This year's NFL Draft is only weeks away and in what has turned into a 3-day affair, the event is something football fans look forward to every year, hoping their team selects the next star.
The first two selections from last year's draft went on to have stellar rookie seasons as top pick Andrew Luck guided the Indianapolis Colts back to the postseason while Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 selection Robert Griffin III gave Washington Redskins fans a reason to believe, taking the 'Skins to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
The 2013 edition of the Draft begins on April 25th and is chock full of solid talent poised to continue the rich tradition of the NFL.
In Part I of a two-part series, here's a Mock NFL Draft featuring selections 1 through 16. Check back tomorrow for picks 17 through 32.
1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT Texas A&M
Kansas City looked like a desperate team at the conclusion of the 2012 season but the hiring of new head coach Andy Reid and some tremendous off-season acquisitions including the signing of cornerback Dunta Robinson and trading for quarterback Alex Smith was a great first step. Bolstering the offensive line with a 6'6", 310-pound tackle in Luke Joeckel would certainly be another move in the right direction.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, DE Oregon
Jacksonville has unproven commodities in quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne in addition to areas of need all across their defense. Someone who has shot up draft boards in recent weeks is Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan. A freak of an athlete, Jordan can provide the spark Jacksonville fans have been waiting for.
3. Oakland Raiders - Star Lotulelei, DT Utah
With the recent acquisition of QB Matt Flynn, Oakland has no need to draft a QB in this slot. Star Lotulelei will instantaneously provide the Raiders with much-needed physicality as someone who can stuff the run and get to the oppositions quarterback.
4. Philadelphia Eagles - Sharrif Floydt, DT Florida
While first-year head coach Chip Kelly will be tempted to select the explosive Geno Smith to run his read-option spread offense, the safe choice here is Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd. The Eagles produced 30 sacks as a team last season and a player like Floyd should be able to get up the middle and get to the QB, increasing the chances for more sacks. A disruptive player up the middle can also help create turnovers against any team.
5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT Central Michigan
Outside of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the Lions' most valuable asset is quarterback Matthew Stafford. In order to provide their QB with added protection and greater opportunities to get the ball to the Lions playmakers, the selection of OT Eric Fisher would be a tremendous get with the 5th overall selection.
6. Cleveland Browns - Dee Milliner, CB Alabama
Locking up quarterback Brandon Weeden through last year's draft, the Cleveland Browns could be in the market for some extra support in their secondary. Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner is the first option that comes to mind. The combination of speed and tremendous ball skills Milliner developed under Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban will help the talented Milliner bring the Cleveland Browns back to relevancy.
7. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Cooper, OG North Carolina
Carson Palmer will most likely begin the season under center for Arizona. Keeping him upright will be a priority come draft day and the selection of Jonathan Cooper, an offensive guard from North Carolina, will help in that regard. Cooper has rare hand size and shows a great ability to block in both the running and passing games.
8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB Syracuse
With former Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone now in Buffalo, SU quarterback Ryan Nassib will re-join his college coach and take over the reins in Buffalo. The Bills released QB Ryan Fitzpatrick a few weeks ago and instead of taking the highly-regarded Geno Smith, Buffalo reunites Marrone with his former quarterback.
9. New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE LSU
While quarterback Mark Sanchez struggled last season with an inability to get the offense clicking at any time, the Jets struggled mightily up front on defense. Drafting a stud 6'4", 215-pound defensive end can only help the situation. Pairing LSU's Barkevious Mingo with rising star Muhammed Wilkerson along the defensive line will give the Jets nice, young talent to build their defense around.
10. Tennessee Titans - Ezekiel Ansah, DE BYU
Looking to revert back to the days when Jevon Kearse was terrorizing quarterbacks coming off the edge, the Titans will select a defensive end with this pick. BYU end Ezekiel Ansah is shooting up draft boards everywhere and he will give Tennessee the quick and physical athlete they desire for their defensive line.
11. San Diego Chargers - Lane Johnson, OT Oklahoma
The Chargers have multiple areas of need on both sides of the ball but adding a physical guard capable of protecting from either side while opening up the running game will be their top priority come draft day. That being said, San Diego selects Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson.
12. Miami Dolphins - Xavier Rhodes, CB Florida State
The Dolphins are having one of the best off-season's in recent memory, signing star wide out Mike Wallace and adding veteran depth in tight end Dustin Keller and cornerback Brent Grimes. Seeking additional help in the secondary, Xavier Rhodes of Florida State would be a great choice. With over 100 tackles and 8 interceptions in his three-year career with the Seminoles, Xavier Rhodes appears to be the perfect fit for a rising Miami Dolphins organization.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sheldon Richardson, DT Missouri
Looking to bulk up along the defensive front, Tampa Bay will select Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Pairing him with Gerald McCoy along the line will create mismatch opportunities while driving opposing offenses crazy, forcing them to change blocking schemes.
14. Carolina Panthers - Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia
Last year's first round selection of linebacker Luke Kuechly worked wonders for the Panthers as the rookie linebacker amassed over 100 tackles. Look for Carolina to go a similar route this year with the selection of Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. Feeling comfortable with their offense led by quarterback Cam Newton, the Panthers will select the former Georgia standout, a player with the ability to get every offensive lineman moving backwards each and every down.
15. New Orleans Saints - Kenny Vaccaro, S Texas
Although the Saints had no trouble scoring during a tumultuous 2012 campaign, the defense struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard and consistently allowed big plays. Selecting Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro will be a big step in solving major problems within the defense, a unit that ranked 31st in points allowed last season, surrendering over 28 per game.
16. St. Louis Rams - Tavon Austin, WR West Virginia
Looking to build off a decent 2012 season under head coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams are in the market for another weapon who can help quarterback Sam Bradford. Tavon Austin of West Virginia fits perfectly at No. 16. The speedy receiver hauled in 12 touchdowns in his final year at WVU and totaled over 1,200 yards receiving. The loss of receiver Danny Amendola stings, but filling the void left with Austin will certainly help close the wound.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for picks 17 through 32.
RELATED: 2013 NFL Draft Predictions: Will the Philadelphia Eagles Draft Geno Smith?
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