 took roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes.

The 23 players attending will be:

• Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
• Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
• Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
• Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan
• Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
• D.J. Fluker, T, Alabama
• Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M
• Lane Johnson, T, Oklahoma
• Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
• Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
• E.J. Manuel, QB, FSU
• Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
• Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
• Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
• Eric Reid, S, LSU
• Xavier Rhodes, CB, FSU
• Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
• Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
• Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
• Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
• Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
• Menelik Watson, T, FSU
• Bjoern Werner, DE, FSU

Compensatory Picks:

There will be 254 selections, including 32 compensatory choices that have been awarded to 16 teams that suffered a net loss of certain quality unrestricted free agents last year.

The following 32 compensatory choices will supplement the 222 regular choices in the seven rounds:

Round 3:

• Houston, 33
• Kansas City, 34
• Tennessee, 35

Round 4:

• Baltimore, 33
• San Francisco, 34
• Detroit, 35
• Atlanta, 36

Round 5: 

• Miami, 33
• Green Bay, 34
• Baltimore, 35

Round 6:

• Houston, 33
• Tennessee, 34
• Baltimore, 35
• Kansas City, 36
• Oakland, 37
• Pittsburgh, 38

Round 7:

• Philadelphia, 33
• Cincinnati, 34
• Seattle, 35
• Seattle, 36
• Atlanta, 37
• Atlanta, 38
• Detroit, 39
• San Francisco, 40
• Baltimore, 41
• Tennessee, 42
• Atlanta, 43
• Miami, 44
• Cincinnati, 45
• San Francisco, 46
• New York Giants, 47
• Indianapolis, 48