Archived Mock Draft: Picks 1-16, 12/03

Archived Mock Draft: Picks 1-16, 12/03/2012

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1. Jacksonville- LB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

-The Jaguars need to get more pressure on the quarterback, and while they have needs elsewhere, adding a pass rusher here makes a lot of sense. Jones should be an automatic double digit sack machine, something that is sorely needed for the Jags.

2. Kansas City Chiefs- QB Geno Smith, WVU

–Geno Smith isn’t as good as some quarterbacks who have gone top 5 in recent years, but he’s actually still pretty advanced. The Chiefs have a pretty set offense (assuming Bowe comes back) and are just missing that guy behind center. Smith should do well in a Kansas City offense that is more fun oriented, and could help Kansas City get back to contention.

3. Carolina- DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

-The Panthers luck into probably the best player in this entire draft class and one that also fills their biggest need. Lotulelei would be a major improvement inside for the Panthers and could really turn this defense into a top unit.

4. Oakland- LB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

-The Raiders pass rush needs to improve next season if they want to be able to consistently stop the pass. Adding a disruptor like Mingo is key, for the Raiders plan to get after the quarterback..

5. Philadelphia- LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

-This is probably too early to draft a quarterback, and I don’t know if the team would take either an offensive lineman or defensive linemen here. I think though they would be quite happy to add a defensive leader and star like Manti Te’o. Though Philly’s linebackers are improving, adding a guy like Te’o would be huge.

6. Cleveland-DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

-The Browns need to get after the quarterback with greater consistency, so adding a top pass rusher like Moore would be a smart play. Cleveland has some offensive needs, but I think this high in the draft you go with impact.

7.  San Diego- OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

-Not many positives can come from the Chargers season, but landing the top offensive tackle to protect Phillip Rivers blind side would help. Rivers has regressed these last couple of years as the line has broken down, but is still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league when you give him time. San Deigo has to make that a priority this offseason.

8. Arizona- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

The Cardinals have to invest heavily in rebuilding their offensive line and that starts by landing a franchise LT. Lewan can be that guy for the Cardinals and help protect  who ever is under center next year.

9. Detroit- CB Dee Millner, Alabama

-The Lions secondary is still their weakest link and should be the focus of their offseason. Millner has number 1 corner ability, and really nice size, giving the Lions a lot of potential here.

10. Tennessee- S Eric Reid, LSU

-The Titans safeties have been a bit of a problem this year, and Tennessee could opt to take the top safety in the draft with Reid. They could be intrigued by some offensive linemen or defensive linemen as well, but Reid is a great pick.

11. Buffalo- WR Keenan Allen, Cal

-Quarterback could be tempting, but it could be hard for Buffalo to pass up on the top receiver in the draft. Adding Allen to Stevie Johnson and C.J. Spiller, would give the Bills a great offensive weapon core for their new quarterback to work with.

12. New York Jets- QB Matt Barkley, USC

-Mark Sanchez has become untenable in New York, and Tim Tebow is not the answer at quarterback. The Jets may want to avoid the draft route after the Sanchez failure, but they might not have much of a choice. It’s the cheapest way to add a starting caliber quarterback, and New York doesn’t figure to be in a strong salary cap position due to some poor contracts. Matt Barkley has fallen down the prospect radar, and in many ways this is a reach pick, but New York is a team that could make a play on him.

13. New Orleans-DE Bjoern Werner, FSU

-The Saints clearly need some help on defense, and that starts up front. Yes their secondary has gotten torched some, but much of that has to do with allowing too much time in the pocket for the opposing quarterback. Werner gives them that edge rusher, and hopefully difference maker.

14. Miami- WR Robert Woods, USC

–Robert Woods may be one of the more underrated players coming out this year. He’s fallen down draft boards for not being “fast”, but that simply isn’t true. He might not be a burner, but Woods can get plenty of separation, and has very impressive hands. He’d be a great weapon for Ryan Tannehill to grow with.

15. St. Louis (via Wash.)- DT John Jenkins, Georgia

-The Rams reshaped their defensive tackles this past year, but could look to add another piece here with Jenkins. With defensive tackle being a rotational position, you need to be at least three deep, and Jenkins gives St. Louis another big body in the middle. It’s not the Rams biggest need, but it’s great value here.

16. St. Louis- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan

-Jeff Fisher found a lot of success relying on Bruce Matthews as his top offensive linemen in Houston/Tennessee, and could turn to his son to help build up the St. Louis Rams. Matthews projects as a LT in the NFL and should be a welcome sight for Sam Bradford.