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ESPN NFL draft insider Mel Kiper released his updated mock draft on Thursday to give us the most recent look at the direction teams could be headed in a few weeks. There aren’t many surprises in Kiper’s draft. In fact, Kiper’s top ten features five picks that are the same as my most recent mock draft here on FanSided.com.
What direction does Kiper have your team going? Here is a look at his updated top ten:
1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
My thoughts: This pick is a no-brainer. No matter where you look, Joeckel is being mocked to the Chiefs and seems like a shoe-in for their pick when they hand in their card.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
My thoughts: Ansah is one of the most intriguing prospects this year and has unbelievable upside. For a team that is in desperate need of help at defensive end, taking a promising prospect like Ansah could help solidify the position on their roster.
3. Oakland Raiders – Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
My thoughts: This is a pick that has been mocked for weeks and is the consensus among the draftnick community. Floyd is the top interior defensive lineman in this year’s draft class and he is a perfect fit.
4. Philadelphia Eagles – Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
My thoughts: Geno Smith has drawn interest from a number of teams in the top ten, but there are few teams who’s interest seems as sincere as the Eagles. Philadelphia even sent owner Jeffrey Lurie out to visit Smith’s Pro Day at West Virginia. The only other time Lurie went to meet with a prospect was a player by the name of Donovan McNabb.
5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
My thoughts: Detroit has their eyes on Ansah and the coaching staff is very familiar with him after spending the week with him in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. With Ansah off the board, Detroit could focus on further improving their secondary. Milliner is the best corner in this year’s draft, so he would make perfect sense.
6. Cleveland Browns – Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker, Oregon
My thoughts: The team would love to have Milliner with this pick, but Jordan isn’t a bad fallback option. He can rush the passer and drop back in coverage with the best of them.
7. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
My thoughts: There seems to be every indication that the Arizona Cardinals will be heading in to the season with Carson Palmer as the team’s starting quarterback. This doesn’t mean that the team won’t look to address the position later in the draft, but they need to protect whoever lines up under center and Fisher is an elite tackle that is capable of doing just that.
8. Buffalo Bills – Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
My thoughts: Cooper is quickly gaining momentum as the top guard in this year’s class thanks to his elite athleticism and footwork. It would be a great pick for the Bills who are looking to replace Andy Levitre.
9. New York Jets – Barkevious Mingo, Outside Linebacker, LSU
My thoughts: Mingo is an athletic freak and one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft class. The Jets are either going to go guard or linebacker with this pick and this is the wise choice with pass rusher as a premium position. Check out my scouting report on Mingo here.
10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
My thoughts: Despite spending a lot of money on Andy Levitre, the Titans offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. Warmack is a special prospect and one of the best guards to come around in quite some time. If you pair him with Levitre, the Titans have a punishing interior line and could really open things up for the redzone rushing offense with Shonne Green among other aspects of their offense.
You can view the full two-round mock draft here.
What do you think of the direction Kiper has your team looking in the first-round of the draft?
