17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State – The Steelers’ whole defense is getting old, they need to start going position by position. Not only is Hankins one of the best prospects on the board here, but he’s also a true nose tackle which is very rare and hard to find. If he pans out the way everyone thinks, he can be the perfect first block in the rebuilding of the Steelers.

18. Dallas Cowboys – Kenny Vaccarro, S, Texas – The Cowboys love making sexy picks. This year they can fill their biggest need doing it.  They take Kenny Vaccaro, one of the hottest, most talked about players in this year’s draft.  Kenny doesn’t travel far and keeps his in state Longhorn fanbase by being picked 18th overall by the Dallas Cowboys

19. New York Giants – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia The Giants get the pick of the inside linebacker litter here at #19.  It’s a tough choice, between Alec Ogletree, the long time #1 ILB prospect in this year’s draft and Kansas State’s Arthur Brown.  Both had great seasons leading top 10 ranked defenses to be conference championship contenders.  Alec Ogletree carries a little more liability with minor injuries and off field issues but is clearly the most exciting ILB in the draft this year, putting up numbers that still outshine other players at his position despite playing 10 games.  Without his off field drama, I’d think Alec would be top 15 maybe even a top 10 pick.  The Giants have trust in their coaching staff to keep this kid on track and pick him up with the 19th overall pick.

20. Chicago Bears – Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State
Guess who else needs an inside linebacker and has a great prospect on the board?  That’s right.  The Bears.  Arthur Brown seems to be a great replacement for Urlacher.  Both were said to be undersized for their position (Arthur Brown’s biggest knock).  Chicago understands that size isn’t everything and that it’s possible to play bigger than you actually are.  What better place  for Arthur Brown to step in immediately in the shoes of a great player with similar criticisms and prove the critics wrong?

Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive linebacker Arthur Brown (4) and offensive linesman BJ Finney (66) hold the Big 12 Championship trophy during the presentation after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M – The A&M product is a sure fire hit at Kansas City’s biggest position of need.  They can interchange him with Eric Fisher as many draft analysts say, but Joeckel has the experience over Fisher blocking some of the best defensive linemen in this draft from his play in the SEC.  Fisher’s draft was eye popping, but then again so was Dontari Poe’s.  Do you think Kansas City would pick Poe over Michael Brockers, Bruce Irvin or Chandler Jones if they had a time machine?

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon – This is a toughie, Jaguars need a pass rusher and have the pick of the litter.  They’re a team that takes a player solely based on draft stock (see Blaine Gabbart and Justin Blackmon).  I think Dion Jordan will have the highest stock of the edge pass rushers for the Jags and will be the first one in a few years to actually earn their GM a pat on the back.

3. Oakland Raiders –  Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida – Like the Chiefs, Oakland has a choice here at the best 2 interior linemen in Floyd and Lotulelei.  They choose the safer pick in Floyd here, who like Joeckel, has the SEC experience to go with his monstrous gameplay (how many Pac12 O linemen are 1^st or 2^nd round prospects this year?).  Oakland needs to make a safe pick here, they’ve done some crazy things in the past (drafting Jamarcus Russell over Darrelle Revis, Patrick Willis, Calvin Johnson, Marshawn Lynch – also trading the house for Carson Palmer).  It’s time they get conservative and build back their franchise as safely as possible.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – The Eagles have a choice of getting 3 potential superstars in 3 positions of need here: Dee Milliner, Eric Fisher and Ezekiel Ansah.  Cornerback is by far the most glaring need for them and Milliner is the crown jewel of this class who can become a Joe Haden or Patrick Peterson like cornerstone to the Philadelphia defense.

5. Detroit Lions – Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan - The Lions need help badly on their offensive line.  Although they did just draft Riley Reiff in the first round last year, rumor has it that they’re thinking about moving him to guard.  The Lions can’t pass up the opportunity to put an end to their O-Line woes.  They take Eric Fisher here to help protect Matthew Stafford so that he can get the ball to Calvin Johnson next season.

6. New Orleans Saints (Trade with Browns) – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Saints trade up to fill that missing piece at NT in their new 3-4 defense with Utah’s defensive standout, Star Lotulelei.  The Saints currently do not have a true nose tackle and need someone who can come in and immediately make an impact.  Lotulelei may do this and more, he can be the guy to anchor New Orleans’ brand new defensive scheme next season.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Lane Johnson – T, Oklahoma - The Cardinals decide to sit out a year on drafting a QB by pulling the trigger on Carson Palmer.  They now have a QB worthy of getting Fitzgerald the ball.  They still need major help blocking for him.  When every single player in the Cardinals back field got injured at some point last season, it’s a sign you go offensive tackle in the 1st.  Lane Johnson is one of the most athletic in this class and give Carson Palmer that much needed protection this season.

8. Buffalo Bills – Cordarralle Patterson – WR, Tennessee – The Bills decide to give Kolb a shot rather than go for Geno.  They bank on the best looking WR in the draft in Cordarrelle Patterson.  This way, when they do sign their next franchise QB, he’ll already have his weapons to throw to.

9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah, OLB/DE, BYU – The Jets have so many choices at #9, but with Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan gone and Eric Fisher falling, the smartest move is to pull the trigger on a lineman many considered to be worthy of a #1 overall pick.  A quintessential step in the rebuilding of the Jets.  Eric Fisher will immediately bring their below average offensive line to one of the best in the NFL with Mangold and Ferguson at center and left tackle.  Fisher could play right and eventually replace Ferguson at left, while Ducasse, Howard, Colon and possibly a later round pick can rotate at guard.  Now whoever wins the battle at QB, will have time to relax and throw the ball and Mike Goodson whose always been great at finding the right holes can have his best NFL season yet.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – The Titans whose greatest need may be at Guard have the opportunity to sign the best guard in the draft and a surefire starter.  He’ll give Chris Johnson the help he’s been complaining about not having in the run game and can help Jake Locker stay off the injury reserve list immediately.

FOR PICKS 11-15 CLICK HERE.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Is it football season yet? No? Man oh man are these days going by slow. I catch myself looking at the calendar, eye balling the NFL Draft. We all know the draft is coming up soon, not quick enough, but soon. So, a few of my fellow writers here at NFL Spin Zone did their own NFL Mock Draft; if you haven’t checked them out yet, before you take a look at mine, check theirs out then come back.

Thursday April 25th, 2013 through Saturday, April 27th, Radio City Music Hall in New York City, will be jam packed with press, excited fans and nervous college prospects who will be anxiously waiting for their names to be called by Commissioner Roger Goodell. With last years draft class, like Rookie of the Year winner Robert Griffin the 3rd, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, Alfred Morris and a list of other exciting rookies, this group looks to make the same impact on this league. Now, let’s get down to business, Kansas City Chiefs you are now on the clock.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
Player Name – Luke Joeckel
Position – Offensive Tackle (Texas A&M)

2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Player Name – Damontre Moore
Position – Linebacker (Texas A&M)

3. Oakland Raiders
Player Name – Star Lotulelei
Position – Defensive Tackle (Utah)

4. Philadelphia Eagles
Player Name – Eric Fisher
Position – Offensive Tackle (Central Michigan)

5. Detroit Lions
Player Name – Bjoern Werner
Position – Defensive End (Florida State)

6. Cleveland Browns
Player Name – Jarvis Jones
Position – Outside Linebacker (Georgia)

7. Arizona Cardinals
Player Name – Chance Warmack
Position – Offensive Guard (Alabama)

8. Buffalo Bills
Player Name – Geno Smith
Position – Quarterback (West Virginia)

9. New York Jets
Player Name – DeMarcus Milliner
Position – Cornerback (Alabama)

10. Tennessee Titans
Player Name – Barkevious Mingo
Position – Defensive End (LSU)

11. San Diego Chargers
Player Name – Matt Barkley
Position – Quarterback (USC)

12. Miami Dolphins
Player Name – Keenan Allen
Position – Wide Receiver (California)

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Player Name – Alex Okafor
Position – Defensive End – (University of Texas)

14. Carolina Panthers
Player Name – Johnathan Hankins
Position – Defensive Tackle (Ohio State)

15. New Orleans Saints
Player Name – Ezekiel Ansah
Position – Defensive End (BYU)

16. St. Louis Rams
Player Name – Cordarrelle Patterson
Position – Wide Receiver (Tennessee)

Jan 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Riley Guilmino poses with a New Orleans Saints No. 1 jersey at the NFL Draft exhibit at the Super Bowl XLVII Experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Not much has changed on our boards despite the location of a few teams. We will continue to update the Mock Draft regularly as we follow the NFL offseason, players being dropped and added. Combine and other information that comes out about prospects.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Many thought KC would go with a quarterback with the first overall pick, and Kansas City would certainly like to draft a franchise quarterback, however this draft lacks talent at that position. So a franchise LT is a good pick, and can help any QB elevate their game by keeping them off their back and flat on their feet in a pocket. Joeckel is a monster at 6’6″ and 310 pounds.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s adjustment to a 4-3 defense worked well for Moore and he is taking advantage of A&M’s season. The Jaguars also run a 4-3 defense and need someone to get after the quarterback. They had a league worse sacks on 3.6% of quarterback drop backs. He’s quick and can turn the corner and accelerate.

3. Oakland Raiders – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

They need defensive help an MLB wouldn’t be a surprise here either but Lotulelei is the best player available at this spot for the Raiders. He is in the same mold of Glenn Dorsey, someone who demands attention and frees his line mates up. And if he isn’t being double teamed he has the speed to beat interior blockers and get into the backfield.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Fisher is a large intimidating tackle at 6’7″ but he uses his size well. He gets in a wide stance and absorbs the rush, and he made MAC rushers look like high schoolers but he also excelled against top competition. Again, the Eagles need to protect their quarterback, whether it be Michael Vick or Nick Foles.

5. Detroit Lions – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

They have arguably the best interior defensive line with Nick Fairley and Ndamukung Suh. On the LE they have the young and talented Cliff Avril, but on the RE they have the aging Kyle Vanden Bosch. Werner would be a good pick to really create a monster of a young defensive line. We saw the New York Giants succeed with drafting pass rushers, and Werner is the same mold as J.J. Watt. He can read the play and get after the quarterback, and disrupt plays. They may even plug him in at LE and move Avril to RE because of that.

6. Cleveland Browns – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Mel Kiper has Jones as the #1 player on his big board, out of all positions. Jones is an ideal outside linebacker who led the nation in sacks last year. And the Browns, who have a desperate need at OLB are getting a steal here. Despite his superb pass rushing abilities, he can hold up against the run too. The Browns were 25th in the NFL against the pass.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Well Kevin Kolb didn’t work out, and neither did John Skelton, or Ryan Lindley. They signed a free agent off the street in December, Brian Hoyer, and he finished the season starting two games for the Cards. The Cardinals need security at the quarterback position, and USC is known for producing successful quarterbacks. Carson Palmer, Matt Cassell and Mark Sanchez were all more then serviceable at one point.

8. Buffalo Bills – Geno Smith, QB, West Virgina

As we see the new era of mobile quarterbacks flourish behind young new comers to the NFL like Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, and Rg3, the Bills might finally be ready to move past Ryan Fitzpatrick and embrace this new trend in the NFL. The zone-read is taking over and Geno Smith can fit in the system or even the pistol, and his mobility might help free up their passing attack which ranked 25th in the league.

9. New York Jets – Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

While they need help at skill positions on the offensive side specifically the passing attack, their just isn’t talent worthy of a Top 10 pick. They’ve seen their cross town rivals the Giants succeed behind the pass rush and could look to the defensive side of the ball for a selection. The Jets have good corners, but having a threatening pass rusher could allow this defense to thrive. Mingo and the Jets’ corners could compliment each other very well and Mingo could get lots of quality “coverage sacks.”

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Warmack is an exceptional interior offensive lineman. So much that he was the best offesnive lineman for Alabama, that’s high praise. And the Titans will take him with the last pick of the Top 10, which makes him the first OG to be taken in the Top 10 since 1997. His specialty is that he’s a great run blocker who can find line backers on the second level. Chris Johnson will be very excited next season.

11. San Diego Chargers – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

This is hire then some expect Fluker to go, but they have a desperate need at every spot on their offensive line. With Fisher coming off the board earlier and their hopes of getting him here at this spot lying in pieces around them, they stick to the plan and go for a big reliable tackle from the SEC.

12. Miami Dolphins – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Dolphins found their quarterback of the future in Ryan Tannehill in last year’s draft. This year they’re looking to replace Brandon Marshall and give their young QB someone to work with. Patterson is slightly unproven having spent two years at a junior college before going to Tennessee, but he has height and strength that should help him beat cornerbacks, and he can beat defenders for jump balls.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Mel Kiper has Dee Milliner as #13 on his big board, that matches up with this pick perfectly. The Buccaneers need help at corner with Ronde Barber nearing the end of his career. They were the worst team in the NFL against the past. Milliner has exceptional raw football skills and is more physical than the average corner and can disrupt wide receivers at the line, or turn and run with them.

14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

He nearly led Missouri in tackles the season as an interior lineman. Almost unheard of. He gives great effort on every play and is quick off the snap. He uses his hands to get off blocks and disrupt plays. He is a steal at this position in the draft and the Panthers will benefit from his ability to get after the ball.

15. New Orleans Saints – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

The New Orleans Saints were horrendous on defense this past season, arguably the worst in the NFL. They need a someone to clog the middle, and since their 2008 first round pick Sedrick Ellis leaving via free agency after a disappointing season which he amassed 36 tackles, and only half a sack over the last 2 seasons. Hankins can free up the line backers to make plays, and in Vilma and Lofton the Saints have linebackers who could take advantage of Hankins clogging up the line.

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; A general view as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number thirty overall pick to the New York Jets during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Draft week. NFL fans have been anticipating this ever since the Super Bowl and the thought that it is almost here gives me chills as I wonder what might happen on draft day. Of course, that’s what mock drafts try to do and this week I’m bring you two – one today and then a final prediction tomorrow.

One of the best exercises I’ve carried out in this draft journey has been the Trade Mocks. Today’s will be the third and the last for this year’s draft. A reminder of how this works – this mock is all about looking at the possibilities of what trades may or may not happen during the draft. Some of what I have to offer here will seem outlandish and perhaps even absurd but this is the one mock platform where that is acceptable as this particular mock  will be more about exploring what could happen than the traditional attempts to actually predict what will happen.

As with a regular mock, each pick will be listed in order. Where a trade is happened, you will see where the pick has come from. To find out what happened with each trade, the final page of this mock provides a summary of the trades, the components of each trade and a quick explanation.

Now we understand each other, time to get started. Get ready for a wild ride – with 15 trades along the way!

1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck
Quarterback, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins
Robert Griffin III
Quarterback, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil
Offensive Tackle, USC

4. St. Louis Rams (from Cleveland)
Trent Richardson
Running Back, Alabama

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne
Cornerback, LSU

6. Cleveland Browns (from St. Louis)
Justin Blackmon
Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

7. Houston Texans (from Jacksonville)
Ryan Tannehill
Quarterback, Texas A&M

8. Miami Dolphins
Riley Reiff
Offensve Tackle, Iowa

9. Carolina Panthers
Melvin Ingram
Defensive End, South Carolina

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Buffalo) 
Fletcher Cox
Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State

Jan. 21, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson admires the crystal football from the Coaches

I love mock drafts. Everyone has their own opinion and it takes a lot of guts for some people to put theirs out for everyone to see.

You can look at my previous one I wrote in February here.

Obviously, things have changed since the Combine. If you completely disagree with anything, just say so in the comments. I’m always open to criticism, it is what helps me become a better writer.

And without further ado …

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Andrew Luck is going to be a Colt next season. I think Derek Jeter going to Red Sox is even more likely to happen than the Colts picking anyone else.

2 . Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (projected trade w/ St. Louis)

Winner, winner, chicken dinner. The Browns win the RGIII sweepstakes. In a divison with Big Ben, Andy Dalton, and Joe Flacco, this opportunity is just too hard to resist. Hopefully it’s oath also giving up their other first-round pick.

3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil’s performance at the Combine secured his spot as the best offensive tackle in the draft. Was there any debate to begin with?

4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St. (projected trade with Cleveland)

The Rams were able to trade their pick, and get the player they wanted at No 4. Sam Bradford now has a receiver who can make big plays all over the field.

5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This was a hard choice betweem Claiborne and Richardson. Defense is just a little more important right now for Greg Schiano and the fading Bucs.

6. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Redskins get Peyton Manning, no need for a quarterback here. Mike Shanahan coached him at the Senior Bowl, and if he’s nearly 300 pounds, he can be a big threat.

7. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Jaguars finished last year with one of the better defenses in the league, and that was without any real pass-rush attack. Although a little short, his speed can help cause commotion. The Jaguars aren’t the only team in love with him, either

8. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins get Matt Flynn, no need for a quarterback here. Someone to protect him sounds like a good idea.

9. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe was the all-star of the Combine. At 346 pounds, he ran a 4.98 40 and produced 44 bench reps. I’m sure he’s moved up on everyone’s mock draft.

10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Although a pass rusher is needed maybe a little bit more, the opportunity might me more worthwhile than defensive ends Whitney Mercilus or Nick Perry.

11. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Jamaal Charles is coming off a knee injury and if Richardson is available, I can’t see any reason why the Chiefs would pass this up. He shouldn’t have too much trouble succeeding right away in the AFC West.

12. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Alas, my Seahawks pick Ryan Tannehill. Maybe this is more of a hope then an educated guess. Hopefully if Ryan Tannehill doesn’t start, the competition will at least get Tavaris Jackson to play more consistently.

13. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

His performance at the Combine helped reinforce his ability to battle on the outside. He did lead the nation in sacks, by the way. The rising Cardinals can really use him to create a more intimidating defense in the NFC West.

14. Dre Kirpatrick, CB, Alabama

Watching Terence Newman last year wasn’t anything special. Kirkpatrick has the skills to keep tight coverage on even the best receivers. The Cowboy’s secondary is a top priority this draft.

15. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Kuechly showed great potential in covering drills at the Combine, and his toughness at linebacker will fill a huge void for the Eagles.

16. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

He’s not too quick, but the Jets would be glad if he is available here. He is ferocious on defense and the Jets – who were 5^th best in yards against last year – might start showing signs of being the all-around elite defense that coordinators dream about.

While we begin to gear up for NFL Draft season, the NFL Spin Zone staff will be bringing you a flurry of mock drafts. Sit contributor Ben Worthy is the first to tackle the task of predicting April’s outcome and he has some bold picks that may surprise you. What do you think of Ben’s mock? Leave your feedback in the comments section.

(more…)

Here at the Fansided Network we strive to bring you the best team-by-team NFL coverage. “Around the League” brings you some of the best and most thought provoking stories from around the network.

Image courtesy of EaglesFan4Life.com

Could the Arizona Cardinals really trade cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie straight up for Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb? [Rasing Zona]

The Buffalo Bills are set to unveil their new uniforms later today and Dan Napolitano came up with a few possible looks for the new unis on his comic strip, The Daydream Billiever. [Buffalo Low Down]

With the Detroit Lions defensive unit continuing to improve, do they already have one of the league’s best safeties on their roster? [Side Lion Report]

Many members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization came together to help the victims in Joplin, Missouri. [Arrowhead Addict]

Who will emerge from the St. Louis Rams logjam at wide receiver as the team’s starter? [Ramblin' Fan]

With the players and owners closer than ever to reaching a deal, what exactly would a new collective bargaining agreement include? [Phin Phanatic]

It’s never too early for some power rankings and a 2012 NFL Mock Draft. [NFL Mocks]

Take a look at some of the worst business adventures for professional football players. [Nice Pick, Cowher]