NFL Mock Draft 2013: Pittsburgh Steelers select Georgia LB Alec Ogletree
By Matt Shetler
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Name: Alec Ogletree
Position, School: LB, Georgia
The Steelers have a ton of holes to fill but adding a young playmaking linebacker is certainly one of them.
September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (34) jogs off the field against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
18. Dallas Cowboys
Player Name: Sheldon Richardson
Position, School: DT, Missouri
The Cowboys will need to go defensive tackle to fill a need in Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 defense. Richardson is the pick here, but it could be Flyod as I have them 1 and 1A. Either way they have the opportunity to fill a big hole on their defense.
19. New York Giants
Player Name: Ezekiel Ansah
Position, School: DE, BYU
The Senior Bowl MVP is a great athlete and a very good pass rusher, something the Giants need if Osi Umenyiora finally leaves.
20. Chicago Bears
Player Name: Tyler Eifert
Position, School: TE, Notre Dame
The Bears get no production from their tight ends. It’s time to get Jay Cutler another weapon.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Player Name: Manti Te’o
Position, School: LB, Notre Dame
Manny Lawson will be a free agent in the spring, and Rey Maualuga is arguably one of the worst defensive starters in the NFL. Te’o could be the the top available player here and would be a big boost to the Bengals’ linebacking corps. This could ultimately end up being a steal at No. 21.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Player Name: Kenny Vaccaro
Position, School: FS, Texas
The Rams could go multiple directions with this pick. They could target Alabama running back Eddie Lacy or look for a playmaking wide receiver. But I like them to complete their secondary after targeting the cornerback position last year. Vaccaro has excellent coverage skills for a safety in the draft and his physical style should fit in well in the St. Louis’ defense.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Player Name: Cordarrelle Patterson
Position, School: WR, Tennessee
The Vikings offense lacks a big wide receiver who can make plays, especially in the red zone. That’s exactly what they get in the 6’3″ Patterson, who will make a nice compliment to Percy Harvin.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Player Name: Jonathan Hankins
Position, School: DT, Ohio State
The Colts need an upgrade at nose tackle and Hankins is a nice fit. The Colts were 26th in the NFL in total defense last year and fixing the interior is a priority.
Nov 3, 2012; Durham, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) runs with the ball as Duke Blue Devils safety Walt Canty (4) defends during the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
25. Seattle Seahawks
Player Name: Deandre Hopkins
Position, School: WR, Clemson
Hopkins is a beast and can step in and become the No. 1 option for quarterback Russell Wilson.
26. Green Bay Packers
Player Name: Tavon Austin
Position, School: WR, West Virginia
Donald Driver retired and Greg Jennings is a free agent so Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons. The Packers have other needs but it would be hard to pass on the talents of Austin here.
27. Houston Texans
Player Name: Kevin Minter
Position, School: LB, LSU
The Texans have issues at inside linebacker, so adding Minter makes a lot of sense.
28. Denver Broncos
Player Name: Jonathan Banks
Position, School: CB, Mississippi State
The Broncos could look at Kansas State outside linebcker Arthur Brown here, but I like them taking a corner and Banks is the best one on the board right now. He’s not the fastest guy but has great ball skills, something that could have come in handy against the Ravens in the playoffs.
29. New England Patriots
Player Name: John Jenkins
Position, School: DT, Georgia
The Patriots go for the best player left by taking Jenkins, a strong defensive tackle with very good short-area quickness. They don’t have much of an interior pass rush and could spend an early draft choice on a complement for Vince Wilfork.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Player Name: Zach Ertz
Position, School: TE, Stanford
Ertz is a solid route runner and has the ability to stretch the field in the passing game. He will fit in nicely with Matt Ryan and the Falcons, especially with Tony Gonzalez set to retire.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Player Name: Desmond Trufant
Position, School: CB, Washington
Trufant shows excellent awareness in coverage and shows great upside and potential. He had a great Senior Bowl, shutting down every receiver he was up against. The 49ers have a great defense, but could always stand to add a solid corner.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Player Name: Alex Okafor
Position, School: DE/OLB, Texas
The Super Bowl Champs take the best player left on the board and a guy that can help a defense that took a big step back last season. Okafor hs the ability to become a very good pass rusher, something the Ravens need.