2013 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Major changes in all 7 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
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, and he'll remain there for now.

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.

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 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. Eric Fisher, OT - Some speculate that Eric Fisher will be the pick because he's the safe choice, but I'm not buying it. Considering how many quality right tackles there are still available in free agency, there's no need to spend the No. 2 overall pick on one. This seems like a smokescreen, much like Minnesota wanting Morris Claiborne last year.

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: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Sharrif Floyd is the most logical choice 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.

Eric Fisher has been mentioned here, but that doesn't make much sense. Jared Veldheer is a pretty good left tackle, so why spend the No. 3 overall selection on a right tackle when the likes of Andre Smith, Tyson Clabo and Eric Winston are still sitting out there. It really makes zero sense, but there's no telling what the inept franchises will do atop the draft (though I'm willing to give McKenzie the benefit of the doubt for now).

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

1. Eric Fisher, OT - Eric Fisher has been rumored as a possibility, but again, that doesn't make much sense to me because Veldheer is a very good left tackle. It would be so insanely stupid to draft a right tackle at No. 3 when there are so many quality free agents available at the position.

2. TRADE - Something to consider is that some team will do what the Browns did last year with Trent Richardson and move up for Eric Fisher. The Eagles, Lions and Dolphins (if no Branden Albert deal) may all consider doing this. It's in Oakland's best interest to move down because it doesn't have a second-round pick. Considering the market for Fisher, I'd say the first trade in the 2013 NFL Draft takes place right here.
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.

This is different than the Jacksonville and Oakland situations because the right tackle is the blind-side protector of the Eagles' current southpaw quarterback. Eric Fisher would also become the heir apparent to Peters at left tackle. He has the athleticism to thrive in Chip Kelly's offense.

As noted earlier, I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles move up for Fisher. It would be like what the Browns did last year with Trent Richardson. Cleveland surrendered fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks to climb up one spot.

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

1. Dion Jordan, LB - Jordan is one of the four players the Eagles are reportedly considering with this pick. You can read more in my 2013 NFL Draft Rumors page or follow me on Twitter @walterfootball for updates.

2. Star Lotulelei, DT - Peter King recently reported that the Eagles love Star Lotulelei. He could play five-technique and nose tackle.
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 - If Eric 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. The Lions may also consider moving up to No. 3 for Fisher. They'd probably have to give up their third-rounder as well as another mid-rounder.

2. Lane Johnson, OT - Many consider Lane Johnson to be a strong option here, but as Albert Breer tweeted Tuesday morning, "I've talked to a number of teams that are baffled by the rise of Lane Johnson. One college director termed him 'not ready for primetime'." We all might be overrating Johnson as a prospect. If so, he won't be Detroit's pick because general manager Martin Mayhew picks the best player available.
Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
This is the earliest I've ever had Dee Milliner. 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.

However, Milliner has been linked heavily to the Browns. If Dion Jordan and Ezekiel Ansah are off the board, it sounds like he'll be the pick. Of course, the Browns are desperate to trade down, but so is everyone else.

Milliner at least satisfies a big need. 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 Dion Jordan, DE/OLB - More pass-rushers could be added despite the addition of Paul Kruger. Jabaal Sheard is expected to be traded.

2. Star Lotulelei, NT - I haven't seen Star Lotulelei mocked to the Browns very often, but it's a strong possibility, as Charlie Campbell reported. Ahtyba Rubin, currently slated to be one of the starting five-techniques, is not a good fit for the 3-4.

Pick change; previously Star Lotulelei, NT
Arizona Cardinals: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
Everyone has Lane Johnson pegged here, but most of the Cardinal reporters (Kent Somers, Mike Jurecki, 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. Chance Warmack or D.J. Fluker, G/OT - The Cardinals like Chance Warmack, but it might be too early for a guard. Maybe they can trade down. D.J. Fluker is also an option because he can play tackle.

3. Lane Johnson, OT - Arizona doesn't consider tackle to be a primary need, but maybe the front office has Johnson rated very highly.

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: D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama
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.

Hence, the D.J. Fluker selection. Why Fluker instead of Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack? Because Fluker can play right tackle as well. The current right tackle, David Stewart, probably won't be around after 2013. Fluker can start at guard this upcoming season and then eventually move outside. The Titans are rumored to love Fluker, so they'll defintiely consider him at No. 10.

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

1. Dee Milliner, CB - Believe me when I say that the Titans absolutely love Dee Milliner. He would fill a big need for them.

2. Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack, G - Other offensive line options.

Pick change; previously Dee Milliner, CB
San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
San Diego has to be thrilled if the 2013 NFL Draft goes down like this. The Chargers love Lane Johnson, but don't want to move up for him because they have limited resources and so many needs. They desperately want to move down, but they won't be doing so if the Oklahoma tackle drops to them at No. 11.

But how can Johnson possibly get to No. 11 when all the buzz about him is that he'll be a top-five pick? Well, because that buzz sounds pretty bogus to me. We were told the Eagles are not considering Lane Johnson at No. 4. If the Lions don't select him at the fifth spot, he could easily fall to here because the Cardinals don't consider tackle to be a primary need. And who would trade up for Johnson, exactly? The Dolphins are on the verge of acquiring Branden Albert, while the Saints have to move up too far considering that they don't own a second-rounder.

Also keep in mind what Breer said. "I've talked to a number of teams that are baffled by the rise of Lane Johnson. One college director termed him 'not ready for primetime'." This whole Johnson rise could have been manufactured by the media and those on Twitter (@walterfootball). If so, he'll be here at No. 11.

*** 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. D.J. Fluker, Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, G - The Chargers also have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Either guard could be chosen this high given the lack of top-level talent in this class.

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 Tavon Austin, WR
Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
Some might consider this a bit early for an interior lineman, but the Dolphins have shown us that they're not shy about pulling a move like this when they snagged Mike Pouncey No. 15 overall a couple of years ago. Jonathan Cooper is a better prospect than Pouncey, and he's way more versatile and athletic. He's a perfect fit in Miami's blocking scheme, and he would be a massive upgrade over John Jerry.

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

1. Dee Milliner, CB - The Dolphins have the ammunition to move up for Dee Milliner. If the Alabama corner falls past the Browns, Miami could move up to No. 7 in order to leap the Jets and Titans.

2. Tyler Eifert, TE - 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'll definitely be considered at No. 12.
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.

Pick change; previously Kenny Vaccaro, S
Carolina Panthers: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
I've been told by a reliable source that the Panthers are looking closely at Sheldon Richardson, Xavier Rhodes, Tavon Austin and Kenny Vaccaro with this pick. The former two are the ones still remaining on the board. Richardson is a popular choice, but there have been reports that Carolina isn't as high on the Missouri defensive tackle as others believe.

The safety position is an area Carolina desperately needs to address. As I've joked frequently, Hiro Nakamura could stop time. Haruki Nakamura couldn't stop anyone.

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

1. Sheldon Richardson, DT - 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.

2. Xavier Rhodes, CB - Another secondary upgrade. The Panthers are very weak at corner.

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 Xavier Rhodes, CB
New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Sheldon Richardson is a steal if he falls this far, but it's sounding like he'll be available in the early teens. In fact, it's been speculated that the 49ers or Falcons could leap the Saints and obtain him at No. 14.

If Richardson makes it to New Orleans, it's an easy pick. He'd be a massive upgrade over Will Smith at defensive end. Smith is a poor fit in the Saints' new 3-4 scheme.

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

1. 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. Kenny Vaccaro, S - Another way New Orleans can upgrade its poor secondary.
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

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