1. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

3. Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

4. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

5. Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

6. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

7. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

8. Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

9. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

10, Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

11. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

12. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

13. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

14. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

15. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

16. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

17. Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International

18. Keenan Allen, WR, California

19. Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

20. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

21. Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

22. Cornelius Carradine, DE, Florida State

23. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

24. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

25. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

26. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

27. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

28. Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

29. Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky

30. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

31. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

32. Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

33. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

34. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

35. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

36. Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

37. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

38. Matt Elam, SS, Florida

39. Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

40. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

41. John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

42. Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss

43. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

44. Da’Rick Rodgers, WR, Tennessee Tech

45. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

46. Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

47. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

48. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

49. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

50. Robert Woods, WR, USC

51. Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

52. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

53. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

54. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

55. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

56. Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern State

57. Justin Pugh, OT/G, Syracuse

58. Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

59. Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

60. Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin

61. Eric Reid, FS, LSU

62. EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State

63. Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

64. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers

65. Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

66. D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina

67. Sio Moore, OLB, Connecticut

68. Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

69. Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

70. Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB, Auburn

71. Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

72. David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

73. Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

74. Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

75. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

76. Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia

77. Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State

78. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State

79. Dallas Thomas, OT/G, Tennessee

80. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

81. Jon Bostic, ILB, Florida

82. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

83. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

84. Xavier Nixon, OT, Florida

85. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

86. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut

87. Barrett Jones, OG/C, Alabama

88. Zaviar Gooden, OLB, Missouri

89. Shawn Williams, SS, Georgia

90. Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

91. Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

92. Brian Winters, OG, Kent State

93. Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida

94. Kiko Alonso, ILB, Oregon

95. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

96. Cornelius Washington, DE, Georgia

97. D.J. Hayden, Houston

98. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M

99. Aaron Dobson, WR Marshall

100. J.J. Wilcox, SS, Georgia Southern

He’s expected to be a mid-round pick in the draft and has the talent to be a starter in a 3-4 defense in the NFL.

Johnson took some time out of his draft preparations to conduct an interview with me about his time at Alabama and his draft journey.

Here is the interview with Johnson:

On his experience at the Senior Bowl:

“It was good. They kinda made me appreciate what Coach Saban did at Alabama a lot more because it makes all the Alabama guys more comfortable because we’re used to it day in and day out. We’re used to it around here with an NFL-type program. We were just able to go out, compete, and I enjoyed. I got a lot better, too.”

On his pro day:

“I think it did good. Coming off surgery, a lot of people don’t realize that a lot of stuff I did at my pro day was my first time doing it. Doing the 40, broad jump and vertical, I wasn’t really able to work on things. I think I did well, but I think I can really work on some things.”

Aspects of his game he’s trying to improve:

“With me, with going through situations I had at Alabama, I’ve always felt like I have to improve on everything. I don’t have that mindset of I have to get better; I just feel like I have to improve on everything. There’s always someone out there improving so I have to do the same. No matter how good I am, I can still improve.”

On what he must show NFL teams to prove he can cover in the NFL:

“I believe I can cover. Being in the system that Coach Saban runs, I was labeled as just a run stopper but I believe I can cover.”

On what defense he’s most comfortable in:

“Either one (3-4 or 4-3) is good for me. The way Coach Saban runs it, we can be in a 3-4 or 4-3 at any time. Anything is good for me. Going through this process, I think the hardest thing for me is going to be the terminology, but I think I’ll be comfortable in either defense.

On his performance against LSU in 2012:

“The coaches usually brought me off the field during pass downs, but the personnel I was in was regular and we rotated in and out. I was in for most of the game and it was one of my better games.”

On his lack of interceptions and sacks in college:

“I think it was being part of the system. The way Coach Saban recruits is that he brings in talented guys all across the board. There’s been times when I blitz and one of the d-linemen will come up with the sack. Being around such great players, it’s hard to make big plays on a consistent basis. I believe when I blitz, I blitz hard and fast. But when there’s so many guys around you that do the same, it’s kind of difficult.”

On fellow Alabama draft prospects D.J. Fluker, Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones:

“Fluke was that type of player that he’s good enough to stop you any kind of way. He’s that guy who’s going to bring that type of energy every day. Chance is one of those players who we went at it my whole career. He’s one of the reasons I got better as a run-stopping player. Going into my sophomore year I wanted to use my hands better and he was one of the reasons I improved with my hands. Barrett is the same way. He knows where everybody is going on offense and defense. By the end of his career he was calling out what the defense was going to do.”

What NFL players he models his game after:

“I gotta say Ray Lewis. I grew up watching Ray Lewis from when he was at Miami to now, and just the way he brings the passion to the game and how he’s able to affect other players by just his praying. I love to use the example of taking advantage of every opportunity you get. I got that from Ray Lewis. A lot of people don’t know this, but on the Friday nights before every game, I watch some type of speech that I haven’t watched before by Ray Lewis, whether he’s giving it to the team or whoever. It gives me those goosebumps that I want to go out there and do my best and take advantage of every opportunity. He’s one of those players that I admire a lot.

The versatile defender can play either free safety or strong safety. He is also capable of covering in the slot. He is projected to go in either the first or second round of the draft.

Swearinger took some time out of his draft preparations to answer some of my questions about his draft journey.

Here is the interview with Swearinger:

On his heavy-hitting mentality:

“I’ve always been a heavy hitter. I’ve always been the type of player that likes to hit people. My dad taught me that at a young age. When I was young I always liked to hit hard.”

On heavy hitters in the NFL he admires:

“Growing up, I always watched Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, so those are two guys that I like the model my game after.”

On whether he’ll play free or strong safety in the NFL:

“I really don’t know. Some teams want me to play strong safety and some want me to play free safety. Regardless, I’ll be ready to play whatever. I’m prepared to play either so I’ll be ready.”

On which position he’s most comfortable in:

“I like playing inside the box a lot, but I also like making plays on the back end so it doesn’t really matter to me. I just want to be able to make plays.”

Aspects of his game he’s trying to improve:

“I wouldn’t say I have any weaknesses, but I also like to go over a lot of things. I never settle. I always stay conscious about my tackling and wrapping up. I improve a lot of elements of my game to make me the best player I can be.”

On his game against Arkansas in 2012 (13 tackles, one interception):

“All week I studied film hard. I put in a lot of work to get ready for that game. I was playing a new position. I was playing a lot of corner and nickel, so I really wanted to be prepared for that game to show my versatility. I had a great game; I played in the nickel a lot, as well as inside the box and outside. At corner, I think I had a great game and I appreciate my coaches for allowing me to make big plays.”

On how he stacks up against other safeties in the draft:

“I think most of us have the same style: big hitters, strong in the run game. With me, I think I’m an all-around safety. I can play in the box, as a center fielder or even corner. I also pride myself on my smarts of the game.”

On where he might get drafted:

“I’ve heard anywhere in the first three rounds, but I’m just preparing myself for everywhere I go and to be the best player I can be.”

Note: trades are not included in this because there’s simply no way of knowing which teams are considering trading up or down and who that team’s trade partner will be.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

This pick appears to be between Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel. Fisher is my top offensive tackle and I believe the Chiefs may possibly feel the same way.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

The Jaguars have made no attempts to upgrade the quarterback position so far this offseason, making it appear as if Geno Smith is their target here.

3. Oakland Raiders: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

The Raiders desperately need to add talent on defense and the versatile Dion Jordan can help with that problem.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The Eagles could address defense with this pick, but Luke Joeckel’s talent is too good to pass up.

5. Detroit Lions: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

The run of offensive tackles continues as the Lions take the athletic Lane Johnson to fill the void at left tackle.

6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

Despite adding Paul Kruger, the Browns still need another edge rusher and Barkevious Mingo fills that void.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

This would be a bit of a reach, but with the top three offensive tackles gone, the Cardinals may look to add some talent on defense, making the versatile Kenny Vaccaro an option.

8. Buffalo Bills: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

While the Bills added Kevin Kolb, they will likely still select a quarterback early in the draft.

9. New York Jets: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

The Jets have a solid young group of defensive linemen. Adding Ekeziel Ansah could make New York’s defensive line one of the best in the league sooner than later.

10. Tennessee Titans: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Titans desperately need to add impact players on defense, and Star Lotulelei can fulfill that role along the Tennessee defensive line.

11. San Diego Chargers: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

While the Chargers have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, the offense as a whole also lacks a true playmaker. Insert Tavon Austin.

12. Miami Dolphins: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The Dolphins will likely target Dee Milliner on draft day. They could trade up to get him, but since trades aren’t included in this mock, the Dolphins take him with the 12th pick.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

If the Buccaneers fail to acquire Darrelle Revis, then cornerback will surely be the top target with this pick.

14. Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

This could be a bit of a reach, but Jonathan Cooper is a perfect fit in the run-heavy Carolina offense.

15. New Orleans Saints: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Transitioning to a 3-4 defense means the Saints need to add talented, versatile players along the front seven, which would make Sharrif Floyd an ideal pick.

16. St. Louis Rams: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

The Rams desperately need to improve the offensive line, and Chance Warmack is the best lineman still on the board.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Pittsburgh needs to add young talent on defense, and Arthur Brown meets the criteria. The versatile linebacker would mostly play inside but could also play on the outside if needed.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 

If available here, the Cowboys wouldn’t hesitate drafting Sheldon Richardson. Like many of the defensive players in this year’s draft, Richardson is extremely versatile and can play anywhere along the defensive line.

19. New York Giants: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

This would be a true best player available pick, as Werner is a talented defensive end who could help aid the declining Justin Tuck.

20. Chicago Bears: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

The Bears could draft a wide receiver or offensive lineman, but they opt to take Alec Ogletree, who could help ease the pain of the loss of Brian Urlacher.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

If the Bengals fail to re-sign Andre Smith, D.J. Fluker would be a logical pick as a starting right tackle.

22. St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

After addressing the offensive line with their first pick, the Rams look towards improving their defense with the ballhawking Jonathan Cyprien.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen, WR, California

Surrounding Christian Ponder with talent is a necessity if he truly is the team’s franchise quarterback.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

The Colts still have a void at cornerback, so adding the physical, athletic Jamar Taylor is an ideal scenario for the Colts.

25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

The Vikings need to upgrade the interior of their defensive line, making Sylvester Williams a possibility.

26. Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones, DT, UCLA

The Packers need to upgrade the defensive line. Adding Datone Jones, who could ideally play defensive tackle or defensive end, will help improve the Green Bay defense.

27. Houston Texans: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

All signs point to the Texans drafting a wide receiver with this pick, and they may be intrigued enough by Cordarrelle Patterson to reach with this pick and take him.

28. Denver Broncos: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

The Broncos appear to be centering their personnel decisions around Peyton Manning and his small remaining window. Adding Tyler Eifert would make Denver’s offense one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL, if it hasn’t already reached that point.

29. New England Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

The Patriots don’t have many glaring needs, but the cornerback position needs to be upgraded and Desmond Trufant is the best cornerback available.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Tank Carradine, OLB, Florida State 

Despite adding Osi Umenyiora, the Falcons still need to add more talent along the front four, and adding Tank Carradine, who’d play mainly defensive end for the Falcons, would be an ideal scenario.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

The 49ers have plenty of picks but don’t have many needs. Improving an already talented defensive line with Jesse Williams is a possibility.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

It’s extremely tough to gauge who the Ravens will draft with this pick, as they have a plethora of needs. Ultimately, they will likely trade back to acquire extra picks for this year or next year. If they stay put, they could target Manti Te’o if available, who is a first round talent and is an ideal fit in Baltimore’s 3-4 defense.

The team was gelling at the right time and it seemed that the blend of young talent and veteran leadership was finally coming together. Inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe came into his own as a starting-caliber defender, outside linebacker Paul Kruger developed into a successful situational pass rusher and wide receiver Anquan Boldin was quarterback Joe Flacco’s go-to target.

Safeties Bernard Pollard and Ed Reed developed into a successful safety tandem that looked like one of the league’s best throughout the Ravens’ playoff run. Even left tackle Bryant McKinnie played at an elite level and looked like the missing piece for the Ravens’ offensive line. Along that line, center Matt Birk played four of his best games as a Raven in the playoffs.

Linebacker Ray Lewis ignited the playoff run with his return to the field and it appeared as if he had enough gas left in the tank to play two or three more years in the NFL. Cornerback Cary Williams finally developed into the starter that he had the talent to become, but never did until this past season.But now, everything has changed.

Kruger quickly signed with the Cleveland Browns. Ellerbe joined the Miami Dolphins. Boldin was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Pollard was released on Wednesday.

Reed appears to be prepared to sign with a new team. McKinnie has already met with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. Birk announced his retirement.

Lewis is now working at ESPN and Williams has garnered interest from several teams and will almost certainly leave Baltimore.

So, now what?

Panic. It’s the only thing Ravens fans can do in Baltimore. The thought of going from winning the Super Bowl to possibly not even making the playoffs in 2013 is making some fans cringe right now.

But should it really be time to worry in Baltimore? No.

Well, not yet at least.

There’s the go-to phrase that Ravens fans use nowadays: “In Ozzie We Trust.”

However, it’s hard to trust general manager Ozzie Newsome when he’s seemingly letting every unrestricted free agent sign elsewhere while trading and releasing veterans with no remorse.

The only positive thing that Newsome has done so far is that he signed former New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty. The 30-year-old had three sacks in nine games last season, but he doesn’t appear to be a great fit in Baltimore’s 3-4 defense.

Canty likely won’t even start for the Ravens in 2013, so right now it’s simply a mediocre signing that won’t change the team too much.

Newsome certainly has plans for the future, and Ravens fans have to be hoping right now that Canty won’t be the team’s most notable signing. However, the free agent market has already taken a serious hit, with cornerback being the only position with a slew of talent.

Unfortunately for the Ravens, cornerback is the least of their concerns right now. There could be a few more Canty-type signings over the next few weeks, however.

After signing Ellerbe, the Miami Dolphins released inside linebacker Karlos Dansby. Signing Dansby would be a positive signing for the Ravens, as he would be an upgrade over Ellerbe in coverage.

Outside of signing maybe Dansby or even former Bengal Ray Maualuga, the Ravens appear to be content to rebuild the team through the draft. Right now it appears that the Ravens will have 12 picks in April’s draft. They received a sixth-round pick from the 49ers in return from Boldin and will likely receive four compensatory picks.

Having 12 picks in a deep, talented draft class gives the Ravens ample opportunities to improve the roster. However, having rookies take up about 20% of the active roster in 2013 is something that should worry not only Ravens fans, but the organization.

The safety class is as deep as any other position, so it would behoove the Ravens to take at least two safeties in the draft. There is also a plethora of talent at inside linebacker, making it likely that the Ravens will draft multiple linebackers.

While the current Ravens roster has plenty of talent, there are obvious holes at left tackle, both safety positions, both inside linebacker position, nose tackle and wide receiver to a much lesser extent.

The 2013 Ravens roster — whether fans like it or not — will look much different that the roster that won the Super Bowl last month. That is a good thing, however, as it’s better to rebuild a roster too early than too late.

Will the Ravens be one of the league’s best teams in 2013? Probably not. Will they even make the playoffs? Maybe.

But are they setting themselves up to be one of the league’s best teams over the next five seasons? Absolutely.

While Ravens fans would love to experience the thrill of winning back-to-back Super Bowls, that’s likely not happening. But they’ll still be a competitive team and are primed to be one of the NFL’s finest from 2014-2018. That’s a pretty good plan right now, right?

It sure seems like it.

According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the wide receiver has been traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks and Vikings have agreed to a trade that send Harvin to Seattle for draft picks, pending Harvin passing a physical

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 11, 2013

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that one of the draft picks will be Seattle’s first-round pick in April’s draft.

Any trade between MINN and SEA for Percy Harvin, which still is being finalized, is expected to include Seahawks’ 2013 first-round pick.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2013

Harvin may be the missing piece that can make the Seahawks legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Quarterback Russell Wilson now has a multi-dimensional, talented receiver to throw to.

The Seahawks can also use Harvin as a running back to lighten Marshawn Lynch’s workload. Wide receiver was one of Seattle’s biggest needs entering free agency, but now that void appears to be filled by Harvin.

Williams took some time out of his draft preparations to discuss his draft journey with End Zone Report.

Here is the interview with Williams:

On his pro day preparations:

“I’m just doing backpedal drills and some catching drills and just spending some time in the weight room.”

On his experience at the combine:

“We really had a lot of pressure on us because we had to meet with every team, but it was cool getting to know all the teams and meeting with the GMs and coaches and player personnel. It was a good opportunity because I got to work out with some of the best players across the country.”

On the impression he left on teams at the combine:

“A good one. All of my interviews went pretty well. I met with the Redskins, Cowboys, Colts and the 49ers.”

How his athleticism helps him as a safety:

“I think I put it together well. There’s a blend of speed and physicality. Some of the coaches know that the combine really displayed how I put my athleticism and instincts on the field.”

On if he prefers free or strong safety:

“Either or. In college I played free safety and strong safety and I think that I can rotate between both. I can also play nickel and line up man-to-man on nickel and slot receivers as well.”

On finishing his career in an exciting New Mexico Bowl:

“You always want to win and leave on a high note, but unfortunately we were unable. It was a close game; they came back after halftime. It was exciting. I think it was 49-48, and of course we could’ve made some plays at the end of the game to win but they came back and they had a great surge in the second half, so my hat goes off to Arizona.”

On his experience at the Senior Bowl:

“It was great because I experienced it with some of the top players around the country. I had the opportunity to work with the Oakland Raiders. They were our coaches during the week and they gave us some insight on how to be a pro and how to approach the game and they eliminated some of our college habits. Throughout meetings, drills and practice, they just gave us an NFL look. So it just prepared us well going into the draft in April and training camps.”

On what aspects of his game he needs to improve:

“One of the things I need to improve on is playing better with my eyes and making plays with my eyes instead of guessing on plays. One other thing I feel like I need to do is wrap up on some tackles and learn how to hit and wrap. That’s about it from what I’ve seen and from what teams tell me.”

On which NFL players he models his game after:

“There’s not a player that I really try to model my game from, but there are a few players that I take a few things from. Some of those players are Dashon Goldson, Louis Delmas, Ed Reed and Ryan Clark.”

What an NFL team gets when it drafts Duke Williams:

“I believe they’ll get a compete player and I think they’ll get the most complete safety in the draft this coming April. As I said before, I put together a full package to play either as an in-the-box safety or on the move. I can do both. I can also play corner and line up on slot receivers, so I think they’ll get a complete player and a player who loves the game. Also, someone who is a student of the game and wants to get better.”

Playing alongside fellow pass rusher Damontre Moore, Porter recorded 3.5 sacks in 2012 and also had an interception. He is projected to get drafted as early as in the third round.

Porter was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his draft preparations to tell me about what he’s done so far throughout the draft process and how he’s preparing for the NFL.

Here is the interview with Porter:

On his draft preparations:

“Right now I’m just preparing for my pro day and still going about the combine stuff. After that, outside of conditioning, I’m just getting ready to play real football.”

Experience at the combine:

“I had a good experience. Meeting all the coaches and making a good impression while at the combine. Overall I think it was a good experience. I think I left a positive impression on all of the teams I met with.”

On if he prefers a 3-4 or 4-3 defense:

“I’m comfortable with both at this point. I’ve played in both of them over my college career, so they’re the ones that I’m comfortable in and I feel good about. I know I like to blitz and be in the backfield and make a lot of plays, so whichever one of the defenses that allows me to be a playmaker, I’m fine with.”

On what he’s improving on to prepare for the NFL:

“After getting drafted, I’ll be trying to get in shape and work on finishing everything I do. The main thing is that you have to finish plays and that’s probably the biggest part of my game I’m working on so I can make the adjustment.”

On his experience at the Senior Bowl:

“I had a good experience in Mobile. I learned a lot from the coaching staff, with it, you know, being an NFL staff. You learn a lot about the basic practice in the NFL, how long it is and how hard they practice. So, I got a lot out of that. As far as playing against the top guys, it’s kind of the same players as my teammates and the SEC so there really wasn’t much of a difference.”

On Texas A&M’s 10-2 season:

“It was a crazy time in College Station. When we’re winning around here, it’s crazy. It was definitely good for the city, good for the college, and it was fun watching our team grow up and do really good things, so I really enjoyed this season.”

On his former teammate Luke Joeckel as a draft prospect:

“I think he’s perfect for the NFL. He’s kind of the prototypical left tackle. He’s tall, he has long arms, very athletic, so I think regardless he’s a presence.”

On what NFL players he models his game after:

“There is no specific player in the NFL that I try to model my game after, but I like to watch all the big players today. I like watching Navarro Bowman, Von Miller, Patrick Willis and I like watching all the great young linebackers play.”

On what an NFL team gets when it drafts Sean Porter:

“They get a very aggressive, young linebacker who can do a lot of things. I’m a versatile player and a playmaker.”

With a talented free agent class headlined by wide receiver Mike Wallace, a few teams could become playoff contenders by just signing a few players.

There’s a plethora of talented players available this year, but here are just a few top free agents and where they could sign:

Mike Wallace – Miami Dolphins

This prediction took no effort on my part, as it appears that the Dolphins and Wallace have mutual interest that will result in Wallace signing with the team. Wallace is looking to become one of the highest paid wide receivers in the NFL and the Dolphins have ample cap space to do so. Miami is the perfect fit for Wallace as he can get his payday while becoming the team’s top receiver.

Greg Jennings – Seattle Seahawks

Like Wallace, Jennings is looking to become one of the highest paid receivers in the NFL. While he won’t get as much money as Wallace, a wide receiver-needy team will likely overpay for Jennings’ services. The Seahawks need another talented receiver to play alongside Sidney Rice and Jennings can be that guy. Seattle has enough cap space to give Jennings a reasonable deal, although he’d likely take a few million less to play with the Seahawks as opposed to other teams. This prediction may not happen, but there has to be at least one surprise, right?

Dashon Goldson – Cincinnati Bengals 

The former 49er is primed to sign with a new team in free agency and the Bengals are an ideal fit. The Bengals have enough cap space to make Goldson one of the highest paid free safeties in the NFL. While Goldson is a bit overrated as a player, he is still the best available free safety in free agency this year, which could prompt the Bengals to feel the need to offer him a large contract to fill their void at safety.

Dannel Ellerbe – Baltimore Ravens 

After signing quarterback Joe Flacco to a long-term deal, the Ravens will likely only be able to sign one or two of their own free agents. With a void at inside linebacker after Ray Lewis’ retirement, Baltimore will surely prioritize Ellerbe over the other free agents on the team. Ellerbe has expressed his desire to return to Baltimore and it’s possible he could re-sign with the Ravens before free agency begins on Tuesday.

Paul Kruger – Cleveland Browns

With limited cap space, it’s highly unlikely that the Ravens will make any type of serious effort to re-sign Kruger. In Kruger’s best interest, he’ll likely sign with whichever team offers him the most money, which could be the Browns. The Browns have enough cap space to offer Kruger a contract in the $10-12 million per year range and could use his services as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Signing Kruger would be an ideal move for the Browns as they add a true pass rushing threat while taking him away from a division rival.

Jared Cook – Chicago Bears 

While the Bears need to upgrade their offensive line to help quarterback Jay Cutler, they also need to give Cutler more weapons to throw to. Insert Jared Cook. The 6’5 tight end won’t ever be mistaken for a run blocker, but his talent as a receiver makes him an intriguing option for Chicago. Cutler needs a true receiving threat at tight end to throw to and Cook can fulfill that role.

Cliff Avril – Indianapolis Colts 

While head coach Chuck Pagano could opt to reunite with Kruger, the Colts will decide to sign Avril, a top-tier pass rusher who would add a much-needed dynamic to the Colts defense. Avril will likely get a contract similar to what Kruger gets, making it feasible with Indianapolis’ large sum of cap space. With Dwight Freeney set to sign elsewhere, Avril fills a void at outside linebacker for the Colts.

Jake Long – Miami Dolphins

There will likely be a large market for Long’s services, but with Miami’s cap space, it seems likely that he could sign a long-term deal to remain in South Florida. If the Dolphins sign Wallace to give quarterback Ryan Tannehill more talent to throw to, they’ll also have to keep Tannehill protected. Realizing that Long is a necessity for Tannehill’s development will lead to the Dolphins deciding that Long must be retained.

Matt Moore – Minnesota Vikings

Moore certainly isn’t one of the top free agents this year, but he was put on this list because he is the top quarterback available. The Vikings have publicly expressed their confidence in Christian Ponder as the team’s starting quarterback, but his on-field play doesn’t back up that proclamation. Adding Moore would give Ponder some much-needed competition. Ponder would still enter the 2013 season as the starter, but if he struggles to begin the year, Moore could take over. A Ponder/Moore duo could just be a stopgap before the Vikings get a true franchise quarterback in the 2014 draft if Ponders’ struggles continue.

In 2012, the junior was one of the leaders of the Florida Gators defense. His most notable game was the Sugar Bowl against Louisville. In that game, Floyd recorded five total tackles and had two sacks. Floyd’s versatility to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense has made him one of the most highly rated defensive players in this year’s draft. He was ranked second on Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest Big Board.

Floyd was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his busy draft preparations to tell me about the draft process so far and his preparations for the NFL.

Here is the interview with Floyd:

On his draft preparations:

“Right now I’m back in Gainesville. I just came back from New York where my agent is based out of. I’m getting ready for pro day. There’s really nothing else I can do to move my stock up. The combine was really all I could do, so now it’s just team visits which start in April and my pro day which is March 22.”

Experience at the Combine:

“It’s definitely a lengthy process, one that I wanted to experience and I’m glad that I got the chance to experience it. I rather have been there than to have been sitting on my couch watching. It’s definitely a long process. All four days that you’re there it’s no time to yourself. You get minimal hours of sleep and then up early the next day, so it’s a process that you gotta get your mind right for. My thoughts on that are that if they say we couldn’t handle it, we wouldn’t do it.”

Draft stock rising:

“I just feel as though it’s been watching my tape more. I understand what I bring to the table as a defensive tackle and then my personality and just the person I am. It’ll all take care of itself, that’s how I look at it, so I’ve just been training and working hard as usual and getting ready to step into that next level.”

On possibly getting drafted first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs:

“I kinda won’t even know my reaction until it happens, but I know the excitement on my family’s face and my grandmother especially. It’s just going to be priceless and it’s a feeling that’s probably only going to come out when I feel that way, so I’m just waiting for it to happen. It’s kinda out of my hands, so I’m not getting too high or not too low right now, but it’ll be priceless.”

On what position he’s most comfortable playing:

“I’m comfortable in both (3-4 and 4-3), but if I can choose, I would choose a three technique, because I know I’m way more comfortable there. But I have been working on my d-end and my 3-4, so either way I’m comfortable. Whatever a team needs I’ll make it work.”

Toughest part of the draft process:

“Nothing has really been tough. I kinda knew what I had before I got myself into it and to give it everything I got. Hard work has been really all I’ve done growing up, so I haven’t faced a lot of challenges yet, but hopefully when I get to some I’ll make sure to give you a call.”

Aspects of his game he’s been working on to improve:

“Mainly my hands. I need to keep my feet going because that’s key for the position I play. So hands and feet and if I got those everything else is good.”

What NFL players he models his game after:

“I’ve been compared to Warren Sapp, but I don’t watch Sunday games to compare myself to anyone specific. When I watch on Sunday, I mainly watch to read offense, look at stances and things that I can pick up on and use in a game.”

What kind of player an NFL team gets when it drafts Sharrif Floyd:

“Someone who they don’t really have to worry about with anything off the field, a leader, a disruptor as a three-technique, a player with a great get-off, a great personality off the field and someone they can count on.”

End Zone Report thanks Sharrif Floyd and his agent, Jon Perzley, for the opportunity to conduct the interview.