2013 NFL Mock Draft, Bowl Season Edition
18. Dallas Cowboys: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade their defensive front, and there’s no question about it. They almost went for Dontari Poe last year, so why not go for the former rugby player from Australia who is taking American football by storm? This would be a very solid pick.
19. Minnesota Vikings: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
The Vikings have a good rotation going at defensive end, but they can’t pass up on Sam Montgomery here. He is simply too good and could provide them with an elite bookend to Jared Allen. Another option here would be to take a WR.
20. Cincinnati Bengals: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
The Bengals’ defensive line is shaping up to be one of the best in pro football. If they could get some pass rushing options to be consistent on the outside, they could be dominant in their defensive front seven. Ansah is a hot prospect who would be a nice selection here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Steelers’ defense is aging, there’s no question about it. Ogletree has been one of the most impressive defenders in the country this season, and would be a great fit for Dick LeBeau’s scheme.
22. Seattle Seahawks: Keenan Allen, WR, California
Seattle’s cupboard is certainly not bare at WR, but they need some upgrades. Allen is a top 10 talent who falls due to some injuries this year, but Russell Wilson would not complain about this one.
23. New York Giants: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
The Giants always find ways to replenish the cupboard in the pass rush department. Osi Umenyiora is a free agent this offseason, and picking up a guy like Okafor could help ease a transition for their defense.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Has Andrew Luck been phenomenal or what?! This Colts team is really looking solid already, and I think if they continue to invest in that offensive line, it could be even better. Fisher has been very good this season, and is looking more and more like he could be a late first round pick.
25. Chicago Bears: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
Hand it to the Bears’ defense, which has been dominant at times this year. At the same time, they are not the same team without Brian Urlacher, who appears to be in the final stages of his phenomenal NFL career. Mosley has been outstanding for the Crimson Tide, and could be groomed as the MLB of the future for Chicago, which also has huge needs on the OL.
26. Green Bay Packers: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
The Packers still have some trouble stopping the run, and Floyd is one of the best defensive tackles in the draft, which is loaded at the position.
27. Denver Broncos: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Demaryius Thomas has emerged as a superstar with Peyton Manning at quarterback, as many expected. Eric Decker has been a great number two, and the Broncos need to start grooming someone other than Brandon Stokley to be their slot receiver, their version of Wes Welker, Randall Cobb, or Percy Harvin. I think Tavon Austin would be a huge steal at this point.
28. Baltimore Ravens: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
The Ravens continue to add playmakers to their offense here. Hopkins has had a breakout season as one of the best WRs in the country with speed and ability after the catch. He could be a great complement to Torrey Smith.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
The Niners were rumored to be one of the teams interested in drafting Bruce Irvin last year, so why not take the productive pass rusher out of Oregon? This would be a solid pick.
30. New England Patriots: Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama
Jones is a very versatile offensive lineman who would be a big upgrade for the New England offensive line. He has been a starter at a variety of positions and really has the look of the kind of prospect the Patriots like.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Johnathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
The Falcons upgrade the interior of their offensive line and end the slide of a very productive and powerful guard prospect.
32. Houston Texans: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
The Texans need to add a legitimate number two to play with Andre Johnson, and a future potential number one since he’s getting up there in years. Hunter is as good an option here as any.