With the NFL Draft almost here lets take a look at our final Mock Draft for 2013!
Kansas City Chiefs
Draft Position: 1st
Team Needs: LB, OT, S, WR, OL, QB
Who they want: Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M) – They wouldn’t mind trading down but the reality is the 3 OT’s of Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson are the safest picks at #1.
Who they need: Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia) – They’ve re-signed Dwayne Bowe but they still need more targets for new buy Alex Smith, Austin is the best of the WR’s but would only be considered in a trade down situation
Who they’ll get: Luke Joeckel - If they pick first overall expect them to play it safe
Alternate Pick: Eric Fisher (OT, Central Michigan) – It could legitimately come down to whether they prefer Joeckel or Fisher
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Position: 2nd
Team Needs: DE, QB, ROT, CB, OLB
Who they want: Last year’s QB class
Who they need: Ezekiel Ansah (DE, Brigham Young) – Barring taking a chance on a QB they can take someone who will do the next best thing, stop the opponent’s QB. Without an out-and-out number 1 pass rusher Ansah has all the tools to become that player down the road
Who they’ll get: Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) - New Owner GM combo usually means a skill position first up and with neither Blaine Gabbert nor Chad Henne making the position their own Smith is as good a choice as any for the Jags rebuild.
Alternate Pick: Ezekiel Ansah – If they don’t trade down or take a QB they will look for a pass rusher.
Oakland Raiders
Draft Position: 3rd
Team Needs: DE, CB, S, OL, LB, TE
Who they want: Dion Jordan (OLB, Oregon) – They like what Jordan brings to the table and this may not be too high.
Who they need: Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) - Without a star QB, the Raiders will continue to mire in mediocrity
Who they’ll get: Ezekiel Ansah (DE, Brigham Young) – The Raiders have a need at DE and won’t be too concerned about Ansah’s lack of playing time.
Alternate Pick: Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) – Intrigued by his upside and measurable this may win over the Raiders decision makers.
Philadelphia Eagles
Draft Position: 4th
Team Needs: LOT, DE, CB, OLB, S, DT
Who they want: Dion Jordan (OLB, Oregon) – He played under Chip Kelly at Oregon and would be a good fit for what Kelly is trying to implement in Philadelphia.
Who they need: Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M) or Eric Fisher (OT, Central Michigan) – Probably need to keep their QB upright, whoever ends up playing there
Who they’ll get: Dion Jordan – Expect a trade with Jacksonville to ensure they get their man.
Alternate Pick: Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) – New coach often means new QB so while Smith may not be rated this high on their big board if Chip Kelly thinks he can work with him then this will be the pick
Detroit Lions
Draft Position: 5th
Team Needs: DE, CB, OLB, OT, OG, S
Who they want: Ezekiel Ansah (DE, Brigham Young) – A good fit as they revamp their defense
Who they need: Eric Fisher (OT, Central Michigan) – The defense needs an overhaul but Fisher is a safer bet and a position of need.
Who they’ll get: Eric Fisher – If Fisher really does drop to 5 then it is an easy option for the Lions.
Alternate Pick: Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) – If Fisher is off the board Johnson could be just as good as choice.
Cleveland Browns
Draft Position: 6th
Team Needs: FS, CB, WR, OLB, OG, DB, TE
Who they want: Trade down. They don’t have a 2nd round pick but still have many needs to fill.
Who they need: Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia) – Long term they will need a change at QB but in the meantime they could do with more targets for Brandon Weeden to throw to.
Who they’ll get: Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) – Milliner’s injury concerns could push D.J. Hayden, who has health issues of his own into the number 1 corner taken but at this stage we predict a trade with Dallas and a great pickup at #18 in a position of need.
Alternate Pick: Tyler Eifert (TE, Notre Dame) – Lots of buzz they want a Tight End over a wideout.
Arizona Cardinals
Draft Position: 7th
Team Needs: LOT, QB, OG, RB, DB, TE
Who they want: Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) - Will keep trying to hit on a QB until they find one
Who they need: Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M) - No QB will succeed in Arizona until they fix their O-Line issues
Who they’ll get: Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) – With Carson Palmer now there it makes sense to get someone to help keep him upright.
Alternate Pick: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – Very high for a guard but Cooper is one of the cleanest prospects in the draft and fills a position of need.
Buffalo Bills
Draft Position: 8th
Team Needs: LB, QB, WR, CB, DE, TE, OL
Who they want: Ryan Nassib (QB, Syracuse) – Doug Marrone knows what he is getting and the fact is Buffalo will continue to be irrelevant until they find a franchise QB.
Who they need: Mike Glennon (QB, North Carolina State) – The prototype for a QB in the conditions of Buffalo may require someone with the build and arm strength of Glennon over the smarts of Nassib.
Who they’ll get: Ryan Nassib – Potentially they will try and trade down but unless someone falls in love with Tavon Austin they may be stuck at 8 and have to make a big decision.
Alternate Pick: Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) - Buddy Nix likes the SEC and despite taking Stephon Gilmore in the 1st round last year they still need lots of help at corner
New York Jets
Draft Position: 9th
Team Needs: OLB, OG, S, TE, RB, QB, WR
Who they want: Tyler Eifert (TE, Notre Dame) – They lost Dustin Keller in the off-season, Eifert would be a huge upgrade and Tight End is a better out for Mark Sanchez than the options at receiver.
Who they need: Chance Warmack (OG, Alabama) – The Jets need to re-commit to the run and Warmack would definitely help in that area.
Who they’ll get: Tyler Eifert – With a second option at #13 the Jets can feel comfortable about moving Eifert into the top ten as he is as clean a receiving prospect as any.
Alternate Pick: Barkevious Mingo (OLB, LSU) – Pass rushing is a big need but not sure if Mingo will be the upgrade they require.
Tennessee Titans
Draft Position: 10th
Team Needs: CB, DE, WR, FS, OT, LB, OL
Who they want: Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M) – Would love to upgrade their line and may consider trading up to do it.
Who they need: Luke Joeckel (see above)
Who they’ll get: Bjoern Werner (DE, Florida State) – One of the top DE’s this college season hasn’t really produced during the draft process but would still be a great addition and even better if the Titans can move down a little and still get him.
Alternate Pick: Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) – Need help at corner and Milliner here is good value.
San Diego Chargers
Draft Position: 11th
Team Needs: DT, LOT, SS, LB, WR
Who they want: Barkevious Mingo (OLB, LSU) – A genuine pass rusher has been a need in San Diego for a while now.
Who they need: Luke Joeckel (OT, Texas A&M)/Eric Fisher(OT, Central Michigan) - San Diego need to protect Rivers or he will never take them to the next level, can they make the trade to get one of Joeckel, Fisher or Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson?
Who they’ll get: Barkevious Mingo – Another key position of need and should still be there at #11.
Alternate Pick: Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah) – This is the Chargers biggest position of need and Lotulelei is a top ten pick if you take away his health concerns.
Miami Dolphins
Draft Position: 12th
Team Needs: LOT, DE, ROT, CB, TE, DT, FS, OG
Who they want: Ezekiel Ansah (DE, Brigham Young) – Someone who can wreak havoc on the edges
Who they need: Just about any offensive tackle available.
Who they’ll get: D.J. Fluker (Alabama) – Can play either left or right tackle and is one of the big reasons why Alabama have continued to produce top flight running backs over the past 3 seasons.
Alternate Pick: Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) – Milliner is dropping down the boards but CB is a position of need and could be worth the selection at #12.
New York Jets
Draft Position: 13th
Who they want: Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia) – A pass rusher has been sorely lacking in Rex Ryan’s defense the past couple of years.
Who they need: Chance Warmack (OG, Alabama) – As stated before, the Jets need to be able to run the football once more.
Who they’ll get: Chance Warmack – It will be a tough choice between Warmack and Jones but Warmack may offer a little more with some decent pass rush prospects potentially available in the 2nd round.
Alternate Pick: Jarvis Jones – If the Jets would rather load up on skill positions then Jones compliments the Eifert pick well.
Carolina Panthers
Draft Position: 14th
Team Needs: DT, CB, WR, ROT, OG
Who they want: Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah) – Before the heart condition was the number 1 player overall and in Carolina’s position of greatest need.
Who they need: Star Lotulelei - See above
Who they’ll get: Star Lotulelei – Is a powerhouse in the middle and excellent value for the Panthers.
Alternate Pick: Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) – A good alternative if Lotulelei is either unavailable or the health scare is too risky for Carolina management.
New Orleans Saints
Draft Position: 15th
Team Needs: LOT, DE, FS, DT, OC, CB, OLB
Who they want: Kenny Vaccaro (FS, Texas) – They see good value in Vaccaro here and fills a clear position of need.
Who they need: Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) – If Johnson falls into the back half of the top ten it could be worth the Saints while to trade up and get him, he is very mobile and has huge upside in New Orleans’ biggest position of need.
Who they’ll get: Kenny Vaccaro – Hard to see them getting away from Vaccaro here.
Alternate Pick: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – Cooper is great value and could also play center.
St Louis Rams
Draft Position: 16th
Team Needs: OLB, WR, S, RB, OG, DT, DE
Who they want: Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia) – The perfect replacement for Danny Amendola.
Who they need: Tavon Austin – Someone who can be a game-changer on the offense.
Who they’ll get: Tavon Austin – If Austin really does fall to #16 the Rams couldn’t move fast enough to get him.
Alternate Pick: Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) – A big body upfront is a viable option if Austin is off the board.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Position: 17th
Team Needs: OLB, S, WR, TE, ILB, RB, OL
Who they want: Best player on the board is usually their MO.
Who they need: Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia) – One of the best players left on the board will instantly replace the departing James Harrison.
Who they’ll get: Jarvis Jones - They may wish to trade with someone keen for a CB but otherwise expect them to take Jones here who is a good fit for BPA meets need.
Alternate Pick: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – Not as big a need this year but any top 15 player that can be gained in the 20s is alright
Dallas Cowboys
Draft Position: 18th
Team Needs: DT, FS, DB, ROT, OL, WR
Who they want: Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Tennessee) – After signing Tony Romo to an extension they now need a big, fast target for him.
Who they need: A complete overhaul, things just aren’t working for the Cowboys.
Who they’ll get: Sharrif Floyd (DT, Florida) – Via a trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Cowboys showed last year they are not afraid to make big moves and go up to #6 to fill their biggest position of need with the best player in said position.
Alternate Pick: Xavier Rhodes (CB, Florida State) – If they stay put at #18 then there remains good value at corner for the DB needy Cowboys.
New York Giants
Draft Position: 19th
Team Needs: OT, FS, CB. OL, TE, OLB, DT
Who they want: Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) – If they get past his injury concerns they may jump up and get him.
Who they need: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – Considering their needs across the O-Line this would be a steal.
Who they’ll get: Jonathan Cooper – At some point Cooper will be taken on Thursday night and the Giants are as good a fit as any.
Alternate Pick: D.J. Hayden (CB, Houston) – A major health scare has Hayden down the boards but will the Giants be prepared to gamble and get a guy with a very high ceiling in a position of need?
Chicago Bears
Draft Position: 20th
Team Needs: OG, ILB, OLB, CB, OL
Who they want: Alec Ogletree (LB, Georgia) – With the departure of Brian Urlacher the Bears may go after a linebacker here.
Who they need: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – The Bears need a guard so picking 20 may be a touch too late for either Cooper or Chance Warmack, the two top prospects in the draft this year.
Who they’ll get: Alec Ogletree – A new regime at Chicago, we expect them to try and find a difference maker on the defense.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Minter (LB, LSU) – If they like Minter more than Ogletree it could be a surprise selection here.
Cincinnati Bengals
Draft Position: 21st
Team Needs: SS, ILB, RB, CB
Who they want: Xavier Rhodes (CB, Florida State) – The Bengals have a strong defense but the value here is to take Rhodes who upgrades their secondary.
Who they need: Eddie Lacy (RB, Alabama) – It may be a touch high for Lacy for Cincinnati could do with a revamp at running back.
Who they’ll get: Xavier Rhodes – The Bengals will try and trade out but if they can’t do that then Rhodes is still their number one choice.
Alternate Pick: Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) – It’s not a position of need but Richardson is great value here.
St Louis Rams (From Washington Redskins)
Draft Position: 22nd
Who they want: Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia) – They will be desperately hoping Jones falls to them.
Who they need: Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) – Maybe not as strong a need as pass rusher but realistically Richardson is the obvious choice if still available.
Who they’ll get: Eddie Lacy (RB, Alabama) – With Steven Jackson departing St. Louis need a feature running back so Lacy is a good fit.
Alternate Pick: Sheldon Richardson – Unlikely the Rams get this lucky twice but if the Vikings don’t jump above them St Louis will get two high value players at positions of need on the same night.
Minnesota Vikings
Draft Position: 23rd
Team Needs: DT, CB, WR, ILB, DB, OL
Who they want: Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) – If Richardson gets below 19 expect the Vikings to package a deal with somebody to go get him.
Who they need: Sheldon Richardson – A clear need so with a second pick in the first round why not go get him?
Who they’ll get: Sheldon Richardson – We expect a trade with the Bengals to make it happen.
Alternate Pick: Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina) - If the Vikings stand pat and the Rams take Richardson then Williams is a pretty good second prize.
Indianapolis Colts
Draft Position: 24th
Team Needs: DE, ROT, OLB, CB
Who they want: Bjoern Werner (DE, Florida State) – Werner could slide and if he does then the Colts will be very happy.
Who they need: Anyone on defense – Last year they concentrated on offense so this year they need to invest a similar amount of energy into their defense.
Who they’ll get: D.J. Hayden (CB, Houston) – It’s a risk but if Hayden can get over his health concerns they have a top ten pick at #24.
Alternate Pick: Menelik Watson (OT, Florida State) – Right Tackle is a position of need so Watson represents BPA meets need.
Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks)
Draft Position: 25th
Who they want: Manti Te’o (ILB, Notre Dame) – It’s possible the Vikings see enough in Te’o to pull the trigger here.
Who they need: Kevin Minter (ILB, LSU) – Minter is not just a cleaner prospect than Te’o, he is better also.
Who they’ll get: Manti Te’o – The toughest choice yet but Te’o intrigues just enough.
Alternate Pick: Kevin Minter – See them taking a linebacker, they may trade back to do so.
Green Bay Packers
Draft Position: 26th
Team Needs: DE, SS, OLB, LOT, WR
Who they want: Margus Hunt (DE, Southern Methodist) – Perhaps a little raw but Hunt gives the Packers a little bit of nasty up front.
Who they need: For a team as successful as the Packers they have a lot of needs, just about any pick helps them here.
Who they’ll get: Margus Hunt – We think they take a chance on the Estonian.
Alternate Pick: Datone Jones (DE, UCLA) – Another option at DE.
Houston Texans
Draft Position: 27th
Team Needs: FS, WR, DT, ILB, OL
Who they want: Robert Woods (WR, Southern California)
Who they need: Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia) – Someone to really stretch the field opposite Andre Johnson could turn the Texans into a championship team
Who they’ll get: Robert Woods – There’s a lot to like about the USC receiver and the Texans definitely need a legitimate second target opposite Andre Johnson
Alternate Pick: Kevin Minter – It is a position of need, just a question as to where they have Minter rated.
Denver Broncos
Draft Position: 28th
Team Needs: DE, RB, S, OT, DT, ILB, CB, TE, OLB
Who they want: Trading out to get more picks.
Who they need: BPA – Reality is there are still lots of holes to fill
Who they’ll get: Datone Jones (DE, UCLA) – Defensive End is a key position of need and Jones would be a day one starter.
Alternate Pick: Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina) – Great value for Williams here and a position of some need.
New England Patriots
Draft Position: 29th
Team Needs: CB, WR, DE, ROT, OG, S, OLB, OC
Who they want: Jonathan Cooper (OG, North Carolina) – A highly regarded guard that may fall down the draft board for players in more sought after positions
Who they need: Trade Out – They have positions to fill but Belichick could do so in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
Who they’ll get: Desmond Trufant (CB, Washington) – Trufant is the just about the best player on the board in the Pat’s area of most need.
Alternate Pick: DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Clemson) – More than likely, Bill Belichick trades down but Hopkins could be the prototype receiver that New England value most.
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Position: 30th
Team Needs: CB, OLB, DT, DE, OL
Who they want: Jamar Taylor (CB, Boise State) – The Falcons need a cornerback badly and it just so happens that corners are in good supply at this stage of the draft.
Who they need: Alec Ogletree (OLB, Georgia) – Atlanta also have needs at linebacker.
Who they’ll get: Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina) – Just don’t see them passing on such a talent at this point in the draft.
Alternate Pick: Desmond Trufant (CB, Washington) – They may switch with the Pats to ensure they get Trufant if they like him considerably more than Taylor.
San Francisco 49ers
Draft Position: 31st
Team Needs: FS, DT, DE, SS, OG, OC, OLB
Who they want: Zach Ertz (TE, Stanford) – Coach Jim Harbaugh should know just how good Ertz could be
Who they need: Jonathan Cyprien (SS, Florida International) – The Niners still have need at safety.
Who they’ll get: Zach Ertz – Harbaugh has all the tools but will continue to upgrade wherever he can, although he may still be there at #34.
Alternate Pick: Jesse Williams (DT, Alabama) – He has dropped in recent days but Williams has the physical tools that Harbaugh likes.
Baltimore Ravens
Draft Position: 32nd
Team Needs: ILB, LOT, OLB, CB, WR, SS, OL
Who they want: Kevin Minter (ILB, LSU) – See him as the perfect replacement for Ray Lewis.
Who they need: Kevin Minter – Has an eerie set of similarities to Ray Lewis and is probably undervalued on most people’s draft boards.
Who they’ll get: Kevin Minter – Just can’t see them getting away from this match.
Alternate Pick: Menelik Watson (OT, Florida State) – Good value considering the need at tackle.
Teams not picking in the First Round
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Position: 43rd
Team Needs: CB, DT, ROT, DE, OLB, ILB
Who they want: Johnthan Banks (CB, Mississippi State) - The secondary is in disarray and Banks is the best player available to upgrade it
Who they need: Johnthan Banks - Some excellent players available but can’t get past the need at corner
Who they’ll get: Johnthan Banks - Only knock on him is his size
Alternate Pick: Justin Pugh (OT, Syracuse) – Would be a good addition here.
Washington Redskins
Draft Position: 51st
Team Needs: FS, CB, SS, TE, WR, ROT
Who they want: Matt Elam (SS, Florida) – Tough safety from Florida that would be an instant upgrade.
Who they need: The best DB left on the board.
Who they’ll get: Philip Thomas (FS, Fresno State) – Probably the most likely to still be available here.
Alternate Pick: Travis Kelce (TE, Cincinnati) – Tight End is a position of need and Kelce is safely the 3rd best in this draft.
Seattle Seahawks
Draft Position: 56th
Team Needs: OLB, DT, DE, ROT, OG, ILB
Who they want: Justin Hunter (WR, Tennessee) – The Seahawks aren’t afraid to go out and ‘get a guy’ and Hunter is an intriguing match of size (6’4”) and speed (4.49 40 time)
Who they need: Keenan Allan (WR, California) – Probably safer than Hunter but not sure if Allan will be there at #56
Who they’ll get: Sam Montgomery (DE, LSU) – We expect some of the DE’s to still be available to the Seahawks who would be very happy if Montgomery is their pick.
Alternate Pick: Damontre Moore (DE, Texas A&M) – Could be excellent value if still around here.
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