NFL draft preview by CHRIS SMITH
1. 2.
SPEED Luke Joeckel (76), Dion Jordan (96) and Geno Smith (12) are three explosive prospects in the 2013 draft. 20 | T H E V I K I N G |
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Kansas City Chiefs:
(OT, Texas A&M)
Joeckel is the best player in this year’s draft because of his physical play and quickness. He should be able to protect Alex Smith’s blind side for years to come.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
(DE, BYU)
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah has unlimited potential and a defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley who can develop his raw skills into a superstar.
3.
Oakland Raiders:
4.
Philadelphia Eagles:
5.
Detroit Lions:
6.
Cleveland Browns:
7.
Arizona Cardinals:
8.
Buffalo Bills:
9.
New York Jets:
(DT, Utah)
Lotulelei is a beast on the defensive line and should boost a Raiders’ run defense that allowed 118 rushing yards per game last season.
(CB, Alabama)
The Eagles released of their both starting cornerbacks from last season (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha) and Milliner is the best cornerback available.
(DE, Oregon)
The Lions need a replacement for DE/OLB Cliff Avril and more talent on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan can provide both.
(DT, Florida)
Floyd can provide a needed boost to the Browns’ pass rush and can make this defense hard to beat.
(OT, Central Michigan)
The Cardinals allowed 3.6 sacks per game (worst in the NFL), causing quarterbacks John Skelton and Kevin Kolb to run for their lives during most of the season. If Carson Palmer is going to have any success on his new team, the Cardinals need to upgrade their offensive line, and it starts with Fisher.
(QB, West Virginia)
The Bills just signed Kevin Kolb in free agency, but he is only a band-aid for the Bills’ quarterback problems. Smith has the talent to be the long-term solution for the Bills.
(OG, Alabama)
The Jets were 27th in the NFL in sacks allowed per game (2.9), and with no quarterback worth taking, a stud like Warmack will be an instant upgrade for an ailing offensive line.
10. Tennessee Titans:
(CB, Florida State)
The Titans were 25th in the league with 247.3 passing yards allowed per game. Rhodes, a big, physical cornerback, will provide an instant upgrade.