:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6163659/gyi0062076369.0.jpg)
With each passing NFL playoff game, another team is left looking toward the 2013 NFL Draft. The draft order is slowly rounding into form.
Each day also brings with it more underclassmen declaring for the draft, which is giving is a better picture of how the first round will take shape.
Since the order at the bottom of the first round will be determined by the playoff results, I've added an element to this mock draft by predicting the results of the remaining postseason games. Let's have some fun.
1. Kansas City Chiefs - Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
Quarterback is the most important position in football. We all know that by now, but it's worth stressing. A lot has been made about whether or not Geno Smith can become a "franchise" quarterback. I believe he can. He has excellent pocket presence, keeps his eyes downfield and has better deep accuracy than any quarterback in this class. The Chiefs have a solid roster outside of the quarterback position. Why would they pass on the clear-cut top quarterback in the draft?
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
The Jaguars are one of the most difficult teams to mock at this point. The team still needs to find a new general manager, which will also likely mean a new coach. Without knowing the defensive scheme Jacksonville will use in 2013, it's tough to say who this pick will be. Star Lotulelei is the best player in the draft and is versatile enough to play in whichever defensive scheme the Jaguars choose. With Terrance Knighton set to hit free agency and Tyson Alualu struggling through injuries, defensive tackle could be a big need.
3. Oakland Raiders - Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri - Scouting Report
The Raiders desperately need to improve the interior of their defensive line. Sheldon Richardson will blow up the combine after a dominant season at Mizzou. He's disruptive and displayed an improved motor over the course of his career. Richardson is a scheme-versatile defensive tackle who should come off the board in the top 10.
4. Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Jason Peters is a huge question mark at left tackle after his most recent injury. Durability was the biggest issue with Philadelphia's offensive line this season, as injuries made the unit look a lot worse than it was. Still, the Eagles would be wise to take the best tackle prospect in the draft. Joeckel is one of the best players in this draft. He needs to get a bit stronger, but has been a solid blindside protector throughout his career.
5. Detroit Lions - Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State - Scouting Report
The Lions could use an impact pass rusher. Cornerback is the team's biggest need, but Dee Milliner is not worth the No. 5 pick. Werner is the best 4-3 defensive end in the draft, possessing a quick first step and violent hands on the pass rush. He would fit nicely alongside Detroit's big defensive tackles.
6. Cleveland Browns - Damontre Moore, Defensive End, Texas A&M
Damontre Moore has shown a variety of skills in different defensive scheme over the last two seasons for the Aggies. He's an explosive edge rusher with great length. NFL scouts will fall in love with this kid's motor. The Browns' defense is a pass rusher away from being something special.
7. Arizona Cardinals - Tyler Wilson, Quarterback, Arkansas
Tyler Wilson isn't a perfect prospect by any means, but the Arizona Cardinals are desperate at the quarterback position. Wilson has displayed shaky footwork and throwing mechanics this season, which has caused his accuracy to suffer. He isn't the best decision maker, but by all accounts, Wilson works hard in the film room. Don't be surprised if he works his way into this draft spot.
8. Buffalo Bills - Manti Te'o, Linebacker, Notre Dame
The gap between Manti Te'o and the next best linebacker in this draft isn't massive, but he is still a big-time prospect at a position where the Bills have a huge hole. As we saw with Luke Kuechly last year, inside linebackers can still come off the board in the top 10.
9. New York Jets - Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon - Scouting Report
Dion Jordan is another prospect I expect to rise throughout the process. The only thing holding him back form being a top 10 pick is his shoulder injury, which NFL teams will surely monitor for the next few months. The Jets need an impact player on defense, and Jordan fits the bill. He's a phenomenal athlete in coverage and can rush the edge as well as anyone in this class. Rex Ryan could do wonders with Jordan on his defense.
10. Tennessee Titans - Ziggy Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
Kamerion Wimbley is pushing 30, and Derrick Morgan has been solid but unspectacular. The Titans could use some help on the edge, and Ziggy Ansah has the upside to be an impact player at defensive end. He is still new to football, but Ansah's game is surprisingly refined.
11. San Diego Chargers - Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
While many think Jake Matthews will return to school for his senior season, nothing is official as of this writing. He's a top 10 talent and would have a chance to be drafted in the top five in 2014 with a strong senior season. The Chargers haven't invested a high draft choice in the offensive line in quite a while, and the on the field product has suffered as a result. Matthews would be a perfect fit.
12. Miami Dolphins - Jarvis Jones, Linebacker, Georgia
Concerns about Jarvis Jones' spinal stenosis could definitely drop him on draft day. I can't speak to the nature of that injury, but NFL teams will certainly do their due diligence. Health issues aside, Jones is an explosive edge rusher who lacks the strength to get after the passer if he doesn't beat his man to the edge. The Dolphins could use another pass rusher, so Jones would be a welcome addition if he falls to this spot.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Buccaneers' secondary was embarrassing this season. Dee Milliner slides a bit in this mock, and Tampa Bay can't complain. Milliner may not have shutdown potential in the NFL, but he's a solid corner who plays the game with a physical edge.
14. Carolina Panthers - Jesse Williams, Defensive Tackle, Alabama - Scouting Report
The Panthers definitely need an upgrade at defensive tackle. Despite an improvement down the stretch, the Panthers struggled to stop the run this season. Jesse Williams is a monster on the inside, who holds the point of attack as well as any player in the draft.
15. New Orleans Saints - Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End, LSU
Barkevious Mingo exploded in the Chik-fil-A Bowl, looking like the player everyone expected to see all season. He has ridiculous length and so much explosion off the edge. Some may question whether or not he can play in a 4-3 defense, but the Saints need playmakers on defense. They will find a spot for Mingo.
16. St. Louis Rams - Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
The Rams are taking steps in the right direction. The offensive line needs to start progressing if the team is going to continue to maneuver its way through a tough NFC West. Chance Warmack is a mauler on the inside. He's a rare guard prospect, making him worthy of consideration in the middle of the first round.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
The Steelers' offensive line once again struggled this season, due more to injuries than anything else. Mike Adams performed well at times, but will probably be a right tackle throughout his career. Michigan's Taylor Lewan showed a lot of good things when matched up against Jadeveon Clowney in the Capital One Bowl. He would be a huge upgrade on the left side.
18. Dallas Cowboys - Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC
Tony Romo doesn't get the credit he deserves. He carried the Cowboys in the second half of the season but shoulder all of the blame for them coming up short. His tenure in Dallas could unfairly come to an end this offseason. If it does, Matt Barkley reeks of a Jerry Jones pick.
19. New York Giants - Sam Montgomery, Defensive End, LSU
The Giants' pass rush is slowly getting old. It's always tough to predict what direction the Giants will go in the draft, but defensive end seems like a good bet in 2013. Sam Montgomery was disappointing this season, appearing stiff due to some added weight. He still has some upside as a pass rusher and is stout against the run. His stock has cooled off, but Montgomery should still be drafted in the first round.
20. Chicago Bears - Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
Jonathan Cooper is an impressive prospect. He is as athletic as any guard I've ever studied and would do wonders for a Bears offensive line that has struggled in recent years. This pick would make a lot of sense.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Kansas State
With all of the top pass rushers off the board, the Bengals could try and address the inside linebacker spot. Arthur Brown is the complete package an inside linebacker. He may be small, but he doesn't play small, shedding blocks with ease and using his terrific play recognition to fill lanes in the running game. He's also a tremendous cover man with fluid hips in the open field.
22. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins) - Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
The Rams offensive line issues can't be solved with one first round pick. Using both picks on the offensive line would be a wise investment. Eric Fisher is a technically sound lineman who has flashed athleticism and has the ability to anchor on the left side. The Rams could solidify the offensive line with Warmack and Fisher.
23. Minnesota Vikings - Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California - Scouting Report
The Vikings were completely one dimensional in the second half of the season after losing Percy Harvin due to injury. Minnesota needs to find another wide receiver this offseason, and with Keenan Allen still on the board, this pick is a no-brainer. Allen is a solid athlete who is the most physical wide receiver in the draft. He understands how to get body position and is dangerous after the catch.
24. Indianapolis Colts - Oday Aboushi, Offensive Tackle, Virginia
Oday Aboushi is an intriguing prospect. He has outstanding athleticism and just needs some seasoning to become a quality tackle in the NFL. The Colts desperately need help on the offensive line, so this pick would make a ton of sense for them.
25. Seattle Seahawks - DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson
DeAndre Hopkins was Clemson's best wide receiver this season. He runs outstanding routes, consistently catches with his hands and has tremendous body control. Everything about his game is efficient. The Seahawks aren't exactly starving for wide receivers, but Hopkins would be a big addition to this offense.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Kevin Minter, Linebacker, LSU
On a defense filled with big names, linebacker Kevin Minter stood out on a weekly basis. Ray Lewis is fading off into the sunset, so why not draft his replacement?
27. Houston Texans - Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
Tavon Austin's athleticism is almost unfair. He changes direction with ease and has breakaway speed. That combination makes him an excellent route runner and a dangerous player after the catch. The Texans' offense desperately needs some explosiveness, especially at wide receiver. Andre Johnson can't do it all himself.
28. San Francisco 49ers - Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
The 49ers are a team of few weaknesses, but the secondary could use a bit of work. Xavier Rhodes is a lengthy cornerback who plays with an edge on the outside. He's the type of athlete that could take this secondary to another level.
29. Denver Broncos - Johnthan Banks, Cornerback, Mississippi State
A plus athlete who is often too aggressive for his own good, Johnathan Banks is a player I expect to fall a bit on draft day. His athleticism keeps him in the first round for now, as the Broncos could use a bit more of that in their secondary.
30. Atlanta Falcons - Larry Warford, Guard, Kentucky
Peter Konz hasn't worked out at guard. He gets pushed around far too often, and the Falcons need to address that spot on the offensive line. Enter Larry Warford, who is a monster. His playing strength might be better than any player in this draft. Warford also showed some underrated athleticism this season. The Falcons would welcome him with open arms.
31. New England Patriots - Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
The Patriots need to keep injecting the secondary with talent until it is no longer a weakness. New England has improved on the back end but still lacks fire power. Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro grades out as the top prospect in a deep class of safeties. He's versatile, which is Bill Belichick's favorite quality.
32. Green Bay Packers - Barrett Jones, Center, Alabama
The Jeff Saturday experiment did not work out for the Packers this season. Is Barrett Jones worth a first round pick? He'll have a chance to prove it in the National Championship game on Monday night.