Early mock draft.

     Yes, the NFL season just ended yesterday and the playoffs are just about to start, but I thought I would take a moment and mock the NFL's future by getting an early mock of the first ten picks of the draft before the combine.  This will be a test to see if these picks will stand after the combine.  This will be only the first ten picks and analysis behind each pick.

1. Kansas City Chiefs- Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia:  Although Smith has had a tough season at West Virginia this season and may have hurt his draft stock, but the Chiefs need to take him for the franchise.  They need to make a statement by finding the franchise quarterback.  Smith has a very strong arm and was very accurate prior to the mid-season struggles.  The Chiefs have struggled in many places, particularly at quarterback, and they might have their man in Smith.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Same situation as Kansas City with Geno Smith.  Barkley had a bad senior season at USC, but the Jaguars need to make the same statement as a franchise with the quarterback position.  Regardless of Tim Tebow rumors, the Jaguars need to find their signal caller for the franchise because Blaine Gabbert is just sunk cost at this point.

3. Oakland Raiders- Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia:  The Raiders are in a good position to take anyone they please with the first two picks taking quarterbacks.  Jones is the best player available and can fit the Raiders.  Oakland might use him like Denver uses Von Miller, a pass rushing linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Using Jones in this way might work since head coach Dennis Allen was the Broncos defensive coordinator in Von Miller's rookie season in 2011.

4. Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M:  After what occurred this last season to the Eagles up front, they must address the offensive line.  Jason Peters is now in question after coming off an Achilles Tendon tear, so the best tackle prospect in Joeckel will be the best fit for the Eagles.  The quarterbacks in this class makes it obvious for the Eagles to address the offensive line while they still can.

5. Detroit Lions- Manti Teo, LB, Notre Dame: Many areas the Lions could address with the fifth pick.  The Lions could really use a pass rusher here, and it wouldn't hurt to take the ones on the board, but Teo fits the criteria for the best player available strategy.  Teo is an athletic and explosive linebacker that can help solidify the front seven in Detroit.  Could be the next superstar at linebacker.

6. Cleveland Browns- Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M:  Following the best player available could be the Browns who might find time to take a pass rusher.  No real offensive weapons to take here, so Cleveland might as well.  Moore fits more of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but can also be suited having his hand in the dirt in the 4-3.

7. Arizona Cardinals- Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan:  Could be a reach, but after how Lewan performed in the Outback Bowl against Jadeveon Clowney could raise his stock very much.  Arizona needs to protect the quarterback before they can get a fair evaluation on the quarterbacks they have.  Lewan is a start, but it won't save the offensive line.

8. Buffalo Bills- Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah:  Buffalo already has a lot invested in the defensive line with using the 3rd overall pick in 2011 on DT Marcell Dareus and big contracts to DEs Mario Williams and Mark Anderson.  However, how is it possible to have that much invested and still rank dead last in the league in rushing defense?  Luckily, the Bills have a chance to take the top defensive tackle on the board who could go higher than 8th.  Lotulelei could help create one of the most dominant and deepest defensive lines in the league.

9. New York Jets- Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU:  Many needs for the Jets, but no quarterback for them to take.  So the Jets continue to find that elite pass rusher to build the defense.  Mingo has been falling as of late, but could still find his way in this position.  Either way, the team would still find more ways to use him than Tim Tebow.

10. Tennessee Titans- Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State:  The Titans are in a bad spot when they need to improve the offense.  No offensive lineman or tight ends worthy of drafting here, so luckily Bjoern Werner is on the board.  The Titans might not think they need pass rushers, but you can never have enough pass rushers.