2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Georgia LB Jarvis Jones
By Matt Shetler
Now that free agency has slowed down a bit, it’s time for my latest 2013 NFL Mock Draft.
A lot has changed since my last mock, right before free agency began.
With that being said, let’s not waste any time as the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Player Name: Luke Joeckel
Position, School: OT, Texas A&M
After the Alex Smith trade, it is all but certain that the Chiefs get the tackle to help protect him. Joeckel is a guy that could come in and play either side for Andy Reid from day one.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Player Name: Dion Jordan
Position, School: DE/ OLB, Oregon
The Jaguars need a legitimate pass rusher and Jordan is a long, explosive pass-rusher with freakish athleticism. His stock has shot up and could be a great fit in Jacksonville.
3. Oakland Raiders
Player Name: Sharrif Floyd
Position, School: DT, Florida
Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith (13) participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders acquired Matt Flynn so they likely won’t go quarterback here. What they do need is quality young talent on the defensive front. Floyd has played inside and on the edge and is explosive with great leverage and power.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Player Name: Geno Smith
Position, School: QB, West Virginia
The Eagles take Smith here and can develop an athletic, talented thrower to succeed in Chip Kelly’s offense. Michael Vick isn’t a long-term solution, but he can man the offense for now as there will be no need for Smith to play right away.
5. Detroit Lions
Player Name: Ezekiel Ansah
Position, School: DE, BYU
The Lions can take the best player on the board, but in this case it fills a huge need. The Lions can address their woeful pass rush by grabbing one of the best pass rushers in this class. He will need to develop, but Ansah will make an impact in 2013. Jacksonville could take him at No. 2 and if they do, the Lions could target a corner here which will help fix their pass defense as well. But if Ansah is available, they can’t pass on him.
6. Cleveland Browns
Player Name: Dee Milliner
Position, School: CB, Alabama
The Browns would ideally target Jordan or Ansah here, but they also have a need in the secondary. Milliner is the best corner in the draft and is ready to start and succeed early.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Player Name: Eric Fisher
Position, School: OT, Central Michigan
Carson Palmer gives them some flexibility as Bruce Arians doesn’t have to reach for a quarterback here. They do have a need on the offensive line though and targeting a tackle or guard to help protect Palmer makes a lot of sense.
8. Buffalo Bills
Player Name: Jonathan Cooper
Position, School: G, North Carolina
The Bills lost left guard Andy Levitre to the Titans in free agency, which could really hurt what should be a strong run game. Cooper is a great guard and should not only start but make an impact right off the bat.
9. New York Jets
Player Name: Barkevious Mingo
Position, School: DE, LSU
Mingo has the potential to be an outstanding pass rusher, something the Jets need badly. He’s athletic and can be a difference maker on the edge.
10. Tennessee Titans
Player Name: Chance Warmack
Position, School: G, Alabama
The Titans did sign Levitre but their offensive line needs a major upgrade still. Warmack is an outstanding run blocker who should help get the Titans running game back on track.
11. San Diego Chargers
Player Name: Lane Johnson
Position, School: OT, Oklahoma
Philip Rivers has been getting slaughtered behind a terrible offensive line. Finding their left tackle for the future has to be a top priority.
Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman D.J. Fluker (76) celebrates winning the 2012 SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 32-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
12. Miami Dolphins
Player Name: D.J. Fluker
Position, School: OT, Alabama
Miami make upgrades in the passing game, but that won’t help if they can’t protect the quarterback. The loss of Jake Long means that second-year man Jonathan Martin shifts to left tackle, leaving a big hole at right tackle. Fluker is a guy who can step in and play right away.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Player Name: Xavier Rhodes
Position, School: CB, Florida State
Rhodes has great play-making abilities and is solid in coverage, which could help fix the NFL’s worst pass defense. Rhodes could turn into the best corner on the roster as a rookie. This pick makes sense unless the Bucs decide to make a move for Darelle Revis.
14. Carolina Panthers
Player Name: Star Lotulelei
Position, School: DT, Utah
The Panthers need to get better stopping the run and need to find a defensive tackle. It’s also nice that player happens to be the best player left on the board at this point. He has the potential to become a dominant defensive tackle.
15. New Orleans Saints
Player Name: Alec Ogletree
Position, School: LB, Georgia
The Saints are moving to a 3-4 and need to find a top pass rusher. Ogletree can get after the quarterback, but can also attack the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield.
16. St. Louis Rams
Player Name: Cordarrelle Patterson
Position, School: WR, Tennessee
The loss of Danny Amendola means Sam Bradford has no one to throw to. Patterson can play inside or outside and is more than just a speed threat. He can be explosive with the ball in his hands catching short routes.