The 2013 NFL Draft is right around the corner, with the first round taking place one week from Thursday. That being the case, teams are scrambling to schedule visits with prospects in hopes of planning a draft-day strategy. So, what’s the latest news?
2013 NFL Draft buzz: Browns targeting Dee Milliner, Barkevious Mingo
The Cleveland Brown appear to be aiming for a defensive upgrade via the NFL Draft.
USA TODAY Sports
More: Mocking the Draft
The Cleveland Browns appear to have a plan, and it looks like they're focusing on getting one of the best defensive players available. Milliner is rated as the top cornerback available, according to SB Nation's Dan Kadar, and Kadar sees Mingo as the top outside linebacker. Milliner and Mingo are Nos. 6 and 7 on Kadar's big board, and the only defensive players ranked ahead of them are tackles Star Lotulelei and Sheldon Richardson.
Brown, out of Kansas State after a transfer from Miami, is viewed by many, including SB Nation's Dan Kadar, as the best middle linebacker prospect in the draft. Standing 6'0 and weighing in at 241 pounds, Brown is a little undersized for an NFL middle linebacker, but scouts like his effort and big-hitting ability. The Patriots are set to select with the 29th pick in the first round, and if Brown falls that far, he would be a steal for a New England team that could use a defensive boost.
Another top prospect, Vaccaro is the No. 1 safety, according to Kadar, and Miami and New Orleans could use help in the secondary. In 2012, the Dolphins allowed 248.4 yards per game through the air, ranking 27th in the NFL, and the Saints ranked 31st by giving up 292.2 passing yards per game. Both teams have relatively early picks, with Miami selecting at No. 12 and New Orleans on the clock at No. 15.
Bray, who played quarterback at Tennessee, has visited several teams so far, including the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, he's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, which doesn't really make much sense. Bray has a great arm, and he threw for 3,612 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2012, finishing the season as one of two SEC quarterbacks to average more than 300 yards per game. However, the Eagles are installing Chip Kelly's read-option offense, and Bray is a traditional pocket passer with little mobility.
St. Louis has a few areas of need, and the Rams are at least considering an offensive lineman and linebacker. Long, out of Oregon, is the No. 5 offensive guard prospect, according to SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn. His most attractive quality could be his genetic pedigree -- his brother is Jake Long, the former No. 1 pick and one of the NFL's best offensive linemen. Greene, who played his college ball at Rutgers is ranked as the No. 5 outside linebacker by Kadar. Both players are projected as second- or third-round picks.
Jones wasn’t a well-known safety when he played at Arkansas State, but he’s hoping to catch on with an NFL team. He had a nice pro day, running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and finishing with 17 reps at 225 pounds on the bench. However, at 5’11 and 191 pounds, Jones is much smaller than most safety prospects.
Out of Houston, Hayden has seen his draft stock consistently rising, and with the 31st pick, it wouldn't be a stretch for the 49ers to select him at the end of the first round. Hayden nearly died after suffering a torn inferior vena cava at practice in November, but he's recovered well and is ready to get back on the football field. Despite only playing in nine games for the Cougars last season, he finished with four interceptions -- two returned for scores -- and 61 tackles.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
