2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Major changes in all 7 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. If Jacksonville doesn’t take Smith, he’ll probably fall out of the top 10. I was very close to mocking him to the Jaguars, but went with Jordan.

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.
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. Eric Fisher, OT – Eric Fisher has been rumored as a possibility, but that doesn’t make much sense to me because Jared Veldheer is a very good left tackle. It doesn’t make sense to address the right tackle position this early, given how many players at that position are still available in free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
There’s no question the Eagles have to upgrade their offensive line. Their tackle position is in shambles. Jason Peters tore his Achilles; Demetress Bell was released after being a bust signing; while King Dunlap, who wasn’t any good, signed with San Diego. Even if Peters comes back close to 100 percent – a tough challenge, considering his weight – an upgrade could be made at right tackle, which would allow Todd Herremans to move back to his natural guard position.

Eric Fisher would become the heir apparent to Peters at left tackle while handling the current quarterback’s blind side. He has the athleticism to thrive in Chip Kelly’s offense.

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

1. Dion Jordan, LB – Jordan is one of the four players the Eagles are reportedly considering with this pick. You can read more in my 2013 NFL Draft Rumors page or follow me on Twitter @walterfootball for updates.

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 Geno Smith, QB
Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Lions need defensive end help with Kyle Vanden Bosch getting cut and Cliff Avril entering free agency. If they can’t get any pressure on the quarterback, Aaron Rodgers is going to continue to shred their secondary, no matter who is starting back there.

The coaching staff had a close look at Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl and is reportedly smitten with him. Ansah’s potential makes him a candidate to be chosen No. 5 overall.

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

1. Eric Fisher, OT – If Eric 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.

2. Lane Johnson, OT – I recently slotted Lane Johnson here in my 2013 NFL Not Draft, but I’ve come around and now think that the Oklahoma tackle is a strong possibility.

Pick change; previously Eric Fisher, OT
Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
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 hasn’t signed with them as of this writing. If Cleveland can’t secure Grimes or another top free-agent corner, the front office will strongly consider Milliner.

I haven’t seen Star Lotulelei mocked to the Browns very often, but it’s a strong possibility, as Charlie Campbell reported. Ahtyba Rubin, currently slated to be one of the starting five-techniques, is not a good fit for the 3-4. I’ll rant later about Michael Lombardi’s poor decision to go with scheme over personnel, a strategy that never works, but the fact remains that Cleveland is rumored to be dangling Rubin as trade bait.

Lotulelei is obviously a much better fit for the Browns’ defense. He could also be considered the top player on the board; he has been medically cleared, so there’s a chance he’s even picked earlier than this.

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

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

2. Dee Milliner, CB – Milliner isn’t considered the top prospect the media deems him to be, but he’s in play with the sixth pick. This will probably be the earliest he’s chosen.

Pick change; previously Lane Johnson, OT (Dolphins)
Arizona Cardinals: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
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, Star Lotulelei, Ezekiel Ansah, Lane Johnson.

This is clearly the worst-case scenario for Arizona. If the team can’t move up for Fisher or slide down and take D.J. Fluker, it could very well be stuck with Johnson at No. 7.

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

1. Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB – The Cardinals need pass-rushing help across from Sam Acho, so Ezekiel Ansah would definitely bolster that need. He would also be huge in helping defend the read-option offense.

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 Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB
Buffalo Bills: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
You may have seen me hint that I was leaning toward mocking a quarterback not named Geno Smith to the Bills if you follow me on Twitter (@walterfootball). I slotted E.J. Manuel here last week, but it’s becoming apparent that Buffalo is narrowing its choices down to Ryan Nassib and Matt Barkley. Both fit Doug Marrone’s West Coast offense better than Manuel and Geno Smith.

In this scenario, the Bills emulate what the Dolphins did at this very No. 8 spot last year. Miami hired Mike Sherman and then picked the college coach’s quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. Buffalo would be doing the same thing with Marrone’s Nassib.

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

1. Matt Barkley, QB – The other West Coast option. Buddy Nix recently defended Barkley in a press conference, so the USC quarterback could be the choice.

2. Tavon Austin, WR – Nix is likely to be too cautious to wait on a quarterback, but if he shows some courage, he could grab Tavon Austin here and move into the end of the first round for Nassib or Barkley.

Pick change; previously E.J. Manuel, QB
New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Jets have tons of options at No. 9, so they could easily move down if they don’t receive Tampa Bay’s No. 13 selection for Darrelle Revis. Regardless of whether they stay put or not, their target is sounding like it’s Barkevious Mingo. Multiple sources have reported that the Jets are completely smitten with Mingo. The LSU pass-rusher’s 2012 production isn’t good enough to warrant this high of a pick, but there’s no questioning that the potential is there. Rex Ryan could be excited to mold that potential into something truly great. Ryan has to find an edge rusher at some point in this draft. New York has to put more pressure on the quarterback.

*** 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.

Pick change; previously Star Lotulelei, NT
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: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
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.
Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
Some might consider this a bit early for an interior lineman, but the Dolphins have shown us that they’re not shy about pulling a move like this when they snagged Mike Pouncey No. 15 overall a couple of years ago. Jonathan Cooper is a better prospect than Pouncey, and he’s way more versatile and athletic. He’s a perfect fit in Miami’s blocking scheme, and he would be a massive upgrade over John Jerry.

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

1. Dee Milliner, CB – The Dolphins have the ammunition to move up for Dee Milliner. If the Alabama corner falls past the Browns, Miami could move up to No. 7 in order to leap the Jets and Titans.

2. Tyler Eifert, TE – The Dolphins want to find a long-term solution at the tight end position. This might be a bit early for Tyler Eifert, but he’ll definitely be considered at No. 12.

Pick change; previously Xavier Rhodes, CB (Browns)
New York Jets: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
All the talk is about how the Jets can possibly replace Darrelle Revis, but the safety position is in much worse shape. After losing both LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell to free agency, New York was only able to obtain the mediocre Dawan Landry. Thus, their current starting safeties are Dawan Landry and someone named Josh Bush. That’s not going to fly against Tom Brady.

Kenny Vaccaro is a better prospect than Xavier Rhodes, and the Jets have shown interest in him. If they don’t move down, he has to be the pick in this scenario.

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

1. Xavier Rhodes, CB – If the Jets like Rhodes, they could complement their Florida State corner with another one.

2. Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, G – The Jets need to fortify the interior of their offensive line. One of the guards should be here.

Pick change; previously Sheldon Richardson, DT (Buccaneers)
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
I’ve been told by a reliable source that the Panthers are looking closely at Sheldon Richardson, Xavier Rhodes, Tavon Austin and Kenny Vaccaro with this pick. The former two are the ones still remaining on the board. Richardson is a popular choice, but there have been reports that Carolina isn’t as high on the Missouri defensive tackle as others believe.

Chris Gamble retired, so the Panthers have to find a new top cornerback, especially considering the receivers they have to deal with in the division.

*** 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. Kenny Vaccaro, S – Another secondary upgrade. The Panthers are very weak at safety.

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.

Pick change; previously Kenny Vaccaro, S
New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Sheldon Richardson is a steal if he falls this far, but it’s sounding like he’ll be available in the early teens. In fact, it’s been speculated that the 49ers could leap the Saints and obtain him at No. 14.

If Richardson makes it to New Orleans, it’s an easy pick. He’d be a massive upgrade over Will Smith at defensive end. Smith is a poor fit in the Saints’ new 3-4 scheme.

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

1. Xavier Rhodes, CB – The Saints made a nice signing with Pittsburgh’s Keenan Lewis, but they still showed interest in upgrading the other cornerback position when they brought in Nnamdi Asomugha and Tracy Porter.

2. Barkevious Mingo or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – Pass-rushing option for the Saints’ new 3-4.

3. Kenny Vaccaro, S – Another way New Orleans can upgrade its poor secondary.

Pick change; previously Xavier Rhodes, CB
St. Louis Rams: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
James Laurinaitis and JoLonn Dunbar played pretty well this past season, but no one the team tried at strongside linebacker did very well. Alec Ogletree makes sense as one of the top prospects available.

Ogletree was recently arrested for a DUI. He’s also had some other off-the-field issues. However, this won’t deter the Rams, who have taken chances on character guys in this regime. It’s worked out so far. I recently had Ogletree at No. 22, but St. Louis may have to take him here because he’ll be considered by the Bengals, Bears, Giants and Steelers.

*** 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. D.J. Fluker, Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G – St. Louis signed Jake Long, but an interior lineman is still needed.

Pick change; previously Cordarrelle Patterson, WR

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
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.