With the first selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, who will the Kansas City Chiefs pick? The general consensus is Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, the offensive lineman who protected both Johnny Manziel during his 2012 Heisman campaign and Ryan Tannehill, from 2010 to 2011.

The draft is deep at offensive and defensive linemen. The 2013 class is not built around the quarterback position like last year’s draft. West Virginia’s quarterback Geno Smith may be the only first-round lock at the position.

“There’s not really a big marquee name,” said senior Howard Hurt in an email interview. “The best pick in this draft, in the future, will probably be some sort of lineman or someone that doesn’t receive much attention.”

The Kansas City Chiefs finished with the league’s worst record in 2012, earning the first pick. Their future looks brighter after signing former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid, and possibly adding Joeckel to help protect Alex Smith.

“Joeckel will be a gem,” said junior O’Shawn Bryant. “He is gonna be a beast.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the second pick. The Jags need to strengthen their defense, which is why I have them selecting Ezekiel Ansah out of Brigham Young University. Ansah possesses crazy speed, long arms and strength. Ansah is raw but has the potential to anchor the Jags’ defense for years to come.

The Oakland Raiders are rebuilding with the third pick. Their linebacker corps took a hit when they lost Phillip Wheeler to the Miami Dolphins, but if they select Oregon’s Dion Jordan, it will help ease the pain. Jordan is no sure thing, but he can rush the quarterback, forcing sacks and turnovers.

Many believe Jordan will be a bust, due to his inconsistencies.

“Oregon linebackers don’t have a great history of turning out in the NFL,” said Bryant. “They’re all based on speed but not strength.”

After a disappointing 2012 season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ new head coach Chip Kelly will hopefully use the fourth pick to incorporate his fast-paced offense. The key to the zone-read offense is a mobile quarterback that can make quick decisions, which is why I have the Eagles taking Geno Smith.

“Smith had these incredible moments when he dominated games, and then these moments when he fell apart,” said Coy. “He has all the physical attributes that you’d want. The question is whether he can transfer those skills to an NFL offense”

Offensive tackle Jeff Backus retired, which leaves a gaping hole for the Detroit Lions at the fifth pick. Central Michigan’s offensive tackle Eric Fisher is the safest choice for protecting quarterback Matt Stafford. Many scouts have pegged Fisher above Joeckel, and Detroit should be thrilled to see Fisher drop to five.

The 2013 NFL draft lacks the polarizing superstars and quarterback prowess of last year with Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill, but this year’s draft is deep with talent. Last year, the teams who drafted first, second and fourth all went from bottom feeder teams to the playoffs. The Chiefs, Jaguars and Eagles will look to continue this trend.

Predictions for the remaining first-round picks: