The NFL combine is the best way for executives and teams to look at the new crop of college prospects that will enter the professional ranks.
All 32 teams will have representatives checking out the players and some of the top choices include USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Texas A&M lineman Luke Joeckel. The new crop is considered weak compared to last years quarterback position, but names like Geno Smith and Matt Glennon could surprise as first round selections with good showings at the combine.
Here is a look at some of the teams drafting in the top part of the NFL draft and some mock selections of who they could choose come April.
Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Under Scott Pioli the Chiefs often reached for players and made unconventional picks, including Tyson Jackson out of LSU with the third overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Jackson hasn't turned into a star, but with Andy Reid and a new general manager, the team will likely try to make a solid, but team-changing selection. The Chiefs could trade out of the spot to get picks to help strengthen other areas, but if they select Joeckel, they will likely have a stalwart on the offensive line for years. He is the top lineman in the draft and was the 2012 Outland Trophy winner and helped block for Johnny Manziel and the high-scoring Aggies this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
The Jaguars will also have a new front office for this draft, but have holes all over their team. The quarterback area is under fire after Blaine Gabbert was hurt and unless the team goes and trades for Tim Tebow, the QB of the future is not on the roster right now. The team needs players on defense and on the offensive line, but the Jaguars could surprise and pick West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith. He didn't look great in the Pinstripe Bowl loss to Syracuse, but was fantastic this season while throwing for 4,205 yards and 40 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Smith is a dynamic player and went the first six games of the season without throwing an interception while passing for 25 touchdowns.
Oakland Raiders: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
This pick could easily be Manti Te'o from Notre Dame, but the Raiders love their hard-nosed defensive players. Jones was a beast for Georgia this season, making 52 tackles, including 24.5 for loss, along with 14.5 sacks and one interception. He had eight tackles and 2.0 sacks in the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska wand was stellar against Alabama in the SEC championship game, making six tackles and two sacks in the Georgia loss. Jones has speed and athleticism and could replace Rolando McLain, who was a bust for the Raiders and was released during this season. He has made 26 sacks over the past two seasons and could be an impact pass rusher for the Raiders for years to come. Jones has the impact of a Von Miller and could help transform the Raider much like Miller did with the Broncos.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Eagles are still without a coach, so the idea on this pick could change, but the team desperately needs a cornerback after the subpar play of Nnamdi Asomugha, who has regressed the past two seasons. The defense was ranked 13th in passing yards and will need to improve against quarterbacks like Tony Romo, Robert Griffin and Eli Manning in the NFC East. The Eagles haven't picked in the Top five for over 10 years and although corners aren't usually taken this high, Milliner fits the bill. He has good size at 6'1" and has experience after playing 38 games for Alabama. He made 33 tackles with two interceptions and 1.5 sacks this season and also broke up 18 passes in 12 games. Milliner has been a key cog in Nick Saban's defense and had a stellar game against Texas A&M, making a season-high 10 tackles while breaking up one pass. He was one reason why Alabama was able to hold opponents to just 10.67 points per game this year, second in the nation.
