2013 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 1.0
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 — Luke Joeckel OT, Texas A&M
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 Joeckel ends up being the pick.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU
The Jaguars pass rush last year was really bad, finishing last in the NFL with 20 sacks. Ansah is very raw, but is an freak athlete and has the ability to become a premier pass rusher in this league.
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 — Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan
The Lions offensive line has been bad for a while. Now with LT Jeff Backus retiring it has gotten even worse. They have to keep Matthew Stafford healthy if they have a chance in that division. Fisher can come in and start at LT from day 1.
6. 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.
7. Arizona Cardinals — Dion Jordan OLB, Oregon
Arizona could go offensive line here, but I think it’s a little early to go with Lane Johnson. The one part of the Cardinals D that is missing is a pass rush from the outside. Jordan can come in and give them an instant boost there.
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 — Star Lotulelei DT, Utah
Lotulelei is a steal at 9. He can come in from day 1 and give the Jets a dominating presence on that defensive line. They could go pass rusher here, but I think Lotulelei is too good a value for them to pass up.
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. San Diego Chargers — Lane Johnson OT, Oklahoma
The Chargers have to keep Philip Rivers upright if they want him to return to the elite status he used to be. Johnson is an elite athlete at the LT position and can make a huge difference for SD.
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 — Barkevious Mingo DE, LSU
The Buccs lost Michael Bennett this offseason. Mingo can come in and give them an immediate pass rush much like Bruce Irvin did for the Seahawks. They would rather have a CB, but with Rhodes gone there are none worth the 13th pick.
14. Carolina Panthers — Sharrif Floyd DT, Florida
The DT position has just been a disaster for the Panthers the past few years. Floyd can come in and give you a run stuffing presence straight away. He needs to work on his pass rush moves, but the potential is there.
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.