Geno Smith to Minnesota? NFL Mock Draft 1.0 Picks 21-25
By Josh Carter
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama – The Bengals are a team stacked at every position except for running back. Eddie Lacy a potential full time feature back in the NFL headlines the RB class and is still on the board for the Bengals here. Cincinnati’s offense suddenly acquires a new dimension. The Bengals become my favorite to win the AFC North in 2013.
22. St. Louis Rams (From Redskins) – John Cyprien, S, FIU – The Rams fill in their need at safety here with John Cyprien, a standout free safety from Florida International, where he currently holds the record for all time leading tackles. This is a guy who may be unfairly overlooked because of his school but will put out some major numbers to whatever team drafting him. It’s a homerun hit for a team like the Rams who are only a stand out safety away from fielding a complete defense with no other glaring needs
23. Minnesota Vikings – Keenan Allen, WR California – The Vikings use this opportunity to upgrade their 2012 WR situation. It’s unfortunate they lost Percy Harvin, but to be able to sign Greg Jennings AND be able to draft a playmaking receiver like Keenan Allen, elevates their offense more than if they had stayed put with Harvin. Plus, it’ll be nice for Minnesota to have a receiver on the team that won’t miss games due to migraines that occur when the team makes him stop smoking pot for league drug tests.
24. Indianapolis Colts – Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – The Colts get a highly heralded pass rusher way down in the draft. Damontre, originally thought of to be a top 5 pick, was one of the best pass rushers in the nation last year at A&M. A flimsy combine and decent pro day made his draft stock take a bit of a free fall. The Colts picks him up here, hoping his performance in Indianapolis is better the second time he comes to town
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks) – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – Minnesota has 2 picks and can take a shot at the quarterback everyone has been talking about. This gives Christian Ponder much needed competition at the least and a new franchise quarterback at the most. At this point given every team’s situation, Geno makes the most sense in Minnesota if Jacksonville isn’t comfortable enough to reach for him with the #2 overall pick.
Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports