'Mock Draft 4.0: Mingo could be elite pass rusher Browns have been waiting for'
http://www.cleveland.com/mock-draft/index.ssf/2013/03/2013_nfl_mock_draft_going_back.html'2013 NFL Mock Draft: Going back to Barkevious Mingo at No. 6 for the Browns'
By Chris Fedor, Special to cleveland.com
March 29, 2013 at 4:57 PM, updated March 29, 2013 at 5:25 PM
The NFL draft is less than one month away. The anticipation is building. Only a few big Pro Day workouts remain (running back Eddie Lacy on April 11 and wide receiver Keenan Allen on April 9). Free agency has helped some of the teams in the Top 10, like the Browns and Eagles, fill needs. Some teams like the Lions, Raiders and Ravens lost players, creating more holes than expected.
Private workouts and interviews will start soon. The movement over the last month has created a bit more clarity, and I think it is finally safe to start writing some picks in ink as opposed to erasable marker.
Here is the latest Mock Draft. This is version 4.0
1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Kansas City has floated out interest in West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith recently. I smell smoke but no fire. The Chiefs have their quarterback. It's Alex Smith. Now they need to make sure he is comfortable. That starts with protecting him. With Eric Winston released and Branden Albert playing 2013 on the franchise tag, Kansas City will take a lineman here. The only real mystery is which one? Even though Central Michigan's Eric Fisher has risen up draft boards since his performance at the Senior Bowl, Joeckel is the more polished player and is too good to pass up.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon
The Jaguars remain one of the toughest teams to figure out. They have a new head coach (Gus Bradley) and a new general manager (David Caldwell). They could easily take Geno Smith and complete the overhaul trifecta. However, having the first pick of the second round gives them flexibility and they could target a QB like Matt Barkley or Tyler Wilson at the top of the second round if they don't feel comfortable with incumbent starter Blaine Gabbert. The Jags finished dead last in sacks last year. Jordan's athleticism, length and versatility will make him an attractive, unique cornerstone piece for the new-look Jacksonville defense.
3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
The Raiders have football's worst defensive line. Desmond Bryant inked with the Browns, Tommy Kelly was just released and Richard Seymour continues to float out there in free agency. Defensive tackle Shariff Floyd from Florida could get a lot of attention at this spot. But the fortunes of a downtrodden franchise don't change with defensive tackles. They do with a quarterback. Carson Palmer is 33 and is not the long-term solution. Erratic and inaccurate Terrelle Pryor isn't either. Smith needs to work on his footwork but he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback. The Raiders need a new attitude. Smith would bring a swagger back to Oakland and spark a once-proud franchise that has turned into a punch line.
(Note: A possible trade of QB Matt Flynn from the Seahawks to the Raiders had not been completed at time of publication.)
4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Many things have changed for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. They've added double-digit players in free agency. They have a new head coach (Chip Kelly). And they are bringing a new system to Philly. Offensive line will be in consideration with this pick given that many of the offensive issues started there a season ago. However, the return of Jason Peters from injury as well as Todd Herremans makes addressing the offensive line less of a priority. The secondary needs major work. The Eagles cut Nnamdi Asomugha and allowed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to walk in free agency. Philly replaced that duo with Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams. That can't possibly be considered an upgrade, especially in a division that boasts Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Pierre Garcon.
5. Detroit Lions – Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Two words come to mind with this pick. Matthew Stafford. He is the Lions' most important player and their playoff hopes rest on his right arm. Two years ago, he led the Lions to the playoffs, throwing for 41 touchdowns. He has the goods. What he doesn't have is any chance of succeeding unless the Lions upgrade the offensive line. Their starting offensive tackles are gone. Jeff Backus retired and Gosder Cherilus signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Lions need some help on the defensive line after seeing their top two defensive ends (Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril) depart. They also need lots of help in the secondary. But nothing in Detroit is more important than protecting Stafford. Nothing.
6. Cleveland Browns – Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
The Browns' offseason goal was finding players to fit their new "hybrid" 3-4 defense. They are still missing an elite pass-rusher. Paul Kruger is solid, but he's not special. I've heard all the criticisms about Barkevious Mingo. He needs to add weight (just 241 lbs). He's never played outside linebacker. He doesn't have elite production (38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2012). And he needs to get stronger. All those concerns are fair but he also has raw ability that can't be taught. And it's not always about production. San Francisco's Aldon Smith had just three sacks his final season in college, Clay Matthews had 5.5 in his entire career and Jason Pierre-Paul had just 6.5. Those three guys are doing well for themselves. With Mingo's length, athleticism and explosive first step, the former LSU Tiger has the ability to be a dominant pass-rusher at the next level if used properly.
My previous mock draft picks for the Browns:
• Mock Draft 1.0 - Barkevious Mingo
• Mock Draft 2.0 - Jarvis Jones
• Mock Draft 3.0 - Dion Jordan
7. Arizona Cardinals – Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
The Cardinals have a ton of needs. Most of them on the offensive side of the ball. Arizona needs to upgrade at quarterback. They need a running back since Ryan Williams can't stay healthy. And the offensive line allowed the most sacks in the NFL, so that's a dire need. Other than that, they are well on their way. There is a giant drop-off in talent after the top three offensive tackles in this year's draft so if the Cards want to improve the position they have to do it here. Even though Johnson is the third-best left tackle in the draft, the former quarterback turned offensive lineman is very athletic and his best football is in front of him. Now, if they could just find a quarterback not named Brian Hoyer, Drew Stanton or John Skelton, the Cards could be on their way to climbing out of the NFC West basement.
8. Buffalo Bills – Chance Warmack, Offensive Guard, Alabama
The Bills biggest need is quarterback. But there is no signal caller available in this scenario worth the eighth pick. Having lost Andy Levitre, the rock of the offensive line, to the Titans in free agency, Buffalo needs a piece to help their future quarterback while opening up holes for the dynamic running back duo of C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. A guard hasn't gone in the Top 10 since 1997 when Chris Naeole was taken by New Orleans. But Warmack is the second-best player in this draft and a dominant force.
9. New York Jets – Ezekial "Ziggy" Ansah, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, BYU
The Jets will be tempted to take Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. They need a playmaker to help whoever the quarterback is going to be. However, they used a second round pick on Stephen Hill last year, and Santonio Holmes is coming back off injury. Plus, the position is deep, and they can find a pass-catcher beyond the first round. A player like Ziggy can't be found in the second round or beyond in this year's draft. The former track athlete and basketball player is still learning the game but he has tremendous athleticism and intriguing tools. Ansah would give the Jets the potential pass-rushing force they have been missing.
10. Tennessee Titans – Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
Floyd will be in consideration as high as No. 2 with Jacksonville. However, a number of teams in the Top 10 are set at defensive tackle. The Eagles have last year's first round pick Fletcher Cox and newly signed Isaac Sopoaga. The Lions have Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. The Browns have Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. The Bills have Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. It could lead to a fall for Floyd but it stops here. Signing guard Andy Levitre allows the Titans to focus on improving their lackluster pass rush. Floyd is a penetrating defensive tackle who rattles the offenses' nerves. He would help out every level of the Tennessee defense.
11. San Diego – Jonathan Cooper, Offensive Guard, North Carolina
The Chargers need to make quarterback Philip Rivers more comfortable by giving him more time to throw. His best offensive lineman, Louis Vasquez, was lost this offseason to a division rival. With Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson off the board, the Chargers turn to the interior. Cooper, a four-year starter for the Tar Heels, has been on the rise since his outstanding senior season in Chapel Hill where he cleared the way for running back Gio Bernard (1,228 rushing yards) to emerge as one of the best backs in college football.
12. Miami – Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
After adding big-time offensive weapon Mike Wallace in free agency and re-signing Brian Hartline, the Dolphins are set at wide receiver. Miami now needs to focus on replacing the departed Sean Smith at cornerback. There are rumblings that they could add Brent Grimes. That would be a great pickup. They still need to beef up the secondary. Xavier Rhodes is tall, long and physical. With questions about his speed answered in Indy, Rhodes solidified his standing as the second-best cornerback in the draft.
13. Tampa Bay – Star Lotuleilei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
Tampa Bay spent draft picks reinventing their defense last season, and the makeover has continued this offseason with the addition of Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson. Holes on the defensive line remain – one of the biggest left by departed tackle Roy Miller. Lotuleilei's medical results need to check out as a heart condition forced him to miss the combine, but Star's good combination of strength and quickness mean he can't be blocked one-on-one. Teaming him up with Gerald McCoy on the interior could cause opponents a lot of problems for a number of years.
14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Luke Kuechly, gives the Panthers one defensive cornerstone. Now, he needs help. Adding a versatile player like Richardson gives the Panthers a defensive line interior presence they've lacked for years. Richardson is quick and athletic and can single-handedly disrupt an offensive plan.
15. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
The Saints were one of the NFL's more disappointing team. New Orleans had the league's third-best scoring offense (28.8 points per game) led by Drew Brees. Defense is the issue in the bayou. Jones is a medical risk and has had a disappointing offseason. However, his production can't be ignored. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year led the nation in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and forced fumbles (7). He was a difference maker for Georgia and with his explosive first step, he'll be the same at the next level.
16. St. Louis Rams – Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
The Rams decided to stand by former first overall pick Sam Bradford. To continue their ascent up the standings, they must give Bradford. The former Mountaineer made plays all over the field during his time in Morgantown. Austin was a weapon in the passing game, he lined up in the backfield and he made numerous game-changing plays on special teams. Austin plays like he has a rocket attached to his butt. He is one of the most explosive players in this year's draft and he can change the scoreboard every time he touches the pigskin.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
The Steelers lost Mike Wallace this offseason. Patterson would be a great way to soften that blow. The former JUCO star only played one year at Tennessee but showed playmaker ability. He was the only college to score four different ways (rushing, receiving, punt return and kick return). He needs to develop as a receiver but he is incredibly athletic and explosive. The draft's best receiver would return a dangerous element to the Steelers offense lost when Wallace went to Miami.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Sylvester Williams, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
The Cowboys said goodbye this offseason to overrated defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Monte Kiffin's arrival means a new defensive scheme. The switch to the 4-3 requires finding a new defensive tackle. Williams looked like a first-round talent at times – like the Virgina game. At other times – jike against Miami – Sly left you wanting more. Inconsistency kept him from reaching his potential in college. Perhaps that will change in the NFL.
19. New York Giants – Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame
I have learned the last few years that Eli Manning likes to throw to his tight end. With Martellus Bennett leaving the Big Apple for the Windy City, the G-Men have to find a new security blanket for their quarterback. Eifert follows Anthony Fasano, John Carlson and Kyle Rudolph who all have come from South Bend to make an impact in the NFL. Eifert is a better prospect than all of them. His versatility, reliable hands and athleticism will give the Giants another weapon in their explosive passing game.
20. Chicago Bears - Alec Ogletree, Inside Linebacker, Georgia
Every move the Bears have made the last few years has been to help quarterback Jay Cutler. Brandon Marshall was brought in last year to give Chicago a big-play receiver. The team's new head coach was the best offensive mind Canada had to offer. Tight end Martellus Bennett can create mismatches all over the field. And Jermon Bushrod will be asked to anchor the offensive line's left side. It's time to help the defense. The team decided to move forward without Brian Urlacher, creating a huge hole in the middle of the defense. Ogletree comes with baggage -- off-the-field concerns and questions about his maturity. But his talent speaks for itself. The former safety is one of the most gifted defensive players in the draft.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
The Bengals have been quiet this offseason. Armed with the most money to spend, Cincinnati resisted the urge to go nuts in free agency and will continue to build through the draft. They're building on a recent record of draft success. The Bengals defense has promise with cornerstone pieces like defensive ends Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap, defensive tackle Geno Atkins and cornerback Leon Hall, but they are missing an anchor at the back end. Kenny Vaccaro can play wide receivers in the slot, he can cover tight ends and he come up in the box and support the run. He's the kind of safety that teams are looking for now.
22. St. Louis Rams – Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
St. Louis lured Jake Long away from Miami this offseason, getting one of the game's best left tackles – when Long is healthy. Watson, a former basketball player, soccer player and boxer, will take a few years to develop enough to play in the NFL. But the talent is there. Watson has the size and athleticism to be a left tackle as long as he is coached up and brought along slowly. He would be an excellent insurance policy for the injury-prone Long and, in a few years, step into his spot on the St. Louis offensive line.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California
Quarterback Christian Ponder must start playing like a first-round pick. The Vikings have used a lot of resources to help him. Last year, they chose offensive tackle Matt Kalil in the first round. This offseason, they re-signed right tackle Phil Loadholt to a long-term deal and added wide receiver Greg Jennings. Jennings gives Ponder one new weapon, but the Vikings can't pass up the opportunity to also add a talented, productive and reliable receiver like Keenan Allen.
24. Indianapolis Colts – Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, Washington
The Colts addressed many needs in free agency this offseason, but they still need help at cornerback. Darius Butler isn't a No. 1 option, and Greg Toler has injury concerns. Trufant has been on the rise since the end of the college season. The Husky's outstanding instincts, awareness speed make him tough to beat one-on-one. He would give the Colts a future shutdown cornerback.
5. Minnesota Vikings – Manti Te'o, Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame
The Vikings tend to really like Notre Dame players. They drafted Kyle Rudolph two years ago and used last year's first-round pick on safety Harrison Smith. Given their need at middle linebacker, Te'o makes a lot of sense. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is one of the most polarizing players in this year's draft. He's not the most athletic and he's not the fastest linebacker but he has a great work ethic, is incredibly instinctive and would become the leader of the Minnesota defense.
26. Green Bay Packers – Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
As much as the Packers need help at running back, offense is not the problem. It's the defense. Werner is being overshadowed by some other pass-rushers in this year's class because he doesn't have great speed or athleticism. However, he has good instincts for the position and would bring a ready-made game to the Packers. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year would make things easier for Clay Matthews.
27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson
The Texans have been trying to find a wide receiver to complement Andre Johnson for a few years now. Hopkins was overshadowed at the beginning of the season by his teammate and future first round pick, Sammy Watkins, but Nuke emerged. Hopkins has strong, reliable hands and attacks the ball. He is the most polished receiver in this year's class and would be perfect playing opposite Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos – Datone Jones, Defensive End, UCLA
The fax fiasco that led to pass rusher Elvis Dumervil being released created a big hole on the Broncos defensive line. I really have no clue what Datone Jones' best position is in the NFL. But I don't care either. I would love to have him on my team. He can play inside or outside. Jones has strength and power and understands how to use his hands to stun and overpower anyone that stands in his way of making a play.
29. New England Patriots – Justin Hunter, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
The Patriots added Danny Amendola this offseason to replace Wes Welker. However, Amendola does his best work lined up inside the formation. Hunter would give the Pats an explosive playmaker on the outside. Even though he had a down year in 2012, Hunter reminded everyone at the Scouting Combine and his Pro Day why he was once looked at as a future star. Hunter has great size, speed and athleticism. Every time the Volunteers got in a clutch situation, quarterback Tyler Bray turned to the reliable pass-catcher, and he moved the chains or found his way to the end zone. He has the tools to be this year's receiver class gem and would create fireworks in Foxboro with Tom Brady.
30. Atlanta Falcons – Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Cornerback, Connecticut
The Falcons secondary wasn't great to begin with and it has gotten worse thanks to free agency. Dunta Robinson went to Kansas City and it looks unlikely that Brent Grimes will return. Playing in a division with tall pass-catchers like Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, Atlanta needs to focus on finding players who can combat that kind of size. Blidi Wreh-Wilson isn't the best cornerback available at this spot but he is one of the few with the size, length and athleticism to handle bigger receivers on the outside.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Jonathan Cyprien, Safety, Florida International
The NFC Champs are loaded with draft picks and could go a number of different ways. Trading up is a possibility. Safety Dashon Goldson left one bay to go to another (Tampa), leaving the Niners with a hole in their secondary. Cyprien plays a bit like Goldson. He is aggressive, never shies away from contact and would be a fit in San Francisco.
32. Baltimore Ravens - Kevin Minter, Inside Linebacker, LSU
The Ravens' list of losses this offseason is long. But it starts up the middle. Ray Lewis retired, and Dannell Ellerbe took his talents to South Beach. Ogletree and Te'o are both off the board, so the Ravens take the next best option to quarterback their new-faced defense. Minter is a bit undersized but he is tough, reliable and instinctive. Sounds like someone else when they were coming into the draft. Someone named Ray Lewis.
Chris Fedor's NFL Draft Top Fives:
• Guards
• Offensive tackles
• Tight ends
• Wide receivers
• Running backs
• Quarterbacks
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