2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Jarvis Jones in final mock
By Matt Shetler
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Name: Jarvis Jones
Position, School: LB, Georgia
Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) in the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers have a ton of holes to fill but adding a young playmaking linebacker is certainly one of them. Jones will turn out to be a steal at No. 17, as he is relentless and provides a perfect pass-rushing fit at outside linebacker for a defense that needs more talent up front. He didn’t overwhelm at his pro day, but Jones is a player that led the nation in sacks and did so playing against the top competition in college football.
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. There are also other needs, including safety, which makes Kenny Vaccaro a possibility, but if the Cowboys don’t upgrade their front, the switch to a 4-3 will be a rough transition. Either way they have the opportunity to fill a big hole on their defense.
19. New York Giants
Player Name: D.J. Hayden
Position, School: CB, Houston
Depth at cornerback has to be a priority for the Giants. Hayden is a guy that can line up on the inside or outside and is effective playing man or zone. He has tons of talent and will be an instant upgrade for the G-Men as he has risen quickly up draft boards.
20. Chicago Bears
Player Name: Alec Ogletree
Position, School: LB, Georgia
The Bears could go offensive line here but there is a need at linebacker as well. Ogletree can get after the quarterback, but can also attack the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield. He can help the Bears ease the loss of Brian Urlacher. Ogletree is a three-down linebacker in the NFL and is a guy that will turn into a big playmaker.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Player Name: D.J. Fluker
Position, School: OT, Alabama
The Bengals could go multiple directions with this pick. They could target a top wide receiver to play opposite A.J. Green or look for a linebacker. But if Fluker slides this far Cincinnati can’t really pass on him as he has the potential to be a dominant tackle for years.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
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. He has the ability to turn into a big time playmaker in this Rams offense.
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te
23. Minnesota Vikings
Player Name: Manti Te’o
Position, School: LB, Notre Dame
The Vikings need a middle linebacker and they go with Te’o over other talented backers like Kevin Minter and Arthur Brown. Despite the fake girlfriend controversy and the slow 40 time, Te’o is a guy who can make plays and will be a good fit in Minnesota.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Player Name: Xavier Rhodes
Position, School: CB, Florida State
The Colts could go many ways with this pick but the need is there and Rhodes could turn out to be a pretty good corner even though his stock has slipped a bit as of late.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle)
Player Name: Justin Hunter
Position, School: WR, Tennessee
The Vikings offense lacks a wide receiver that can make plays, especially after the Percy Harvin trade. Adding Greg Jennings helps, but Hunter gives Christian Ponder a good young weapon. He’s a guy with great size, reliable hands outstanding leaping ability and can make tough, contested catches. Hunter’s a good route-runner with enough quickness to get separation.
26. Green Bay Packers
Player Name: Eddie Lacy
Position, School: RB, Alabama
Lacy could probably go in the second round, but I have a hard time thinking that no running backs will go in the first round. Lacy is the top one on the board and Green Bay is a good fit as he adds a different dimension to their offense.
27. Houston Texans
Player Name: Sylvester Williams
Position, School: DT, North Carolina
The Texans could use a wide receiver here but there are plenty of good ones on the board to grab in the second round. Instead they have the luxury of taking the best player on the board and that’s Williams, who could turn out to be the most explosive defensive lineman in this draft.
28. Denver Broncos
Player Name: Desmond Trufant
Position, School: CB, Washington
Champ Bailey, while still effective, is getting up there in age. That being said, the Broncos need to add secondary depth. Trufant is in the conversation for one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. He’s explosive and has great instincts.
November 26, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Bjoern Werner (95) during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
29. New England Patriots
Player Name: Bjoern Werner
Position, School: DE, Florida State
The Patriots go for the best player left by taking Werner, a strong defensive end with very good short-area quickness. Werner is a great pass rusher with outstanding closing speed. He’s more suited to be a 4-3 defensive end, but the Pats can find use for him somewhere. They don’t have much of an interior pass rush and could spend an early draft choice on a complement for Vince Wilfork or wide receiver, but a talent like Werner will help their defense long-term.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Player Name: Justin Pugh
Position, School: OT, Syracuse
Pugh can fill an immediate need on the Falcons offensive line. He’s a tackle long-term but could likely step in and fill a void at guard right away. He has the ability to get to the next level as a run blocker and he can handle physically talented pass-rushers due to his fundamentals and precise technique.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Player Name: Margus Hunt
Position, School: DE, SMU
Justin Smith is 34 and it would make some sense to add depth up front. Hunt is strong and very athletic and is a good pass rushing 3-4 defensive end. Hunt is an imposing physical specimen with incredible length and athleticism to go along with excellent closing speed. They could also consider UCLA’s Datone Jones here, but I like the pick of Hunt.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Player Name: Matt Elam
Position, School: S, Florida
The Super Bowl champs take a shot on filling the void left by Ed Reed’s departure. Elam is smart in coverage and a very good tackler. He isn’t a super athlete and doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but Elam can play the game and could be one of the most versatile, well-rounded defensive backs in the draft. FIU’s Jonathan Cyprien is also an option if the Ravens look safety here.