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

We have made our first update of the new year to our 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Here is how the first five picks pan out…

 1.1 Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

This pick is up in the air for a few reasons. First, we don’t know Scott Pioli’s future, which will have an impact on the decision process. Second, while QB is a major need for the Chiefs, it is not a great QB class this year. Third, Geno Smith’s showcase in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl did not go well. While we got a look at what he may look like playing in the snow at Arrowhead, there were more questions than answers in the game. At this time we are sticking with Smith because the Chiefs don’t have much choice. It’s easy to say trade out, but the second most importance piece of that puzzle is someone wanting to pay to trade in.

1.2 Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

As is the case on a seemingly yearly basis, the Jaguars could use help in several areas. Jones would add a dynamic player to the defense. The safer pick my be to go with Lotulelei at Defensive Tackle, but Jones can add a spark in more areas of the field. His instincts are solid and will be an instant help to the pass rush.

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.

1.4 Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

It’s a new era in Philadelphia. The reported coaching prospects are offensive minded. The Eagles are not short on offensive weapons at most skill positions. QB is very arguable and as prospects rise through the draft process we will hear names falling here. With that, we look to the offensive line and the best prospect on the board. Joeckel is a welcomed addition to a line that needs the help.

1.5 Detroit Lions: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame

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. This pick could easily be a pass rusher, but we are looking in the middle on the second level. Te’o is one of those players that can not only be exceptional at his position, but also as a leader on and off the field.

The Rest of the Mock Draft HERE

2013 NFL Draft prospect, USC Quarterback Matt Barkley’s senior season has come to an end. Gary Klein of the LA Times tweeted that the USC Docs do not want Barkley to play in the upcoming bowl game against Georgia Tech.

Barkley also missed the final regular season game against Notre Dame. He will enter the NFL Draft without the benefit of two nationally televised games to change the perception that was left in his last month of play.

In his last four games, USC went 1-3 while Barkley 14-9 TD-INT ratio.

Source: LA Times’ Gary Klein via Twitter

The NFL Draft Net has updated it’s 2013 NFL Draft Prospect Top 25 Big Board.

It should be noted that this is not a Mock Draft or a projection of where players will be drafted. This is our current ranking of the Top 25 players overall. Positional rankings are yet to come.

1. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

2. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

3. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

4. Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

5. Damontre Moore, DE-3/4 OLB, Texas A&M

6-25 continued HERE

With about a month to go in the NCAA football regular season, we are going to start our 2013 NFL Draft Weekly posts. These posts will bring some tidbits on some of the draft prospects that we will be keeping tabs on up until the late April selection show that is the NFL Draft. Starting with Texas A&M’s upset of Alabama…

Rob Rang at CBS Sports credits Offensive Tackles, Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, for the Texas A&M win over Alabama.

Ouch! This picture has Dee Milliner landing flat on his face as Malcome Kennedy scores the winning touchdown for Texas A&M.

USC Quarterback Matt Barkley has become the leading passer in Pac-12 history.

Notre Same Coach, Brian Kelly, talks up Manti Te’o's leadership:

“He’s the leader of our defense,” Kelly said. “We got frustrated at times (Saturday). Some of our kids got frustrated. They have to be able to keep their composure and they have a leader out there in Manti who is keeping the guys under control. When you need a big play he’s going to be around the football.”

Despite losing to Oklahoma State, West Virginia’s Geno Smith threw for 364 yards and a couple of TDs.

Georgia’s Alec Ogletree racked up ten tackles and a couple of sacks against Auburn.

South Carolina running back, Marcus Lattimore, provided fans with a video message. Sad story on the injury. Doctors are optimistic he will play again.

Purdue Defensive Tackle, Kawann Short, grabbed six tackles and a sack in a win over Iowa.

Tyler Wilson became Arkansas’ career leader in completions in their loss to South Carolina.