2013 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Thursday, April 11, 2013. Major changes in all rounds. Round 6 added.
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

@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. Eric Fisher, OT - The Chiefs may prefer the "other" tackle.

2. Dion Jordan, LB - Dion Jordan has been discussed as the other option at No. 1 overall, but drafting him wouldn't make any sense. Seems like a smokescreen.

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: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
The Jaguars sent their entire front office, including the team president, to Geno Smith's Pro Day. There was some speculation that this was a smokescreen, but what if general manager David Caldwell's ridiculous insistence that he wants to build around Blaine Gabbert is the real smokescreen? This sounds like an episode out of the Twilight Zone, but it makes sense. Caldwell didn't draft Gabbert, who has been an absolute disaster the past two seasons. He hasn't just been terrible on the field; he has blamed his teammates for his struggles and inspired zero confidence in the huddle. He's the true definition of a sunk cost.

Jason La Canfora adamantly stated that Smith will be a top-five pick. The team most likely to take him in the top five is Jacksonville. The Chiefs (Alex Smith), Raiders (Matt Flynn) and Eagles (mobile quarterback) have all either added or re-signed a quarterback. The Jaguars haven't done anything at the position.

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

1. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB - Dion Jordan, who is definitely one of the top players available, fits Gus Bradley's defense perfectly in the Leo position.

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.

Pick change; previously Dion Jordan, DE/OLB
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.
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. Smith isn't even available here in this update.
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.
San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
TRADE! This is the projected deal I was referring to on Twitter (@walterfootball). Everyone is speculating that the Dolphins will trade up for Lane Johnson. They certainly could, but the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero stated that the Dolphins have questions about Johnson.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have to be desperate for Johnson. They have an enormous need at left tackle that they absolutely have to fill if they want to extend Philip Rivers' career. They can't sit idly at No. 11 and hope Johnson falls to them. There's just too much of a demand for him. Arizona could easily take him with the next selection, while the Saints could trade up for him as well.

So, what would it cost? Moving up from No. 11 to 6 would cost the Chargers 350 points, which is equivalent to the 55th pick. The Chargers draft 47th in the second round, so that might do it. Maybe they can get away with giving up a second-rounder next April and a fourth or something this year.

*** 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 at No. 11. 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.

Pick change; previously Dee Milliner, CB (Browns)
Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
The Cardinals believe in drafting the best player available. That would be Dion Jordan in this scenario. He would fill a big hole as well; Arizona needs pass-rushing help across from Sam Acho, so Jordan would definitely bolster that need.

More importantly, Jordan 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 Jordan makes so much sense for them.

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

1. Lane Johnson, OT - He's definitely a possibility if the Browns don't trade out.

2. Chance Warmack, G - The Cardinals like Chance Warmack, but it might be too early for a guard. Maybe they can trade down.

Pick change; previously Chance Warmack, G
Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
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 wide receiver across from Stevie Johnson. With Geno Smith off the board, Tavon Austin would become the favorite at No. 8 overall.

Johnson is the only downfield play-maker on Buffalo's offense, so Austin makes a ton of sense. The West Virginia wideout's stock has risen rapidly over the past several weeks, and I've heard some top-10 buzz for him. The Jets could definitely draft him - I've mocked him there before - and the Bills are definitely in play as well.

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

1. Geno Smith, QB - Kevin Kolb is just a stopgap option at quarterback. The Bills need a long-term solution. Jacksonville and Buffalo are most likely to draft Smith.

Pick change; previously Geno Smith, QB
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. It's great news for Lotulelei, who was probably suffering from some fluke virus when he was tested.

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. Dee Milliner, CB - This draft's top cornerback will be considered if the Jets trade Darrelle Revis.

2. 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.

3. Ezekiel Ansah or Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB - The Jets need a lot of things, including a top-notch pass-rusher.
Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dee Milliner falls to No. 10? It's absolutely possible. Non-elite cornerbacks are not drafted highly. No corner has gone in the top four since Charles Woodson in 1998. Morris Claiborne, predicted by many to be selected No. 3 overall last year, slipped to No. 6. Milliner is not as good as Claiborne. He's been overhyped, and he's definitely not going as high as the media projects him. He's not a play-maker; he has just six interceptions in three years (compared to Claiborne's six in 2011 alone), and he was not asked to backpedal at Alabama. He'll have to learn new technique.

Milliner is not getting past No. 10, however. Believe me when I say that the Titans will not hesitate to draft Milliner if he falls to them at this spot. They absolutely love him, and he would fill a big need for them.

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

1. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G - Despite signing Andy Levitre, the Titans still need help at guard. General manager Ruston Webster said he's not opposed to drafting a guard at No. 10 overall.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S - Tennessee has shown a ton of interest in the Texas safety.

Pick change; previously Jonathan Cooper, G
Cleveland Browns: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Browns are in prime position to move down. They may want to add another pass-rusher, and there will be plenty available at this juncture. Also, Xavier Rhodes will almost definitely be on the board at No. 11, so if they like him a lot, it makes all the sense in the world to slide down five spots.

Cornerback is a big need for the Browns. 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.

*** 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.

Pick change; previously Dee Milliner, CB (No. 6)
Miami Dolphins: D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama
It's no secret that the Dolphins need tackle help in the wake of losing Jake Long. There's heavy speculation that they'll move up for Lane Johnson, but as mentioned, the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero said that the team has questions about the Oklahoma product. Tony Pauline, meanwhile, reported that the Dolphins love D.J. Fluker and would consider him at No. 12.

Fluker, who is not a good scheme fit for Miami, would definitely be a reach at this juncture, but you can't put it past Jeff Ireland to pull a move like this. Ireland has irresponsibly overpaid so many overrated players this offseason. He's on tilt, as his transactions have lacked all logic.

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

1. Xavier Rhodes, CB - This is a very popular pick because it makes a ton of sense.

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.

Pick change; previously Xavier Rhodes, CB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
As I've said a bunch of times, Charlie Campbell (@DraftCampbell) has informed me that the Buccaneers will be targeting a tight end early in the 2013 NFL Draft. Dallas Clark is a worn-down free agent, while Luke Stocker has been a disappointment thus far. Josh Freeman needs a consistent intermediate target.

I've mocked Zach Ertz to Tampa in the second round quite frequently over the past few months, but Tyler Eifert definitely makes a ton of sense at No. 13.

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

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

2. Sheldon Richardson, DT - I've been told that Sheldon Richardson is a strong option for the Buccaneers. They have a huge hole inside in the wake of Roy Miller's departure.

Pick change; previously Tavon Austin, WR
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. The same source recently told me that Sheldon Richardson, along with Xavier Rhodes, are the top options for Carolina at No. 14.

Richardson has definitely on the Panthers' radar for a while, as Steve Smith 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. Tavon Austin, WR - I'm told that Tavon Austin is definitely in play at this spot, but he's been long gone in this mock.
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. Lane Johnson, OT - As mentioned earlier, the Saints could move ahead of the Chargers for the Oklahoma tackle. Sean Payton recently told the Chicago Sun-Times' Sean Jensen that he has "nightmares" about the left tackle position.
St. Louis Rams: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
The Rams lost Danny Amendola to the Patriots, so they're in desperate need for receiver help. They can't go into the 2013 season with Chris Givens and Brian Quick being Sam Bradford's top options at wideout.

Cordarrelle Patterson could be considered the top player available. He has some reported maturity issues, but the Rams won't mind that. If they want him, they won't be able to wait until No. 22 because the Steelers love him. The Bears could also take him with the 20th pick.

*** 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. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G - St. Louis signed Jake Long, but an interior lineman is still needed.

Pick change; previously Kenny Vaccaro, S

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

2013 NFL Mock Draft - Round 6

2014 NFL Mock Draft