Verite's Mock Draft (Round 1)

1 - KC: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Star Lotulelei is the best DT prospect in this draft and Andy Reid love DT's. Lotulelei is disruptive along the line, and constantly pushes guards and centers into the backfield. Joeckel or Geno Smith could be options here, but I believe Reid will fall in love with Star through the scouting process.

2 - JAX: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
There is no way that Gus Bradley will skip this oppotunity to inject a high caliber pass rusher into this bland Jaguars defense. Werner has 23.5 career sacks, 25.0 TFL's, and 18 passes defensed. Werner's all-around ability will be put to good use in Bradley's new look D.

3 - OAK: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Moore has drawn lofty, yet legitimate, comparisons to DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys. Moore stepped in to Von Miller's role at A&M and has not looked back since. 25.0 career sacks, 45.0 TFL's, and 8 FF's...that's production.

4 - PHI: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Chip Kelly benefits from the premium placed on pass rushers and has arguably the best prospect in the draft fall to him at #4. Joeckel is a lean and mean prospect who does not let pass rushers within striking distance of the QB. Joeckel allows Herremans to slide back to guard, and is also insurance just in case Jason Peters is not 100% entering camp.

5 - DET: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
I do not believe that Dee Milliner is a top 5 prospect, but much like pass rushers, shut down CB's are also given additional value. Milliner is a heady CB with the ability to get physical with any and every WR he faces. He will frustrate WR's with his strength, and makes good plays on the ball.

6 - CLE: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Chance Warmack is as safe of a pick as there is. Whether taken #1 or #100 he will deliver game in and game out. He was apart of a stout offensive line that paved the way for Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon to rush for over 2,400 combined yards. Warmack solidifies a young but very talented Browns offensive line, and provides stout pass protection and outstanding run blocking.

7 - ARI: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
FIsher rose up big boards with an outstanding week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He coupled that with a dominant Senior Bowl performance, and is now challenging Luke Joeckel for consideration as the #1 LT prospect. Fisher is a nasty, mean blocker who will need to improve his strength at the point of attack. He anchors well in the pass, and has nimble quick feet. Arians knows by getting a bookend tackle, it will give Kolb a better chance to succeed.

8 - BUF: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Head Coach Dave Marrone and OC Nathaniel Hackett are very familiar with Geno Smith, having played against him in the Big East. Geno is by far the #1 QB prospect in the draft, with above average QB awareness/recognition. He has a live arm that can make all of the NFL throws, and he is already proficient in the hurry-up offense used by Hackett, having run it at WVU. Geno has to hone his craft in order to become an elite QB, but he has a very high ceiling.

9 - NYJ: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jones falls here because of his serious medical red flag. Spinal stenosis is a very serious condition, so Jones is a potential liability. That said, the Jets have not had a consistent pass rusher in a decade, and Jarvis has the speed, athleticism, and agility to win at the line of scrimage. Rex Ryan and newly appointed DC Dennis Thurman will find creative and devious ways to implement Jones in their pass rushing attack.

10 - TEN: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Cooper is a mauler who is a grown man in the trenches. He moves tackles around with ease, and has the acceleration to turn the corner on pulls and level much smaller linebackers and DB's. He will solidify a somewhat inconsistent Titans o-line, and help pave the way for CJ 1/2K to regain his former All-Pro form.

11 - SD: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Lane Johnson is a physical freak. This pick is a projection based on the assumption that Lane runs a 4.74 ish 40 at the combine and blows the roof off with his athletic abilites. He has great feet, above average hand-eye coordination and he will provide stout pass protection on Phillip Rivers blind side.

12 - MIA: Keenan Allen, WR, California
There is some debate as to who the #1 WR prospect in this draft really is. There is no Julio Jones or A.J. Green available, but Allen has the skill set and ceiling to develop into a upper-echelon #1. He is elusive in space and extremely dangerous after the catch. He and Tannehill will develop an instant connection, and Tannehill will appreciate Allen's propensity to get open.

13 - TB: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Much like WR, there is much debate as to who the #1 CB in this draft is as well. Rhodes is probably the most physical of the top CB's with his ability to jam at the line and come up in run support. Schiano likes toughness, and he will love Rhodes' physical appearance and demeanor. Rhodes at worse is a very productive #2 with #1 lockdown upside.

14 - CAR: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson demonstrated a disruptive ability in his first season in the SEC, posting 75 total tackles, 10.5 TFL's, and 4 sacks. He has the ability to penetrate as a pass rusher, and can also hold his own in the running game. He will be a dream for Carolina's tackling machine Luke Kuechly, occupying space and keeping interior lineman at bay.

15 - NO: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
Jordan has a medical red flag after having surgery recently to repair a torn labrum, but he does not have a long injury history, so it should be of no concern. Dion Jordan is a upside 3-4 OLB with superior athleticism, who will be an immediate contributor in Sean Payton's new look 3-4 defense. Jordan can defend slot WR's and TE's in the flats, and can also rush the passer. He has 14.5 career sacks and 29.0 TFL's, with 23.5 TFL's over the past two seasons.

16 - STL: Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas
I believe that Vaccaro is the first true "bust" pick taken thus far. He looks good in shorts, and will most likely tear up the combine and his Pro Day. Scouts will fall in love with his physique, but on tape Vaccaro is inconsistent to say the least. Vaccaro has 44 career starts, posting 158 solo tackles, 2.0 sacks, 5.0 ints, and 24 pass deflection over that time.

17 - PIT: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
Te'o is a natural fit in the Steelers 3-4 defense, and Dick LeBeau will love Teo's understanding of the game. Teo is a former blue chip HS recruit and has been extremely productive over his career at ND with 212 career solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 7 ints, and 17 passes defended. Teo will have to answer many questions about his hoax relationship, but he is a solid 1st round pick.

18 - DAL: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
Ansah is pure upside and potential. The Cowboys have been terrorized by a former all-upside player, Jason Pierre-Paul, and will salivate at the opportunity to return the favor. Monte Kiffin is looking to implement his staple Tampa-2 defense, and will want a true 4-3 DE to cause havoc on the edges.

19 - NYG: Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia
Ogletree is a versatile linebacker that will provide the Giants with a prospect who can slide into any of the three starting linebacker positions. Ogletree anchored the middle of a very impressive Bulldogs defense, and played against high level competition in the SEC. He has good quickness for the position and will be a true 3 down linebacker for the Giants, something they currently lack.

20 - CHI: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Eifert's numbers plateaued this year due to inconsistent QB play, but it is not difficult to see Eifert's immense talent. He is a big target that is too fast for linebackers, and too tall for DB's. He exploits mismatches well in the seam, and catches with his hands not his body. Eifert will compliment Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey well in the Bears vertical passing game.

21 - CIN: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
BJGE is not going to provide the Bengals with the versatility they need at the RB spot. Bernard is a 3 down back that is productive running, catching, and also returning punts. He racked up over 1900 total yards and 19 total TD's in 2012. His 92 receptions over the past two seasons show his ability to contribute in the passing game, and Bernard will become a favorite check down target for Andy Dalton.

22 - STL: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Fluker is a natural RT prospect, that probably is best suited staying at his current position. He could develop the skill set of a starting LT, but he will slide in and start immediately for the Rams at RT. The current RT's for the Rams are terrible, and Sam Bradford could use the peace of mind knowing his RT is capable and efficient.

23 - MIN: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Patterson is a physical specimen, but very well could be a one year wonder. I however belive that Patterson is just realizing his potential, and if developed correctly could become an elite #1. He has above average ball carrier awareness, and is a threat with the ball after the catch. He has great leaping ability and will out work DB's at the highest point. Adding Patterson takes the stress off of Percy, and gives Ponder a vertical threat.

24 - IND: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Hankins is a multi-dimensional talent that Chuck Pagano will fall in love with. Hankins is built like a NT, but played all over the 3-4 front for the Buckeyes. He will be a key piece moving forward for Pagano's 3-4, eventually becoming a high level contributor.

25 - SEA: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
Pete Carroll does it again. Mingo is eerily similar to Carroll's first round pick from last year Bruce Irving. Both are hybrid DE/OLB prospects with elite athleticism and quickness. Mingo is projected to become a 3-4 OLB, but much like Irving, I believe Mingo can develop into a 4-3 pass rusher. DE is a position of need with Chris Clemons recovering from ACL surgery, and Mingo can be a situational pass rusher, until he develops into an every down end.

26 - GB: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
Lacy is very underrated considering his abilty. He is a hard nosed runner that is almost never brought down on initial contact. Any doubt about Lacy's talent was laid to rest during the BCS National Championship, where Lacy literally ran over Notre Dame's defense. He is also an underrated pass catcher, who is a willing blocker in pass support. He will give defenses fits in GB's spread offense, and has 3 down back potential.

27 - HOU: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
I am VERY high on Terrance Williams. It isn't just the eye popping numbers (97 receptions, 1832 yards, 12 TD's in 2012), it's his eye popping ability. He high points very well, and his vertical speed is second to none. Some question his ability to deal with NFL level bump and run coverage, but he will develop more upper body strength and learn from All-Pro Andre Johnson. Williams is a Texas native, and will be right at home in the Texans offense.

28 - DEN: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Champ Bailey showed during the AFC Divisional game vs Baltimore that his best days might be behind him. Torrey Smith exposed Champ's lack of top end speed by blowing past him on multiple occasions. Enter Johnthan Banks who has a career 139 solo tackles, 15 ints, 5 FF's, and 3 defensive TD's. He is a play maker in the secondary and makes QB's pay for their errant passes. Champ has a multitude of knowledge to pass on, and Banks will be more than willing to listen.

29 - NE: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Regardless of whether or not Wes Welker comes back, I believe that the Pats will take this opportunity to select Austin. Tavon Austin is a Bill Belichick kind of player, and Austin will be utilized in a variety of ways. Capable of taking snaps in the slot, at RB, and as a return specialist, Austin will be able to effect the game several ways. Austin leaves WV with over 7200 combined yards (special teams included) and 40 combined TD's.

30 - ATL: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
Ertz is a well-rounded TE prospect and will fit right into the Falcons up-tempo offense. Ertz is very similar to HOF TE Tony Gonzalez, with Ertz's ability to make tough catches, and work in the red zone. Ertz will be an instant safety blanket for Matt Ryan, helping to seamlessly transition from the Gonzalez era.

31 - BAL: Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia
John Jenkins is a mercurial product who flashes first round talent on film. Scouts question his motor, but he routinely takes on double and triple teams, rooting well and shedding blockers when necessary. Jenkins is a behemoth prospect and will provide consistency at the NT spot for the Ravens d-line.

32 - SF: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
This is a win for the 49ers. They take a fast rising prospect in Trufant, who will be joining brothers Marcus and Isaiah as NFL CB's. Trufant showed during the week of the Senior Bowl practice, and the game itself, that he is a physical and talented prospect. He is a very good man defender, with above average zone ability. He can tackle, though he does not always display the best technique. Trufant backs down from no one, and accepts the challenge of shutting down the opposing teams #1 weekly.