2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, March 27, 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.

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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 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. 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: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
I mocked Geno Smith to the Eagles last week, but now I’m going to move him up one slot. The Raiders are in complete rebuilding mode. They need to start over at the quarterback position.

Carson Palmer, who is declining at the age of 33, has a cap number of $15.3 million. Adam Schefter recently reported that Palmer is unlikely to agree to slash his salary, which means Oakland could dump him. That would just leave Terrelle Pryor at quarterback, and this new Raider regime doesn’t like him very much.

Smith, meanwhile, was already linked to Oakland before the news about Palmer was released. Both Schefter and Chris Mortensen previously reported that the Raiders were interested in Palmer. This could be a smokescreen, but it seems pretty legitimate because it makes so much sense and it’s coming from so many reliable sources.

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

1. Sharrif Floyd, DT – The Raiders have a big hole at defensive tackle that I’m sure they’d love to fill with Sharrif Floyd.

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

Pick change; previously Sharrif Floyd, DT
Philadelphia Eagles: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Despite signing Isaac Sopoaga, the Eagles are unbelievably thin up front. Their current defensive line is comprised of Sopoaga, Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton. The latter is a glaring weakness on this unit, so Philadelphia will be looking for an upgrade, or at least some competition.

Sharrif Floyd would obviously be an upgrade. Some argue that he’s the top player available in the 2013 NFL Draft, so he obviously worth taking at No. 4 overall – if he even makes it this far. He’s also a Philadelphia native with positive character traits, so that can’t hurt his chances of being picked at this spot.

*** 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. Geno Smith, QB – Philadelphia is legitimately interested in Geno Smith, but he may not make it to No. 4.

Pick change; previously Geno Smith, QB
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.
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 top 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. 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.
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.

*** 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.
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.

2. E.J. Manuel, QB – The Bills could move back and select E.J. Manuel.
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. He still needs to go through more testing in the middle of April, but he’s safe for now.

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. Tavon Austin, WR – Tavon Austin was the surprise pick I promised on Twitter (@walterfootball) last week. I’ve heard there’s some top-10 buzz for Austin.

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.

Pick change; previously Tavon Austin, WR
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 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.
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: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Buccaneers obviously have several holes on defense. They’re desperate for cornerback upgrades. Inside linebacker is a big need. The defensive line also has to be addressed. The stop unit is a mess.

However, Tampa Bay also has to find help for Josh Freeman on offense. Freeman struggled mightily down the stretch this past season, so the Buccaneers need to do everything in their power to keep this from happening again. Drafting Tavon Austin would be a big boost for Freeman. There’s some top-10 buzz for Austin, so he’s definitely in play at No. 13 overall.

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

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

2. Arthur Brown, ILB – As mentioned, the Buccaneers have a hole at inside linebacker. Drafting Arthur Brown would allow them to move Mason Foster outside.

Pick change; previously Star Lotulelei, DT
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 or Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB – More pass-rushing options for the Saints’ new 3-4.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – The Saints signed Keenan Lewis, but they need to find more secondary help.
St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The Rams have absolutely nothing at safety. Both Craig Dahl and Quintin Mikell are gone, leaving just Rodney McLeon and Darian Stewart at the position. Neither played very much in 2012.

Kenny Vaccaro is obviously in play at this spot. He’s one of the better prospects remaining on the board, and he undoubtedly fills a huge need for the Rams.

*** 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. Jonathan Cooper, G/C – St. Louis signed Jake Long, but an interior lineman is still needed.

Pick change; previously Jonathan Cooper, G

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.

2013 NFL Mock Draft – Round 2

2013 NFL Mock Draft – Round 3

2013 NFL Mock Draft – Round 4

2013 NFL Mock Draft – Round 5

2014 NFL Mock Draft

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