Columnist predicts NFL Draft

In the previous issue, I predicted how I think the first 10 picks of the NFL Draft will unfold. Next, I’ll pick the next 10 in our mock draft.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: OL Cordy Glenn, University of Georgia-Assuming they don’t trade up to get Ryan Tannehill, their next biggest glaring issue is along the offensive line. They can use help at either the guard or tackle position, which makes Cordy Glenn a prime pick because he can play either position comfortably. This makes the most sense, but don’t be surprised if they decide to waste another first round pick on a defensive lineman.

12. Seattle Seahawks: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State-People are hyped on this guy’s potential, and with good reason. Seattle’s top need is at quarterback, but if they don’t trade up for Tannehill, they might wait until the second round or trade back at this pick. The 12th pick is probably too high for Brandon Weeden.

13. Arizona Cardinals: OT Riley Reiff, University of Iowa-If Buffalo takes Jonathan Martin over Reiff at No. 10, this seems like a no-brainer at No. 13. The Cardinals desperately need a tackle.

14. Dallas Cowboys: SS Mark Barron, University of Alabama-The Cowboys have been searching for a big safety to take over since Roy Williams’ skills started to decline. This seems like a perfect pick to solidy their secondary and it sounds as though this guy has Eric Berry potential, which is exciting news for America’s Team.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College-Some have the Chiefs taking this monster linebacker at the No. 11 pick, but he makes a lot more sense going to the Eagles. Philly spent a ton of money in free agency last year building a defensive line and secondary, but they never took the time to upgrade their linebacker corps, and it showed. With this pick, Philadelphia becomes an instant contender.

16. New York Jets: DE Quinton Coples, University of North Carolina-The Jets need a pass rusher, and this guy is the best end available. If they don’t take him here, they will probably be looking to add Dontari Poe, the huge defensive tackle from Memphis.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Dontari Poe, University of Memphis-The Bengals will be happy to add a big defensive lineman, and this guy is, by all means, BIG. He is 346 pounds of raw upside and extremely athletic. If they add this guy, look for their rushing defense to improve markedly in 2012-13.

18. San Diego Chargers: OG David DeCastro, Stanford-The Chargers would fill a huge hole in their line here by drafting this beast of a guard. If they want Philip Rivers to be able to recover from last year’s pitiful performance and have a good year again, it’d be nice if he could stay on his feet for more than four seconds. This addition would also help a running game that lost bruising running back/fullback Mike Tolbert in the offseason.

19. Chicago Bears: WR Kendall Wright, Baylor-Some see the Bears’ biggest need being on the defensive line. However, Chicago has a HUGE need for a speedy wide receiver who can get behind opposing secondaries and allow quarterback Jay Cutler to make some big plays.

Cutler is at his best when he can throw a deep bomb pass, and with his current receiving corps, he has floundered.

20. Tennessee Titans: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, University of Alabama-I double dare you to name an active cornerback on the Tennessee Titans’ roster. You cannot! With Cortland Finnegan heading to the St. Louis Rams, the Titans are effectively hapless in the secondary. Kirkpatrick offers a terrific presence at the corner position and can be the difference between the Titans having the NFL’s worst pass defense next year and the 10th worst.

Check out the next 12 picks online at www.washburnreview.org today!