Top-15 Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB 6’4 235, Stanford University
There is not much to say here. Luck has been the top prospect of the last two drafts. It looks like the Colts are headed for a major overhaul and Peyton Manning will not be part of the rebuilding process. This pick is a no brainer.

2. St. Louis Rams – Matt Kalil, OT 6’7 295, University of Southern California
The St. Louis Rams offense was hard to watch last year. Sam Bradford was constantly hurt and when he did play, he did not player very well. A large part of this was his lack of targets. Justin Blackmon could be the pick here but if Bradford can not stay healthy, having Blackmon does not mean much. Matt Kalil should be the pick. In any other draft he would likely be the top prospect. Rams do yourselves a favor and keep Bradford off the turf.

3. Minnesota Vikings – Justin Blackmon, WR 6’1 211, Oklahoma State University
The Vikings are in a unique position. They are clearly in the process of rebuilding but it is not a complete overhaul. Christian Ponder showed promise last year so there is no need to pull the gun on RG3. Justin Blackmon can be Ponder’s go-to guy for years to come and would present a nice compliment to Percy Harvin.

4. Cleveland Browns – Robert Griffith III, QB 6’1 218, Baylor University
The Cleveland Browns should have another solid draft, thanks to the trade they made with the Falcons last year. Colt McCoy can still be an NFL starter but will he ever be a franchise quarterback? It can be assumed the Browns will answer no to that question, which is why they can not pass on RG3.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB 6’0 173, Louisiana State University
The Bucs have a lot of gaping holes on their roster. They need explosiveness on offense, and help everywhere on defense. Trent Richardson would be a solid pick here but the bigger need is at corner back. There is no telling when Ronde Barber will retire and Aqib Talib’s off the field troubles could force him off the team.

6. Washington Redskins – Riley Reiff, OT 6’6 300, Iowa University
The Redskins would love to strike a deal that would put them in place to land RG3. I doubt they will be able to jump in front of the Browns. We know they will target a QB either in the draft or in free agency but who ever their next franchise guy is, he will need protection. Riley Reiff will seal the right side of the line.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinton Coples, DE 6’5 280, University of North Carolina
Jacksonville needs immediate help on offense. Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew their offense was…as Bill Simmons once said…Poo Poo Platter. Unfortunately, at this stage in the first round, the value is in defensive players. Jags should take Quinton Coples, a player who scouts question his motor but has a huge ceiling. He dominated in the Senior Bowl, which is very encouraging.

8. Carolina Panthers – Michael Brockers, DT 6’6 305, Louisiana State University
The Panthers surprised a lot of people this year. It appears they found a gem in Cam Newton. This year they should focus on getting him more targets at receiver and revamping the defense. No better place to start on your defense than it’s core. Michael Brockers should be able to control the middle, to help solidify their front.

9. Miami Dolphins – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB 6’1 275, University of South Carolina
Any fan of SEC football knows that Melvin Ingram is a monster. Right now scouts believe he will be a hybrid OLB/DE. I think he will ultimately be a Justin Tuck type of player that can play any position on the defensive line in certain situations.

10. Buffalo Bills – Courtney Upshaw, OLB 6’1 273, Alabama University
The Bills pass rush was absolutely horrible. There was not one player on their defense that tallied at least 6 sacks last season. Last year they upgraded up front by picking Marcel Dareus. This year they need to upgrade the linebacking core and pass rush. Courtney Upshaw should be an instant impact player.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Richardson, RB 5’11 225, Alabama University
Trent Richardson is a top-4 talent in this draft. He is a sure thing at running back with his combination of strength, speed and agility. What will likely hurt him is that running backs are not valued very high anymore. I suspect a lot of teams will pass on Richardson and address a position with a higher value at the top of the draft. Trent Richardson is a player I can see a team moving up for in the top-10 to take. If not, he could slip to the Chiefs.

12. Seattle Seahawks – Nick Perry, DE 6’3 250, University of Southern California
The Southern Cal standout is definitely on Pete Carroll’s radar. The two already have player-coach chemistry and Perry would address a major need on the Seahawks defensive line.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Martin, OT 6’6 305, Stanford University
There have been rumors that the Cardinals will be targeting a new quarterback for next season. Peyton Manning has been one of the names whispered. No matter who the QB is, he will need protection. Offensive tackle makes sense for them.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB 6’2 190, Alabama University
The Cowboys could use this pick to sure up their offensive line, but corner back is a bigger need. Terrence Newman should not be a starting cornerback in the NFL and Mike Jenkins is coming off a poor injury riddled season. Dre Kirkpatrick could be a starter immediately.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Kuechly, MLB 6’2 235, Boston College
It is no secret that the weakest group on the Eagles roster was the linebacking core. They were astonishingly terrible. Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine with a high motor. He has the ability to run that defense for many years.

--Justin Lovett
@J_Lovett26