2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. Major changes in all 4 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: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Scott Pioli was fired, as the awesome @saveourchiefs movement was pushing for, and he’s been replaced by Andy Reid and his staff. The question is whether Reid will take a shot on a quarterback or go the safe route with Luke Joeckel.

Chris Mortensen said a couple of weeks ago that he expects Joeckel to be the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but has a feeling that Reid will select a quarterback – which means he expects him to trade down. I agree with Mort. I’m not sure about the moving down part – Kansas City will sure as hell try – but here’s why Geno Smith will be the pick, barring any big acquisition in free agency:

1. New regimes mean new quarterbacks, and if history is any indication, Reid will use this pick on Smith. Reid eschewed all the top free-agent quarterbacks when he took over as the Eagles’ head coach, taking a mobile, Big East product with a good deep ball and upside instead. Well, Smith is a mobile, (former) Big East product with a good deep ball and upside. He fits perfectly into Reid’s offense.

2. ESPN and other outlets will tell you that Smith nor any other signal-caller is worth taking No. 1 overall, but that could easily change. Remember two years ago when ESPN was mocking Da’Quan Bowers and Nick Fairley to the Panthers? Well, Cam Newton ballooned to the top, as will some other quarterback this year. It could be Smith, Matt Barkley or Mike Glennon. We’ll see. Three months is a long time.

3. Think no one believes Smith is worth the No. 1 pick? Think again. Anthony Gargano of 94 WIP in Philadelphia revealed that he spoke to a general manager who told him that he would draft Smith with the first-overall selection. This is just one general manager, but if one GM wants Smith that badly, then there’s a chance that several do. Smith has a ton of upside, so a quarterback-friendly coach like Reid might think he could coach him up to a Pro Bowl level.

4. My Chiefs’ source, who has a high success rate of delivering Kansas City’s first-round picks, told me Smith is currently the favorite to go No. 1 overall, but conceded that it’s still too early in the process. He said that the combination of Joeckel and Tyler Wilson is also a strong possibility.

FEB. 12 UPDATE: There’s a new caveat, which is Philadelphia’s restructuring of its mobile quarterback’s contract. Nick Foles is now likely to be traded. Andy Reid used a second-day selection on him last year, so I don’t see why he wouldn’t do that again (he may only have to deal his fourth-rounder). If Reid acquires Foles, he’ll draft Joeckel to protect him.

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

1. Luke Joeckel, OT – If the Chiefs address the quarterback position via free agency or a trade, they’ll take Joeckel and then grab a young quarterback later. They’d like Tyler Wilson in Round 2 or E.J. Manuel in Round 3.

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: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
Chris Mortensen previously reported that Tim Tebow would be a Jaguar next year. Well, new general manager David Caldwell shot that down, telling the media he couldn’t imagine Tebow being on his roster. Caldwell went on to say that he plans to build around Blaine Gabbert. Yeah, the future looks very bright in Jacksonville.

I’d love to give the Jaguars a quarterback here, but there are none available. Caldwell can just get a signal-caller atop Round 2. Instead, he might take the top defensive player in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Tyson Alualu has been a major disappointment thus far, but the real reason why Star Lotulelei makes sense is because Terrance Knighton will be a free agent in March. Jacksonville will obviously have big shoes to fill if it can’t retain him. Lotulelei is the type of big defensive tackle that Gus Bradley likes to have in his front.

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

1. Damontre Moore or Bjoern Werner, DE – Lotulelei is the best player available, but the Jaguars may want to address the defensive end position if they re-sign nose tackle Terrance Knighton. Doing so won’t rule out Lotulelei though.
Oakland Raiders: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
The Raiders really missed Kamerion Wimbley. There’s a reason only the Jaguars had fewer sacks in the NFL this year. Oakland needs to find a legitimate pass-rusher. This is a situation in which the top player available aligns with a huge need.

Damontre Moore said earlier that he planned on returning to school, but he officially changed his mind recently after learning that he was close to being a top-five lock with a shot at going as high as No. 2 to Jacksonville.

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

1. Star Lotulelei, DT – I’ll be shocked if Star Loutlelei makes it past the Raiders. They’re so desperate for defensive tackle help, and he’d be the top player available.

2. Geno Smith, QB – There’s been speculation that the Raiders have taken a liking to Geno Smith. If the Chiefs pass on him, another AFC West team could draft him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
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 simply sucks. Even if Peters comes back close to 100 percent, an upgrade could be made at right tackle, which would allow Todd Herremans to move back to his natural guard position. Joeckel would then become the heir apparent to Peters on the blind side.

Luke Joeckel had a slow start to his 2012 campaign, but he improved tremendously in the second half of the season, even stifling the LSU pass-rushers. He’s not getting out of the top four. As mentioned earlier, Chris Mortensen thinks he’s the favorite to go No. 1 overall. The Chiefs will definitely take him if they find a quarterback prior to the 2013 NFL Draft.

By the way, this pick makes even more sense now that Philadelphia restructured the contract of its mobile quarterback. Finding a right tackle is paramount because the Eagles have to protect their signal-caller’s blind side.

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

1. Eric Fisher, OT – Mike Mayock suggested that Eric Fisher could challenge Joeckel to be the first tackle chosen this April. With that in mind, Fisher makes a ton of sense for the Eagles, who have to upgrade their offensive line.

2. DeMarcus 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 with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hitting free agency and Nnamdi Asomugha likely to be released.
Detroit Lions: Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Lions’ draft strategy is to pick the top player on their board. It just so happens that the best prospect available happens to fill a huge need.

Kyle Vanden Bosch was recently released because of his $5 million salary, while the other exterior pass-rushers, excluding Cliff Avril, barely did anything this past year. Avril also happens to be a free agent, which is just one more reason why this pick will be used on a defensive end.

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

1. Damontre Moore or Ezekiel Ansah, DE – The other defensive end options. Chances are the Lions will take a pass-rusher with the fifth-overall pick.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – Again, cornerbacks are seldom chosen this high, but Detroit could deem DeMarcus Milliner to be the best player available.
Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Browns have to find a franchise quarterback to compete for the AFC North. There are none worth taking here, however – I could be wrong, but I think I remember hearing Michael Lombardi say there was no quarterback worth taking early this year – but that’s OK because they need to improve their pass rush as well. Jabaal Sheard led the team in sacks with only seven. Juqua Parker-Thomas was next with six, and he’ll be a 35-year-old free agent this offseason.

I’m stealing Charlie’s pick from his mock draft. It was very close for me between Ezekiel Ansah and Barkevious Mingo, but I thought about it, and the former makes more sense from a scheme perspective. Lombardi learned from Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, who both prefer larger rush linebackers. Ansah (274 pounds) dwarfs Mingo (240). He was also more productive this past season and possesses more upside, so why not Ansah?

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

1. Damontre Moore or Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB – More pass-rushing possibilities. Lombardi will likely want to bolster this group.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – The Browns need cornerback help across from Joe Haden with Sheldon Brown hitting free agency.
Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
I mocked Taylor Lewan to the Cardinals on several occasions before the Wolverine tackle announced that he was going back to school. Well, it’s time to put another tackle from the state of Michigan in this spot, as Eric Fisher has soared up big boards with his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. Mike Mayock stated that Fisher could challenge Luke Joeckel to be the first tackle off the board. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went as high as No. 4 in the event that Joeckel and Star Lotulelei were unavailable.

It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is; if the Cardinals can’t pass protect, that signal-caller will struggle. I can’t imagine Arizona passing on Fisher if he’s available. He’s one of the top prospects remaining, so unless the Cardinals really don’t like him, they’ll select him to be the cornerstone of their new offensive front.

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

1. Mike Glennon, QB – New general manager Steve Keim recently defended this quarterback class. He could be preparing his fans for an early selection on a signal-caller.

2. Ezekiel Ansah or Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB – The Cardinals will likely go offense at No. 7 overall, but if they do opt to address the defense, they’ll likely want to fix their poor pass rush.
Buffalo Bills: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State
This is a reach – I had Mike Glennon in the second round several updates ago – but we’ve seen second-day talents like Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder go in the top 12. Teams are so desperate for quarterbacks that they’ll make moves like this.

General manager Buddy Nix, who is generally forthcoming about his offseason plans, told the media that he plans on drafting a franchise quarterback. He even said he’ll trade up for one in the 2013 NFL Draft. He may have been talking about Geno Smith if the Chiefs pass on him, but he won’t have to move anywhere for Glennon.

Many will criticize this move, but Nix is desperate. If he wants to keep his job, he’ll have to find a franchise quarterback quickly. I think he’ll swing for the fences with Glennon, who undoubtedly has first-round talent; he just needs to put it all together. I’m pretty convinced that Nix will talk himself into taking Glennon or another quarterback at No. 8 overall. Don’t look for it to be Ryan Nassib though; it’s been reported that Buffalo doesn’t like him very much.

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

1. Tyler Wilson, QB – It’ll be a huge upset if the Bills don’t go with a quarterback and a receiver in the first two rounds. Tyler Wilson is the other signal-caller option.

2. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – Buffalo could go with a wideout here and then a quarterback in Round 2. Patterson’s the big type of receiver Buddy Nix is looking for.
New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
With tons of holes thanks to a poor cap situation, New York has to take the best player available who makes sense for the roster. The Jets’ inability to get to the quarterback needs to be fixed, so Barkevious Mingo makes lots of sense.

The Jets have a ton of options, including Kenny Vaccaro, DeMarcus Milliner (if they trade one of their corners) and Dion Jordan (if they don’t like Mingo). With tons of needs, it makes sense for them to trade down.

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

1. Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB – I’ve mocked Ezekiel Ansah here a couple of times. Rex Ryan would love his versatility.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – The Jets desperately need safety help. This is the top of Vaccaro’s range.

3. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – If the Jets trade either Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie, they’ll definitely consider Milliner if he’s available.
Tennessee Titans: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Titans were interested in drafting a highly ranked cornerback at No. 20 back in April, but neither Stephon Gilmore nor Dre Kirkpatrick fell to them. Maybe they’ll have more luck in the 2013 NFL Draft, as they do in this situation with one of the top players available filling a big need. Alterraun Verner will be entering his contract year in 2013, so Tennessee will need a new starter if it can’t retain him. Besides, the Titans need to fix their 24th-ranked pass defense.

This is definitely the basement of DeMarcus Milliner’s draft range. He is not getting past Tennessee. However, there’s a good chance he’ll go in the 5-9 range; I just couldn’t fit him in. I could see the Dolphins or another team moving up to obtain him.

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

1. Kenny Vaccaro, S – The Titans desperately want to address their secondary. Kenny Vaccaro is the likely pick if DeMarcus Milliner’s unavailable.

2. Chance Warmack, G – Tennessee is also looking to upgrade the interior of its offensive line. The front office believes it has tons of needs to fill, so it could be looking to trade down. If the Titans move back, they could get Warmack around No. 15.
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, so this isn’t really considered a reach anymore.

The Chargers could be forced into making this selection. 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 Jared Gaither as its starting left tackle. He’s just way too injury-prone and unreliable.

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

1. Barkevious Mingo or Dion Jordan, DE/OLB – San Diego may deem Barkevious Mingo to be the best player available. He’d make a ton of sense as a replacement for free agent Shaun Phillips.

2. Johnathan Hankins, NT – The Chargers could also have Hankins atop their board. They could stand to upgrade the nose tackle position.
Miami Dolphins: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Stud defensive tackle Randy Starks will be a free agent in March. Starks and the Dolphins had preliminary talks about a contract, but nothing has really progressed. There was some speculation that Jared Odrick would move inside in the event that Starks left, but the Miami Herald recently suggested that Odrick will be traded.

If Starks leaves and Odrick is dealt, this will open up a huge need at defensive tackle, as Miami will not have any sort of interior pass rush. Thus, the rising Sharrif Floyd will make a ton of sense.

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

1. Lane Johnson, OT – It’s looking less likely that Jake Long will be back in Miami. If he leaves, the Dolphins will have to find a bookend for Jake Long.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – The Dolphins have four Day 2 picks, so they’re a prime candidate to trade up. They’ll have to find a new No. 1 cornerback if they don’t retain Sean Smith.

Pick change; previously Kenny Vaccaro, S
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
The Buccaneers decided they didn’t like Morris Claiborne very much, so they traded out of the No. 5 spot in the 2012 NFL Draft and selected Mark Barron two picks later. They really need cornerback help, especially in the wake of the Aqib Talib trade, so they’ll almost have to remedy that need at this juncture. Maybe another SEC defensive back will be the answer.

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

1. 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.

2. Johnathan Hankins, NT – An upgrade at nose tackle would make sense.
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
I think we can all confirm that the real Hiro Nakamura can’t stop time. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made so many terrible plays this past year. The Panthers desperately need safety help.

Kenny Vaccaro is one of the top prospects available, so he makes a ton of sense at this juncture, especially if Nakamura is released. There’s been talk about Vaccaro being considered as highly as No. 5 to the Lions, but his draft range is probably 9-16.

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

1. Sharrif Floyd or Sheldon Richardson, DT – Here are some defensive tackle options for a team desperate for help at the position.

2. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – The Panthers could stand to find a better No. 2 receiver and a future top wideout once Steve Smith moves on.

Pick change; previously Sharrif Floyd, DT
New Orleans Saints: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
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. Dion Jordan makes a ton of sense here as one of the top prospects available.

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

1. Barkevious Mingo or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – More pass-rushing options for the Saints’ new 3-4.

2. Johnathan Hankins, 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, Johnathan Hankins will be considered.
St. Louis Rams: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Guards seldom have a chance to go in the top 15, but Chance Warmack has a shot because he’s a special talent. Besides, he’s the top prospect available who makes sense for St. Louis.

The Rams desperately need to upgrade their offensive front. Jeff Fisher played against the Texans twice per year when he was with Tennessee, and he watched Houston completely ruin David Carr’s career by not building a competent offensive line around him. He won’t want to make the same mistake with Sam Bradford.

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

1. Lane Johnson, OT – It’ll be tough for the Rams to pass on Lane Johnson if he’s available. They have to find an upgrade at tackle.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – This is probably the bottom of Kenny Vaccaro’s draft range. St. Louis’ front office has stated that it wants to improve the safety position.

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.