2013 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 3.0
By Blake Meek
Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan
With the trade for Alex Smith and putting Branden Albert on the trade block, it’s looking more and more like an OT will be the pick. It comes down to whether they like Joeckel or Fisher more. I think Fisher ends up being the pick.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Dion Jordan OLB, Oregon
The Jaguars pass rush last year was really bad, finishing last in the NFL with 20 sacks. Jordan can come in and play the LEO position for Gus Bradleys defense and make a difference in a variety of ways.
3. Oakland Raiders — Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri
This offseason the Raiders lost Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant. Richardson is very good at getting pressure on the QB and versatile enough to drop back into zone coverage.
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Geno Smith QB, WVU
They have Michael Vick back for one year, but isn’t the long term answer. The Eagles owner has been to see 2 players pro days, Donovan McNabb and Geno Smith. Smith fits into Chip Kellys new offensive system well.
5. Detroit Lions — Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU
The Lions lost Cliff Avril to free agency and released Kyle Vanden Bosch. They need a pass rusher to put beside Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Ansah is extremely raw, but has the potential to be the best pass rusher in this draft.
6. San Diego Chargers — Luke Joeckel OT, Texas A&M
With one of the top 2 OTs left on the board the Chargers have to pull the trigger and trade up and grab one of them. The Chargers have to protect Philip Rivers better this year if they want to improve.
7. Arizona Cardinals — Lane Johnson OT, Oklahoma
With the trade for Carson Palmer, the Cardinals have to sure up that offensive line. Palmer is a statue in the pocket and has had some injury issues. Johnson would come in day 1 and he the Cardinals starting LT.
8. Buffalo Bills — Cordarrelle Patterson WR, Tennessee
I think the Bills wait until round 2 to take a QB. Patterson can come in and pair up with Steve Johnson to give the Bills and whoever their new QB is a very good duo of play makers on offense. He is a little raw, but undeniably talented.
9. New York Jets — Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia
The Jets need a lot of things on this team. However, if they want Mark Sanchez to have any shot at succeeding they have to give him some weapons. Austin is easily the most explosive weapon in this draft.
10. Tennessee Titans — Chance Warmack OG, Alabama
The Titans signed Andy Levitre in the offseason, but Warmack is still in play. If you add him to the bookends they already have and Levitre, you get a dominant offensive line for Chris Johnson to run behind and to protect Jake Locker.
11. Cleveland Browns — Dee Milliner CB, Alabama
The Browns could go a few different ways. With the signing of Paul Kruger, I don’t think they take an pass rusher in the 1st. Milliner can pair up with Joe Haden and give the Browns one of the best CB duos in the NFL. They trade down and still get their guy.
12. Miami Dolphins — Xavier Rhodes CB, FSU
The Dolphins have lost their #1 CB each of the last 2 years with Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. They have Richard Marshall still but he isn’t that good. Rhodes is a big, physical CB who can match up with any WR.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Star Lotutelei DT, Utah
With bot the top CBs off of the board, Lotulelei is a fantastic consolation prize. Pairing him up with Gerald McCoy would give the Buccs a fierce pair of DTs that would be extremely difficult for anyone to block. Buccs land a top 5 prospect in my opinion.
14. Carolina Panthers — Sylvester Williams DT, North Carolina
The DT position has just been a disaster for the Panthers the past few years. Williams is a disruptive DT who can get into the backfield and stop plays before they start. Would give the Panthers a stud to go with Charles Johnson.
15. New Orleans Saints — Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia
With the switch to the 3-4, the Saints are going to need pass rushers. Jones is one of the top talents in this draft, but with the medical concerns he has dropped. Was an absolute play maker last year at Georgia and is a steal here at 15.
16. St. Louis Rams — Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas
The Rams biggest need is at S and the number 1 safety in the draft dropped to them. Vaccaro is versatile enough to drop down and cover the slot or play a deep zone. Would be a great pickup for the Rams.