2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Major changes in all 5 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.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/15)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

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 week.

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. Star Lotulelei or Sharrif Floyd, DT – Star Lotulelei could be the favorite right now if it wasn’t for his heart condition. It’s still unclear if this is a big issue or not. Sharrif Floyd has also been discussed.

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. Luke Joeckel/Eric Fisher, OT – Eugene Monroe is entering his walk year. The Jaguars could address their big need at right tackle now and then move Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher to left tackle later if they can’t retain Monroe for some reason. This is much different than the Chiefs’ pick because Monroe could still be a Jaguar for at least two seasons via the franchise tag.
Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Mike Mayock rated Sharrif Floyd above Star Lotulelei prior to the Combine, and he wasn’t the first to do so. There’s a ton of buzz about Floyd, 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. Of course, this is much more of an obvious pick in the wake of Lotulelei’s heart condition.

Floyd makes a ton of sense from a needs staindpoint. Richard Seymour’s contract has been voided. Meanwhile, Tommy Kelly is a bum who doesn’t care about winning. He’s a thug who has played so sluggishly this year in the rare instances when he wasn’t trying to injure the opposing quarterback, so there’s no chance he’s going to see a penny of his $6.5 million salary in 2013. He’s as good as gone, and 15-year-old head coach Dennis Allen lost all respect in the locker room for not cutting him after the opener.

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

1. Dion Jordan, DE – Only the Jaguars had fewer sacks than the Raiders this past year. The pass rush must improve.

2. Geno Smith, QB – There’s been speculation that the Raiders have taken a liking to Geno Smith. If the Jaguars pass on him, another AFC team could draft him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
This is not the surprise pick I promised on Twitter (@walterfootball), but I am going with Geno Smith to the Eagles.

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.

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 guy, they would need to protect his blind side.

2. Dee Milliner, CB – A cornerback hasn’t been chosen in the top four since Charles Woodson in 1998, but that trend could be broken this year because of the lack of talent atop the class. The Eagles need corner help despite signing Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams.

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 Dee Milliner, CB
Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Browns satisfied a number of needs through free agency, so they’re now in a position to either take the best player available or move down. It could be argued that Dee Miller is the top prospect left on the board. He would happen to fit a big need on Cleveland’s defense.

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 free-agent corner, the front office will strongly consider Milliner.

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

1. Ezekiel Ansah or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – More pass-rushers could be added despite the addition of Paul Kruger.

2. Chance Warmack, G – The top of this draft is lacking in talent, so it’s possible that the Browns may just consider the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB
Arizona Cardinals: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
Both Ian Rapoport and Mike Jurecki said that the Cardinals are not drafting a quarterback at No. 7 overall. Well, Geno Smith isn’t available in this version of my mock draft, so that isn’t even an issue here. Instead, Arizona will stick with its mantra of taking the best player available – and that will likely be a lineman or a pass-rusher.

Ezekiel Ansah is going in the top 10. He has too much upside not to, especially in this weak first round. 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. That’s another reason why Ansah makes so much sense for them.

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

1. Eric Fisher, OT – Eric Fisher’s the no-brainer pick if he makes it to No. 7.

2. Chance Warmack, G – Guards don’t go in the top 10, but this year is different, as previously stated.

Pick change; previously Geno Smith, QB
Buffalo Bills: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
General manager Buddy Nix, who is generally forthcoming about his offseason plans, told the media that he plans on drafting a franchise quarterback. He also said that he desperately wants a big wide receiver across from Stevie Johnson. With Geno Smith off the board, Cordarrelle Patterson would become the favorite at No. 8 overall.

Johnson’s the only downfield play-maker on Buffalo’s offense, so Patterson makes a ton of sense. Patterson is very raw, and he normally wouldn’t be a top-10 prospect. However, this draft class is awful at the very top, so Patterson has a legitimate shot to be picked eighth or ninth. Patterson doesn’t have much collegiate experience, but he’s a dynamic athlete who has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones.

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

1. Geno Smith, QB – It’s hard to imagine Nix passing on Geno Smith if he’s available.
New York Jets: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
This is indeed the surprise pick I promised on Twitter (@walterfootball). Small receivers don’t typically go in the top 10, but six years ago, Ted Ginn was chosen in this exact spot. Plus, considering the lack of talent in this class, this is a strong possibility.

I’ve actually heard there’s some top-10 buzz for Tavon Austin. Front-office personnel were amazed at his Pro Day, and they envision him as a Percy Harvin-type threat, without the literal and figurative headaches.

Austin would provide New York’s offense with something it doesn’t have: an explosive player. Santonio Holmes is coming off an injury and won’t be around much longer. Stephen Hill could be another year away from being a big factor. Dustin Keller is gone. Austin would be a big weapon for Mark Sanchez (or whoever the Jets’ quarterback is) out of the slot.

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

1. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – Mike Tannenbaum was recently fired because he put the Jets in an awful cap position, but given that he’s a recent, former employee, he almost definitely has some inside information about the team. He mocked Cordarrelle Patterson to New York in a 10-team mock draft a few weeks ago, and the other NFL Network panelists followed suit. Perhaps he had the wrong wideout.

2. Ezekiel Ansah or Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB – The Jets need a lot of things, including a top-notch pass-rusher.

3. Desmond Trufant or Xavier Rhodes, CB – If the Jets trade either Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie, they’ll definitely consider the top cornerback available.
Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
The Titans signed Andy Levitre, but Chance Warmack is still in play. The Titans still need another guard, as general manager Ruston Webster really stressed that he wants to upgrade the offensive line this offseason.

I normally wouldn’t mock a guard in the top 10, but three things: 1) Warmack is a rare talent who is regarded by some to be the top prospect in this class. 2) Webster said he has no reservations about taking a guard this high. 3) Again, this draft class stinks at the top, so if there were ever a year in which a guard could finally break thet top 10 again, this would be it. The consensus thinking is that both Warmack and Jonathan Cooper are expected to be chosen in the top 16.

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

1. Dee Milliner, CB – I guarantee that Dee Milliner will not make it past the Titans, should he fall for some unexpected reason.

2. Xavier Rhodes or Desmond Trufant. CB – More cornerback options.
San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
I usually don’t have teams reach for need unless it involves the quarterback position. However, Lane Johnson had a terrific Senior Bowl and followed that up with a great Combine, so this isn’t really considered a reach anymore.

The Chargers could be forced into making this selection anyway. Philip Rivers appears to be regressing, but it’s impossible to tell if that’s the case because he’s getting slaughtered behind a pathetic offensive line. San Diego cannot, under any circumstances, enter the 2013 season with King Dunlap as its starting left tackle. He’s not any good. In fact, he was referred to as “King Duncrap” here in Philadelphia.

*** 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) 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.
Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Dolphins dealt Vontae Davis to the Colts the previous offseason. Now they just lost Sean Smith in free agency to the Chiefs.

Cornerback has become a huge need for Miami. The position already had to be addressed even when Smith was on the team, but now the Dolphins have to find two new corners this offseason.

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

1. Lane Johnson, OT – Jake Long is gone. Jonathan Martin did a good job at left tackle at the end of the year, but a right tackle is needed.

2. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G – Two interior line options. The Dolphins need an upgrade here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
The poor Buccaneers want cornerback help, but the top players at the position are all off the board. If this were to happen, Tampa Bay would look at the top prospect available, and that could definitely be Star Lotulelei.

Lotulelei is a total wild card right now. He wasn’t allowed to work out at the Combine because of a heart condition. It could be something serious, but it could also be insignificant. Hopefully it’s the latter. I think I’ll slot Lotulelei around here until I have more information.

There’s no doubt that Lotulelei would fill a huge need next to Gerald McCoy. Roy Miller just signed with the Jaguars.

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

1. Desmond Trufant or Xavier Rhodes, CB – Tampa Bay is desperate for cornerback help.

2. Lane Johnson, OT – The Buccaneers have shown interest in Lane Johnson. Right tackle Demar Dotson is entering his contract year, while left tackle Donald Penn, who struggled down the stretch, is owed about $18 million over the next three years.
Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
I was told by a reliable source not to mock Fletcher Cox to the Panthers because they were satisfied with their current group of defensive tackles. Based on the rushing yardage they surrendered to Bryce Brown and Jamaal Charles at the end of the year, I highly doubt they’ll feel the same way in April.

Sheldon Richardson is definitely on the Panthers’ radar, as Steve Smith recently 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.

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

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

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – Safety help is also needed.
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. 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 top prospects available.

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

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

2. Star Lotulelei, NT – Brodrick Bunkley is currently slated to be the team’s nose tackle. New Orleans may not view him as a viable option for the position. If that’s the case, Star Lotulelei will be considered if he checks out medically.
St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
The Rams desperately need to upgrade their offensive front prior to signing Jake Long. Jeff Fisher said it as much – he defended Sam Bradford recently by saying the blocking needs to get better up front. I expected St. Louis to make multiple upgrades to the offensive line heading into free agency. Long was one, but interior help is still needed.

I’d hate the idea of slotting two guards in the top 20, but Jonathan Cooper is the top player available. Besides, if Mike Iupati could go No. 18 overall a few years ago, Cooper can definitely be taken No. 16 overall.

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

1. Tavon Austin, WR – I’ll be shocked if Tavon Austin makes it past No. 16. A replacement for Danny Amendola is needed.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – St. Louis’ front office has stated that it wants to improve the safety position.

Pick change; previously Tavon Austin, 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.