2013 NFL Draft Goals

Posted April 19, 2013.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

What does every team need to accomplish in the 2013 NFL Draft? We'll look at each team's goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. Also see how the goals are being addressed in the 2013 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).

1. Kansas City Chiefs:
   The Chiefs made an awful mistake in giving up way too much for Alex Smith. They're now stuck with him, so they need to be elite everywhere else. This means that they have to take the best players available. They have some big needs like receiver, right tackle and inside linebacker, but they can't really worry about that. With a pedestrian signal-caller like Smith under center, the Chiefs have to be very strong in all other areas.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   1. Luke Joeckel, OT
   63. Terrance Williams, WR
   96. Kiko Alonso, ILB
   99. Trevardo Williams, DE/OLB
   
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2. Jacksonville Jaguars:
   Jacksonville has to completely rebuild under new general manager David Caldwell. A franchise quarterback has to be found. The offensive line must be bolstered. The pass rush has to be addressed. The secondary needs help. This is a 2-year project at the very least.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   2. Dion Jordan, OLB
   33. Kyle Long, OT/G
   64. David Amerson, CB
   98. Matt Scott, QB
   
   
3. Oakland Raiders:
   Oakland has the worst roster in the NFL. Most of the starters are players who would be third-stringers on most teams. The Raiders resemble an expansion team, and they need to treat themselves as such. They need help everywhere, starting at quarterback. They must obtain a signal-caller with one of their first three picks.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   3. Sharrif Floyd, DT
   66. Tyler Bray, QB
   100. Brennan Williams, OT
   
   
4. Philadelphia Eagles:
   The Eagles spent a ton of money on their defense this offseason. It's now time to address the offense. Philadelphia has no long-term quarterback on the roster (Nick Foles is an awful fit for Chip Kelly's offense) and the right tackle position needs to be addressed so that Todd Herremans can move back inside to his natural guard position. A receiver must also be added, given that both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are both overrated and unreliable.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   4. Eric Fisher, OT
   35. E.J. Manuel, QB
   67. Stedman Bailey, WR
   101. Duke Williams, S
   
   
   
   
   
5. Detroit Lions:
   The Lions are the only team in the top 10 that has its quarterback position shored up. Thus, they have to build around their franchise signal-caller. Matthew Stafford must be protected, and linemen are needed more than ever in the wake of Jeff Backus' retirement. Another wideout has to be found. On the other side of the ball, a pass-rusher must be obtained to help beat Aaron Rodgers.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   5. Eric Fisher, OT
   36. Alex Okafor, DE
   65. Markus Wheaton, WR
   132. Brian Schwenke, C/G
   
   
6. Cleveland Browns:
   Cleveland has a new regime, and based on Michael Lombardi's decision to go with scheme over personnel, this franchise will likely be looking for a new front office in a few years. The only way Lombardi can keep his job long-term is if he finds a franchise quarterback. Elsewhere, the interior offensive and secondary are the two areas that must be addressed. If the Browns don't like Geno Smith, they must trade out of the No. 6 pick.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   12. Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB (via trade)
   54. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB 68. Tyler Bray, QB
   104. Brian Winters, G
   
   
7. Arizona Cardinals:
   At least two early picks must be spent on the offensive line. There's no doubt about that, especially given Carson Palmer's lack of mobility. A long-term quarterback and some pass-rushing help have to be obtained as well.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   7. Lane Johnson, OT
   38. Larry Warford, G
   69. Sio Moore, DE/OLB
   103. Matt Scott, QB
   
   
8. Buffalo Bills:
   Buffalo spent so much money and effort on improving the defense last year, but it didn't matter because the team didn't have a franchise quarterback. Kevin Kolb is definitely not the answer, so the Bills' No. 1 priority is finding a long-term franchise quarterback. Obtaining help at receiver and the offensive line is also important.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   8. Geno Smith, QB
   41. Quinton Patton, WR
   71. Barrett Jones, G/C
   105. John Simon, DE/OLB
   
   
   
   
   
9. New York Jets:
   The Jets are a complete mess. They're about to cut the top quarterback on their roster for moronic reasons, so they'll need to find a franchise signal-caller at some point. There are holes everywhere else as well, with only the left tackle, center and defensive end positions not needing to be upgraded.
   
   Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
   9. Dee Milliner, CB
   13. Tavon Austin, WR (Darrelle Revis trade)
   39. Zach Ertz, TE
   72. Sio Moore, DE/OLB
   106. Andre Ellington, RB
   
   
10. Tennessee Titans:
    Tennessee isn't going anywhere with Jake Locker, but this front office will be forced to stick with him for one more year. Adding some help around Locker at receiver, tight end and guard will help a bit, but it ultimately won't matter. Meanwhile, the defense is in shambles, so something must be done about that.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    10. Dee Milliner, CB
    40. Larry Warford. G
    70. Phillip Thomas, S
    97. Jordan Reed, TE
    107. Stansly Mapgona, DE
    
    
11. San Diego Chargers:
    Is Philip Rivers done? This is something the Chargers must find out, and they can do so by bolstering the offensive line. Unfortunately, they'll be out of range for Lane Johnson at No. 11. People talk about trading up, but I'd rather move down, add picks and perhaps pick up someone like Justin Pugh in the mid-20s. If the Chargers stay put, they should draft the top player available at 11 and then upgrade the offensive line after that.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    23. Justin Pugh OT (via trade)
    45. Alex Okafor, DE/OLB
    52. Giovani Bernard, RB
    76. Logan Ryan, CB
    110. David Quessenberry, OT/G/C
    
    
12. Miami Dolphins:
    Like the Chargers, Miami is out of range for an offensive tackle. Barring a trade, the Dolphins need to add the top player on their board and then attack the offensive line and cornerback positions in Rounds 2-4.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    12. Sheldon Richardson, DT
    42. Robert Alford, CB
    54. Branden Albert, OT (via trade)
    77. Stedman Bailey, WR
    82. B.W. Webb, CB 111. David Quessenberry, OT/G/C
    
    
    
    
    
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
    The important thing for the Buccaneers is not to reach for a cornerback. This includes both drafting Xavier Rhodes at No. 13 or trading a bunch of picks for Darrelle Revis. They have to fix the corner position at some point, but Tampa Bay can just do that in Rounds 2-4. The No. 13 selection should be used on the best player available - preferably a defensive lineman.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    13. Sheldon Richardson, DT
    43. Johnthan Banks, CB
    73. Vance McDonald, TE
    112. Sean Porter, OLB
    126. Dwayne Gratz, CB
    
    
14. Carolina Panthers:
    Adding some help around Cam Newton would be nice, but the Panthers have to repair one of the worst defensive units in football. If they want to pass the Falcons and Saints, they'll need to at least slow down Matt Ryan and Drew Brees just a bit.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    14. Sheldon Richardson, DT
    44. Johnthan Banks, CB
    108. Josh Evans, S
    
    
15. New Orleans Saints:
    New Orleans is in the same position as the Panthers in terms of needing to add tons of upgrades to its defense. The Saints' stop unit is actually worse than Carolina's. A left tackle for Drew Brees has been discussed, but that's more of a luxury than a big need because of how quickly Drew Brees can release the football.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    15. Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB
    75. Brandon Williams, NT
    109. Chris Faulk, OT
    
    
16. St. Louis Rams:
    The Rams are stuck with Sam Bradford for at least one more year, so they need to continue to bolster their offensive line to make sure their brittle quarterback is protected as best as possible. Bradford also needs help at receiver and running back. On the defensive side of the ball, St. Louis must find upgrades to its back seven.
    
    Ideal 2013 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    16. D.J. Fluker, OT/G
    22. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
    46. Arthur Brown, LB
    78. Shamarko Thomas, S
    113. Mike Gillislee, RB
    
    
    Go to 2013 NFL Draft Goals: 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


2014 NFL Mock Draft