2013 NFL mock draft: Chiefs select Luke Joeckel

With the first pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2013 NFL mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel. BBlades is serving as the Chiefs' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

With the trade for Alex Smith and the signing of Chase Daniels, QB has become less of a need for the team. That is, if you think Smith is anything more than a stopgap. With what the Chiefs gave up for him, it doesn't look like they see him that way. So, they need to protect him. After releasing Eric Winston and putting the franchise tag on Branden Albert (then letting people know he was available for a second-round pick this year and another pick in next year's draft), tackle starts to look like a bit of a concern. That leads us to the decision that seems to be on everybody's mind: Joeckel or Fisher?

Either player could have an immediate impact for the Chiefs, but Joeckel is widely regarded as being more NFL-ready. Fisher may have more upside, but Joeckel is ready now. Joeckel was responsible for protecting Ryan Tannehill and Johnny Manziel. Fisher protected ... Ryan Radcliff. Who? Granted, Radcliff has a career QB rating of 130, he's no Johnny Football.

When comparing statistics, Fisher edges Joeckel on speed, and Joeckel edges Fisher on the vertical and broad jump. Still coming up pretty equal. So, now we look at the fact that Joeckel started every game in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Fisher started 2 games at LT in 2009 and had 9 starts in 2010 -- four starts at right tackle, two at right guard and three at left tackle. He started the first 10 games of 2011 at LT before being injured, and in 2013, he started all 13 games at LT. While Joeckel was a healthy starter for three years against better competition, Fisher managed to only start and stay healthy for a full season at LT one year.

In the end, Joeckel playing against better talent, starting at the same position and staying healthy while protecting a first-round QB in Tannehill and a Heisman Trophy winner (and most likely future first-round pick) in Manziel gives him the edge.

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Check out the 2013 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.