2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Edition
November 3, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kansas City Chiefs — Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
I think there may be a changing of the guard with the Chiefs’ first selection. The situation of Branden Albert is up in the air, and I really believe the Chiefs would prefer to trade this pick. If they can’t retain Albert, Joeckel is a no-brainer here. QB is also obviously an option but the Chiefs’ GM was recently quoted as saying he doesn’t think there’s a clear-cut 1st round prospect at QB in this draft. I think the Chiefs wind up with Nick Foles or Alex Smith.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
The Jaguars need pass rush, plain and simple. If they don’t use this pick to upgrade their pass rush, they will have even more problems on their hands for the 2013 season. Werner has the potential to be a star in the NFL.
3. Oakland Raiders — Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is a fast-rising player who has been slated here to the Raiders for two consecutive weeks. They need interior pass rush and may be losing Desmond Bryant, Richard Seymour, AND Tommy Kelly.
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Eagles are getting their starting OTs back from injury, and they just re-signed Michael Vick, indicating to me that he’ll start this season. The one thing they truly lack personnel wise is a nose tackle for their new 3-4 defense. Lotulelei is a workhorse who could fill that role.
5. Detroit Lions — Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Lions would have to find a way to get Jones on the field. From what I’ve been hearing, his health is checking out fine and if that’s the case, there’s no reason he’ll fall much further than this.
6. Cleveland Browns — Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Moore had a breakout season in 2012, and proved that he is one of the best pass rushers in the land. The Browns’ new 3-4 defensive look will fit his skills really well, and he should be a day one starter.
7. Arizona Cardinals — Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Cardinals’ OL situation is a complete mess. Fisher should be an immediate upgrade over D’Anthony Batiste, and I think it will be nice for Arizona to finally have a guy with some talent up front.
8. Buffalo Bills — Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Smith could very well be the number one pick, but after his three years as the WVU starter, I don’t see him getting out of the top 10. He has been compared to Tony Romo, but I think he’s much more athletic than given credit. The Bills are looking for anew franchise QB.
9. New York Jets — Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Jets will undoubtedly be in the market for a pass rusher this offseason, and Ansah is one of the best ones potentially available in this draft. The Jets have used first round picks on front seven players Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples who appear to be on their way to something special, and Ansah would be another nice addition.
10. Tennessee Titans — Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Michael Griffin and Jordan Babineaux had down years in 2012. Vaccaro is rumored to be a lock for the top 10 picks, and after a stellar career at Texas it’s easy to see why. He’d be an instant upgrade for one of the league’s worst pass defenses.
11. San Diego Chargers — Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Protecting Philip Rivers has to be given top priority this offseason after a year where the Chargers’ offense was way down compared to recent years. I think WR is a darkhorse option here as well, along with cornerback and safety.
12. Miami Dolphins — Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Floyd is one of the hottest names in the 2013 NFL Draft crop right now. He is a versatile lineman who could start right away for the Dolphins’ defense.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Milliner is probably the top cornerback in this year’s draft, and that just happens to be the Bucs’ top need. Their pass defense was miserable in 2012, and Milliner would be an instant upgrade.
14. Carolina Panthers — Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Steve Smith isn’t getting any younger, and Cam Newton is going to need some more targets to throw to in the coming years. Patterson probably has as much upside as any offensive player in this year’s draft, but he’s really raw. He’s going to take some time to develop and the Panthers can use him all over the field.
15. New Orleans Saints — Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Mingo is an elite athlete who would really help out a Saints defense that was among the league’s worst in 2012. He would be an ideal OLB for their new 3-4 defensive scheme.
16. St. Louis Rams — Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
The Rams need to keep working to protect Sam Bradford, and they have some openings on the interior offensive line. Warmack is arguably the best player in this entire draft, but guards don’t often get drafted that high. He’d be a great fit for Jeff Fisher’s team.