Pages

2013 NFL mock draft: Geno Smith in top 10?

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith (13) throws a pass during the combine. Could the Bills be interested in him with the No. 8 pick? (Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights
  • The Chiefs have plenty of options at No. 1, but Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel might be the call
  • Geno Smith figures to be the top quarterback and could be a fit for the Bills
  • Manti Te'o's stock is in flux, but the Ravens could draft him as a replacement for Ray Lewis

    1. Kansas City Chiefs

    T Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M: The Chiefs are a potential landing spot for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. Joeckel would offer him or any QB good protection.

    2. Jacksonville Jaguars

    DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State: Werner proved himself as one of the best 4-3 ends at the combine, a desperate need for the Jaguars.

    3. Oakland Raiders

    DT Star Lotulelei, Utah: Pending further diagnoses on his heart condition, Lotulelei could dominate the line of scrimmage.

    LOTULELEI: Top DT leaves combine

    4. Philadelphia Eagles

    DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon: Jordan is a natural fit for the 3-4 defense and a good fit for Chip Kelly, his former college coach.

    5. Detroit Lions

    CB Dee Milliner, Alabama: Milliner, the top cornerback in the draft, will be a Week 1 starter.

    6. Cleveland Browns

    DE Barkevious Mingo, LSU: Mingo's combine workout awed NFL teams. He would fill a pair of defensive needs for the Browns.

    7. Arizona Cardinals

    T Eric Fisher, Central Michigan: Quarterback is a consideration, but Fisher is too good to pass up.

    8. Buffalo Bills

    QB Geno Smith, West Virginia: Smith's solid combine workout makes the Bills feel confident about his big upside.

    SMITH: West Virginia star still a work in progress

    9. New York Jets

    G Chance Warmack, Alabama: A pass rusher will get consideration, but the Jets soon might need two starting guards.

    10. Tennessee Titans

    DE Ezekiel Ansah, Brigham Young: Tennessee's defensive ends generated little in the way of a pass rush last season. Ansah offers star potential.

    11. San Diego Chargers

    DE/OLB Damontre Moore, Texas A&M: Moore would bookend with 2012's first-round pick, Melvin Ingram, and form a deadly pass-rushing duo.

    PHOTOS: QBs at the combine

    None
    West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.  Michael Conroy, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.  Michael Conroy, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.  Michael Conroy, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Florida State Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel (9), Syracuse Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib (10), Arizona Wildcats quarterback Matt Scott (12), West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (13), Southern Utah Thunderbirds quarterback Brad Sorensen (14), Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback James Vandenberg (15), and Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson (16) stand on the field as they listen to instructions for a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.  Michael Conroy, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Arizona Wildcats quarterback Matt Scott participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    None
    Southern Utah quarterback Brad Sorensen runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.  Michael Conroy, AP
    Related story Fullscreen

    Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
      Replay
      • West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
      • Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
      • Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
      • Florida State Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel (9), Syracuse Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib (10), Arizona Wildcats quarterback Matt Scott (12), West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (13), Southern Utah Thunderbirds quarterback Brad Sorensen (14), Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback James Vandenberg (15), and Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson (16) stand on the field as they listen to instructions for a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
      • Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
      • Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
      • Arizona Wildcats quarterback Matt Scott participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
      • Southern Utah quarterback Brad Sorensen runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
        Autoplay
        Show Thumbnails
        Show Captions
        Fullscreen Last Slide Next Slide

        12. Miami Dolphins

        DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida: Wideout is a big need, but Floyd would improve an already-solid defense and offer a hometown flavor.

        13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

        DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri: Uber-athletic, gap-penetrating Richardson is a perfect fit for Greg Schiano's defense.

        BELL: Draft will put 'Big Uglies' in spotlight

        14. Carolina Panthers

        WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee: Patterson would take over as the Panthers' playmaker as Steve Smith's career winds down.

        15. New Orleans Saints

        OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia: Jones might be a medical risk, but defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would get the most from his ability.

        16. St. Louis Rams

        G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina: If rock-solid Cooper is available, it's a no-brainer.

        17. Pittsburgh Steelers

        S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas: The Steelers prefer to go offense in the draft, but Vaccaro offers insurance for aging Troy Polamalu.

        18. Dallas Cowboys

        DE Datone Jones, UCLA: Strongside linebacker is the priority, but Jones offers the athleticism to thrive as a one-gap tackle in Monte Kiffin's defense.

        JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Who do you want your team to draft in April?

        19. New York Giants

        T Lane Johnson, Oklahoma: The Giants must address the tackle position, and Johnson comes with tremendous upside.

        20. Chicago Bears

        DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State: The Bears must draft at least one starting defensive tackle. Hankins could be a mainstay for years.

        21. Cincinnati Bengals

        T D.J. Fluker, Alabama: Free agent Andre Smith might be too pricey, so the franchise could turn to another Alabama alum.

        22. St. Louis Rams

        WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia: Austin's playmaking skills on the indoor carpet in St. Louis would further remedy the team's lethargic offense.

        AUSTIN: WR is one of combine's big winners

        23. Minnesota Vikings

        WR Keenan Allen, California: Allen offers a bigger-bodied wide receiver with sure hands to pair with speedy Percy Harvin.

        24. Indianapolis Colts

        DT Jesse Williams, Alabama: Williams' ability to play multiple positions would help the Colts in their 3-4 defense.

        25. Seattle Seahawks

        LB Alec Ogletree, Georgia: The speedy linebacker might slide because of off-field troubles, including a recent DUI charge. But he has the talent to start as a rookie.

        26. Green Bay Packers

        RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama: The Packers need a ballcarrier capable of pounding opponents on the interior, which is Lacy's specialty.

        PHOTOS: Top 25 possible free agents

        None
        25. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots  Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        24. Sam Baker, OT, Atlanta Falcons  Dave Martin, Associated Press
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        23. Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas Cowboys  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        22. Gosder Cherilus, OT, Detroit Lions  Duane Burleson, AP
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        21. William Moore, FS, Atlanta Falcons  Josh D. Weiss, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        20. Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        19. Dashon Goldson, FS, San Francisco 49ers  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        18. Sebastian Vollmer, OT, New England Patriots  Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        17. Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins  Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        16. Connor Barwin, OLB, Houston Texans  Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        15. Michael Johnson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals  Frank Victores, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        14. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs  Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        13. Jermon Bushrod, OT, New Orleans Saints  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        12. Jairus Byrd, FS, Buffalo Bills  Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        11. Aqib Talib, CB, New England Patriots  David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        10. Branden Albert, OT, Kansas City Chiefs  Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        9. Henry Melton, DT, Chicago Bears  Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        8. Paul Kruger, OLB/DE, Baltimore Ravens  Jason Bridge, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        7. Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins  Robert Mayer, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        6. Anthony Spencer, OLB, Dallas Cowboys  Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        5. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        4. Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit Lions  Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        3. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        2. Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos  Joe Mahoney AP
        Related story Fullscreen
        None
        1. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen

        Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
          Replay
          • 25. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
          • 24. Sam Baker, OT, Atlanta Falcons
          • 23. Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas Cowboys
          • 22. Gosder Cherilus, OT, Detroit Lions
          • 21. William Moore, FS, Atlanta Falcons
          • 20. Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins
          • 19. Dashon Goldson, FS, San Francisco 49ers
          • 18. Sebastian Vollmer, OT, New England Patriots
          • 17. Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins
          • 16. Connor Barwin, OLB, Houston Texans
          • 15. Michael Johnson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
          • 14. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
          • 13. Jermon Bushrod, OT, New Orleans Saints
          • 12. Jairus Byrd, FS, Buffalo Bills
          • 11. Aqib Talib, CB, New England Patriots
          • 10. Branden Albert, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
          • 9. Henry Melton, DT, Chicago Bears
          • 8. Paul Kruger, OLB/DE, Baltimore Ravens
          • 7. Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins
          • 6. Anthony Spencer, OLB, Dallas Cowboys
          • 5. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
          • 4. Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit Lions
          • 3. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
          • 2. Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos
          • 1. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens
            Autoplay
            Show Thumbnails
            Show Captions
            Fullscreen Last Slide Next Slide

            27. Houston Texans

            LB Kevin Minter, LSU: Minter would bring intensity and stability to Houston's run defense.

            28. Denver Broncos

            CB Desmond Trufant, Washington: It's time to acquire a top, young cornerback behind Champ Bailey.

            29. New England Patriots

            S Matt Elam, Florida:Free safety has been a trouble spot for the Pats. Elam's range and pass cover skills offer the perfect remedy.

            PATRIOTS: What will New England do with cap space?

            30. Atlanta Falcons

            TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame: Eifert is a fine replacement if Tony Gonzalez can't be coaxed into returning for another season.

            31. San Francisco 49ers

            NT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: Underrated Williams would be an immediate upgrade at nose tackle.

            32. Baltimore Ravens

            ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame: Te'o is a terrific run defender who plays with Ravens-like intensity.

            PHOTOS: MANTI TE'O'S CAREER IN PHOTOS

            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o finished second in the 2012 Heisman Trophy voting to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.  Winslow Townson, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, linebacker Manti Te'o and safety Zeke Motta talk to the press after the 2013 BCS Championship game. Alabama won 42-14.  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o is escorted by Miss Texas Ali Nugent as he carries the Lombardi Award to an interview room after a ceremony Dec. 5.  Melissa Phillip, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te'o leaves the field after his team's defeat to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2013 BCS Championship game. Alabama won 42-14.  Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame's Manti Te'o reacts in action during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game against Alabama.  Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te'o speaks during a press conference for the 2013 BCS Championship game.  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            One thing that has been remarkably steady in a season full of surprises has been the performance of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, center, taking aim at a Wake Forest ballcarrier Saturday.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Te'o against Washington as a freshman in 2009.  Michael Conroy, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            If the USA TODAY Sports Media Group survey is any indicator, Notre Dame senior Manti Te'o at the very least will have the highest Heisman Trophy finish ever by a linebacker.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame's Manti Te'o reacts after Notre Dame defeated Michigan 13-6 on Sept. 22, 2012.  Darron Cummings, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o played with a heavy heart against Michigan State after the loss of his girlfriend and grandmother.  By Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te'o (5) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Stanford Cardinal 20-13 in overtime at Notre Dame Stadium.  Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE US PRESSWIRE
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o collars Miami running back Duke Johnson in the Irish's 41-3 win.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o waits for the snap during the second half of Notre Dame's 21-6 win over Boston College in a NCAA college football game in Boston Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012.  Winslow Townson AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, right, trying to slow down Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor in South Bend.  Michael Conroy, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te'o gives a salute as he enters practice at the LaBar Practice Complex in August 2011.  Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, left, celebrates with defensive end Justin Utupo (53) after a Notre Dame win.  Nam Y. Huh, AP
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te'o (5) reacts during the second half of a game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium.  Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE US PRESSWIRE
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o runs the ball after an interception in the first quarter against the BYU Cougars.   Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o leaves the field after his final game at Notre Dame Stadium, a 38-0 win against Wake Forest that helped propel the Irish to the No. 1 ranking for the first time in 19 years.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Manti Te'o celebrates Notre Dame's 38-0 win over Wake Forest.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o returns one of five interceptions by the Irish during the first half against Michigan.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o (5) and wide receiver John Goodman (81) celebrate in the fourth quarter against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Notre Dame won 22-13.  Matt Cashore, US Presswire
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Manti Te'o, Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish linebacker looks to become the first defensive Heisman winner since Charles Woodson in 1997.  Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen
            None
            Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o won the Nagurski Award, given to the nation's top defensive player.  Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports
            Related story Fullscreen

            Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: