2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Major changes in all 6 rounds.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

You can find the complete seven-round 2013 NFL Draft Order by clicking the link.

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2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/16): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
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ARCHIVED 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT

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Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
There’s no way this pick is locked in yet, but it seems to be moving in that direction pretty rapidly with Luke Joeckel. Some speculated that the Chiefs would go with a defensive lineman or even a cornerback with this selection in the wake of Branden Albert’s franchise tag, but that’s no longer the case after right tackle Eric Winston was released last month.

It’s unusual to pick a right tackle No. 1 overall, but this isn’t a typical situation. Albert was franchised, so he’ll be around for just one season. Joeckel could start at right tackle and then take over the blind side in 2014 and beyond. Also, there’s no guarantee that Albert will even be on the roster come September. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star told Pro Football Talk that there’s a chance Albert will be traded this offseason. That would make lots of sense, given that the Chiefs just dealt two second-day selections to the 49ers.

There’s been some speculation that Kansas City might prefer Eric Fisher over Joeckel, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that the Chiefs are very high on Joeckel. My own Kansas City source said the same thing to me. Also, Adam Schefter tweeted the following over the weekend (you can see this in the 2013 NFL Draft Rumors section: “After today’s Pro Day at Texas A&M, scouts believe it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs bypassing OT Luke Joeckel with No. 1 overall pick.”

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Eric Fisher, OT – The Chiefs may prefer the “other” tackle.

By the way, I’m doing this live because I thought it’d be fun to get instant feedback. I’m going to post my mock anyway, so why not do it this way? Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
New head coach Gus Bradley met with the NFL Network crew during the Senior Bowl. He told them that one of the things he learned under Pete Carroll was to build the team on speed. Dion Jordan certainly fits the bill there, as he was one of the most explosive athletes at the Combine.

Jordan, who is definitely one of the top players available, fits Bradley’s defense perfectly in the Leo position. Given that he’s drawn comparisons to Aldon Smith, Jordan would improve the team’s last-ranked pass rush. He would also be able to drop into coverage and defend tight ends – and that is key because the Texans and Colts both use multi-tight end sets.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Geno Smith, QB – The Jaguars sent their entire front office, including the team president, to Geno Smith’s Pro Day. There could be serious interest.

2. Sharrif Floyd, DT – Sharrif Floyd could be the pick if he’s the top player available, but the Jaguars would need to move on from Tyson Alualu.

Pick change; previously Geno Smith, QB
Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
There has been a ton of buzz around Sharrif Floyd ever since the middle of February, and now the consensus is that he will be a top-five lock. Some are even comparing him to J.J. Watt. It’s possible that the Raiders would view him as the best player available.

Floyd makes a ton of sense from a needs staindpoint. Richard Seymour’s contract was voided, while the lethargic Tommy Kelly was released. The Raiders signed Vance Walker and Pat Sims, but they’re not starting-caliber players. General manager Reggie McKenzie needs to find a forceful interior lineman who can help generate pressure; only Jacksonville had fewer sacks than Oakland in 2012.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Star Lotulelei, DT – Here’s another defensive tackle option.

2. Geno Smith, QB – Trading for Matt Flynn won’t preclude the Raiders from considering Geno Smith, but they’ll probably take a quarterback later in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
There are so many things linking Geno Smith to the Eagles. As I wrote back in early March when I mocked Smith in this spot, “It’s no secret Philadelphia has serious interest in Smith. Sal Paolantonio first spoke of it on 97.5 the Fanatic. ‘From what I’m hearing the Eagles are serous about Geno Smith and it’s not a smokescreen. They’re dead serious,’ he said.”

The Eagles then sent their entire contingent to West Virginia’s Pro Day. I might as well capitalize “ENTIRE” because owner Jeffrey Lurie was there too. Lurie has only visited one draft prospect as the Eagles’ head boss. That was Donovan McNabb.

Since then, the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote that the fit is interesting and that “I know people and I hear things.” A day later, the Houston Chronicle’s Lance Zerlein said that he was told to “plug Geno in here” by a very trusted league source. You can read more in my 2013 NFL Draft Rumors page.

The Eagles’ interest in Smith shouldn’t be a surprise. They need a quarterback – the current starter will be around for only one year, while Nick Foles doesn’t fit the offense – and Smith would be perfect in Chip Kelly’s scheme.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Eric Fisher, OT – The Eagles could deem Eric Fisher to be the best player available. If they plan on going with the current quarterback, they would need to protect his blind side.

2. Star Lotulelei, DT – Peter King recently reported that the Eagles love Star Lotulelei. He could play five-technique and nose tackle.

Pick change; previously Eric Fisher, OT
Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
There was speculation that the Lions were going to kick last year’s first-rounder, Riley Reiff, inside to guard, opening up a need at right tackle. Eric Fisher was discussed as a possibility to the Lions at No. 5 overall at that point. And then Jeff Backus retired. Detroit now obviously has to find a left tackle in addition to a right tackle if the coaching staff does indeed plan on moving Reiff.

If Fisher is available at No. 5, he’s a no-brainer. He’d fill a huge need and satisfy Detroit’s “best player available” policy.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Ansah, DE – The Lions cut Kyle Vanden Bosch and lost Cliff Avril to Seattle. The coaching staff got a close look at Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl.

2. Dee Milliner, CB – Cornerback is still in play despite the team re-signing Chris Houston.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Ansah, DE
Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
TRADE! This is the projected deal I was referring to on Twitter (@walterfootball). Everyone is speculating that the Dolphins will trade up for Lane Johnson. Trades that are widely reported seldom happen, but this just makes too much sense. Besides, it’s not as much of a lock as people think because as I mentioned last week, the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero said that the team has questions about the Oklahoma product. This could be legitimate, but it’s also possible that it’s a smokescreen.

To move up from No. 12 to 6, the Dolphins need to surrender 400 points on the trade-value chart, which is Pick No. 50. Miami owns the 54th-overall selection, so that should definitely be enough. The Dolphins actually possess two second-rounders, so giving up one of them for a highly athletic left tackle is well worth the price. If they have the ability to make a move like this, they absolutely have to do it.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. D.J. Fluker, OT – The Alabama tackle is a very poor fit for Miami’s blocking scheme, but there are tons of links connecting the two.

2. Sheldon Richardson or Star Lotulelei, DT – The Dolphins’ top two defensive tackles have expiring contracts after this season. They’ve been looking into players at that position aggressively.

Pick change; previously Lane Johnson, OT (Chargers)
Arizona Cardinals: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Cardinals believe in drafting the best player available, so they will not automatically take Lane Johnson if he makes it past the sixth slot. I have to believe that their big board looks like this (excluding Sharrif Floyd because he’s a poor fit and doesn’t fill a need): Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, Lane Johnson.

The Cardinals need pass-rushing help across from Sam Acho, so Ansah would definitely bolster that need. He would also be huge in helping defend the read-option offense. Teams are obsessed with trying to stop that style of attack this offseason, and the Cardinals are in the unfortunate position of dealing with two such quarterbacks in their division.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Lane Johnson, OT – He’s definitely a possibility if the Browns don’t trade out.

2. Chance Warmack, G – The Cardinals like Chance Warmack, but it might be too early for a guard. Maybe they can trade down.

Pick change; previously Dion Jordan, DE/OLB
Buffalo Bills: E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
You may have seen me hint that I was leaning toward mocking E.J. Manuel to the Bills if you follow me on Twitter (@walterfootball). I think there’s a good chance that it happens. It may seem far-fetched now, but is it really crazier than Jake Locker at No. 8, Blaine Gabbert at No. 10 or Christian Ponder at No. 12?

I believe Manuel will be the second quarterback off the board. I also think there’s a very strong chance he goes in the first half of the opening round. Think about it – outside of Geno Smith, Manuel was the only signal-caller to accept a draft invite. This could very well mean that his agent knows something.

If there’s a team that would be willing to draft Manuel this high, it would the Bills, who are absolutely starved for a franchise quarterback. The fans are desperately searching for someone to rally behind. They all know Kevin Kolb can’t lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Going with Kolb in 2013 would give the fans no hope. Manuel, meanwhile, would give the franchise a sense of direction. Maybe it would be the wrong direction, but it would generate major fan interest nonetheless.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Geno Smith, QB – This is the no-brainer pick if Smith falls.

2. Tavon Austin, WR – The Bills have to go offense at No. 8 after spending so many resources on defense last year. A second receiver is needed.

Pick change; previously Tavon Austin, WR
New York Jets: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
Star Lotulelei’s heart currently checks out, so I feel comfortable putting him in the top 10 again. It’s great news for Lotulelei, who was probably suffering from some fluke virus when he was tested.

The Jets could covet the Utah interior lineman. They lost Sione Pouha this offseason and replaced him with a 33-year-old Antonio Garay, who signed a contract for just one season. Garay is owed just $840,000 this year, so he in no way is going to prevent New York from drafting Lotulelei, who is arguably the top prospect on the board.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dee Milliner, CB – This draft’s top cornerback will be considered if the Jets trade Darrelle Revis.

2. Tavon Austin, WR – Tavon Austin was the surprise pick I promised on Twitter (@walterfootball) a couple of weeks ago. I’ve heard there’s some top-10 buzz for Austin.

3. Ezekiel Ansah or Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB – The Jets need a lot of things, including a top-notch pass-rusher. Peter King wrote that Rex Ryan loves Mingo.
Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dee Milliner falls to No. 10? It’s absolutely possible. Non-elite cornerbacks are not drafted highly. No corner has gone in the top four since Charles Woodson in 1998. Morris Claiborne, predicted by many to be selected No. 3 overall last year, slipped to No. 6. Milliner is not as good as Claiborne. He’s been overhyped, and he’s definitely not going as high as the media projects him. He’s not a play-maker; he has just six interceptions in three years (compared to Claiborne’s six in 2011 alone), and he was not asked to backpedal at Alabama. He’ll have to learn new technique.

Milliner is not getting past No. 10, however. Believe me when I say that the Titans will not hesitate to draft Milliner if he falls to them at this spot. They absolutely love him, and he would fill a big need for them.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G – Despite signing Andy Levitre, the Titans still need help at guard. General manager Ruston Webster said he’s not opposed to drafting a guard at No. 10 overall.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – Tennessee has shown a ton of interest in the Texas safety.
San Diego Chargers: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Chargers are almost obligated to find help for Philip Rivers with this pick. Unforunately, there’s almost no chance Lane Johnson falls to them at No. 11. They could opt for a guard, but it’s a bit early for one. Why not the top play-maker in this draft?

There has been top-10 buzz for Tavon Austin, so he would definitely be in play for the 11th-overall selection. The Chargers have an underwhelming group of receivers. Danario Alexander has a long injury history. Malcom Floyd is just a mediore wideout. Vincent Brown is unproven. Eddie Royal has been a disappointment. Austin, who can score any time he touches the ball, would be able to fill the role vacated by Darren Sproles a couple of years ago.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Barkevious Mingo or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – San Diego may deem Barkevious Mingo (or Jarvis Jones if he checks out for them) to be the best player available. Both would make a ton of sense as a replacement for free agent Shaun Phillips.

2. Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, G – The Chargers also have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Either guard could be chosen this high given the lack of top-level talent in this class.

Pick change; previously Xavier Rhodes, CB (Browns)
Cleveland Browns: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Browns are in prime position to move down. They may want to add another pass-rusher, and there will be plenty available at this juncture. Also, Xavier Rhodes will almost definitely be on the board at No. 12, so if they like him a lot, it makes all the sense in the world to slide down six spots.

Cornerback is a big need for the Browns. Sheldon Brown played well for Cleveland in 2012, but he’s no longer on the roster. The Browns currently don’t have anyone to fill the void across from Joe Haden. They brought in Brent Grimes for a visit, but he signed with the Dolphins instead.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Ansah, Dion Jordan or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – More pass-rushers could be added despite the addition of Paul Kruger. Jabaal Sheard is expected to be traded.

2. Tavon Austin, WR – Greg Cosell suggested this on Path to the Draft. Tavon Austin is such a valuable player in today’s NFL and would be a great match for Rob Chudzinski’s offense.

Pick change; previously D.J. Fluker, OT (Dolphins)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Everyone talks about how much the Buccaneers need cornerback help – they very well could deal this selection to the Jets for Darrelle Revis – but the defensive line is a huge problem area for them as well. Both Michael Bennett and Roy Miller weren’t retained, opening big needs at end and tackle. Thrown in Gerald McCoy’s injury history and Adrian Clayborn’s torn ACL, and Tampa Bay’s defensive line might actually be in worse shape than the corner position.

The best defensive lineman available (and overall player, for that matter) is Sheldon Richardson. I’ve been told that Richardson is a strong option for the Buccaneers at this spot, so look for them to take him if they can’t somehow obtain Revis or Dee Milliner.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Xavier Rhodes, CB – As mentioned, Tampa Bay is desperate for cornerback help.

2. Tyler Eifert, TE – The Buccaneers also want to give Josh Freeman a solid intermediate option.

Pick change; previously Tyler Eifert, TE
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The Panthers really want Sheldon Richardson, but he unfortunately did not make it to them. I’ve been told by a reliable source that outside of Richardson, the Panthers are looking closely at Xavier Rhodes, Tavon Austin and Kenny Vaccaro.

The latter is the only one of the quartet still remaining. That’s fine though because the safety position is an area Carolina desperately needs to address. As I’ve joked frequently, Hiro Nakamura could stop time. Haruki Nakamura couldn’t stop anyone.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Sheldon Richardson, DT – Richardson has definitely on the Panthers’ radar for a while, as Steve Smith told the media that he wants his front office to draft the Missouri product. Richardson would fill a huge hole on Carolina’s defensive line.

2. Xavier Rhodes, CB – The Panthers cut Chris Gamble. They’ll need a new No. 1 cornerback.

3. Tavon Austin, WR – I’m told Tavon Austin is definitely in play at this spot, but he’s been long gone in this mock.
New Orleans Saints: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Saints fired Steve Spagnuolo and announced that they are moving to a 3-4 defense. A new scheme doesn’t mean they’ll be able to fix their old problems, however. Despite adding Victor Butler, they still need to find a top pass-rusher to make things easier for an overmatched secondary. Barkevious Mingo makes a ton of sense here as one of the best prospects available.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – Another pass-rushing option for the Saints’ new 3-4.

2. Lane Johnson, OT – The Saints could move ahead of the Chargers for the Oklahoma tackle. Sean Payton recently told the Chicago Sun-Times’ Sean Jensen that he has “nightmares” about the left tackle position.
St. Louis Rams: D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama
Jonathan Cooper and Chance Warmack are frequently mocked to the Rams at this spot, but D.J. Fluker might make more sense. Fluker can play right tackle in the event that the disgruntled Rodger Saffold is traded. If Saffold sticks around, Fluker could play guard until Saffold moves on (he’ll be a free agent next spring). Also, Jake Long has to be considered. What if he’s the next Tony Boselli? If Long’s injuries keep him from playing, St. Louis would have the option of moving Saffold back to the blind side and keeping Fluker at right tackle.

Fluker definitely gives the Rams way more options than Warmack and Cooper. It’s worth noting that the Rams have met twice with the Alabama lineman.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kenny Vaccaro, S – The Rams are desperate for safety help, as they have Rodney McLeon and Darian Stewart starting there now.

2. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G – St. Louis signed Long, but an interior lineman is still needed.

Pick change; previously Cordarrelle Patterson, WR

Go to 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.