2013 NBA Draft: Who Will be the First Pick?

By Michael Schneid

This year's NBA draft class has a lot of depth and a lot of players who can step right in and be starters or impact players. But this year is a little different than year's past. There is no unanimous #1 pick. There is no Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving...

Actually, this draft has both. Michigan PG Trey Burke is the #1 ranked PG in the draft and Kentucky center Nerlens Noel is the top big guy, despite currently being out with a torn ACL.

So given the major differences in position, and needs of the top 8 teams in the lottery, we evaluate which team would take which player, with one wild card.

Magic - Trey Burke
Magic acquired Nikola Vucevic and drafted Andrew Nicholson last season. While neither man is considered the second coming of Dwight Howard, both are serviceable big men for the time being. PG Jameer Nelson is 31 years old and Burke would infuse a youthful spark to the Magic backcourt. Nelson missed 26 games due to injury this past season and can help mentor Burke. The depth behind Nelson at PG is nearly non-existent.

Bobcats - Nerlens Noel
The Bobcats can afford to wait for Noel to get fully healthy since they won't be too competitive next season. Kemba Walker is similar to Burke and really improved this past year. Charlotte has been seeking a big man for years and Noel, Walker, and last year's #2 pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist give the Bobcats a solid nucleus to build on.

Cavs - Nerlens Noel
This one is easy with Cleveland set at PG with Kyrie Irving and used the #4 pick last year on Dion Waiters. Noel can join those two and allow Tyler Zeller to play more PF, injecting some youth and athleticism into the Cleveland front court. Plus..."you know who" is a potential free agent in the summer of 2014 and a core of Irving and Noel could intrigue him to come home?

Suns - Nerlens Noel
Phoenix signed Goran Dragic to a huge deal as a free agent last summer and drafted Kendall Marshall, so Burke might not make too much sense. Noel can rehab while Marcin Gortat and Luis Scola man the front court. The Suns have long held the reputation of having some of the best doctors, and the recent success with Steve Nash and Grant Hill should serve as proof of that. Those two plus Amar'e Stoudemire have struggled with injuries since leaving the desert. Phoenix doctors should get Noel to 110%.

Pelicans - Trey Burke
We also considered a curve ball with Ben McLemore here, since Austin Rivers was drafted last year, and the development of Greivis Vasquez. New Orleans definitely will not be drafting Noel though as they used the first pick in 2012 on Anthony Davis. Burke, McLemore or one of the wings players should have the biggest impact on the Pelicans, formerly the Hornets.

Kings - Nerlens Noel

Kings can go either way but Isiah Thomas has proven to be a reliable PG and drafting Noel can let them move Demarcus Cousins to PF. Kings can have a front court similar to Memphis with Randolph and Gasol, and look how that as worked out for them. Kings might be better served dealing the first pick for multiple picks and can use a SG/SF type player.

Pistons - Ben McLemore
Detroit has Brandon Knight at PG and drafted PF Andre Drummond in 2012 to play alongside Greg Monroe. Detroit is in need of guys who can create their own shot and score. While Burke could work with Knight, McLemore is a pure SG who can step right in and fill a major need for the Pistons.

Wizards - Nerlens Noel

Not sure if Jan Vesely is the answer down low for the Wizards. Or Emeka Okafor either. The Wizards have John Wall and Bradley Beal so Noel would be a great fit down low.


Who do you think should be the #1 pick? Post your thoughts below.

2013 NBA Mock Draft

By Michael Schneid


First edition mock draft of our NBA Draft coverage.

Subject to change

1. Magic - Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
2. Bobcats - Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
3. Cavs - Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
4. Suns - Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
5. Pelicans - Anthony Bennett, SF, UNLV
6. Kings - Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
7. Pistons - Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
8. Wizards - Alex Len, C, Maryland
9. Wolves - Cody Zeller, PF, Indiana
10. Blazers - Tony Snell, SG, New Mexico
11. 76ers - Mason Plumlee, C, Duke
12. Thunder - CJ McCollum, SG, Lehigh
13. Mavs - Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
14. Jazz - Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonaga
15. Bucks - Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
16. Celtics - Lorenzo Brown, PG, NC State
17. Hawks - Rudy Gobert, C, France
18. Hawks - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
19. Cavs - Gorgui Deng, PF, Louisville
20. Bulls - Allen Crabbe, SG, California
21. Jazz - Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech
22. Nets - Jamaal Franklin, SF, San Diego St
23. Pacers - Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
24. Knicks - Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State
25. Wolves - Tim Hardaway Jr, SG, Michigan
26. Clippers - Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas
27. Nuggets - Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
28. Spurs - Sergey Karasay, SG, Russia
29. Thunder - CJ Leslie, SF, NC State
30. Suns - Andre Roberson, SF, Colorado

Breaking Down NFL Starting QBs By Draft Round

By Michael Schneid
 

As we approach day 3 of the NFL draft, featuring rounds 4-7, a lot of QBs are still available. Guys like Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib, and Tyler Wilson to name a few will all be drafted today. But will they eventually become starters?

We have broken down the projected starting QBs for the upcoming season by round drafted.

Team	Round	QB(s)
Jets	1st/1st/2nd	Sanchez/Tebow/Geno
Dolphins	1	Ryan Tannehill
Patriots	6	Tom Brady
Bills	2nd/1st	Kolb/Manuel
Bengals	2	Andy Dalton
Ravens	1	Joe Flacco
Steelers	1	Ben Roethlisberger
Browns	1	Brandon Weeden
Titans	1	Jake Locker
Texans	3	Matt Schaub
Colts	1	Andrew Luck
Jaguars	1	Blaine Gabbert
Chiefs	1	Alex Smith
Broncos	1	Peyton Manning
Raiders	7	Matt Flynn
Chargers	1	Philip Rivers
Cowboys	UDFA	Tony Romo
Eagles	1	Mike Vick
Redskins	1	RG3
Giants	1	Eli Manning
Packers	1	Aaron Rodgers
Bears	1	Jay Cutler
Lions	1	Matthew Stafford
Vikings	1	Christian Ponder
Falcons	1	Matt Ryan
Saints	2	Drew Brees
Panthers	1	Cam Newton
Bucs	1	Josh Freeman
Cardinals	1	Carson Palmer
Seahawks	3	Russell Wilson
Rams	1	Sam Bradford
49ers	2	Colin Kaepernick

General Notes:

• Every NFC North QB was a first round pick
• 9 #1 overall picks
• Only 5 (out of 32) QBs were not first or second round picks (Wilson, Romo, Brady, Flynn, Schaub)
• Tony Romo is the only starting QB who was not drafted

We're not saying that QBs drafted today do not have a chance to start. We are just showing that the odds are against them. 

2013 Final NFL Mock Draft

By Michael Schneid

After our success in 2012, MotleySports Draft Expert, Michael Schneid, takes another crack at it this year. This is our third and final mock draft.

There are no QBs projected in round one. This is obviously not going to be the case. It all depends on Bills at 8. Someone will trade into round 1 to select QBs. Cowboys, Rams, Vikings picks are all prime for someone to trade up.

1. Chiefs - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2. Jaguars - Luke Joeckell, OT, TX AM
3. Raiders - Star Lotuleli, DT, Utah
4. Eagles - Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
5. Lions - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
6. Browns - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
7. Cardinals - Chance Warmack, OH, Alabama
8. Bills - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

9. Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

10. Titans - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

11. Chargers - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama

12. Dolphins - Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

13. Jets - Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

14. Panthers - Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida

15. Saints - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
16. Rams - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

17. Steelers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St

18. Cowboys - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

19. Giants - Tank Carradine, DE, FSU

20. Bears - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

21. Bengals - Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU

22. Rams - Eric Reid, S, LSU

23. Vikings - Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

24. Colts - DJ Hayden, CB, Houston

25. Vikings - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tenessee

26. Packers - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

27. Texans - Keenan Allen, WR, California

28. Broncos - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

29. Patriots - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

30. Falcons - Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

31. 49ers - Jessie Williams, DT, Alabama

32 Ravens - Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

2nd Round

33. Jaguars - Matt Barkley, QB, USC
34. 49ers - Matt Elam, S, Florida
35. Eagles - Kyle Long, OT, Oregon
36. Lions - Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse
37. Bengals - Jonathan Frankiin, RB, UCLA
38. Cardinals - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
39. Jets - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
40. Titans - Bjourn Werner, DE, Florida State
41. Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
42. Dolphins - Giovanni Bernard, RB, North Carolina
43. Buccaneers - Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati
44. Panthers - Robert Woods, WR, USC
45. Chargers - Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
46. Rams - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
47. Cowboys - Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
48. Steelers - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
49. Giants - Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
50. Bears - Mike Glennon, QB, North Carolina State
51. Redskins - Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
52. Vikings - Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
53. Bengals - Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
54. Dolphins - Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
55. Packers - Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
56. Seahawks - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
57. Texans - Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
58. Broncos - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
59. Patriots - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
60. Falcons - Reid Fragel, OT, Ohio State
61. 49ers - Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia
62. Ravens - Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech

NFL Mock Draft 2.0

By Michael Schneid

After our success in 2012, MotleySports Draft Expert, Michael Schneid, takes another crack at it this year. This is the first mock since January and will be the second of three, with our final mock posted next week just before the draft. This is subject to change. 

1. Chiefs - Luke Joeckell, OT, TX AM

2. Jaguars - Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
3. Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT Florida

4. Eagles - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

5. Lions - Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

6. Browns - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

7. Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Bills - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

9. Jets - Star Loutuleli, DT, Utah

10. Titans - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

11. Chargers - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

12. Dolphins - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama

13. Bucs - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St

14. Panthers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

15. Saints - Berkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

16. Rams - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

17. Steelers - Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

18. Cowboys - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

19. Giants - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

20. Bears - Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida State

21. Bengals - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

22. Rams - Eric Reid, FS, LSU

23. Vikings -Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

24. Colts - Bjoern Werner, DE, FSU

25. Vikings - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tenessee

26. Packers - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

27. Texans - Keenan Allen, WR, California

28. Broncos - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

29. Patriots - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

30. Falcons - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

31. 49ers - Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

32 Ravens - Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

Other First Round Pick Possibilities: 
OT Menelik Watson, CB Jamar Taylor, SS Jonathan Cyprien, SS Matt Elam, WR DeAndre Hopkins, WR Robert Woods, DT Jesse Williams, WR Justin Hunter, DT Jonathan Hankins, CB Johnthan Banks, TE Zach Ertz

Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game Notes

By Michael Schneid

After attending the Regional game at the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn, here are some observations and notes about a few players who stood out as we look forward to the 2013-2014 season.

• Shane Rector, who recently decommitted from Rutgers, and Jon Severe were the only two undecided players in this game. Rector had 12 points and Severe finished with 16. Both men will be a big signing for someone. Rector is still considering Rutgers as well as Missouri, Butler, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall. Severe is visiting Pittsburgh this wee

• Hassan Martin was the Regional Game MVP. What a good wee for Rhode Island with Bobby Hurley snubbing Rutgers to stay at URI and Martin winning MVP. He will have an immediate impact in the Atlantic 10. 

• Uconn would have made the tournament if they were eligible in 2013. They should make it next year, as they move from the Big East to the American Athletic Conference. Newcomers Terrance Samuel and Kentan Facey provide head coach Kevin Ollie with some much needed depth and size. Facey is 6'8 and should help Uconn desperately improve on their 234th ranked rebounding. And Samuel will provide depth behind Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright.

• Pat Skerry has done a terrific job at Towson. After winning 1 game in 2011, Skerry took over and Towson finished 18-13, 13-5 in the Colonial. Shemiak Sheppard, from Brooklyn, could help impact that win total even more. With forward Jerrelle  Benimon returning for his senior season, and some reshuffling in the CAA, Towson could be one of the favorites entering 2013.

• Not only will Hassan Martin help URI improve, but DeAndre Bembry could be a star at Saint Joseph's. Bembry had 26 points, including a trifecta of threes showing off his long range shooting.

• Tyler Roberson also had an excellent showing and will have an immediate impact on Syracuse, especially with a few losses. Offensively, Roberson should jell and fit in right away. Of course that feisty zone defense is where he must quickly get acclimated.

• Jaren Sina did not play. The one time Northwestern recruit is expected to talk to new head coach Chris Collins soon and Indiana and Alabama are reportedly on his radar as well. 

2013 NFL Draft Rankings

By Michael Schneid

 The NFL Draft is now just two weeks away. Our Mock Draft 2.0 edition will be posted this week. In the meantime, we have our top three at each position, plus our overall quarterback rankings. 

QB Rankings

1. Matt Barkley, USC
2. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
3. Geno Smith, West Virginia
4. Zac Dysert, Miami (OH)
5. Mike Glennon, North Carolina St
6. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
7. EJ Manuel, Florida St
8. Tyler Bray, Tennessee
9. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
10. Matt Scott, Arizona

Thoughts: This class is incredibly weak. Especially compared to the last few years. I can see up to three first round QBs - Barkley, Smith, Wilson. I think Tyler Wilson is the sleeper of this class.  He had a very good career but finished poorly last year, a year of turmoil and confusion at Arkansas. Geno Smith may have an average career in the NFL but I wouldn't look for him to become anything special. Matt Barkley has a chance to be good after some impressive workouts. He needs the perfect system and weapons around him to be successful. Zac Dysert is another sleeper. Mike Glennon and Ryan Nassib are both overrated in this class. Both were mediocre, maybe slightly above average QBs in college and I am not sure their games will translate too strongly. EJ Manuel and Matt Scott are going to be draft higher than they should be because of their familiarity with the spread. Tyler Bray and Landry Jones will land somewhere in the middle of the draft and could be solid NFL backups.

Running  Backs

1. Eddie Lacy, Alabama
2. Giovani Bernard, UNC
3. Jonathan Franklin, UCLA

Thoughts: Everyone loves Lacy but I would consider any of these three in the first round. I am particularly high on Jonathan Franklin. I love the way he runs and he was a huge part of UCLA's offense last year, a pro style offense with former NFL coach Jim Mora, so Franklin might be ready for the pros. Eddie Lacy is a big bruising back but durability and injuries may be a question mark, is he able to stay healthy in the NFL? Giovani Bernard is a guy not many people know but I can see him slipping into the end of the first round.

Wide Receiver

1. Tavon Austin, West Virginia
2. Corderelle Patterson, Tennessee
3. Keenan Allen, California

 Thoughts: Tavon Austin has a chance to be Percy Harvin 2.0. Small, fast WR who can play in the slot and stay short and run, or can be a deep threat. Austin can also return kicks and punts if needed. He is one of the most overall talented players in the draft. Corderelle Patterson has a chance to be special. He had over 1800 total yards last year at Tennessee and NFL.com compared him to Donald Driver. Patterson's size, 6'3, will also be an advantage. Keenan Allen might be the best possession receiver in the draft, he has been hurt by weak offenses and QB in his time at Cal. Injuries have also slowed him during workouts.

Tight End

1. Travis Kelce, Cincinnati,
2. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
3. Zach Ertz, Stanford

Offensive Tackle

1. Luke Joeckell, Texas A&M
2. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

Thoughts: Joeckell and Fisher have both been rumored as options as #1 overall pick. Lane Johnson had strong workouts and is now considered as top 10-15 pick. Joeckell shouldn't get past the top 2-3. Fisher won't get past the Lions at 5. 

Offensive Guard

1. Chance Warmack, Alabama
2. Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
3. Justin Pugh, Syracuse

 Thoughts: Warmack and Cooper are both first round picks and Pugh could wind up being a second rounder and starter for a team,

Defensive End

1. Bjourn Werner, Florida State
2. Domantre Moore, Texas A&M
3. Ezekial Ansah, BYU

Thoughts: Ezekial Ansah has come on strong recently but I am not sold on him. Bjourn Werner is a guy people are down on now but I see him as a top 10 talent in this draft. Motivation is a factor for him, if he tries on every play, but he was dominant at times at FSU and can have a major impact in the NFL. 

3-4 OLB

1. Dion Jordan, Oregon
2. Jarvis Jones, Georgia
3. Barkevious Mingo, LSU 

Thoughts: Dion Jordan might be the most talented defensive player in the draft. We list these guys as LBs because they were pass rushing DEs in college who will translate well into the pass rushing linebacker position in the NFL. Jordan would fit perfectly with former Seattle Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley in Jacksonville.

4-3 OLB

1. Alec Ogletree, Georgia
2. Sio Moore, Connecticut
3. Khaseem Greene, Rutgers

Thoughts: Khaseem Greene has been under the radar and could end up being a steal for someone on day 2 of the draft. Greene may not be receiving the hype as Alec Ogletree but he has the talent to be very successful

Defensive Tackle

1. Star Lotuleli, Utah
2. Shariff Floyd, Florida
3. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri 

 Thoughts: Entering his senior season at Utah, Star Lotuleli was considered a possible #1 overall pick. While his stock is not that high, he should still be a top 10 pick, despite some people having Shariff Floyd listed ahead of him now. Lotuleli did not have a dominant senior season as many hoped and also had medical issues during the combine.

Middle Linebacker

1. Arthur Brown, Kansas State
2. Kevin Minter, LSU
3. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Thoughts: No need to make any jokes about Manti Te'o. He is very talented and intelligent linebacker whose stock dropped due to a poor 40 time at the combine and his pro day. His highlight reel in the National Championship against Alabama is also very underwhelming.


Cornerbacks

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama
2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
3. Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State

Thoughts: Dee Milliner has the most potential of this group and should be a top 10 pick. Xavier Rhodes should also go in the top 15-20. Johnthan Banks struggled in coverage in his senior season and will drop because of that. But he is still thought highly of around the league.


Safety

1. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
2. Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
3. DJ Swearinger, South Carolina

Thoughts: Kenny Vaccaro is projected to be the only first round pick at safety and should be an immediate starter for someone (Rams?, Cowboys?)


What are your thoughts on the upcoming draft? Which players do you see having an immediate impact and what rankings do you agree or disagree with?