Archived Mock Draft (Steve): Round 1, (9/25)

Archived Mock Draft (Steve): Round 1, (9/25)

*Please Note: You’re looking at an archived post! Links to Steve’s most recent mock drafts are below.

Steve Shoup’s Updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 | Round 1 Picks 17-32 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |

Picks: 1-16, 17-32 Also Check Out Fanspeak’s NFL Draft Blog

1. Oakland Raiders- QB Matt Barkley, USC

-Quarterback fugues to be near the top of the Raiders to do list next April. Carson Palmer isn’t a long term answer and Pryor already seems like a bust. Barkley probably isn’t the top player in the draft, but he should be the top quarterback. He’ll give the Raiders a signal caller who can help ignite a fan base, and hopefully turn their fortunes around..

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

-The Jaguars are a team that needs a lot, but I’m not sure if they will be ready to pull the trigger on a new quarterbback (arguably their biggest need). That makes me think they will focus on the defensive side of the ball with this pick. Jarvis Jones is an elite pass rusher and should have an impact similar to Von Miller for the Broncos two years ago.

3. Cleveland Browns- DE Bjoren Werner, FSU

-The Browns could go either direction, but given that their second rounder is already committed to WR Josh Gordon, I’m thinking they look defense here. It is too early to consider a linebacker or even a cornerback, which leads me to believe the Browns will take a top pass rusher. Bjoren Werner and Barkevious Mingo are the top two options, and either one would make sense here. Werner would probably fit a 4 man front better (though the Browns would still need to be creative). .

4. Kansas City Chiefs- QB Geno Smith, WVU

–Geno Smith is going to be a legit top 5 pick if he keeps this up, and he’d be an excellent selection for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have a lot of overall talent but just seem to be lacking that quarterback to get them over the top..

5. Minnesota Vikings-WR Robert Woods, USC

–Keenan Allen will deserve some consideration, but Robert Woods appears to be the best wide receiver in college football. Allen may have more big play ability, but Woods is more NFL ready, and will give Christian Ponder a target that he’s been lacking.

6. Indianapolis Colts- DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

-The Colts need a man in the middle of their new 3-4 and this draft has couple good nose tackle prospects. Lotulelei probably is the best, and should fit in well in the Colts scheme.

7. Tennessee Titans- OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

-The Titans could look offensive line here, but I think they will add a pass rusher to improve their defense which has struggled to get after the quarterback. Mingo is an elite talent and could be a steal for the Titans at this spot.

8. Miami Dolphins- WR Keenan Allen, Cal

-The Dolphins need to come away from this draft with a big play receiver, and that is exactly what Allen brings to the table. He’d be a perfect target for Ryan Tannehill, and could jump start the Dolphins passing attack.

9. St. Louis Rams- S Eric Reid, LSU

-The Rams need some help at their backend, and Reid looks to be an elite safety prospect. With an extra pick the Rams can be a bit more daring here and go for high upside..

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

-Donald Penn is a good tackle, but not a star. He’d be better suited at right tackle where he could be more dominant. Joeckel is the best tackle prospect in this class and should be considered a steal for the Buccaneers at the 10th pick. A 2013 line of Joeckel, Carl Nicks, Jeremy Zuttah, Davin Joesph, and Penn could perhaps be the most talented in the NFL, and will make Doug Martin a very happy man.

11. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins)- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan

-The Rams rebuild looks to be ahead of schedule, but they are still lacking an offensive line. Scott Wells should be back and fine next year, and Roger Saffold looks solid (though perhaps a move to RT would benefit him. Bring in Taylor Lewan who is more raw than a Jake Long, but has elite LT upside. If the Rams can start winning some battles in the trenches imagine how good Sam Bradford could be?

12. Buffalo Bills- QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

-The Bills will probably look to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick in this draft and a high upside guy like Tyler Bray makes a lot of sense. Bray could grow with the young weapons the Bills have assembled to give them a very bright future.

13. New York Jets- QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

-It’s about time for the Mark Sanchez era in New York to come to an end, so adding a quarterback would be wise. Wilson doesn’t always play up to his potential, but if he were a bit more consistent he’d be challenging Matt Barkley and Geno Smith for the top quarterback spot.

14. Carolina Panthers- DT Jonathan Hankins, Ohio State

-The Panthers defensive tackles have been their weakness the last couple of years and should be their target with this pick. Hankins would be a nice addition as he’s a very active lineman who gives opposing interior linemen headaches. He’s also a steal outside the top 10 picks.

15. New Orleans Saints- DE Sam Montgomery, LSU

-This could be a down year for the Saints, but on the positive side they could get a top 15 talent. Sam Montgomery is just that as he’s nearly as good as a pass rusher as his LSU teammate Mingo. New Orleans defense struggles to get after the quarterback, which is why a pass rusher like Montgomery is key.

16. Seattle Seahawks- LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

-The Seahawks would love to add a player like Manti Te’o, who in addition to being a stud player on the field is a good character guy and team leader off the field. The Seahawks need more guys like that, which makes Te’o a great player for them.