As time inches closer to the 2013 NFL Draft, we have updated our three round NFL Mock Draft. Our last update came on the heels of some QB moves that appeared to shake things up a bit. Giving this further attention, some of those moves may not be long term answers, leaving the door open for some early QB selections. Ironically, with these moves, Geno Smith has actually moved up in the draft rather than falling back. Anyway, have a look. Here is how some of the picks play out…

1.8 Buffalo Bills: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Previous: Geno Smith

While it first appeared that the Bills signing of Kevin Kolb could send QBs free falling out of the Top 10, we are now thinking it could play out differently. not many really believe that Kolb is going to be the guy to do what Jim Kelly couldn’t in Buffalo. He appears more like a guy who can be there to compete with a rookie coming in, or as a placeholder until a rookie is ready. With that, the Bills are either in a position in the first round to take one of the top QBs, or they are in position to get what is left over after the run in the late first, early second round.

1.22 St. Louis (fr. Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Previous: Matt Elam

Jeff Fisher strikes us as a guy who would rather have his Eddie George than a platoon of backs. This is the highest we have had Lacy yet, but with the Rams having the two first rounders we could see one going to replace Steven Jackson. It is possible that they feel they have the guys on the roster, but this move wouldn’t be a big surprise.

1.26 Green Bay Packers: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Previous: Eddie Lacy

The Packers are going to have Finley back, but they have not seen Finley’s productive days in some time. Eifert is also the best player available at this position in the first round, playing into the Packers tendency not to reach.

2.4    Detroit Lions: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

The Lions pick up a value at the top of the second round after address a major need in the first.

Two QBs go in the third round to teams that have recently spent first round picks on the position. Have a look at the whole mock here…

Round 1| ROUND 2 | ROUND 3

The NFL has been known as a copycat league for quite some time. The way it works is if a team or teams have some sort of success one year, other teams tend to follow suit the following year. Remember the Wildcat? With the rookie Quarterbacks from the class of 2012 having such an immediate impact, one could surmise that QB needy teams will be lining up at the top of the draft for the services of this year’s crop, right? Not true. So much so that if trades were not an option, we could see not even the top QB land in the first round. Rather than following suit with the young signal callers, teams are making moves for available options prior to the draft. we knew this was a weak QB class, but what does that say for the prospects?

The Kansas City Chiefs made the first move, trading for Alex Smith. Even though they are throwing out a visit with Geno Smith this week to feign interest to spark a possible trade out of the top spot, they made their interest (and confidence) in Geno clear when acquiring the other Smith.  They clearly did not feel that he, or any other QB option, were not worthy of the top pick for this QB needy team.

Through much of the NFL Draft process up to this point, the other projected landing spots for the services of rookie Quarterbacks still reside in the Top 10 picks. Problem is, many in the business don’t feel there is a QB worthy of a top 10 pick, and very few worthy of a first round pick.

1.2 Jacksonville Jaguars

If there were the right guy available, we could see the Jags conceding defeat with Blaine Gabbert and moving  on. However, they have not fully committed to this concession so it makes it more difficult to make a move here. well, they could if they believed that the sure thing was available. The Jags are in a prime position at the top of the second round for one of the second tier guys, even if they get jumped a couple of times by teams going into the late first.

1.3 Oakland Raiders

The Raiders talked interest in Geno Smith, but this could have been with the same motivations as Kansas City. Regardless, they made a move in another direction by acquiring the one game wonder who is Matt Flynn. A year ago Flynn was a hot commodity, and we really should diss him for beating beat out by a rookie. Russell Wilson is an exceptional football player. We don’t think that Flynn brings a franchise QB feel to the team. The Raiders could have taken on a new face of the franchise at the top of the draft and chose not to.

1.4 Philadelphia Eagles

Nobody really knows what is going to happen yet with the QB position in Philly. Chip Kelly is building a stable to choose from. Problem for the QB prospects is don’t usually add to this kind of selection process with the fourth overall pick. Top of the second round could be perfect for it though. Currently, we like E.J. Manuel to land there.

1.6 Cleveland Browns

While the Browns could choose a QB in this draft, there is not much reason to believe that it will be this early.

1.7 Arizona Cardinals

This is the spot that many want to place Smith in the first round, especially after Buffalo’s most recent move. The Cardinals cannot deny the need, but have denied interest. Talks with the Raiders about a trade for Carson Palmer are at a sticking point. Let’s consider their interest in Palmer. At this point it is apparent that the Cardinals would rather have a QB approaching the bottom of the downside of his career than the top available QB in this year’s NFL Draft. This being the coach who had so much success with last year’s top prospect.

1.8 Buffalo Bills

The Bills were the ideal landing spot until they acquired Kevin Kolb this week. While we don’t believe that Kolb is the answer, he could serve as the starter while a new QB is eased in. He has a two-year contract that would set up a slow grooming, or an easy transition if he fails. There is also everyone’s assumption that Coach Marrone having interest in his old Syracuse QB, Ryan Nassib. Who, coincidentally, could be available with their second round pick.

1.9 New York Jets

Yes, even the Jets could be in the argument. But not likely in the first round.

After the top ten picks there is a potential free fall for the Quarterback position. Chances are we will have trades into the back end of the first round, without question. Even if Geno Smith somehow goes in the top half, prospects like Matt Barkley, Manuel, Nassib, and Mike Glennon are facing the late first round, start of second round at the earliest. Considering the copycat league and the spots at the top of the draft that should have dictated selections of this year’s crop of signal callers, we should have a clear picture on how those in power of making selections view the talent available.

Our latest mock draft has four of the first seven picks in the second round selecting Quarterback.

The 2013 NFL Mock Draft at NFL Draft Net has expanded to three rounds. Free agency has influenced a number of updates to the first round since our last update. Let’s look into some of those picks and some others worth mentioning.

1.8 Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Previous: No change this update

It should be noted that the mock was completed before the Kevin Kolb signing in Buffalo. As we mentioned earlier today, this sets up a variety of moves for the Bills. However, rather than forcing an updated, it should be considered that Kolb could be the short term answer without forcing Smith into active duty.

1.15 New Orleans Saints: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Previous: D.J. Fluker

The Saints have themselves in a bind at Offensive Tackle. Fluker was an impulse pick last update as it was still open as to whether or not he will make a Left Tackle in the NFL. At this point it is looking like he will be a standout OT on the right side. This puts us back with the Saints taking the top available defensive prospect on the board.

1.30 Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Previous: Datone Jones

With the Falcons addressing DE this week, we could see them being proactive at the Tight End spot with the inevitable retirement of Gonzo. There is a good chance Eifert won’t be available here as his stock is rising, but if he is it would be a great match.

2.1 Jaguars: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

This starts off a wave of QBs being selected in four out of the top seven picks in the second round. Just the thought of the need at the top of the order should have us seeing a lot of trade action in the later half of the first round when the real thing roles around.

2.21 Bengals: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

The Bengals have been known to take chances and have them pan out. This could be another one of those times.

3.35 Comp pick Titans: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

View the entire three round mock draft: Updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft | Round One | Round Two | Round Three

ESPN reports that Andy Reid has hinted that the Kansas City Chiefs won’t force a Quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He emphasized that you have to take the best player that fits what you are trying to do. Of course they are taking offers for the pick. Thinking back, it has been quite a while since Reid has went all in on a QB with Donovan McNabb. Kevin Kolb (2nd) and Nick Foles (3rd) were not first round picks.

Watching the report makes it sound as if the Chiefs may lean toward taking their top player on the board despite need. With that, they would certainly look at free agency for a QB over what is on the roster. I have to say though, I don’t buy anything Reid says after he sat on Chris Mortensen’s bus two days before signing Mike Vick saying that they were not interested.

The NFL Conference Championship games have wrapped. Congrats to the 49ers and Ravens! With that, we have updated our 2013 NFL Mock Draft and there are numerous changes since the last update.

1.1 Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M It’s a new era in Kansas City, which makes the perfect time for a franchise QB. Problem is, as easy as it is to plug Geno Smith in here, that doesn’t necessarily translate to franchise QB. Joeckel is the closest to a sure thing we see right now to benefit the Chiefs in rebuilding. Whoever they decide on at QB will certainly be protected for years to come.

Previous: Geno Smith

1.2 Jacksonville Jaguars: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M As is the case on a seemingly yearly basis, the Jaguars could use help in several areas. Bottom line is the Jags are not scaring anyone in the pass rush department. Jason Babin was brought in last season, Moore would make a great long term solution to the issue.

Previous: Jarvis Jones

1.3 Oakland Raiders: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah Oakland benefits from whoever the Jags pass on. Lotulelei is the kind of player that you can plug in right away and have years of exceptional performance. He is the top prospect on our big board. In this new era of Raiders football it is okay to make the safe pick and leave the risks for later.

Previous: No Change

1.4 Philadelphia Eagles: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia It’s time for the Chip Kelly era in Philly. There are money concerns with Mike Vick, as well as the usual uncertainty as to when he will be available for you. Smith’s poor showing in the bowl game will be forgotten while the numbers of 42 TDs to 6 INTs will be remembered as we head into draft season.

Previous: Luke Joeckel

1.5 Detroit Lions: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State There is little question that the Lions can run with other teams on offense. However, the defensive side of the ball has to play too. The Lions were the 6th worst team in points allowed in 2012.Cliff Avril is up for free agency and Kyle Vanden Bosch is aging out of the starting rotation soon.

Previous: Manti Te’o

Te rest of the mock HERE—>