2013 NFL Mock Draft V. 2.0

The 2013 NFL Draft opens on April 25th, 2013.

 There remains just one week of NFL football in the 2012/13 season, but that does not mean the NFL goes to sleep for the next 7 months. Not even close. Over the next 3-4 months leading up to the always important NFL Draft, team scouts, general managers, coaches and fans will be evaluating each and every NFL hopefuls moves prior to the draft. Lots is expected to change from today, until April 25th, when the 2013 NFL draft opens, but for now, we have learned plenty since I put out my First Mock Draft, thanks to the East-West Shrine game, and the Senior Bowl. So, without further ado, here is my second 2013 NFL mock draft.

** NOTE ** The Mock Draft does NOT go by my own rankings, but rather, by the information I have acquired from sources and scouts about who each team is likely to select. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT, Texas A&M

The Chiefs desperately need a franchise QB, so why go with a left tackle when you have a solid one in Brandon Alberts already on the team? Its simple. There are no Quarterbacks worth selecting at this time, and Brandon Alberts is a free agent, not to mention, he was nothing special this season. Additionally, Luke Joeckel is a significant upgrade regardless if Brandon Alberts stays or not. 

Luke Joeckel grades out as the best tackle in this draft, and has the upside to become one of the top tackles in the league. He helped keep freshman QB Johnny Manziel on his feet and played a big role in his heisman winning season. 

However, there is a slight chance the Chiefs feel they need to draft QB here in round one, and if they do, I believe that Tyler Wilson has emerged as the number one QB option in this draft, leaping Matt Barkley, and Geno Smith.

Alternatives: Tyler Wilson QB, Arkansas; Geno Smith QB, West Virginia; Star Lotulelei DT, Utah.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bjoern Werner DE, Florida State

Why would the Jaguars pass up on the NCAA sack leader in 2012 with the second overall pick, considering the Jaguars had a league worst 22 sacks in 2012? Well, heres the thing. Scouts have told me that they expect Jarvis Jones to slip due to his size and due to his spine issue. If thats the case, then the Jaguars would take their chances on German born DE Bjoern Werner, who was a monster for the Seminoles in 2012. Werner has a non stop motor and has great speed and power. He will bring a much needed pass rush to the pass rush needy Jagss

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Tyler Wilson QB, Arkansas; Geno Smith QB, West Virginia.

3. Oakland Raiders: Star Lotulelei DT, Utah.

Arguably the best player in this draft, many are starting to draw up comparisons to All-Pro DT Haloti Ngata. While that may be a little premature, there is no denying the skillset of Louteleli, who is definitely in the running for the first overall pick this year. The Raiders need help all over, but with the expected departures of Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour, along with impending free agent Desmond Bryant, the Raiders would be wise to draft a young stud DT like Louteleli.

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; DaMontre Moore DE, Texas AM; Luke Joeckel, Texas AM.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Geno Smith QB, West Virginia.

The top pick in my first mock draft, Geno Smith's draft stock has fallen recently, thanks in large to declining an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Geno Smith has great skills, and can move around and run, but his main concern is his consistency. With Chip Kelly now running the Eagles, adding a mobile QB like Smith would be wise, and very logical. 

Alternatives: Chance Warmack OG, Alabama; Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan; Dee Milliner DB, Alabama; Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas.

5. Detroit Lions: DaMontre Moore DE, Texas A&M.

Moore, nicknamed DaMonster, earned that name for good reason. Moore was a machine for the Aggies defense in 2012, piling up 85 total tackles, along with 21 for a loss, and 12.5 sacks. Moore is arguably the best pass rusher in this class, and with the Lions likely losing Cliff Avril to free agency, Moore makes a ton of sence here at #5.

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas.

6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB, LSU.

Mingo is a high motor guy who was a beast at LSU throughout his career there. The biggest problem surrounding Mingo is his consistency and his weight, but both can be fixed with good coaching. The plus on Mingo is that he has the ability to drop back in coverage and be a solid defender in the pass, along with his fierce pass rushing ability. The Browns really need someone who can put pressure on the QB opposite Jabaal Sheard.

Alternatives: Dee Milliner DB, Alabama; Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas; Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Geno Smith QB; West Virginia. 

7. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan.

At the beggining of the season, if anyone told me Eric Fisher would be a top 7 pick in the 2013 NFL draft, I would offer you great odds and make you a big bet. However, thanks in large part to most of his competition (Jake Matthews, Taylor Lewan) deciding to return to school for their senior years, and thanks to a great showing at the Senior Bowl, Fisher has emerged as one of the best players in the 2013 draft, period. Lucky for the Cardinals, and OT is just what they need. Levi Brown has been a major bust for them, and new Head Coach Bruce Arians will want to make sure he gives his Quarterback enough time in the pocket to make a play.

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Tyler Wilson QB, Arkansas; Geno Smith QB, West Virginia; Mike Glennon QB, North Carolina State.

8. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Nassib QB, Syracuse. 

In what would be a shocker, yet not a shock to most at all, Ryan Nassib will be paired up with his former coach and offensive co-ordinators from Syracuse. This pick is a shock because he is evidently less skilled than a handful of other Quarterbacks in this draft, but it would not come as a shock because the coaching staff knows Nassib really well. General Manager Buddy Nix has said he hopes to draft a franchise QB, so this pick will all come down to if Doug Marrone, the Bills new Head Coach, feels as though Ryan Nassib has a future in the NFL.

Alternatives: Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas; Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; 

9. New York Jets: Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas.

The Jets need help everywhere, especially at Quarterback, but the thinking here is that Rex Ryan will give Mark Sanchez one more year to prove himself as an NFL QB before moving on from him. 

Kenny Vaccaro is the pick here in a close call over ILB Jarvis Jones, but he ultimately wins this decision because of Jarvis Jones injury concern. However, lets not take anything away from Kenny Vaccaro's game. He is clearly the top overall safety in this draft, and like Mark Barron, he is expected to make a big leap before the draft, and be potentially selected in the top 10. 

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Mike Glennon QB, North Carolina State; Cordarelle Patterson WR, Tennessee. 

10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner DB, Alabama.

Milliner, in play as high as the third pick in this years draft, will be a nice pickup for the Titans. If you recall last year, the Titans were very high on both Stephon Gillmore and Dre Kirkpatrick, but they were unable to land either of them. Adding Milliner would be a great addition as he has proven he is the best Cornerback in this draft. 

Alternatives: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia; Jesse Williams DT, Alabama; Jonathan Hankins DT, Ohio State. 

11. San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson OT, Oklahoma.

The Chargers biggest need is Left Tackle, and no team suffered more when Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan announced their decision to return to school than the Chargers. Enter Lance Johnson, a player who may not be worth the 11th overall pick, but will be the 11th pick thanks to the desperate needs of the Chargers. There is a good chance the Chargers trade back in the draft and pick him later. Lane Johnson proved during the Senior Bowl he has the potential to be a top tackle in the NFL if he works hard.

Alternatives: Trade down; Jesse Williams DT, Alabama; Jonathan Hankins DT, Ohio State.

12. Miami Dolphins: Cordarelle Patterson WR, Tennessee.

The Dolphins badly need a number one receiver after trading Brandon Marshall to the Bears last off season. While this class may not feature any clear cut #1 WR, Patterson is easily the most physically gifted receiver with sky high potential. Although he is quite raw, with good coaching, Patterson could become a top 10 WR in this league. Think Demaryius Thomas.

Alternatives: Brandon Banks DB, Mississippi State; Xavier Rhodes DB, Florida State.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Banks DB, Mississippi State.

The Bucs had the worst secondary in the entire NFL last season, and trading Aqib Talib mid season did not help that cause. Needless to say, the Bucs will be drafting a cornerback with the first pick in this draft. Brandon Banks is a big kid who has an NFL ready game, which will be welcome in Tampa. 

Alternatives: Xavier Rhodes, Florida State.

14. Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Hankins DT, Ohio State.

The Panthers have an obvious need at DT, and Jonathan Hankins, a guy whose stock is dropping, would still be a great pick at 14. He is a big boy who will occupy the middle of the Panthers defensive front, and can disruptive versus the run and pass. Hankins ranks as my number 2 DT, behind Star Lotulelei.

Alternatives: Jesse Williams DT, Alabama; Shariff Floyd DT, Florida; Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri.

15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri.

Richardson and the Saints are a near perfect match. the Saints desperately need help on their D-line and Richardson fits perfectly in their scheme. Richardson, who had an outstanding season for Missouri this year, will be counted on the rush the passer from the interior for the Saints.

Alternatives: Shariff Floyd DT, Florida. 

16. St. Louis Rams: Chance Warmack OG, Alabama.

Warmack is the best guard I have ever scouted. He is the most highly touted guard out of college since All Pro G Steve Hutchinson, and has a real shot at going inside the top 10. Luckily for St. Louis, they badly need help on their offensive line, so adding the best player available in a position of need is value. 

Alternatives: Jonathan Cooper G, North Carolina; Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia; Keenan Allen WR, Cal; Terrence Williams WR, Baylor.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia.

If you recall last year, the top guard in last years draft, David DeCastro slipped all the way down to 24th overall, where the Steelers gladly snagged him. Likewise in this draft, it is expected Jarvis Jones will slip in this draft due to his spine injury issue, which could shorten his NFL career. While slipping all the way from the potential number one overall selection to number 17 looks steep and far fetched, just remember Da'Quan Bowers, who was expected to go first overall to the Panthers prior to the draft, slipped all the way down to the middle of round two due to injury concerns. If Jarvis Jones were to fall down to 17th, the Steelers would be rewarded with a massive gift, as Jarvis Jones is arguably the best talent in this draft class.

Alternatives: Shariff Floyd DT, Florida; Jesse Williams DT, Alabama; Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU; Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Jesse Williams DT, Alabama.

With the hire of Defensive Co-ordinator Monte Kiffin, the Cowboys will turn back to a 3-4 defense. If this is the case, the Cowboys will have a decision to make on current NT Jay Ratliff, who just got into trouble with the law. If the Cowboys release him, adding big boy Jesse Williams as their new NT would be a great move. Williams was outstanding versus the Notre Dame Irish in the BCS National Championship game, and would be a force in the middle of the Cowboys defensive line.

Alternatives: John Jenkins DT, Georgia; Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU.

19. New York Giants: Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU.

If you have not already heard of Ezekiel Ansah, you will within the next couple of months. Ansah, an extremely athletic, yet raw defensive end never played football until 2010, when the BYU track star decided to take up football. Needless to say, Ansah was a beast for the Cougars in 2012, compiling 62 total tackles, including 13 for a loss, along with 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The hype train for Ansah is starting to pick up steam, and it would not surprise me at all if he winds up going inside the top 10, on potential alone. However, at this time, I have him going to a team that knows a little something about project defensive ends. JPP anyone? 

Alternatives: Alex Okafor DE, Texas; Dion Jordan DE, Oregon; Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame.

20. Chicago Bears: Dallas Thomas OT, Tennessee.

The Bears offensive line is a mess. Jay Cutler was outstanding considering how little time he had in the pocket. The Bears went 10-6 but missed the playoffs, and they have a team talented enough to make a Super Bowl run, so adding pieces to their biggest weakness has to be priority number one for the Bears. Dallas Thomas is another big benefiter from Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews going back to school, and his solid Senior Bowl will help make him a player for the 20th overall selection.

Alternatives: Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame; Barrett Jones OG, Alabama; Alec Ogletree ILB, Georgia; DJ Fluker OT, Alabama.


21. Cincinnati Bengals: Giovanni Bernard RB, North Carolina.

The Bengals have openly stated their intent on drafting an every down running back. Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis has not been terrible for the Bengals this year, but he has not been the runner they had hoped for. Giovanni Bernard has lost some hype recently, but he still remains the best running back available in this draft, and would provide a nice boost for the Bengals young offense, while filling the teams need of an every down running back.

Alternatives: Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame; Alec Ogletree ILB, Georgia; Eric Reid FS, LSU.


22. St. Louis Rams (Via Washington Redskins): Keenan Allen WR, California. 

The Rams find their offensive lineman at 16th overall, but do not get their offensive lineman at 22. Instead, the Rams focus their attention on their other position of need, WR. Despite selecting Brian Quick in the second round last year, the Rams would love to add a guy with the ability of Keenan Allen. Allen no longer stands as the top WR in this class, but he still remains a first round talent, and a guy that the Rams could add to a receiving corpse that includes Quick, Chris Givens, and Steve Smith.

Alternatives: Barrett Jones OG, Alabama; DJ Fluker OT, Alabama; Terrance Williams WR, Baylor.


23. Minnesota Vikings: Shariff Floyd DT, Florida.

The Vikings defensive line may not seem like it has holes at the moment, but this pick is not only for the present, it is a move for the future as well. Pro Bowl DT Kevin Williams is 32, and his play is diminishing. Shariff Floyd has not yet hit the hype train, but he will soon, and once he does, theres a good chance he moves inside the top 16.


Alternatives: Terrance Williams WR, Baylor; Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia; John Jenkins DT, Georgia.


24. Indianapolis Colts: John Jenkins DT, Georgia.

John Jenkins is a huge nose tackle who will provide the Colts with their NT of the future. At 359 lbs, Jenkins is a beast who can abuse the interior linemen with power and strength. The Colts just could not stop the run las year, so adding Jenkins will certainly help in that regard, as well. The game that sold me on Jenkins was when he abused Alabama OG Chance Warmack.

Alternatives: Matt Elam S, Florida; Xavier Rhodes DB, Florida State; Barrett Jones OG, Alabama.


25. Seattle Seahawks: Terrence Williams WR, Baylor.

Prior to this year, Terrence Williams was considered as the "other guy" behind Kendall Wright. However, this year, Terrence Williams proved he deserves to be recognized as much, or even more than Kendall Wright was a year ago. Williams had a huge season for Bears, catching 97 balls for 1832 and 12 touchdowns. A year ago, he posted 59 catches for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns as the second option with RG3 at QB. Williams has a ton of speed, and will be a value pick by the Seahawks at 25 overall.

I was considering putting a Tight End in this selection, but the play of Zach Miller during the teams playoff run, coupled with his large salary, I decided to go against that idea.

Alternatives: DJ Fluker OT, Alabama; Justin Pugh OT, Syracuse; Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia; Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame.

26. Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Cooper G, North Carolina.

For me, this pick came down to two players. Jonathan Cooper and Tyler Eifert. However, I decided to go with the former mainly because the Packers have a bigger need at offensive line than they do at Tight End, and Cooper provides great versatility as he can play anywhere on the offensive line. It is very rare to have two offensive guards have the potential to go inside the top 15, but this draft has that in Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper. The latter is the second ranked guard this year, but he is not too far off from Warmack. Cooper has exceptional speed for a guard, and has great footwork. He will provide Aaron Rodgers and the Packers with much needed offensive line help.

Alternatives: Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame; Barrett Jones OG, Alabama. 


27. Houston Texans: Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia.

The Texans desperately need another quality receiver across from the aging, yet productive Andre Johnson. The Texans were hoping Terrence Williams would slip, but instead, they go with the best possessional reciever. Austin had 114 catches for 1289 and 12 touchdowns in his senior year for the Mountaineers, and will bring a ton of extra value for the Texans as he can carry the ball out of the backfield and return kicks. Think of Austin as a poor mans Percy Harvin, or Randall Cobb.

Alternatives: Da'rick Rogers WR, Tennessee Tech; Alec Ogletree ILB, Georgia; Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame.


28. Denver Broncos: Alec Ogletree ILB, Georgia.

Ogletree is a beast of a linebacker who loves to hit hard. His play can be erratic at times, but with solid coaching, Ogletree has the skills to be a Pro Bowler. The Broncos have a hole at inside linebacker, and Ogletree fills that need.

Alternatives: Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame; Kevin Minter ILB, LSU; Kawann Shorts DT, Purdue.


29. New England Patriots: Matt Elam S, Florida.

Elam is a hard hitting safety who plays with a ton of emotion. The problem with Elam is in his coverage, and whether or not he can control his decision making about whether to go in for a huge hit or not. When he is on his game, Elam reminds many of a future hall of famer, Troy Polamalu.

Alternatives: Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia; Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame; Xavier Rhodes DB, Florida State.


30. Atlanta Falcons: Alex Okafor DE, Texas.

The Falcons had one big area of concern in 2012. That was pressure on the QB. The Ray Edwards project was a complete fail, as he was released mid season. John Abraham showed that he still can play, but they need someone opposite him to put pressure. Thats where Alex Okafor comes in. Okafor compiled 12.5 sacks last year after getting 7 the year before. If he is coached right, Okafor could become an elite defensive end in the National Football League.

Alternatives: Sam Montgomery DE, LSU. 


31. San Francisco 49ers: Xavier Rhodes DB, Florida State.

The 49ers have a great roster, evident by their trip to the Super Bowl this year. The luxury of having such a great roster is the ability to take the best available players. Xavier Rhodes, one of my favorite prospects in the 2013 NFL draft has great size for a cornerback. Rhodes size will be a great compliment to Chris Culliver and Tarell Brown, who would be able to shift their focus from big receivers to speedy slot receivers. Rhodes also is able to step in and be a starter on day one.

Alternatives: Margus Hunt DE, SMU; Eric Reid FS, LSU; Da'rick Rogers WR, Tennessee Tech.


32. Baltimore Ravens: Manti T'eo ILB, Notre Dame.

What a crazy turn of events the Manti T'eo sweepstakes has taken since the morning of January 7th, 2013. At that time, Manti T'eo was considered a top 10 pick by most, and was certainly regarded as a first round pick. However, that night, T'eo was exposed by the Alabama Crimson Tide during the BCS National Championship game, and his stock dropped as the world over reacted to one game. However, a few weeks later, the story we all know, yet don't know came out about Manti's fake girlfriend. After this, many did not regard T'eo as a first round pick anymore. For me, I never viewed T'eo as a top 10 pick. Sure, I mocked him in the top 10 in my first mock, but that does not mean I agree with it. T'eo has great football instincts and has the ability to lead, but he lacks in some areas that is key for linebackers. T'eo does not possess pass rushing skills, evident from his 1.5 sacks this year. Additionally, his 7 interceptions this year were incredible, but those were his first seven of his college career. There are a lot of questions surrounding T'eo, but in my opinion, he is the best ILB in this draft, and has the potential to be a solid linebacker in the NFL.



Thanks for checking out my second mock draft of the 2013 season. In the next Mock, I will add a second round, the first time I will be doing so. Additionally, my top 100 is still being updated, but should be out soon. My Big Boards are always being updated, so make sure to keep checking that out as well.


Any questions, comments or concerns about this mock? The player you want for your team not mocked here? Let me hear it in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter (@Zach_Engel98)