Mock Draft 1-5

1. Colts – Andrew Luck QB Stanford

How perfect of a story would it be to see the best prospect in the last twenty years, learn to play quarterback from one of the greatest QBs of all time? The colts are off to a horrific start and there’s no end in sight. Manning is potentially out for the year and if the Colts are out of the playoff race when it’s time for him to return, I expect the Colts to continue to resting him. With one of the worst defenses in the league and Kerry Collins showing why he should’ve stayed retired, look for the Colts to post 3 or less wins this year. Not much analysis on Luck, but let’s face it, he’s going #1. (If you’re asking why, I will have to ask, “Where have you been for the last year?”)

2. Seahawks – Matt Barkley QB USC

Another match made in heaven. Pete Carroll uses the second pick to bring in a quality USC quarterback. Barclay is off to a hot start this year and the Seahawks are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. Tavaris Jackson is not cutting it under center, and although Seattle is trying to suck for Luck, they going to win more games then the Colts. Despite their terrible quarterback play, the Seahawks have more talent than the colts on the defensive side of the ball, and play in the worst division in football. I’m predicting 3-5 wins for the dreaded Seahawks.

3. Chiefs – Matt Kalil OT USC

The Chiefs have had one of the unluckiest starts to a season in recent memory. Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki have all suffered season ending injuries. These loses are going to lead to a rough season for Chiefs fans, and will undoubtedly land them with a top five pick. Despite these losses, the Chiefs still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, and will be able to scrape together a few wins. Kalil is the number one tackle prospect in the country and will be a top five pick. The Chiefs need to beef up their offensive line and Kalil is the obvious pick. I believe the Chiefs and Seahawks are interchangeable at 2 and 3, as I see the Chiefs also winning between 3-5 games this year.

4. Panthers – Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

I believe the Panthers are better than their record indicates, but at this point they are winless. I will put it on the record now, I am not a Cam Newton fan, but you can’t doubt the production. Newton gives the Panthers a shot to win in any game, and they have a dynamic backfield with Williams and Stewart. The one thing missing from that offense is a stable of receivers. Steve Smith is showing some life in the latter days of his career, but after that it gets think. The Panthers will be picking in the top ten and at this rate, the top five, and Jeffery is the pick here. I am more of a Justin Blackmon fan myself but Jeffery is a big physical receiver who will compliment Steve Smith well. Cam Newton loves to air the ball out as we’ve seen and Jeffery would be the perfect receiver to come down with those long receptions. I expect the Panthers to post between 4-6 wins this season.

5. Bengals – Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Another disclosure I am not a believer in Andy Dalton. Now he has proven me wrong these first couple of weeks but I believe defenses will be taking advantage of him before week 8. This is going to lead to many losses for a team that frankly, needs to be picking in the top 5. Cedric Benson is long past his prime and actually spent a small amount of time in jail before the season started. Bernard Scott has shown that he is not able to carry the full load and that will lead the Bengals to select Richardson. Trent Richardson spent the last two seasons backing up Mark Ingram, but Richardson is the better pro prospect and will show it this season. Richardson is a very well rounded back, bringing size, speed, and vision all together to run around and over defenders. While some are skeptical of Richardson’s pro potential, I am not. Richardson is the best all around running back I have evaluated since we saw Adrian Peterson come out of Oklahoma. I firmly believe Richardson can be a workhouse, 20-25 carry a game, type of back. I expect the Bengals to post no more than 5 wins this season, but look for them to be on the rise by next season.