NFL Mock Draft Last Updated: December 3rd

NEPD Editor: James Christensen

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia (SCOUTING REPORT)

The Chiefs need a new quarterback to start off their new era. While the current Chiefs staff is rumored to like Tyler Wilson, Geno Smith is our #1 prospect. Depending on who the Chiefs bring in to potentially replace Pioli and Crennel, Smith’s capabilities could be a perfect fit in Kansas City.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State* (SCOUTING NOTES)

If Jason Babin isn’t back with Jacksonville, Bjoern Werner would be a great pickup to finally solve the pass rush issues. Werner is a disruptive force for the Seminoles defense. He plays the run and the pass very well and is improving on a daily basis. With some NFL coaching, he will become an absolute monster.

3. Oakland Raiders

Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas (SCOUTING NOTES)

Oakland needs to rebuild, and having a QB that has already “retired” once isn’t the way to start the process. Wilson has a live arm and has shown he can lead an offense. The circus at Arkansas this year didn’t help, but he is a legitimate NFL quarterback.

4. Carolina Panthers

Sheldon Richardson, DL, Missouri (SCOUTING NOTES)

The Panthers miss Julius Peppers. Richardson is a disruptive force on the defensive line that could play a variety of positions and techniques at the next level. He plays the run as well as getting after the quarterback. He has a nice blend of explosion and power.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M (SCOUTING NOTES)

The Eagles need some solid blocking options up front. Joeckel had a very impressive sophomore year for the Aggies, routinely shutting down impressive pass-rushers like Jackson Jeffcoat. If he can survive the SEC in 2012, he will be a first rounder.

6. San Diego Chargers

Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State (SCOUTING NOTES)

Facing Peyton Manning for the foreseeable future, the Chargers need some help at cornerback. Banks has the skills and the size to match up with bigger receivers – his 6’1″ height will turn a lot of heads.

7. Cleveland Browns

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah (SCOUTING NOTES)

The incredibly-massive (6-4/325) Lotulelei is going to anchor a defensive line for the next ten years. If a team didn’t need a quarterback, I’d sanction taking him number one overall.

8. Detroit Lions

Chance Warmack, OL, Alabama* (SCOUTING NOTES)

There are other needs here, but the Lions have been committed to the best player available approach as of late. Part of the incredibly talented Alabama offensive line, Warmack has outplayed the more heralded Barrett Jones and D.J. Fluker at times, well, most of the time.

9. Arizona Cardinals

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (SCOUTING NOTES)

The Cardinals offensive line is just silly. Matthews is the teammate of fellow first round tackle from A&M Luke Joeckel. He is quite talented in his own right and will certainly get a lot of looks in the first round – either at right or left tackle.

10. Tennessee Titans

Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU* (SCOUTING REPORT)

Mingo has a quick first step, but will need to add bulk to be more than a rush specialist. Mingo could be the Bruce Irvin of the 2013 NFL Draft if he can develop his game.

11. Buffalo Bills

Matt Barkley, QB, USC (SCOUTING REPORT)

The Bills need a quarterback of the future, and he doesn’t need a Harvard degree. Matt Barkley didn’t have a fantastic senior season by any means, but he is an accurate passer than can execute a pro offense. Being a senior prospect with a ton of experience might be enough to keep him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

12. Miami Dolphins

Johnathon Hankins, DL, Ohio State (SCOUTING NOTES)

Miami’s front seven is becoming a force – adding one more dynamic piece could put them over the top. Hankins is a big defensive tackle with surprising agility and speed for a guy that weighs in well north of 320 pounds.

13. New Orleans Saints

Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU* (SCOUTING NOTES)

The Saints front four hasn’t gotten the job done in 2012. Featuring a lightning-quick first step and the frame to add a few pounds, Montgomery is one of the most electric pass-rush prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft.

14. New York Jets

Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M (SCOUTING NOTES)

The Jets can not even sniff the quarterback this season. Individual players have more sacks then their team. Moore has over-shadowed his teammate Sean Porter and looks like he could have a similar impact to what his former teammate Von Miller has had in Denver – just a fun player to watch and a very talented rusher.

15. St. Louis Rams

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama* (SCOUTING NOTES)

Adding another corner to go with Jenkins and Finnegan is key. Milliner is the complete package. He has the tenacity and will to tackle that Dre Kirkpatrick has, with vastly superior technique and recovery skills. If he can clean up his tackling technique, he’ll be an early pick.

16. St. Louis Rams (via WAS)

Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame (SCOUTING NOTES)

Te’o is having a special season at Notre Dame, but he doesn’t seem like a top three pick as some have him. His blend of athleticism of power will make him a first round pick, but his upside is limited – he will be a solid if not spectacular pro for a decade or more.