2013 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Thursday, April 25, 2013, 2:40 p.m.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

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ARCHIVED 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT

@walterfootball

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
It's looking like Branden Albert will be traded to Miami, so this pick will definitely be used on a left tackle. But which one? Luke Joeckel has been atop my 2013 NFL Mock Draft since the Chiefs traded for Alex Smith, but Eric Fisher is gaining tons of momentum.

The Chiefs are split on Joeckel versus Fisher. General manager John Dorsey wants Joeckel, while Andy Reid and the coaches want the Central Michigan product. It'll be interesting to see who wins out, but it really sounds like Reid will get his way. I hate changing my top pick this late, but I'm pretty convinced that Kansas City wants Fisher.

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

1. Luke Joeckel, OT - Maybe the Chiefs are actually sane.

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.

Pick change; previously Luke Joeckel, OT
Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
All the talk is that the Jaguars will pick the remaining offensive tackle, but this seems like a smokescreen, much like the Vikings selecting Morris Claiborne last year. Why would Jacksonville draft a right tackle when they can sign Andre Smith, Tyson Clabo or Eric Winston with all of the money they have? It makes zero sense. I'm with ESPN AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky - Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel don't seem like the likely picks.

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 and Jason Taylor, 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. Luke Joeckel/Eric Fisher, OT - Noted above.

2. 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.
Oakland Raiders: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
If the Jaguars refrain from taking an offensive tackle, the remaining top blind-side protector will go No. 3. Whether it's to the Raiders or Lions via trade is unknown, but either Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel will be chosen in this spot if the Jaguars know what they are doing.

The Detroit deal is an obvious possibility (it would require a third-rounder), but why Oakland? Well, the Raiders are trying their best to be competitive, and they want to grab the best player available to shore up one side of the ball. They already signed tons of free agents on defense, but have hardly touched the offense, save for Matt Flynn. With Joeckel (or Fisher) on the team, they'll move Jared Veldheer to right tackle, which will aid them in their efforts to block Von Miller.

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

1. Luke Joeckel, OT - The other tackle possibility.

2. Sharrif Floyd, DT - If both tackles are off the board, Sharrif Floyd will be the pick.

Pick change; previously Eric Fisher, OT
Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
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.

This is different than the Jacksonville and Oakland situations because the right tackle is the blind-side protector of the Eagles' current southpaw quarterback. Lane Johnson would also become the heir apparent to Peters at left tackle. 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, but he's not available in this mock draft.

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: 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. TRADE for Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel, OT - The Lions could offer their third-round pick to the Raiders.

2. Lane Johnson, OT - Many consider Lane Johnson to be a strong option here, but he's not available.
Cleveland Browns: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
I did not want to mock Geno Smith in the second round of my last couple of updates, but I couldn't find a spot for him in the first round. However, growing speculation is that the Browns will take Smith in the first round. They reportedly envision him as their Donovan McNabb. Rob Chudzinski wants to run a read-option offense, and to do that, he would need a quarterback like Smith.

This also makes sense from the front office's perspective. The Browns know they're not going to generate much fan interest with Brandon Weeden or Jason Campbell at the helm. Michael Lombardi is a proponent of finding a franchise quarterback, so if his coaches like Smith, he'll probably take him.

*** 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 - If the Browns are OK with Dee Milliner's medical, they'll take him here. Otherwise, Milliner could fall a long way...

Pick change; previously Dee Milliner, CB
Arizona Cardinals: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
Everyone has Lane Johnson pegged here, but most of the Cardinal reporters (Kent Somers, Paul Calvisi) are adamant that Arizona is fine with its tackle situation. This will surprise many, but Levi Brown will be back this year, while Bobbie Massie didn't allow a single sack after Week 8. Guard is a bigger need for the Cardinals, but this is way too early to draft one.

The Cardinals believe in drafting the best player available, and that could easily be Star Lotulelei. Arizona has been linked to the Utah lineman; he would step in between Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett, giving the team a very formidable defensive front.

*** 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. Lane Johnson, OT - Arizona doesn't consider tackle to be a primary need, but the front office has Johnson rated very highly. It's unlikely he'll make it here, however.

Pick change; previously Lane Johnson, OT
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.
New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Jets' target at No. 9 is sounding like it's Barkevious Mingo. Multiple sources have reported that the Jets are completely smitten with him. 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. Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB - It's sounding like the Jets will take the top pass-rusher available at No. 9.

2. Tavon Austin, WR - Tavon Austin was the surprise pick I promised on Twitter (@walterfootball) about a month ago. I've heard there's some top-10 buzz for Austin.
Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
I was talking to @draftcampbell yesterday about our final mock drafts, and he made a great point to me. The Titans almost have to go offense here because the front office and coaching staff will be fired if Jake Locker and Chris Johnson don't perform well. General manager Ruston Webster needs to do everything in his power to get the most out of Locker.

Webster has stated that he's not opposed to taking a guard with this selection. Jonathan Cooper can play both guard and center, so his versatility will help him get drafted this early. His athleticism will be key with a speedy back like Chris Johnson.

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

1. Dee Milliner, CB - Believe me when I say that the Titans absolutely loved Dee Milliner early in this draft process. I'm not sure how they feel about him now, given his medical issues.

2. D.J. Fluker, OT or Chance Warmack, G - Other offensive line options.

Pick change; previously D.J. Fluker, OT
San Diego Chargers: D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama
If you check out our 2013 NFL Draft Rumors page, you'll see that the Chargers have been linked to D.J. Fluker. If the top three tackles are off the board - as is the case here - San Diego may opt for a guard or Fluker.

I think San Diego would go with Fluker over Chance Warmack. The latter is the better prospect, but pure guards don't get drafted as highly as people think. Fluker can play right tackle in addition to guard. Some even believe he can line up on the left side.

*** 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 - Other offensive line options.

3. Tavon Austin, WR - I had Tavon Austin here last week. He would serve as a Darren Sproles-type weapon for Philip Rivers.

Pick change; previously Lane Johnson, OT
Miami Dolphins: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Dee Milliner is available, so that may seem like the logical pick. However, two things: First, Milliner has glaring medical issues, so that could continue to drop him. And second, Miami is going to more of a zone scheme in 2013, which would make a corner selection unlikely.

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's a clean prospect who will definitely be considered at No. 12.

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

1. Jonathan Cooper, G - Cooper is a great fit for Miami's blocking scheme.

2. Dee Milliner, CB - I considered Milliner here, but I noted the concerns above.

Pick change; previously Jonathan Cooper, G
New York Jets: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Jets obtained their pass-rusher at No. 9. Now they can focus on their anemic offense.

I mocked Tavon Austin at No. 9 a long time ago. The day was March 19. Here was my reasoning:

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.

Taking Austin at No. 13 provides much more value. The Jets have shown interest in him, so perhaps they'll pull the trigger Thursday.

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

1. Kenny Vaccaro, S - 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.

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.
Carolina Panthers: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
If there's one thing I hate about this edition of my 2013 NFL Mock Draft, it's that Sharrif Floyd has fallen all the way to No. 14. Floyd will be Oakland's pick if the two tackles are gone or if the Raiders find some way to trade down. However, if Oakland stays at No. 3 and takes either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher, Floyd could fall to this spot because there is no other logical spot for him. Perhaps some team will trade up for him, but projecting that would be too complicated.

Floyd is an obvious fit in Carolina. The defensive tackle position is in shambles. He would offer a tremendous upgrade.

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

1. Kenny Vaccaro, S - The Panthers also have a huge hole at safety. Kenny Vaccaro would help defend against Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.

2. Dee Milliner, CB - I considered Dee Milliner here, but Sharrif Floyd was the better player.

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: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The Saints have problems at safety. Malcolm Jenkins has been a huge disappointment, while Roman Harper is not the player he once was. Kenny Vaccaro would offer a huge upgrade at safety, and he would help New Orleans beat Matt Ryan twice per year.

This is another area where I considered Dee Milliner, but once again, I have a feeling the medical will scare some teams off. Medical concerns are the No. 1 issue that sink players on Draft Day. Milliner, along with Jarvis Jones, both have those glaring red flags attached to them.

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

1. Dee Milliner or 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. Sheldon Richardson, DE/DT - Sheldon Richardson would be a massive upgrade over Will Smith at defensive end. Smith is a poor fit in the Saints' new 3-4 scheme.
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. DeAndre Hopkins, WR - St. Louis likes DeAndre Hopkins a lot; the team met with the Clemson wideout twice - something it did with Brian Quick last year.

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.