2013 NFL mock draft: Luke Joeckel to Kansas City Chiefs

Welcome, friends, to the 2013 SB Nation NFL Writers' Mock Draft! This is the eighth straight year that the NFL bloggers of SB Nation have banded together to represent the team they cover in an annual two-round mock draft; this year, that draft begins today and will roll out three picks per day straight through April 18.

That process begins, of course, with the first overall pick held by the Kansas City Chiefs. As it happens, that pick has already been delivered to the podium...

Pick	Player	Position	Height	Weight	Class
1. Kansas City Chiefs	Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M	OT	6'6"	306	JR
Joel Thorman: "Following the surprise release of Eric Winston, the Chiefs were faced with three big needs: cornerback, defensive end and offensive tackle. Cornerback was addressed with Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith, and Mike DeVito slides in at defensive end - which leaves offensive tackle as the big hole. Andy Reid's pass-heavy offense will value Joeckel, who will start his career on the right side of the line opposite Branden Albert. Joeckel then becomes insurance on the left side if Albert leaves the Chiefs via free agency in 2014."

Here's our own Dan Kadar to break down the pick:

Unless the Chiefs really fall for someone like Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei (who can play multiple positions), offensive tackle is the way to go here. Then the issue comes down to choosing between Joeckel and Central Michigan's Eric Fisher.

The argument for Fisher is that he's the higher-upside player. He's more athletic and seems to get to the edge faster. He also has some experience playing right tackle at CMU. Joeckel, who is rated as our No. 1 player in the 2013 NFL Draft, is more pro-ready. He's a better pass and run blocker, and more of a technician.

With that, we're off and rolling. The Jacksonville Jaguars, repped by Alfie Crow at Big Cat Country, are now on the proverbial clock; their pick will come in at Noon.

Top 5 Players Remaining