But alas, that’s who the former New York Giants running back turned to — as brother Ronde Barber was announcing his retirement from the NFL, no less.

Tiki Barber hosted Ronde Barber on his CBS Sports Radio show Thursday to talk about Ronde’s retirement, and in the process, he didn’t do anything to help his reputation of being egomaniacal. Tiki Barber has become known over his playing and broadcasting career for his dubious moments, the most notable being when he questioned Tom Coughlin while playing for him, criticized quarterback Eli Manning when they were teammates and used his broadcasting career to show everyone why he wasn’t as loved in the locker room as everyone may have thought.

On Thursday, as Ronde Barber looked at the end of a long, successful career, Tiki Barber wanted to know why his brother doesn’t attract the same vitriol he’s become used to.

Or, in fourth-grader-speak, “Why do so many people like Ronde and dislike me?” Tiki Barber asked.

Ronde Barber was a great brother, putting the blame on New York fans for being critical.

“That’s a great question,” he said. “[It's] probably because you live in New York, and I don’t know if New Yorkers like anything more than loving their stars than hating them. They look for faults and exploit them, or failures and exploit them, and it’s a national story when it’s up there.”

Giants fans and New York critics have since jumped on the opportunity to give Tiki Barber the what-for for asking the question, shaking their heads over the irony of it all.

Ronde Barber, however, looks like a pretty well-spoken guy. Anybody want to sign him up for a broadcasting gig?

Tiki Barber photo via Facebook/Tiki Barber

All of the workouts are over, the evaluations are done and now we play the waiting game. Only 29 of the 32 NFL teams currently have first-round picks, but that doesn’t mean just 29 teams will be making picks on Thursday night. In 2012 only 27 teams ended up picking in the first round, but in 2011 31 of the 32 teams selected a player in the first round. So, don’t be surprised if teams trade out of the first or back into the end of the round on Thursday.

As for the actual picks, Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel appears to be the consensus for the Chiefs at No. 1 overall, but Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher is still in contention for the honor. But after those two, predicting the rest of the first round is very much a crapshoot. Defenders like Oregon’s Dion Jordan and Florida’s Sharrif Floyd have piqued the interest of many teams, but either could come off the board anywhere from No. 2 all the way into the mid teens.

The big position of question continues to be the quarterbacks, though. Geno Smith tops most boards, but there have been a lot of rumors about Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib and USC’s Matt Barkley in recent days, making the possibility of multiple quarterbacks going in the first round even more likely.

The Patriots, meanwhile, will sit and wait patiently well into the first night before even taking a stab at their draft board. Wide Receiver, secondary and defensive line are all glaring needs that they will have to address at some point but, with just five picks to their name heading into this weekend, don’t be surprised if they trade out of the first round altogether this year. Sorry, Patriots fans.

With so many prospects to sift through and more uncertainty than in any year before, let’s dive right in and see what the final mock draft of 2013 has in store.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Joeckel has been the pick all along. The Chiefs know what they’re doing.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The Jaguars need some fresh faces to fill out their new uniforms and Jordan will look damn good throwing down quarterbacks while sporting the black and teal.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Quick, name three players on the Raiders defense… Give up yet? Yeah, they need Floyd.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Lane Johnson is the so-called “perfect fit” for Chip Kelly‘s offense, but Fisher is still the better player.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
If the Lions don’t trade out of here, which has been rumored, then Johnson would make the most sense.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Pairing Milliner with Joe Haden will create some excitement for Browns fans, who can forget about Jimmy Haslam‘s problems for at least a few hours.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The left tackles are all gone, so getting a defensive playmaker like Ansah should be next up on  Bruce Arians‘ priorities list.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Doug Marrone may be inclined to trade back into the back of the first round for Ryan Nassib to find his quarterback, making offensive line the next big need.
Previous pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

9. New York Jets (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
If Milliner falls maybe they snatch up Darrelle Revis‘ replacement. If not, Geno gives them a quarterback to compete with Mark Sanchez.
Previous pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Titans could use an athletic defensive end, too, but Lotulelei is just too tempting to pass up here.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
D.J. Fluker is also an option here, but his Alabama line mate is still the better pure lineman.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Replacing Jake Long is the real concern, but getting a strong right tackle is pretty important too.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

13. New York Jets [via Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)]: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Jets waited on Mingo at No. 9, but the risk pays off as he lands in New York anyway.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Panthers couldn’t stop the run in 2012, but Richardson should help change that.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Trufant’s speed should help the Saints against the pass.
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Austin is the best offensive playmaker in this draft and Sam Bradford can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
The Saints could grab Jones two picks before, but the Steelers won’t let him pass if he’s sitting here at 17.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
Jerry Jones may be tempted to get Tony Romo a new toy on offense, but in the end he goes with a need over a want.
Previous pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

19. New York Giants (9-7): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty left a big hole in the Giants’ defensive line, forcing their hand to address it through the draft.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The Bengals seem to think they’ll have tackle Andre Smith back on the roster next season, turning their attention to the next biggest need this offseason: the secondary.

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Rams could use a heavy hitter to set the tone in their secondary. Boom, Elam it is.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
The Vikings don’t appear intent on signing Brian Urlacher after all. So, Ogletree could address their need at inside linebacker.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Indy is all set passing the football on offense, but they’re still having trouble defending it. Rhodes should provide a big boost in the secondary.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
Te’o may be surrounded by controversy, but the Vikings know he still has the talent to be a
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
There is no way the Packers trade up into the top-10 to get one of the big three, but Watson is a sturdy tackle with lots of potential. Plus, he can help Aaron Rodgers right now.
Previous pick: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Matt  Barkley, QB, USC
I’m not necessarily saying the Texans will take Barkley — though Matt Schaub may not be the franchise quarterback they once thought — but this is a prime spot for the Bills, Cardinals, Browns or any number of teams to trade back into the first round and get their man.
Previous pick: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Elvis — Dumervil that is — has left the building, and the Broncos need a replacement in the pass rush. Look no further than the talented UCLA end.
Previous pick: Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State
There is a good chance the Patriots trade back with a team looking to get a quarterback. If they do stay here, though, Carradine would give them a good complement to Chandler Jones.
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
Hayden ran in the low 4.4s at his Houston pro day and seems to be fully healthy, making him a steal at this point in the draft.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
The 49ers are positioning themselves to move up but, without predicting a trade, Hunt seems like a great fit to replace Justin Smith.
Previous pick: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California
They don’t have Anquan Boldin anymore, so why not take the closest thing this draft has to offer.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Dropped: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State; Matt Elam, S, Florida; Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama;

Newcomers: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina; Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame; Matt  Barkley, QB, USC; D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston; Margus Hunt, DE, SMU;

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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Photo via Facebook/Oregon Ducks Football from B/R

There was a good chance the Patriots would find a receiver at some point on draft day when Sanders was still a possibility, but now that he’s out the pressure to find a playmaker only increases.

Fortunately for Tom Brady and company, this year’s draft offers an array of talent on the outside and the Patriots should have some good talent to choose from at the end of the first round.

Tavon Austin and Cordarrelle Patterson are projected as the top two wide receivers to come off the board, but there is still no telling whether they’ll be taken before the Patriots pick at No. 29. Either way, players like Tennessee’s Justin Hunter, California’s Keenan Allen and Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins are also available and could fit into the Patriots’ offensive system.

With all that in mind, let’s jump into this week’s mock draft and see who the Patriots and the rest of the league could have coming their way next Thursday night.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Joeckel has been the pick for almost every one of these mocks, and there’s a reason: he’s the best player available.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The rumors about interest in Geno Smith sounds more like the Jags trying to stir up interest in the pick. If they keep it, Jordan makes the most sense.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Oakland needs a playmaker on defense. Floyd would give them a building block for the future.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
I still think Chip Kelly‘s eyeing EJ Manuel over Geno. So, drafting on defense and waiting another round for the quarterback seems like the right play.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Fisher falls out of the top four, but he won’t last long. The Lions need some help on the offensive line after losing Gosder Cherilus.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Milliner would give the Browns the best young cornerback tandem in football. Joe Haden would be jumping for joy.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Rumor has it that Bruce Arians is very high on Johnson. So, he’ll get his man at left tackle.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Kevin Kolb said he’s in Buffalo to win a Super Bowl, but he may not even have the chance with Geno in town.

9. New York Jets (6-10): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Jets may have a chance to get Rhodes at No. 13, if they send Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers. Either way, they need to replace him somehow.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
There might be a little too much hype surrounding Ansah, but the Titans would be foolish to pass on his talent at No. 10.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Chance Warmack has the better grade from most scouts, but Cooper is more athletic and seems like a better fit for Mike McCoy‘s offense.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
The tackles are all gone, but the Dolphins still need help in front of Ryan Tannehill.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
With Milliner and Rhodes gone, the Bucs may jump on Trufant early to fill their need on the outside.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is a beast in the middle, and the Panthers will benefit from his big frame in trying to stop the run.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
Mingo’s pass rushing will help ease some of the Saints’ woes in the secondary.

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Jeff Fisher may literally jump for joy if Austin falls to them here. He’s the best receiver in this draft and Sam Bradford desperately needs a playmaker like him.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jones is looking more and more like a fit in the Steel city.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Cowboys could be tempted by Cordarrelle Patterson, but addressing a major issue on the defensive line seems more important.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

19. New York Giants (9-7): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
I don’t know if Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese can stay away from the defensive side of the ball, but if they do then getting a right tackle is first on the agenda.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Ogletree could be the best linebacker in this draft five years from now.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Matt Elam, S, Florida
The Rams could use a heavy hitter to set the tone in their secondary. Boom, Elam it is.
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Vikings don’t appear intent on signing Brian Urlacher after all. So, Ogletree could address their need at inside linebacker.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Reggie Wayne is getting old and Andrew Luck needs a new toy.
Previous pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Keenan Allen, WR, California
Allen’s slow 40 time (4.72 seconds) might have turned many teams away from taking him in the first round. Then again, the Vikings were interested in Anquan Boldin earlier this offseason, and the two do have some similarities.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Instead of reaching for a safety, the Packers grab a corner who is built like a safety. Who knows, maybe that’s where Banks ends up playing.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
Rather than getting Matt Schaub a receiver, the Texans find him some help on the right side of the offensive line.
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State
Seminoles go back to back. Carradine is an injury risk, but if he pans out the Broncos will have themselves a steal.
Previous pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

29. New England Patriots (12-4): DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
Emmanuel Sanders didn’t end up in New England after all, which means the Patriots need a playmaker ready to come in and contribute immediately.
Previous pick: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Losing John Abraham hurts, so the Falcons will look to replenish with a playmaker in the draft.
Previous pick: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The 49ers are a prime target to trade out of this pick, given their abundance of selections on draft day. But, for the time being, Williams seems like a good fit in Jim Harbaugh‘s defensive scheme.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International;

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
They just got Elvis Dumervil to bolster the pass rush, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for more help off the edge.
Previous pick: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

Dropped: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International; Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse;

Newcomers: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State; Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama;

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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Photo via Facebook/DeAndre Hopkins

Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Dion Jordan appear to be the three finalists for the coveted top spot, but it might take another week or so before we finally figure out which player Andy Reid plans to build around. That decision will determine the approaches that the Jaguars, Raiders and Eagles will take with the following three picks as well as much of the top 10.

While the top of the draft continues to figure itself out, the rest of the first round deals with their own draft-day dilemmas, including the Patriots at No. 29.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots only own five selections in this year’s draft, and that might mean trading out of the first round to acquire more picks is again a possibility. That strategy has benefited them in the past. Then again, they do have glaring needs at wide receiver, cornerback and on the offensive line.

There is still plenty of posturing, positioning and pondering left to do over the next three weeks, but in the mean time let’s get down to business on this week’s mock draft.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Dion Jordan is technically in the mix, but this pick will come down to Joeckel or Eric Fisher. As has been the case for months now, Joeckel is still the better option.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
Jordan may not solve the Jags’ pass rush problems immediately, but he will add a big jolt.
Previous pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
After all of their offseason moves, it would be difficult to mention even one playmaker the Raiders have on defense. Floyd can change that.
Previous pick: Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Chip Kelly needs an athletic offensive line to run his fast-paced offense.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Gosder Cherilus‘ departure left some chaos on the Lions’ offensive line. Johnson would help restore order.
Previous pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Joe Haden is one of the league’s top five cornerbacks. Give him a running partner like Milliner and opposing quarterbacks will have nightmares about playing the Browns.
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
With all the tackles already gone, the Cardinals must resort to the best offensive lineman in this draft.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Kevin Kolb is an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he’s still only a stopgap on the way forward.

9. New York Jets (6-10): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Darrelle Revis appears to be on his way out, but adding Rhodes should keep their secondary in good shape.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Titans need to improve their defense and Lotulelei might be the best defender in this draft.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
The run on offensive linemen forces the Chargers to jump at the chance to take Cooper.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
If Ansah lasts this long, the Dolphins would be foolish not to snatch him up. Here’s to hoping they’ve learned a thing or two this offseason.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
This pick would be forfeited in a potential Revis trade, but if the Bucs do manage to hang onto it then Austin would be a no brainer.
Previous pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Cam Newton and the Panthers know how to run the ball — we know that. But can they stop other teams from doing it?
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Saints need help defending the pass, and rushing the passer will be a key to improvement.
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Both guards are gone, making wide receiver an even more obvious need for the Rams.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
James Harrison wasn’t the quickest or most athletic pass rusher, but he still managed to make a consistent impact. The Steelers will hope for more of the same from Jones.
Previous pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Tony Romo is locked up for quite some time. Now, the Cowboys need to protect him properly.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

19. New York Giants (9-7): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
With Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty gone, the Giants will need a few new faces in the pass rush.
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Ogletree could be the best linebacker in this draft five years from now.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Jeff Fisher goes offense with the first pick, but may want to address his defense with St. Louis’ second first-rounder.
Previous pick: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California
Greg Jennings gives the Vikings a consistent receiver outside the numbers. Now, all they need is a big target over the middle.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Colts aren’t good against the run. Hankins will make them better.

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Jones can bring the heat, which should take some pressure off of Jared Allen.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Matt Elam, S, Florida
Charles Woodson is gone and the Packers need a heavy-hitting replacement to roam over the top of that secondary.
Previous pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

27. Houston Texans (12-4): DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
He’s big, physical and will give Matt Schaub another reliable target opposite Andre Johnson.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Remember that Joe Flacco throw in the playoffs? John Fox certainly does.
Previous pick: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
The Patriots’ biggest need still lies at the wide receiver position. Hunter’s size and athleticism bring back memories of Randy Moss, which Patriots fans won’t fuss about.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are gone, making cornerback an area of need in Atlanta.
Previous pick: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International;
Cyprien has been darting up draft boards, and the 49ers do have a need at safety without Dashon Goldson.
Previous pick: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse
Pugh can play tackle and guard, making him a desirable swing option on the offensive line.
Previous pick: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

*Dropped: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State; Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

*Newcomers: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee; Matt Elam, S, Florida; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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The Patriots will face four NFC opponents over the four-week preseason slate, which includes games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions and their annual showdown with NFC East foe New York Giants. They will travel to Philadelphia and Detroit, but the Bucs and Giants will come to Foxboro for a visit.

The Patriots do have a history of running joint practices with one of their preseason opponents, as they did with the Saints last year. Bill Belichick has a longstanding friendship with Tampa Bay Bucs coach Greg Schiano, which might make them a candidate for some joint sessions. Then again, the Patriots and Bucs are scheduled to play during the regular season, which might make Belichick less inclined to join forces.

The game against the Bucs is the only one with a set date for the time being, primarily because it’s slated to be nationally televised on FOX.

Check out the Patriots entire preseason schedule below.

Week 1 – at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 2 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8 p.m. on FOX)

Week 3 – at Detroit Lions

Week 4 – New York Giants

The Patriots do know their regular season opponents for the 2013 season, which include the Bengals, Broncos, Browns, Bucs, Falcons, Panthers, Ravens, Saints and Texans along with their normal AFC East rotation. The regular season schedule won’t be released until April 16.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Julian Edelman

Now, Edelman, a free agent, is visiting the Giants, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Edelman has been a solid fill-in for the Patriots since being picked in the seventh round in 2009. A quarterback in college, Edelman slid into the role of slot receiver and return man rather easily, recording 69 receptions for 714 yards over four seasons in New England. He has returned a punt for a touchdown in each of the last three seasons. He has also struggled with injuries, however, and while he’s been a reliable producer when on the field, he hasn’t been on the field much.

There has been little information about whether the Patriots are interested in keeping Edelman, Yates reports.

After days of on and off rumors between the two sides, Umenyiora agreed to a two-year deal to join the Falcons on Wednesday, according to Steve Wyche of the NFL Network. The deal is reportedly worth $8.5 million with potential earnings of up to $12 million.

Umenyiora, 31, was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft and played his entire career with the New York Giants before becoming a free agent this offseason.

In 10 seasons with the Giants, Umenyiora recorded 376 tackles, 75 sacks and forced 32 fumbles. He was also selected to two Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams, and he helped the franchise win two Super Bowls during his tenure.

Umenyiora should provide a big boost for the Falcons, too. He’ll add a skilled pass rusher to their front four, replacing the veteran presence of John Abraham, and he’ll offer some much-needed experience to a team that fell just yards short of a Super Bowl appearance this season.

His signing could also spark the free-agent market for defensive ends and pass rushers, which would mean players like Abraham and Dwight Freeney may find homes very soon.

With the Falcons reloading for another run next season, including the return of Tony Gonzalez and signings of Steven Jackson and now Umenyiora, they should be a front runner for the NFC crown yet again.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

The 34-year-old Giants defensive end told police that he was the victim of a burglary in Miami Beach, according to CBS Miami. The alleged thief? A woman he and his buddies had met at a club who he took back to his Fontainebleau hotel room.

According to police, he left his room around 1 a.m. with some friends to party at Club Liv. At the club, they met a woman who he and his group would eventually take back to his hotel room around 7 a.m. When he got to the room, he reportedly put his jewelry in the room’s safe and fell asleep shortly thereafter.

But Rogers wasn’t just tucking away a small ring or necklace, according to the police report. Among the items Rogers said were stolen were “diamond earrings worth $100,000, two wristwatches worth a combined $160,000, a gold necklace with gold pendant worth $50,000, gold bracelets worth $60,000 and a diamond Cuban necklace with a gold pendant worth $70,000.”

Rogers told police both the woman and his jewelry were no longer there when he woke up around 12:30 p.m.

This isn’t the first time Rogers has dealt with police. In 2007, Rogers was accused of sexually assaulting an exotic dancer. In 2010, he was arrested at Cleveland Hopkins Airport for having a loaded gun in his carry-on luggage.

See, kids? Nothing good ever happens after 7 a.m. … except breakfast, maybe.

Photo via Facebook/Shaun Rogers

The decision will likely come down to either Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher for the No. 1 overall pick, but don’t count out Florida defensive tackle Shariff Floyd, who the Chiefs have already worked out.

As the draft goes on, one interesting position to watch will be the wide receivers. Right now, Tavon Austin seems like the player who has established himself most, but Cordarrelle Patterson is easily the best athlete of the group and seen as more of the traditional deep threat.

With teams like the Vikings, Rams, Texans and Patriots all in need of wideouts but some major questions still lingering with the talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw as many as seven or as few as two selected in the first round. This mock features just three of the primary receivers coming off the board, but one is to the Patriots, who could use some depth and might find an Anquan Boldin clone drop to them at No. 29.

There’s plenty of moving left to be done over the next month ahead of the draft start on April, 25, but in the meantime here is where the prospects are lining up.

Editor’s Note: This reflects the official draft order.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Getting Alex Smith ruled out Geno Smith at this spot, and getting rid of Eric Winston only made offensive tackle more of a need. They’ll fill it.
Previous pick: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida
The Jaguars have a glaring need on the defensive line, so taking the best defensive player available just makes sense.
Previous pick: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The Raiders need an athletic pass rusher. Look no further.
Previous pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Geno Smith will tempt Chip Kelly here, but E.J. Manuel might be a better value quarterback later in the draft. Plus, Fisher is the best player available.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Lions have done a lot to improve their defense in free agency, adding Milliner might just put them over the top.
Previous pick: Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Browns signed Paul Kruger to improve their pass rush, why not take it one step further and draft the most versatile pass rusher available.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Bruce Arians sounds content with the quarterbacks he has in Arizona — Brian Hoyer, Drew Stanton included — for the time being. But his offensive line remains a question mark.
Previous pick: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Buffalo is already wining and dining Smith. So, I’d say they’re interested.
Previous pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

9. New York Jets (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
If Star falls this far, the Jets would be foolish not to take him — medical questions and all.
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Titans beefed up a number of areas through free agency, but they could still use a skilled pass rusher off the edge.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson are gone, so why not go away from tackles and take the best offensive lineman in the draft?
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Cameron Wake is one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but adding Werner would make for an intimidating tandem.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
They picked up Dashon Goldson in free agency to pair with Mark Barron, now snag Rhodes and you’ve got yourself a talented young secondary to build around.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Cooper is the quickest guard in the draft, and the Panthers could use a shifty blocker up front to keep Cam Newton upright and get that running game going again.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones might be the best pass rusher on film, but his pro day did not go over well. Then again Terrell Suggs didn’t have the greatest pro day, and he’s done alright for himself — just saying.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Sam Bradford needs weapons, and Patterson is the most talented wide receiver in this draft.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Steelers have little to spend this offseason, meaning they better be able to fill their needs in the draft.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Monte Kiffin is a master of the 4-3 defense so the Cowboys might want another defensive end to use in their rotation.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

19. New York Giants (9-7): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Kenny Phillips is gone, but the Giants find a new starting safety staring them in the face at No. 19.

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
The Bears gave Jay Cutler a new left tackle, now all he needs is a new tight end to keep him happy.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Andre Smith is close to returning, but Andy Dalton could always use one more starting tackle.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse
Jake Long improves the Rams’ offensive line, but adding Pugh would make Bradford even more comfortable.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Vikings lost maybe the NFL’s best pure playmaker in Percy Harvin, but they can replace him with next best thing.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Hankins will clog up running lanes like no Colt could in 2012.

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Brian Urlacher is in the mix to take over in the middle for Minnesota, but Ogletree is a younger and overall better option.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
The Packers didn’t bite on Steven Jackson and have yet to improve their running game. Some capable veterans remain on the market, but Lacy is a good alternative.
Previous pick: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Ed Reed will improve their secondary, but the Texans can still use another cornerback to solidify things.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Peyton Manning got Wes Welker, now John Fox needs to find someone to stop the run.

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Keenan Allen, WR, California
They missed out on Anquan Boldin four years ago, Bill Belichick won’t miss out on the second coming.
Previous pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Tony Gonzalez is back, Steven Jackson is signed, and Osi Uemenyiora seems like the next domino to fall. Now, the focus shifts to cornerback.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
They might miss out on Nnamdi Asomugha. If so, Banks is the perfect alternative.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU
Minter is a superior option to Manti Te’o, and the Ravens need help rebuilding a now depleted defense.
Previous pick: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Dropped: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International; Matt Elam, S, Florida

Newcomers: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State; Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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Photo via Facebook/Keenan Allen

The two-time Super Bowl MVP indicated Wednesday at a sponsor event that the Giants haven’t asked him to redo his contract to free up cap space. But he said he would consider anything that helps the team.

“I want Victor back with the Giants,” Manning said, adding that he checks the news every morning to make sure Cruz has not signed with another team. “It is nerve-racking. He is anxious. He has been dealing with this contract issue for a long time, last year and into this year. I know he wants to get this settled and get back to playing football, and just worrying about that.”

The Giants recently allowed Cruz to enter restricted free agency, placing a first-round tender ($2.87 million for 2012) on the popular local product from Paterson, N.J., which is about 10 miles from MetLife Stadium. New York has the right to match any offer he receives. It would receive a first-round draft choice as compensation if he leaves.

Cruz recently dumped his agent and signed with Tom Condon, Manning’s agent. Manning quipped that he has even sent Condon a couple of texts regarding the talks between Cruz and the Giants.

“Get this done!’”

Realistically, Manning said he has not interfered in the talks between Cruz and the Giants. He has talked with Cruz, but it was more the usual offseason conversations about how he is progressing and telling him to be ready to go to work on April 15 when offseason training starts.

Manning is not opposed to reworking his contract, which runs through 2015. His cap value will be close to $21 million this season.

“If the Giants want to work something out,” the 32-year-old Manning said, “I am always up for listening, figuring out what I can do to help the cause.”

Eli Manning insisted that no matter what teams offer, the final decision will be with Cruz, who broke the team’s single-season record for yards receiving in 2011. He had 86 catches last season for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“I think he likes being here,” Manning said about Cruz. “I think he fits very well into our offense. I think he realizes what he’s been able to do and the success. You never know, if you go to another offense, maybe it doesn’t fit as well to your style. He fits very well here, and hopefully he stays here.”

Manning said the Giants have done a good job in the free-agent market, retaining left offensive tackle Will Beatty and signing Oakland tight end Brandon Myers.

“My job is to play,” he said., “and [team management's job] is to put the right team out there.”

Speaking at the owners’ meeting in Phoenix, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he was staying optimistic that Cruz would re-sign.

“That’s my position on that,” he said. “I don’t speculate in any of the other ways.”

Manning said he has spoken with receiver Hakeem Nicks and expects him to be ready for the offseason after an injury-plagued year. He said second-year running back David Wilson has the talent to replace Ahmad Bradshaw, but the team has to figure out how to use his abilities.

Manning started his offseason training program in mid-February. That’s about two weeks earlier than usual, but the Giants (9-7) missed the playoffs last year after winning the Super Bowl the year before.

Victor Cruz

The Pro Bowl wide receiver was given a restricted free agent tender at the first-round level by the Giants on Monday, making him free to field contract propositions from other teams.

The Patriots were among those interested in Cruz’s services, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, but the wideout’s decision to hire agent Tom Condon has reportedly soured him in the eyes of the New England front office. As La Canfora reports, the Patriots historically have not done business with Condon.

Though it will likely take big money to sign Cruz away from New York — coupled with the Giants’ ability to match any offer within a five-day window — the UMass product is arguably the top receiver currently on the market, providing more upside to prospective teams than Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings or Danny Amendola.

Two high-profile receivers switched uniforms already on Monday, with the Vikings dealing Percy Harvin to Seattle and the Ravens sending Anquan Boldin to San Francisco.

Photo via Facebook/New York Giants from B/R

Charles Woodson

The Seahawks, Dolphins, Jets and Giants have all called to discuss Woodson, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com.

Woodson moved from cornerback to safety in 2012, his 15th season in the league. The eight-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro sat out half the season with a broken collarbone.

Teams could be looking at Woodson as a potential slot cornerback. He played 61 snaps in that role, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed five receptions on 10 targets for 83 yards.

Woodson was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 5 overall pick in 1998 out of Michigan. He played with the Packers from 2006 to 2012.

While Tavon Austin, Lane Johnson and Geno Smith were wowing scouts in Indianapolis, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs, who just so happened to hold the No. 1 overall selection, were busy working the phone lines to lock down the future of their offense.

The Chiefs ultimately secured a deal for quarterback Alex Smith, which quelled all rumors of the aforementioned Geno going in the top spot. As for the heavy favorite Luke Joeckel, his chances at being the first name called took a significant hit as well when the Chiefs decided to hit left tackle Branden Albert with the franchise tag.

Now, the Chiefs could be looking to their defense as the necessary area to improve via the draft. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe was their selection in the first round last April, but with Glenn Dorsey on his way out the door and a 4-3 base the defense of choice, maybe another talented tackle would be the right call for KC.

There have plenty of movers and shakers over the past week, and with free agency on the horizon some glaring needs will be met even before draft day. In the meantime, let’s take a peek at where some of these guys are projected to fall.

Editor’s Note: Draft order based on end of season NFL standings. Tied records are divided as anticipated.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida
The Chiefs now have Alex Smith at quarterback. They locked up Dwayne Bowe for five years and franchised tackle Branden Albert. That doesn’t mean offense won’t be a priority come April, but for now we’re playing it safe with some defensive help.
Previous pick: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Let’s face it, Eugene Monroe is a solid left tackle, but the Jaguars would be better off protecting their quarterback, whoever that may be, with a pair of bookends.
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
I’m not sure the fit make all that much sense, especially with Terrelle Pryor showing positive signs at the end of last season, but Smith was impressive at the combine and the interest seems real.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Fisher has the measurables and put up a terrific performance at the combine, which all but solidified his place among the top 10 players in this draft. Philly needs some help on the O-Line and Fisher seems like the perfect fit.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
Jordan shined at the combine and Jarvis Jones didn’t even work out. The choice seems obvious here, at least until Jones impresses at the Georgia pro day.
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
Mingo was even more athletic than anticipated in Indy. The Browns could use a solid edge rusher, especially one with as much raw talent as Mingo.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Barkley didn’t compete in Indy, but he did impress with his intellect and attitude during interviews. He was the No. 1 prospect coming into the college football season, and Bruce Arians should see him that way.
Previous pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Offense seems like the obvious area to address here, but both quarterbacks are gone. Plus, when a rare talent like Milliner, who ran great (4.37 40-yard dash) at the combine, sticks around this long you’ve got to take him.
Previous pick: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

9. New York Jets (6-10): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Cornerback is a real need for the Lions, but Jones is arguably the best pass rusher in this class and should make a seamless transition to the NFL game.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Star is a big-time risk now, given the heart condition found at the combine. He’s still a top-five talent, though, and the Titans might see the potential reward as worth it.
Previous pick: Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Both Joeckel and Fisher should be off the board here, but Johnson is the next best thing. He had an incredible workout in Indy, even running a 4.7 40, and should be a steal for most any team looking for their left tackle of the future.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
They might wait on a wide receiver in hopes of drafting Texas A&M’s Ryan Swope, who has a great rapport with Ryan Tannehill. Werner is still around and would be a great addition for Miami alongside Randy Starks and Cameron Wake.
Previous pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Bucs were arguably the worst team against the pass last season and they need quick help to turn that secondary around. Rhodes has a great combine and seems like a good fit as a press corner in Greg Schiano‘s system.
Previous pick: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Warmack is the best player in this draft on film. If he was even two inches taller, he’d be a left tackle and the first player taken without a doubt. Guards are never taken this high, but with Warmack an exception should be made.
Previous pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
Ansah showed just how athletic he could be at the combine and now looks like a definite option as an outside linebacker. He’s still a raw prospect but is learning fast and seems to have endless upside.
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Cooper had a great workout at the combine and all but asserted his place among the top players in this draft.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
Casey Hampton‘s getting old and the Steelers need an heir to his throne. In walks Richardson all 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds of him.
Previous pick: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
No one helped himself more in the combine than Austin. Running a 4.34 will get you noticed, but posting an incredible workout top to bottom makes you even more desirable. The Cowboys have cornerstones on the outside with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, not it’s time to get a dangerous slot receiver and finish off the set.
Previous pick: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida

19. New York Giants (9-7): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Without Kenny Phillips, the Giants’ secondary suffered. Now, Phillips might be done in New York and a new safety will need to emerge.
Previous pick: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Let’s be real here, the Bears need some help for Jay Cutler. Whether that help is an offensive tackle or a tight end, he needs something to get this passing game going. Not to mention, Marc Trestman’s roots are in building offenses.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Rey Maualuga is not guaranteed to return and the Bengals will need a speedy, athletic linebacker to play alongside the considerably slower Vontaze Burfict. Ogletree’s drunk driving arrest is concerning, but nothing a few good interviews can’t handle.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Patterson lived up to the billing physically at the combine, but his interviews raised some questions about his character and aptitude. He’s still a top-20 talent, so the Rams would be elated to scoop him up here.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California
Not working out at the combine has some teams passing on Allen for now. A good showing at Cal’s pro day should get him back in the No. 1 wide receiver conversation.
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Colts need a big run stopper and Hankins is exactly like the type of player that could help up front.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

25. Seattle Seahawks (11-5): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Fluker dropped almost 20 pounds ahead of the combine and looked fairly agile in his drills. Brian Giacomini isn’t a bad option at right tackle, but Fluker would make the Seahawks’ line that much better.
Previous pick: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU
A.J. Hawk should be done in Green Bay and the Packers need a consistent linebacker to run the middle of their defense. Manti Te’o could be in play here, but his 4.82 40 time won’t be too attractive to the Pack or any other team.
Previous pick: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
While wide receiver is a need, they also need to lock up some of their key free agent. Glover Quin should be a hot target for teams in free agency, and if he leaves then the Texans will need a solid replacement.
Previous pick: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennesse

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
The Broncos need help to clog up the middle against the run. Short is the best remaining defensive tackle and Johnthan Banks‘ 4.61 40 time will scare teams like Denver away.
Previous pick: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The Patriots like fast, physical corners and Trufant, who ran a 4.38 at the combine and measured at a little over 6-feet, is just that. They need secondary help and Trufant may be able to assist right away.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
The Falcons have a few needs this offseason and drafting Tony Gonzalez‘s heir is definitely one of them. With his decision still pending, replacing John Abraham‘s production on defense might be a bigger problem to deal with.
Previous pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Matt Elam, S, Florida
He’s been rising and falling on this draft board for weeks, but a solid combine performance, including a faster than expected 40 time, carves him out a place as Dashon Goldson‘s replacement in the Bay.
Previous pick: Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
The Ravens may want to replace Ray Lewis here, but after John Harbaugh‘s reaction to Te’o's sluggish 40, that may not be an option. Armstead, an offensive lineman mind you, ran almost two seconds faster than Te’o in the 40 — yup, all 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds of him. Baltimore needs a tackle to replace Bryant McKinnie and Armstead seems like a viable option.
Previous pick: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

Dropped: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama; Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame; Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State; Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia; Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Justin Hunter, WR, Tennesse

Newcomers: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State; Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International; Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington; Datone Jones, DE, UCLA; Matt Elam, S, Florida; Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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Photo via Facebook/Sharrif Floyd

Editor’s note: As part of NFL’s Greatest Quarterback, fans will decide the best quarterback in team, division, conference and league history.

The fans have spoken. We started with 16 NFC East quarterbacks and they’ve been whittled down to just four.

Roger Staubach narrowly edged Troy Aikman as best quarterback in Cowboys history. The race was even closer between Y.A. Tittle and Eli Manning, but history won out and Tittle moved on. Randall Cunningham beat out Donovan McNabb and Ron Jaworski to take the title for the Eagles and Sammy Baugh trounced his Washington competition.

Now it’s time to decide the greatest quarterback in NFC East history. Lets go through their credentials and vote below.

Roger Staubach: Staubach was a 10th-round pick in 1964, but he didn’t start his NFL career until 1969 when he was 27 years old. Staubach served in the Navy for five years.

Staubach became a full-time starter in 1971 and led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory. He won the MVP in that game after throwing for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Staubach led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and five NFC championships. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro during his 11-year career. Staubach was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Y.A. Tittle: Tittle played for years in Baltimore and San Francisco, but his best seasons were in New York, where he was traded at 35-years old. With the Giants, Tittle made the NFL Championship and the Pro Bowl in 1961, 1962 and 1963. New York never won an NFL title under Tittle.

The former LSU Tiger was named league MVP in 1963 when he threw for 3,145 yards, 36 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions while completing 60.2 percent of his passes. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Randall Cunningham: Cunningham was about 25 years too early for his craft as a mobile quarterback with a rocket arm. You can see a lot of the same tools in Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson that the league saw in Cunningham as far back as 1985 when he was the Eagles’ No. 37 overall pick.

Cunningham and Jaworski shared time under center in 1986 under head coach Buddy Ryan. The fleet-footed Cunningham would come in on third down — the team went 5-10-1 that season.

Cunningham’s best season came in 1990 when he threw for 3,466 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He added another 942 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Cunningham tore his ACL during the 1991 season and never fully recaptured the mobility he flashed early in his career. After making three-straight Pro Bowls early in his career, he wouldn’t make it again until he had revived his career in 1998 in Minnesota.

Sammy Baugh: Baugh was one of the early stars of the NFL. He was the No. 6 overall pick in 1937 and immediately led the Redskins to an NFL Championship. Baugh’s Redskins were one of the first teams to use the forward pass heavily in their offense.

Baugh’s 335 yards in the 1937 NFL Championship was a rookie playoff record until Russell Wilson broke it in 2012. Baugh led the league in passing four times, completion percentage nine times and completions five times during his 16-year career. He was a nine-time All Pro and was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in its 1963 inaugural class.

While it sounds like fun, it’s not likely. The Super Bowl is scheduled to come to MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, next year, but the NFL is not taking any chances, according to Sports Business Daily.

If snow is in the forecast, the league will likely move the day the game is played — either bringing it up a day or pushing it back further in the week, according to the report. The league is working on a variety of contingency plans based around not only snow during the big game but also the possibility that the area could be shut down, similar to what happened this past weekend during the nor’easter that overtook New York, Boston and surrounding areas.

A storm that takes several days to clean up could cause serious problems for what has become a multiweek sporting spectacle, but that’s what the NFL got itself into by committing the game to a “cold-weather stadium.” Earlier concerns about quarterbacks’ hands getting chilly have now morphed into much bigger problems, with not only the game being affected but possibly also the revenue streams of the NFL and local areas.

The Sports Business Daily report notes that adjusting the game time could affect flight plans and hotel accommodations, not to mention viewership. Demand for tickets and perks surrounding the game is already high in the media capital of the world, with one company that sells “on-site Super Bowl hospitality packages” taking deposits since last October.

Everyone likes a good snow day, but this one — well, the NFL may have joined the fun before it knew quite what it was getting into.

Photo via Flickr/Schen Photography

Editor’s note: As part of NFL’s Greatest Quarterback, fans will decide the best QB in each team’s history. Since we will be narrowing down to just one quarterback overall, Fran Tarkenton will be included in the Vikings poll.

Charlie Conerly: The Ole Miss product started for the Giants for 14 years. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, but never put up gaudy stats during his NFL tenure.

Conerly led the Giants to an NFL Championship in 1956. They made two more championship games in 1958 and 1959, but lost to the Colts in both games.

Y.A. Tittle: Tittle played for years in Baltimore and San Francisco, but his best seasons were in New York, where he was traded at 35-years old. With the Giants, Tittle made the NFL Championship and the Pro Bowl in 1961, 1962 and 1963. New York never won an NFL title under Tittle.

The former LSU Tiger was named league MVP in 1963 when he threw for 3,145 yards, 36 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions while completing 60.2 percent of his passes. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Phil Simms: Simms is one of three Giants quarterbacks to have his number retired by the New York franchise. He led the Giants to five postseason beths, which included a Super Bowl win after the 1986 season.

Simms (for at least one more season) leads the Giants in career passing yards. He’s been passed by Eli Manning in touchdowns and completions. He was just a two-time Pro Bowler, but won the MVP for his performance in Super Bowl XXI.

Simms battled injuries throughout his career but powered through 1993 with one final Pro Bowl-worthy season before retiring following a shoulder surgery.

Eli Manning: For years after Simms retired, the Giants couldn’t seem to find a decent starting quarterback. After wading through the depths of the league’s worst starting quarterbacks (Dave Brown and Danny Kanell) the Giants finally found Manning in 2004.

Manning was drafted by the Chargers, but made it clear before the draft that he didn’t want to play in beautiful weather near the beach. He was traded to the Giants for Philip Rivers and multiple draft picks.

Manning has since won two Super Bowls and two Super Bowl MVPs. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and has started every Giants game since Nov. 21, 2004. Manning is known for his up and down play from game to game and season to season, but when he’s on, he’s among the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Bradshaw, who has spent his entire career with New York, had his second-best season, statistically, in 2012, rushing for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. His history of lower leg injuries continued, however, as the 26-year-old required surgery after the season to replace a screw in his right foot.

He is expected to be fully recovered in time for offseason team activities, but the Giants decided to part ways in an effort to reduce their $4.7 million salary cap overage — a move that did not surprise Bradshaw.

“I saw it coming because of the money,” the running back told ESPN. “Everything is about money I guess, so, yes, I was expecting it. I’m not discouraged at all.”

Bradshaw, who scored the game-clinching touchdown in New York’s 21-17 over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, was the third member of the Giants’ 2011 championship run to hit free agency in the last two days, as the team also cut defensive lineman Chris Canty and linebacker Michael Boley. The three were slated to make a combined $14.25 million in 2013.

Bradshaw also played on the team’s Super Bowl XLII champion squad in 2007, when he gained only 190 yards on 23 carries throughout the entire regular season but totaled 208 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries in four playoff games.

“Pound for pound, Bradshaw is one of the toughest football players that I’ve been around,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement released by the team. “Ahmad played football like Giants football should be played.”

With the departure of Bradshaw, second-year tailback David Wilson projects as the starter in New York. Wilson gained only 358 yards as a rookie in 2012 but averaged 5.0 yards per carry and saw significant playing time down the stretch. The diminutive first-round pick carried the ball 12 or more times in three of the team’s last four games, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 52-27 win over New Orleans in Week 14.

Tiki Barber held an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit on Monday afternoon. One fan asked the former Giants running back which defensive player he tried to actively avoid on the the field. While Barber’s answer may not be surprising, his reasoning was.

“Jeremiah Trotter. We played each other so much and knew each other so well that when he hit me, he hit me hard,” Barber wrote. “But he’d also help me up and sometimes tickle me under the pile.”

With countless fumbles and loose ball exchanges, there are many pile ups throughout the course of an NFL season. Many of us will never know exactly what goes on in those scrums, but at least we have one answer, and it comes from a pretty good source.

Photo via Facebook/Tiki Barber

The Giants quarterback said he likes the idea of a New York Super Bowl, and thinks that it offers a unique location for the NFL’s biggest event.

“I disagree with a lot of things about that comment: wording and overall content of it,” Manning told the media on Friday in New Orleans. “I think it will be really good.”

Of course, why wouldn’t Manning like the idea? And even if he didn’t, why would he say so? Manning is used to playing in cold-weather climates after eight years in New York. And how bad would it look if he said he didn’t like the idea of a Super Bowl being played in his home stadium.

“Obviously the weather will be kind of the big issue. But I always say, ‘Hey, you can play the NFC or AFC Championship Game in cold weather and have snow coming down, and that’s just part of it,” Manning said. “Why not have a Super Bowl [in those conditions]?’ Originally, championships were decided in cold-weather games, and outside, and in New York. So this is a chance to bring it back out. I think it will be unique and different and something new and good for the game.”

Well, it will certainly be unique — especially if it snows. Get ready for complaints from fans and the media now, they’ll be coming in droves a year from now.

Anyway, the very successful former coach of the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys was asked Thursday on ESPN Radio whether he wanted to return to the NFL in any capacity, and he said no.

“No, I wouldn’t listen,” Parcells said, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. “I’m done with football. I wish them well and everybody in New York well.”

While Parcells hasn’t shied away from reclamation projects before, the Jets are quite the case this year. As well as the usual media scrutiny, there’s been turmoil surrounding head coach Rex Ryan and quarterback Mark Sanchez, and adding Tim Tebow did more harm than good. Now the organization has gotten rid of general manager Mark Tannenbaum.

“There have been times it’s made the team better,” Parcells said of the upheaval. “… Right now there’s just a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the Jets organization.”

Parcells last worked with the Dolphins, where he took care of personnel moves, in 2008.