2013 NFL Mock Draft
Written By: Shawn Baptist
Webmaster: Jeff Pereyma
Last Update: April 24, 2013
SINCE I BELIEVE THERE WILL BE TOO MANY TRADES TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, I DECIDED TO MAKE THIS MOCK WITHOUT ANY TRADES.
Eric Fisher
OT
Central Michigan
Unfortunately for the Chiefs there was no outstanding QB prospect to snag here, so instead they traded for Alex Smith. The Chiefs could either go defensive line or offensive line with this pick, however with the release of Eric Winston, I believe that the Chiefs are planning to trade Brandon Albert and draft their new LT to help protect their new QB. Eric Fisher comes from a smaller school in Central Michigan which did raise some concerns, but after seeing him dominate in the senior bowl and following it up with a great combine I think it is say that those doubts were cast aside. He has the length, athleticism, and strength to be an elite LT for many years to come.
Luke Joeckel
OT
Texas A&M
The Jaguars could go in a number of ways with this pick, and although I believe a pass rusher is their biggest need, reports seem to be that they will take either Fisher or Joeckel, whoever falls to them so in this case that becomes Luke Joeckel. Luke Joeckel is a very sound prospect who may not have the elite upside as Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson, but he has a much higher floor. He can be a plug and play guy from day one. He lacks elite athleticism, however his technique is solid and should have no problems adapting to the NFL.
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Sharrif Floyd
DT
Florida
The Raiders would have loved to been able to select a new franchise QB here but with none to be had I have them snagging one of the best players in the draft in Shariff Floyd. Sharif Floyd has soared up draft boards lately, and for good reason. He is a major force in the middle at DT. He has the ability to be strong against the run while also being able to get into the backfield and get after the quarterback. One of his most impressive strengths is his range; he seems to be able to get to the ball wherever it is. The Raiders need a lot of help but a good all-around player like Floyd is a good start.
Dion Jordan
OLB/DE
Oregon
Chip Kelly will be very excited to see Dion Jordan fall to them. Kelly coached him in Oregon and he will feel a big need for the Eagles.
Dion Jordan is a freakish athlete for a guy his size. Ideally he would be a OLB in a 3/4 scheme, but the Jaguars can't be too picky when they have so many needs. There is also a large belief that Jordan's sack numbers can go way up once he is able to pin his ears back and go after the QB instead of dropping into coverage as often.
*THIS COULD BE A POSSIBLE TRADE SPOT FOR A TEAM MOVING UP TO GRAB THE LAST OF THE TOP 3 LTs*
Lane Johnson
OT
Oklahoma
The Lions could go in a few different directions with their pick. CB, OT, and DE are all big needs, however with Jeff Backus retiring the Lions have to sure up their o-line to keep Matthew Stafford upright and on the field so they go with arguably the last of the top 3 OT in Lane Johnson. Lane Johnson is a player who has a steady rise to become a top 10 lock. He is one of the most athletic OTs that we have ever seen come out. He has great feet and a definite mean streak. He is relatively new to the position and will need to continue to develop but he has more upside than any other OT in this draft.
Geno Smith
QB
West Virginia
This pick may surprise some people, but with a new regime in Cleveland and with a offensive coordinator like Norv Turner I think this is going to be the pick. Geno Smith is not a sure-fire prospect, however he does have some skills that will translate well to the NFL. He is a very mobile QB, but much like RGIII last year, he is a guy who wants to throw first. He seems to have the arm strength to make all the throws. He needs to improve his accuracy at times, and his leadership has been questioned. However, I see him a guy similar to Ryan Tannehill who went in a similar spot last year and the Browns hope he can turn into their franchise QB under Norv Turner.
Barkevious Mingo
OLB/DE
LSU
The Cardinals miss out on a LT that would have been a great pick for them, but with the top 3 off the board they need to help their pass rush by gaining a rush OLB, and Kiki Mingo has that ability.
Mingo is a terrific player who oozes with potential. He is extremely athletic and has the ability to rush the QB or drop in coverage. The one concern with him is that his production doesn't match his potential, but the Cardinals take a gamble that they can solve that with coaching and if they succeed he could be a special player.
*THIS COULD BE A TRADE SPOT FOR A TEAM LOOKING TO GET TAVON AUSTIN*
Ryan Nassib
QB
Syracuse
The Buffalo Bills did sign Kevin Kolb this offseason but I do not see him as their guy moving forward. They need a franchise QB, and the word is that they think that Nassib is that guy. This would be a major reach in most people's eyes, however if they believe he is their guy than they have to pull their trigger and take the QB.
Much like Geno Smith, Nassib is far from a sure-fire prospect, however there is a connection with Doug Marrone which will really help his transition. He lacks great skills in a lot of areas, but he has good accuracy, decent arm strength, and he is a good leader. The Bills hope their have finally found their QB they have been lacking for years.
*THIS COULD ALSO BE A TRADE SPOT FOR A TEAM LOOKING TO GET TAVON AUSTIN*
Tavon Austin
WR
West Virginia
The Jets could look at a pass rusher with this pick, but they also have the 13th pick and they play the odds that there will be a player they still like there at that pick and grab the most dynamic offensive player in the draft with Tavon Austin. Austin is very undersized, but what he lacks in size he makes up for speed, quickness, and explosiveness. He had a monster year in West Virginia and showed that he can be a threat from anywhere on the field. Much like Percy Harvin, he can line up in the backfield, catch screen passes, run routes, or return kicks. Probably my favorite player in the draft and I think he is going to do big things at the next level.
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Jonathan Cooper
OG
North Carolina
The Titans could consider a safety like Kenny Vaccaro or CB Dee Milliner in this spot after signing Andy Levitre this offseason but they have Chris Johnson and now Shonn Greene so they seem set on running the ball so why not add another OG like Jon Cooper. There aren't many more prospects as close as Cooper and Warmack, however the reason I believe Cooper will go ahead of him is his ability to play G or C in an o-line. Cooper is extremely athletic and quick for an OG but yet he still has a great deal of power. Not the flashiest pick, but one that Johnson, Greene, and Locker will be happy with
Dee Milliner
CB
Alabama
The Chargers are another team that could desperately need a OT, however with all three top prospects off the board I think they address another need at CB. Milliner lacks the elite balls skills and the playmaking ability that you would like to see from a top 5 CB, however that is about the only thing he lacks. He has great speed, can play man or off coverage, and he is a good tackler. He may not be the flashiest corner in the league but he has all the tools to be a fantastic corner at the next level.
Ezekiel Ansah
DE
BYU
I think that the Dolphins and Chiefs reach an agreement to trade Brandon Albert and with Dee Milliner off the board I think they take a guy with immense potential to pair up with Cameron Wake and that is Ziggy Ansah. Ansah is a big, powerful, and athletic DE who has only been playing football for a few years. There were a lot of expectations on him at the senior bowl, and although he was disappointing in the week of practices, he was dominate in the game. One concern is that his numbers were not great even in a weak conference in college, however with the proper coaching this guy could become a perennial double-digit sack guy in the NFL.
Chance Warmack
OG
Alabama
With Star Lotulelei on the board I think the Jets will take a long look at him but with their glaring needs on the right side of the o-lines I think they grab a guy who has been on the top of draft boards for the whole season.
Chance Warmack had a phenomenal year with Alabama, and he could be one of the top 5 players in this draft. He is big, strong, and powerful. He doesn't have the greatest athleticism, and never will, however he has all the makings of an all pro guard for years to come.
*THE JETS COULD LOOK TO TRADE ONE OF THIS PICK TO OBTAIN MORE PICKS SINCE THEY ARE NOW IN A REBUILD*
Star Lotulelei
DT
Utah
At this point for Carolina, this pick should be a no-brainer. They need help on their defensive line and a top 5 talent is still on the board, they can run to the podium in this situation to grab this falling star (sorry for the bad pun). Star Lotulelei is a guy who is falling on draft boards because of a concern with a heart condition at the combine, although it is appearing that problem did not surface and that he is good to go. Lotulelei is a big powerful DT who will be a huge presence out their for the Panthers. He doesn't possess great pass rush abilities but he has a great motor and good instincts. Could be a real steal this late in the draft.
Jarvis Jones
OLB
Georgia
The Saints can't go wrong with this pick as long as it is on the defensive side of the ball. New Orleans had a historically bad season defensively, and at this point I think they will decide between a pass rusher or the top safety, I think the bigger need is a pass rusher so I think Jarvis Jones is their guy. Jones disappointed during the combine, however he did not disappoint during the year. This guys has all the traits of a good pass rusher. He isn't fast but he is strong and violent and just has a nack for getting into the backfield and making plays for losses or sacking the QB. I think this is where the Jarvis Jones freefall stops.
Kenny Vaccaro
S
Texas
The Rams might as well run up to the podium in this situation. They would love to see Tavon Austin here, but that is not going to happen so this is their next best scenario as they lost both starting safeties from last season. Kenny Vaccaro didn't have a great combine, but that isn't going to deter teams from selecting him. Vaccaro has the rare ability to come up and make a big hit or to drop back and cover tight ends or wide outs. He has good ball skills and I think he plays a lot faster than his 40 time will show.
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Tyler Eifert
TE
Notre Dane
The Steelers had a disappointing year last year and has some people questioning if their run of dominance is over. They do need to get younger at several positions and after losing Mike Wallace in free agency a receiver could be in play here, however with no real pass rusher worth taking here, I think they address a need at TE. Tyler Eifert is one of the cleanest draft prospects this year. He has the size, the speed, and the hands to be an excellent weapon at the next level. His blocking is not perfect but it is a lot better than people give him credit. Eifert is one of the safest picks in the draft in my opinion and he has all the tools to be the next great TE.
Sheldon Richardson
DT
Missouri
The Cowboys would love to see Kenny Vaccaro fall to them, but with him gone they might consider helping their offensive line with DJ Fluker, however Sheldon Richardson also fills a need and he presents too good of value to pass on. Sheldon Richardson may lack the ideal bulk for the position, however he is an extremely productive player who has a great ability to get into the backfield and tackle RB or sack the QB. His great motor combined with his range projects him to be a very good player in the NFL.
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DJ Fluker
OT
Alabama
The Giants need offensive line help in the worst way. They have their franchise QB in Eli Manning but they have to protect him. They might consider other positions but I don't think they can pass up on DJ Fluker. Fluker is a mammoth of a man, he is big, wide, and strong. He is probably always going to be a RT but that is okay. He lacks great athleticism but he makes up for it with his huge size and his ability to maul defensive lineman. Fluker could help put more youth on the offensive line and help secure their QB.
Manti Te'o
MLB
Notre Dame
The Bears may look for more offensive line help with this pick but with DJ Fluker off the board it is too much of a reach for me, especially when they can add help to their linebacking core with Manti Te'o. Te'o has had to deal with the girlfriend hoax, the terrible BCS championship game, and then a disappointing combine, but his talent is undeniable. He isn't going to wow you with his speed but his instincts are great. I believe he is going to become a great "throwback" MLB for years to come.
Jonathan Cyprien
S
Florida International
The Bengals need to resign Andre Smith, but after that they could also use a RB, or possibly help at LB, however in my opinion their most glaring need is at safety and it sounds like Jon Cyprien is their guy. Cyprien really burst onto the scene at the senior bowl when teams were able to check him out and he did not disappoint. He is not the fastest safety, be he can make a play on the ball or lay a big hit. This may be a little high for him, but I don't think the Bengals can get a safety of this caliber with their next pick.
DeAndre Hopkins
WR
Clemson
The Rams got their safety with their 16th pick, so now I think they need to turn their attention to getting some weapons for Sam Bradford, and the guy they brought in for a second workout was DeAndre Hopkins from Clemson. Hopkins is not the big play type of receiver, but he is one of the safer ones in the draft. He has decent speed and great hands. He runs good routes and has the size and strength to go on the outside or over the middle.
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Cordarrelle Patterson
WR
Tennessee
The Vikings had a surprising season this past year and although they signed Greg Jennings to help replace Percy Harvin this offseason, I think that wide receiver is still their biggest need, and Cordarrelle Patterson would give Christian Ponder another target. Patterson is a very intriguing prospect because he only has one year of BCS experience, however his talent is undeniable. His routes leave much to be desired, however with Greg Jennings in Minnesota I think he can improve that and become a truly dynamique playmaker that the Vikings need since losing Harvin.
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DJ Hayden
CB
Houston
The Colts focused on offense last draft so this year they need to turn their attention to the defence. They got Vontae Davis, but they need another corner and DJ Hayden could be a steal at this point. DJ Hayden occurred a nearly fatal injury with his heart after colliding with a teammate in practice but after overcoming a 95‰ fatality rate he has been cleared by doctors and people are taking notice of his abilities. He is extremely fast after running under 4.4 in his forty yard dash, and he is able to be physical while having solid ball skills. No matter where he gets drafted I am sure everyone will be rooting for this kid.
Alec Ogletree
MLB
Georgia
The Vikings did well last year with their two first round picks in Kalil and Smith and hope to have the same success this draft. The Vikings have had success taking Notre Dame players and after taking a WR with the first pick the Vikings turn to their defence and fill a hole with one of the most althletic players in the draft. Alec Ogletree does have some off the field issues, however on the field this guy is a tremendous athlete. He lacks the typical size you would like from a MLB but he has amazing range and can move from sideline to sideline. I also believe that he has great versatility and can be used in several different ways and I think he is an excellent value for the Vikings.
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Justin Pugh
OT/OG
Syracuse
The Green Bay Packers lost Greg Jennings this offseason but with James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb I don't see them even considering one to replace him. A lot of people also see them looking at Eddie Lacy, however their biggest need is on the o-line so I think they grab Justin Pugh. This is one pick I really like, Justin Pugh is a little bit short for a LT and lacks long arms, however he looked good all year and in the senior bowl, so I see no reason not to give him a shot at it. The other attribute that people love about him is his versatility, if he can't play tackle he will be able to slide inside and play guard for a long time. A great pick for the Packers who need to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Justin Hunter
WR
Tennessee
The Texans are a team that is very close to making it to the Super Bowl, but one thing they lack is a second WR for Matt Schaub and Justin Hunter could be that guy. Hunter has the prototypical size for a WR at 6'4, 200lbs to go along with 4.4 speed. However, he has had concentration problems catching the ball, especially over the middle. These things should be able to be fixed especially learning from Andre Johnson. This could be the piece to put the Texans in the Super Bowl.
Tank Carradine
DE
Florida State
The Broncos lost Elvis Dumervil to a fax machine but now in the draft they get lucky and can grab his replacement. People may be surprised to see Carradine getting picked over fellow teammate, Bjoern Werner, however Tank Carradine is the better pass rusher. Tank Carradine would have been a definite first round pick had it not have been for an ACL injury. He has great speed on the edge combined with power and good moves to be able to get after quarterbacks. He has a ton of a potential and is supposedly getting interest from the Giants and the Vikings.
Sylvester Williams
DT
North Carolina
This is a strange year for the Patriots because they only have 5 picks and although they have a glaring need a wide receiver and a guy like Robert Woods would make sense, New England has not been known for taking receivers early and I think that in this situation they help their defence by adding the top player left on their board.
Sly Williams is a prototypical DT prospect. He has good size, good speed, and good power. He would be great next to Vince Wilfork because of his ability to penetrate and get into the backfield. Not the biggest need for the Patriots but too good of a value to pass up.
*THIS COULD BE A POSSIBLE TRADE SPOT FOR A TEAM MOVING UP TO GRAB A QB THEY WANT TO ENSURE THEY GET*
Xavier Rhodes
CB
Florida State
The Falcons have lost Brent Grimes and lack anyone able to play next to Asante Samuel, luckily for them Xavier Rhodes is still on the board and makes a perfect fit for them. Xavier Rhodes has a lot of things you love to see from a corner. He has good length, he is very fast, and he is solid in coverage. His off man coverage could still use some work, but he has good range and can make the tackle.
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Margus Hunt
DE
SMU
The 49ers could look at a safety in this spot to try and replace Dashon Goldson with their 31st pick, but they also have needs on their defensive front and with Margus Hunt on the board I think they take a stab at him.
Margus Hunt is a bit of a project because he hasn't played a lot of football, but at 6'8" 275lbs there is too much to work with for the 49ers to pass up. He is big and strong and he has surprising quickness and explosion. In a few years under the coaching in San Francisco he could be a pro bowl player.
*I WOULD BE SHOCKED TO SEE THE 49ERS STAY AT THIS PICK BECAUSE THEY HAVE SO MANY PICKS TO USE TO TRADE UP*
Matt Elam
S
Florida
I don't think there has ever been a Super Bowl champion lose so many starters in the following season. They were able to pick up Elvis Dumervil which should help, however they lost both of their starting safeties and have only added Michael Huff, so I think that is where they look to start this draft.
Matt Elam is a little undersized for the position, however he does not play like it. He is a hard hitter, who at times can go for a kill shot instead of a technically sound tackle. He does however have good ball skills, good speed, and seems to have great instincts for the game.
*THIS COULD ALSO BE A POSSIBLE TRADE SPOT FOR A TEAM MOVING UP TO GRAB A QB THEY WANT TO ENSURE THEY GET*