2013 NFL Mock Draft: Silly Season

Welcome to silly season.

You know this time of year. It's when we start saying things because we can. We make insane mock drafts solely because we are capable of doing so. And why not? It's not as if anyone gets paid based on mock draft accuracy (I'm really hoping that's wrong and someone out there has an income that is entirely based on mock draft accuracy).

Peter Schrager, he of Fox Sports, offered an updated mock draft yesterday. It is silly.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's silly because it won't happen. I don't know what will actually happen in the first 32 picks. You don't either. And in 2013, putting out a mock draft that doesn't include a draft in the first round is purposefully inaccurate. I'm cool with that.

But there are mock drafts that attempt to find unconventional routes to feasibility, and I respect those. This one tests that respect.

The first five picks? Nothing new to see. And then, it begins...

Tyler Wilson to Cleveland at six: that's tough to buy, given that the Browns took a quarterback in first round all of 9 months ago.

EJ Manuel to Arizona at seven: Arizona's obviously going to need to make a change at QB. But Manuel? That doesn't pass the tape test. I don't know how any GM could justify taking EJ Manuel in the top 16. But hey, I'd have noooooooooo problem bringing him to an NFC West opponent.

Ryan Nassib to Buffalo at eight: This is going to be a popular pick, given the Doug Marrone connection (for those of you behind the times -- Doug Marrone, former head coach at Syracuse, is now the head coach in Buffalo. Nassib, former quarterback at Syracuse, has met Marrone before. Maybe once. Or more.) But the concept of a QB run in this draft in the top 10 when there's so much other talent on the board is difficult to accept.

Filter through the other picks to 16, and there's nothing jaw-dropping. Even Schrager's early pick for the Rams isn't all that surprising: Keenan Allen.

Though the Rams spent an early second round pick on wideout Brian Quick out of Appalachian State in 2012, they go with another wide receiver in 2013. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Allen has the size to be a reliable go-to No. 1 in the pros. He was a star at Cal despite anemic quarterback play.

Nothing to quarrel with, though that's nothing that hasn't been said. Scrolling between 16 and 22, Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker come off the board. So who does Schrager have the Rams taking at 22?

Geno Smith.

Geno Smith.

GENO SMITH?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Smith slips to the bottom third of the draft, a team is going to pounce — regardless of whether they need a quarterback or not. Don’t be shocked if a team trades up to grab him here, but St. Louis has the luxury of two first round picks. Sam Bradford is a fine quarterback, but he’s not untouchable. If Smith is still on the board at 22, why not?

Schrager, may you have all the page clicks your heart desires.