2013 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Major changes in all 5 rounds.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

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ARCHIVED 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT

@walterfootball

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. Star Lotulelei or Sharrif Floyd, DT - Star Lotulelei has to be considered now that he's been cleared. 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: 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. Geno Smith, QB - Trading for Matt Flynn won't preclude the Raiders from considering Geno Smith, but they'll probably take a quarterback later in the draft.

Pick change; previously Geno Smith, QB
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 then become the heir apparent to Peters on the blind side.

This pick was a close call between Eric Fisher and Star Lotulelei. The latter was just cleared medically and should be considered a top-five prospect once again.

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

1. Star Lotulelei, DT - Help is needed on the defensive line. All the Eagles have at five-technique are Clifton Geathers and Cedric Thornton.

2. Geno Smith, QB - Sal Paolantonio reported that the Eagles have serious interest in Geno Smith, but recent reports have contradicted that.

Pick change; previously Sharrif Floyd, DT
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 - Right tackle was a need. And then Jeff Backus retired. Detroit now obviously has to find a left tackle in addition to a right tackle.

2. Dee Milliner, CB - Cornerback is still in play despite the team re-signing Chris Houston.

Pick change; previously Eric Fisher, OT
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 signed with the Dolphins instead. If Cleveland can't secure another free-agent corner, the front office will strongly consider Milliner.

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

1. Ezekiel Ansah, Jarvis Jones 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: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
With the top two tackles and pass-rushers gone, it's down to Chance Warmack versus Lane Johnson. Both offer major much-needed upgrades to a terrible offensive line. Conventional wisdom says the Cardinals will go with the tackle, but that may not be how it plays out.

A guard is definitely in play at No. 7 overall. That wouldn't be the case in normal years, but try not to think about it as a "guard in the top 10" type of deal. Elite guards generally are picked after the top-tier and second-tier prospects. In a regular draft, that would be around the 15-18 range. However, this draft class is so incredibly weak, that area is right around 7-10. Someone like Johnson would probably be chosen in the 15-18 range in other years, so Warmack's spot in this mock corresponds to that.

Also, consider that XTRA 910's Mike Jurecki tweeted in response to a Johnson question, "If Fisher & Warmack are gone they would try to trade down a spot or two," and then, "they like Fisher & Warmack, ranked higher [than Jonathan Cooper]."

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

1. Lane Johnson, OT - I mentioned Johnson as a possibility.

2. Ezekiel Ansah or Dion Jordan, DE/OLB - The Cardinals need a defender to help them stop the read-option.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB
Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
General manager Buddy Nix told the media that he would probably trade up for a quarterback this April. He may not have to if Geno Smith falls to him at No. 8 - a realistic possibility now that several teams have dealt for quarterbacks.

The Bills signed Kevin Kolb, but he's not going to earn much money if he doesn't start. It's been reported by Peter King, among others, that Kolb's presence in Buffalo won't preclude Nix from selecting a quarterback with the eighth-overall pick.

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

1. Tavon Austin or Cordarrelle Patterson, WR - Nix also mentioned having to draft a receiver early this month.

Pick change; previously Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
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.
Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
The Titans signed Andy Levitre, but Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper are 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 - let alone two - in the top 10, but three things: 1) Cooper is a rare, elite talent, much like Warmack. 2) Webster said he has no reservations about taking a guard this high. 3) Again, as I explained in the Cardinals' pick, this draft class stinks at the top, so if there were ever a year in which a guard could finally break into the top 10, this would be it.

*** 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.

Pick change; previously Chance Warmack, G
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. They also lost Sean Smith in free agency to the Chiefs. They were able to sign Brent Grimes, but he's no sure thing coming off a torn Achilles.

Cornerback is still a huge need for Miami. Counting on Grimes would be foolish, so the Dolphins could easily go after two corners relatively early in the 2013 NFL Draft.

*** 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. Sheldon Richardson, DT - The Dolphins are reportedly looking to add a defensive tackle. They need depth, and both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai will be free agents next spring.
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.
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. 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. Despite adding Victor Butler, 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 best 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 or Cordarrelle Patterson, WR - I'll be shocked if Tavon Austin makes it past No. 16. A replacement for Danny Amendola is needed. Cordarrelle Patterson is also an option.

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

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