On this weeks edition of Bird Watching, it’s more draft news and predictions. With the draft less than two weeks away, more and more mock drafts are beginning to come out and the variety in picks seems to be much smaller than it was a couple of weeks ago. Now without further adieu, let’s put on our binoculars and go Bird Watching.

LUKE JOECKEL

OT

TEXAS A&M

Chip Kelly understands the importance of protecting the passer, which is why drafting Joeckel makes complete sense in this scenario.

GENO SMITH

QB

WEST VIRGINIA

With this move, Chip Kelly would be getting a young quarterback who has experience playing in an up-tempo offense. Michael Vick’s veteran presence will give Smith some time to sit and learn before he takes the reins in Philly.

Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 
There’s no question the Eagles have to upgrade their offensive line. Their tackle position is in shambles. Jason Peters tore his Achilles; Demetress Bell was released after being a bust signing; while King Dunlap, who wasn’t any good, signed with San Diego. Even if Peters comes back close to 100 percent – a tough challenge, considering his weight – an upgrade could be made at right tackle, which would allow Todd Herremans to move back to his natural guard position. Eric Fisher would then become the heir apparent to Peters on the blind side.
This pick was a close call between Eric Fisher and Star Lotulelei. The latter was just cleared medically and should be considered a top-five prospect once again.

Star Lotulelei

Comment: ”Of all the teams in the top five overall, the Eagles did the best job in free agency and are most free to take the best available player for their schemes. The D-line isn’t a pressing need, but Lotulelei is a top-five talent and would give the Eagles another solid 3-4 end and some flexibility in their new 3-4 hybrid scheme.”

Comment: ”I still can’t pull the trigger on the Eagles taking West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, because my sense is Chip Kelly views Florida State’s E.J. Manuel a more viable option early in the second round. In Joeckel, the Eagles get one of the draft’s elite offensive tackles and give themselves alternatives as both starters at the position, Jason Peters and Todd Herremans, return from injury-marred 2012 seasons.”

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Here is my latest mock draft. I will try to do a new one every week because things will begin to shape up  in the coming weeks. This week I had 11 picks change from the previous week.

Be sure to tell me what you think about my mock draft and give me some of your predictions for the draft in the comments below.

1. PICK NO.

   1

   

   LUKE JOECKEL

   OT

   TEXAS A&M
   Same as Last Week: I don’t see any change in this selection any time soon because Joeckel will provide the Chiefs with a Pro Bowl caliber LT for at least 10 years. Also with the rumors that the Chiefs are willing to move Branden Albert, Joeckel makes even more sense.
2. PICK NO.

   2

   

   DION JORDAN

   DE

   OREGON
   Same as Last Week: Gus Bradley wants to build his defense with speedy and talented players and Dion Jordan is the perfect fit.He would fix the Jaguars problem with their pass rush and he also has he ability to drop into coverage. Jordan is very versatile and gives Jacksonville and new coach Gus Bradley a weapon on defense.
3. PICK NO.

   3

   

   SHARRIF FLOYD

   DT

   FLORIDA
   Same as last Week: The Raiders have no DT’s on their roster and the question “Will they take Geno?” is pretty much gone. Floyd is the best DT in the draft and the Raiders are desperately looking to fill that position because of the losses of Tommy Kelly, Desmond Bryant, and Richard Seymour. Floyd fits perfectly in Oakland.
4. PICK NO.

   4

   

   ERIC FISHER
   OT
   CENTRAL MICHIGAN
   Over the last week, I have changed my thought process on the Eagles pick. The Eagles have 4 good offensive linemen, but they have a need at RG and by taking Fisher, the Eagles can fill that need. Fisher would play LT next season for the Eagles next season, if he is selected here, and that leaves only one option for Jason Peters: RT. Peters plays a physical LT and is good in  the run game and that”s why I believe he can make the transition. By moving Peters to RT, Coach Kelly can moved Herremans back inside to RG, filling the hole on the Eagles line.
   Previous Pick: Dee Milliner
5. 5

   

   DEE MILLINER
   CB
   ALABAMA
   Milliner is exactly what the Lions need. The Lions desperately need a cornerback and Milliner is their guy. Before I had the Eagles taking Milliner, so the Lions couldn’t select him, but if Milliner is available, it’s a no-brainer.
   Previous Pick: Ziggy Ansah
6. PICK NO.

   6

   

   ZIGGY ANSAH
   DE
   BYU
   Browns are looking for pass rushers of the edge and Ansah can provide them with a strong pass rush coupled with their prize free agent signing, Paul Kruger. This could also be a spot where the Browns look to move down and draft a corner.
   Previous Pick: Barkevious Mingo
7. PICK NO.

   7

   

   LANE JOHNSON
   OT
   OKLAHOMA
   The Cardinals offensive line was one of the worst units in the league last year and Johnson, though he is the 3rd best OT in the draft, he is still a Day 1, impact starter. Johnson can come in and help solidify the Cardinals pass protection. Carson Palmer throws interceptions when he has a clean pocket, behind the Cardinals line from a year ago…, lets just say the Cardinals line needs a lot of work.
   Previous Pick: Eric Fisher
8. PICK NO.

   8

   

   GENO SMITH

   QB

   WEST VIRGINIA
   Same as Last Week: Though the Bills acquired Kolb, they still need a starting quarterback and Geno could be their guy.  It will be hard to sell Tavaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb to their fan base as the Bills opening day starter. Even though I have Geno going to the Bills here, don’t be surprised if the pass on Geno and draft Nassib in the 2nd or trade back up into the 1st to grab him.
9. PICK NO.

   9

   

   JARVIS JONES

   OLB

   GEORGIA
   Same as Last Week:Jones will need to prove himself to the Jets in a private workout, but based on his in games performances, Jones has shown that he has the ability to be a top of the line OLB that has the ability to rush the passer and that’s exactly what the Jets need
10. PICK NO.

    10

    

    CHANCE WARMACK

    OG

    ALABAMA
    Same as last Week: Warmack’s stock has slipped a bit because he isn’t very athletic but Warmack is still the best OG in the draft. The Titans need Chris Johnson to become CJ2K again and Warmack can come to Tennessee and open up huge holes for Chris Johnson to run through.
11. PICK NO.

    11

    

    BARKEVIOUS MINGO
    DE
    LSU
    Mingo is still learning the game and that is a really good thing to hear because he’s already a top talent and producer. I think Mingo can come to San Diego and give them double digit sack totals from year 1 and be cornerstone in the Chargers defense for years to come.
    Previous Pick: Lane Johnson
12. PICK NO.

    12

    

    XAVIER RHODES

    CB

    FLORIDA ST.
    Same as Last Week: The Dolphins lost CB Sean Smith in a free agency and need to replace him in the draft. Even though the Dolphins signed Grimes, it is uncertain if he can come back healthy and even if he is, he is on a one-year deal. In a division with Tom Brady, you need a good pass defense and Rhodes gives the Dolphins depth at a very key position.
13. PICK NO.

    13
    
    STAR LOTULELEI

    DT

    UTAH

    The Buccaneers have holes at CB and DT and Lotulelei is a perfect fit a DT.Lotulelei was considered a top 5 pick a few months ago, but due to a heart condition his stock has fallen. Lotulelei’s stock is back on the rise and he might squeak back into the top-10, but if he falls to 13, he is great value for the Buccaneers at 13.
    Previous Pick: Sheldon Richardson
14. PICK NO.

    14
    
    SHELDON RICHARDSON

    DT

    MISSOURI

    The Panthers have holes up and down their roster with most of them on defense. Sheldon Richardson can fill their hole at DT and will solidify their defensive line. The Panthers may also look to add another weapon on the outside for Cam Newton to thrown the ball to.
    Previous Pick: Star Lotulelei
15. PICK NO.

    15

    

    BJOERN WERNER

    DE

    FLORIDA ST.
    Same as Last Week: The Saints need some one who can rush the passer. Werner loves to rush the passer. Its a perfect fit. Werner is a bit like Jason Babin in the sense that he only rushes the passer and doesn’t play the run well. Werner can come in and give the Saints their  much needed pass rush. The Saints might also look to trade up to draft Jarvis Jones.
16. PICK NO.

    16
    
    KENNY VACCARO

    SS

    TEXAS

    Vaccaro is the best safety in the draft and the Rams are looking for a safety after they cut Quintin Mikell. Vaccaro will come to St. Louis and solidify their talented secondary and give them a physical presence.

    Previous Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson

17. PICK NO.

    17

    

    TAVON AUSTIN

    WR

    WEST VIRGINIA
    Same as Last Week: The Steelers need to replace what Mike Wallace gave to their offense. Austin comes in and gives the Steelers an electric slot receiver. Plus the Steelers have an offensive coordinator who likes to throw quick, short passes to move up the field instead of running the ball, Austin fits into their scheme perfectly.
18. PICK NO.

    18

    

    JONATHAN COOPER

    OG

    UNC
    Same as Last Week: The Cowboys need to address their poor offensive line during the draft, and Cooper is their best option to do so. Cooper is the 2nd best OG in the draft and his athleticism will be much wanted in Dallas.
19. PICK NO.

    19

    

    ALEC OGLETREE

    ILB

    GEORGIA
    Same as last Week: The Giants linebacking corp needs a lot of help. Ogletree is the best ILB in the draft and fills a huge need for the Giants.
20. PICK NO.

    20

    

    DJ FLUKER

    OT

    ALABAMA
    Same as Last Week: Fluker is a hard nose tackle who is very good in the run game. For the Bears to get over the hump and into the playoffs this year they will need a Pro Bowl performance form Matt Forte and Fluker can open open holes in the running game to help out their running back.
21. PICK NO.

    21

    

    MENELIK WATSON

    OT

    FLORIDA ST.
    Same as last Week: Watson has the talent to be a starting tackle in the NFL but will need some good coaching to get their.  The Bengals have one of, if not, the best offensive line coach in the league and under his coaching, Watson can become a solid starting tackle for the Bengals in a very short period of time.
22. PICK NO.

    22
    
    CORDARRELLE PATTERSON

    WR

    TENNESSEE

    The Rams, like the Browns, haven’t given their young QB a weapon on the outside. This offseason the Rams added Jared Cook to help out Sam Bradford and by drafting Patterson, the Rams offense looks so much better.
    Previous Pick: Kenny Vaccaro
23. PICK NO.

    23

    

    KEENAN ALLEN

    WR

    CALIFORNIA
    The Vikings already helped out their under achieving QB this off season by signing Greg Jennings. The Vikings have two first rounders this year and by drafting Allen, the Vikings will have all the pieces of a great offense minus the QB and with Allen and Jennings opposing defenses wont be able to stack the box against the Vikings to stop Adrian Peterson.
24. PICK NO.

    24

    

    KAWANN SHORT

    DT

    PURDUE
    The Cols are trying to help out their defense this off season and have done so, but more help is coming with this selection. Kawann Short will fill the hole in the middle of the Colts defense as the Colts continue to try and bolster their defense.
25. PICK NO.

    25

    

    MANTI TE’O

    ILB

    NOTRE DAME
    Last week I was informed by a comment, and there was an article on PFT, saying that the Vikings do indeed need a ILB. So I have changed my pick to Te’o he is arguably the best ILB left on the board. For me, it’s a toss up between Te’o and Arthur Brown, but for now, I will put Te’o here.
    Previous Pick: Johnathan Banks
26. PICK NO.

    26

    

    MATT ELAM

    FS

    FLORIDA
    Same as Last Week: The Packers cut Charles Woodson this off season and are looking for a young safety to fill a hole in their secondary. Elam is a hard hitting safety who can come in and fill a huge hole in the Packers secondary.
27. PICK NO.

    27

    

    DEANDRE HOPKINS

    WR

    CLEMSON
    Same as Last Week: The Texans need a second receiver to play along side Andre Johnson. The Texans cut Kevin Walter and are need another plat maker on the outside. Hopkins can come in and fill a hole in the Texans offense.
28. PICK NO.

    28

    

    DAMONTRE MOORE

    DE

    TEXAS A&M
    Same as Last Week: Moore was once considered a top 5 pick until an absolutely terrible combine performance and rumored off the field issues saw his draft stock slip a lot. Moore showed he has the ability to play extremely well and is a nice value for the Broncos with the 28th pick.
29. PICK NO.

    29

    

    MARGUS HUNT

    DE

    SMU
    Same as Last Week: Hunt is a freak of nature, measuring in at 6-8 and he is strong and fast. He gives the Patriots another body who can rush the passer, which hurt them a lot in their loss to the Ravens.
30. PICK NO.

    30

    

    TYLER EIFERT

    TE

    NOTRE DAME
    Same as Last Week: Even though Tony Gonzalez is coming back next year, the Falcons need to find a young TE who can replace the future Hall of Famer and this is the perfect draft to do it. Eifert is the best TE in the draft and a perfect replacement once Gonzalez retires and another weapon for Matt Ryan next year.
31. PICK NO.

    31

    

    JESSE WILLIAMS

    DT

    ALABAMA
    Same as Last Week: The 49ers lost Sopoaga this off season and signed Glen Dorsey. Dorsey has been very inconsistent during his career and Williams will give them depth at the NT position.
32. PICK NO.

    32

    

    JOHNATHAN BANKS

    CB

    MISSISSIPPI ST.
    The Ravens lost corner Cary Williams this off season and can replace him with Banks. Previously I had them taking a ILB or a S, but the Ravens filled those holes through free agency. The Ravens can continue to bolster their defense by selecting Banks.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2012 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday night, Sayre Bedinger of nflmocks.com, released a three round mock draft. Here are his picks with my analysis of his selections.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Fisher may be the most talented pass protector in this year’s draft, and the Eagles certainly can’t have enough of that. They could easily go QB with this pick, but they may let the board play out.

In my mock draft, I have the Eagles selecting corner Dee Milliner with their first round selection, but Fisher is a very good pick as well. The Eagles signed two new corners this off season and could feel that they need to address another need through the draft. Even with the Eagles core offensive lineman coming back, supposedly, healthy, the Eagles could add another piece to sure up their line. If Fisher is drafted, I could see the Eagles sliding Peters to RT and kicking Herremans back inside to RG, eliminating Danny Watkins from the line. If this is the case the Eagles offensive line looks like it could be one of the best lines in the league.

35. Philadelphia Eagles: E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

Bedinger has the Eagles selecting EJ Manuel in the second round, as do many other people. EJ Manuel seems like a perfect fit, I just feel the Eagles have bigger needs and by taking Manuel, the Eagles will have spent their first two picks on the offense when the defense needs the most work. If the Eagles go Fisher in the first round, I see the Eagles taking a defensive tackle, safety, or corner.

67. Philadelphia Eagles: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

Jon Jenkins makes a lot of sense for the Eagles because he is a big nose tackle, but he also has good speed for his size which allows him to rush the passer. Jenkins might not be available at this pick, so I don’t think the Eagle will ultimately draft Jenkins, but I do think the will pick up nose tackle in the 2nd or 3rd round.