NFL Mock Draft 2013: San Diego Chargers select…

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it means that the only thing on NFL fans’ minds is the NFL Draft. Let’s take a look into the first round.

1. Kansas City (2-14)

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) warms up prior to the start of the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Syracuse Orange at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Geno Smith, QB
School: WVU

Andy Reid has taken over in Kansas City. The last time he took over a team, he drafted Donovan McNabb. Geno Smith is everything that McNabb was and more.

He’s mobile, accurate, and a great decision maker. Reid’s problem with mobil quarterbacks in the past has been that they’ve had a run-first mentality. You won’t get that with Smith but if he needs to take off, he can.

2. Jacksonville (2-14)
Player: Bjoern Werner, DE
School: FSU

Werner is one of the best players at one the deepest positions in this year’s draft: defensive end. The Jaguars have said that they plan on letting Gabbert keep control of the quarterback position and with a defense who struggled to get to the quarterback last season, Werner would be the best choice here at the second pick.

3. Oakland (4-12)
Player: Dee Milliner, CB
School: Alabama

The Raiders haven’t been very good in the secondary since losing Nnamdi Asomugha. It makes sense that they would draft Milliner here. Milliner has good size, speed, and feet. He could be a game changer at the corner position.

4. Philadelphia (4-12)
Player: Luke Joeckel, OT
School: Texas A&M

Joeckel has been raved about as being the best player in this draft. The Eagles offensive line, especially the tackle position, could benefit greatly from this pick. Joeckel could play either side of the line and could take over for Jason Peters if his injury bug kicks back in.

5. Detroit (4-12)
Player: Damontre Moore, DE
School: Texas A&M

Moore is as about as much of an explosive player as you can get on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions should take him here to solidify their pass rush with Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. Moore can jump back at the linebacker spot if he has to. He’ll do whatever it takes to get after the quarterback.

6. Cleveland (5-11)
Player: Jarvis Jones, OLB
School: Georgia

Jones is a physical player with high risk, high reward. He can rush off the edge or he can plug up the middle to stop the run. The Browns have a young offense in place, now they’ll look to focus on the defense. Jones would be a good place to start.

7. Arizona (5-11)
Player: Eric Fisher, OT
School: Central Michigan

It doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback for Arizona if they don’t have somone to block for them. Fisher proved in the Senior Bowl that he has what it takes and that’ll be enough for the Cardinals to take him here.

8. Buffalo (6-10)
Player: Mike Glennon, QB
School: NC State

With Smith off the board, Glennon is the next best option at quarterback. The Bills need some competition for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Look back to the Philip Rivers/ Drew Brees case. Brees had one of the best seasons of his career in San Diego when he was pushed. The Bills will do the same thing here with Glennon, then groom him to take over.

9. New York Jets (6-10)
Player: Barkevious Mingo, OLB
School: LSU

Mingo is physical. That’s all there is to it. He has great speed off the edge and he can drop back into coverage. The Jets have been lacking a player like this. He reminds me of Bruce Irvin of the Seahawks.

10. Tennessee (6-10)
Player: Kenny Vaccaro, S
School: Texas

Vaccaro is undoubtedly the best safety in the draft. The Titans have positions wide open in their secondary. While they’ll likely make some free agency moves, still look for them to take Vaccaro here because of his coverage skills and run stopping abilities.

11. San Diego (7-9)

Jan 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A

Player: Lane Johnson, OT
School: Oklahoma

After a good performance at the Senior Bowl, Johnson can justify the pick her at number 11. The Chargers certainly need help on the offensive line and with Jared Gaither

becoming a liability, the Chargers should take Johnson here. Philip Rivers needs protection and Johnson can provide that help.

12. Miami (7-9)
Player: Eric Reid, S
School: LSU

The Dolphins might be reaching with this pick but they need secodary help. There isn’t really any notable players at the safety position for Miami. Reid has great size and speed for a safety and he could even step in at corner if he needs to.

13. Tampa Bay (7-9)
Player: Jonathan Banks, CB
School: Mississippi State

Banks fills a much needed hole here for the Bucs. Banks is quick and can make an immediate impact.

14. Carolina (7-9)
Player: Johnathan Hankins, DT
School: Ohio State

The Panthers have numerous defensive tackles on the roster that just need to go somewhere else. None of them have produced and most of them have been injured. Hankins is a massive athlete who can help Carolina stop the run, something they haven’t been very good at on the defensive line since their Super Bowl run.

15. New Orleans (7-9)
Player: Dion Jordan, OLB 
School: Oregon

Dion Jordan is one of the top prospects in the draft that’s filled with pass rushers. Jordan is another one of those hybrid guys that the NFL just loves to talk about. He can step up on the line or stand up as a linebacker. The Saints are switching schemes most likely and Jordan is a great player to build around.

16. St. Louis (7-8-1)
Player: Chance Warmack, OG
School: Alabama

Warmack is the exception to the rule when it comes to drafting guards this high. He’s one of those guys who will come in and work his tail off for his quarterback. Sam Bradford can throw the ball when he has time but that rarely seems to happen. With Warmack anchoring the middle of the Rams’ offensive line, Bradford just might have time to put the ball in the air.