2013 NFL Mock Draft Update With Trades: Nassib on the Rise
Jan 24, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad quarterback Ryan Nassib of Syracuse (12) passes during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kansas City Chiefs — Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
With fewer than two weeks to go, the Chiefs’ pick is still really up in the air. I think it’s down to Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Dion Jordan, but you could maybe throw Sharrif Floyd or Star Lotulelei in the mix as well. I think I’m just going to stick with the pick I’ve been going with for a while now.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
The Jaguars need to upgrade their pass rush. They are reportedly down to two prospects to take with this pick, which makes me think they could be planning on one being gone with the first. I think the other player is Geno Smith, so don’t be surprised if the Jaguars shock the world and take Geno with the #2 overall pick. They could also take an offensive tackle.
3. Oakland Raiders — Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
The Raiders would probably love to trade out of this pick, but I don’t know that anyone wants Geno Smith bad enough. I think the Raiders could look to one of a couple of guys here, but Floyd may be the best 4-3 DT in this draft in terms of getting pressure on the QB. Oakland desperately needs that.
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
With no long-term solution at the QB position, I think the Eagles will be very tempted here to take Geno Smith. So much so, in fact, that I’m mocking him here again. Smith is a very athletic QB who can fit what Chip Kelly likes to do, and while I know they’ve been high on E.J. Manuel, they have also shown significant interest in Smith.
5. Detroit Lions — Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Lions could easily go with a guy like Ziggy Ansah here, but I think Fisher is not only more of a sure thing, but he probably has just as much potential. The Lions need to work on protecting Matthew Stafford, who was hit a ton last season. I think adding Fisher could go a long way for this team’s playoff chances.
6. — Miami Dolphins — Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
**Projected trade: Dolphins trade picks #12, #42 and 5th round pick to Browns for pick #6** The Dolphins have a ton of additional picks in the early rounds, and while they could use them all, they might as well go up and find a trade partner to get a player that could replace someone like Jake Long at LT. Johnson is a freakish athlete whom the Dolphins have to trade up in front of the Cardinals and Chargers to get.
7. Arizona Cardinals — Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
With the top three offensive tackles off the board, the Cardinals go the next best route and get a guy who could be this year’s top guard prospect. Chance Warmack is also a dominant prospect at his position, but some teams like Cooper better. One of those teams could be the Cardinals, who have gaping holes on the offensive line.
8. San Francisco 49ers — Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Projected Trade: 49ers trade picks #31, #34, and 4th round pick to Bills for picks #8 and 7th round pick. I don’t know the exact trade value for this pick, but I think if the Bills could get a sweet haul like this one, they would probably move way down the draft board and see what they can get with quantity in a deep draft such as this one. San Francisco on the other hand has too many picks, literally. They can’t use them all and keep all the players on their roster, more than likely. I think adding Lotulelei would give the Niners another enviable player on their defensive front, and give them a guy who can play multiple positions for them.
9. New York Jets — Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Jets need pass rushers in a bad way, and while they could very well go for a QB here as well, I think Ansah is probably too good of value to pass up on. He is a boom or bust prospect, but he has a ton of upside as a pass rusher.
10. Tennessee Titans — Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Titans let all the trades play out in front of them, and they end up with a decision between Chance Warmack and Dee Milliner. I think Warmack likely will grade out higher on their board when it comes down to it, but they probably won’t see a chance to get a player at CB like Milliner again with the state of their roster. This could be an opportunity they can’t resist.
11. San Diego Chargers — Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
The Chargers will not complain about this one. They desperately need to upgrade their offensive line, and Warmack is our top rated overall player this year. He is a potentially dominant guard who can help protect Philip Rivers and give the Chargers a physical presence in the running game.
12. Cleveland Browns — Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Browns do not seem settled on their pass rusher situation. Even after adding Paul Kruger alongside Jabaal Sheard, I don’t think they are done looking at guys who can put pressure on opposing QBs. In the projected trade, they come away with additional picks and get a guy who can give them a ton of speed off the edge in Barkevious Mingo.
13. New York Jets — Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Projected trade: Jets trade CB Darrelle Revis to Bucs for picks #13 and additional mid-late round picks. I don’t know the exact parameters of a trade, but I think one will get done within the next week or so. The Jets get a corner to replace Revis, and one with great size and athleticism. I could also see them going with a QB here.
14. Carolina Panthers — Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is arguably the best overall player available here, and he fits a position of need for the Panthers. I think this is a great fit and is one of my most common mock draft picks. Maybe that means there’s no chance it will happen.
15. New Orleans Saints — Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones is an elite talent on the field, but he runs slow. I think the Saints will be able to see past his 40 time and get him as a key piece of their new defense under Rob Ryan.
16. St. Louis Rams — Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Austin might be the most explosive playmaker in this year’s draft. He might wind up being the best playmaker from this entire group of players. I think he fits great with the Rams and can help this team compete for an NFC West title.