2013 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20 by Daniel
11. SD Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia (OLB/34OLB)
Jones’ on-field production is unquestionably remarkable. He displays a lightning fast first step and phenomenal instincts as a pass rushing linebacker. He can excel as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 like the Chargers use or a 4-3 in a Von Miller role. The questions have to do with his health. He could have a spine condition that might end his career before it begins. In fact he had to transfer to Georgia from Southern California because their doctors would not clear him to play. He also has been known to practice poorly and ran a molasses-slow 4.92 forty at his pro day. All of these factors make him a very hard prospect to predict. Some teams might have him as a top five talent while others will not have him their draft board at all. It is impossible to know which teams will take the chance. The Chargers could certainly use a pass rusher like him but they could choose someone like Barkevious Mingo or an offensive tackle like Lane Johnson instead.
12. Mia Lane Johnson, LT Oklahoma (LT/RT)
Johnson is far more athletic than your typical offensive lineman. He came to Oklahoma as a high school quarterback who played tight end and defensive end before moving inside to tackle. He has risen up draft boards after a superb week at the Senior Bowl. At 6’6” 305 lb. he can run a 4.7 forty, a time many tight ends or linebackers would love. The Dolphins have been among the most active teams in free agency and also have five picks in the first three rounds so they are set up to take the best player available. Johnson and Jonathan Martin would give them two young bookends to offset the loss of Jake Long. Other possibilities include cornerback Xavier Rhodes, defensive tackles Star Lotulelei, Sheldon Richardson, and defensive end BjoernWerner.
13. TB Sheldon Richardson, DT Missouri (DT/34DE)
Richardson was the highlight of Missouri’s transition to the SEC. He is a quick and penetrating defensive tackle who is ideally suited to the three-technique where he can pressure the quarterback. If it weren’t for Sharrif Floyd, Richardson would get the annual obligatory Warren Sapp comparison. Buccaneer coach Greg Schiano emphasizes a smaller, faster front seven with a line that stunt and move. That would be a perfect match for Richardson. They would also love to get their hands on a physical corner like Xavier Rhodes or an offensive tackle like Lane Johnson.
14. Car Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Tennessee (WR)
Patterson has only one year of major college football after transferring to Tennessee from junior college. He combines size and explosiveness in a manner similar to Dez Bryant. Even though he is extremely raw his physical skills make him the top receiver in the draft. The Panthers could be in a difficult position with this pick. They would love to get one of the top three defensive tackles (Sharrif Floyd, Star Lotulelei, and Sheldon Richardson) or top two cornerbacks (Dee Milliner and Xavier Rhodes) but may found themselves out of luck. That could make them a candidate to trade up or down. If Patterson escapes the top ten they could draft him to pair with, and eventually replace, aging star Steve Smith. Safety Kenny Vaccaro could also be considered.
15. NO Barkevious Mingo, DE Louisiana State (DE/34OLB)
Mingo was an explosive yet undersized defensive end in at Louisiana State. He will not offer a lot in the way of run support. At 240 lb. he seems destined to be strictly a 3-4 outside linebacker. Though he is a one dimensional player the one skill he possesses in abundance, speed off the edge, is in very high demand. This would make him very attractive to the Saints as they transition to a 3-4 defense. A nose tackle such as Jonathan Hankins would work as well as safety Kenny Vaccaro.
16. StL Tavon Austin, RB/WR West Virginia (WR)
The diminutive Austin is an electric playmaker. He has rare speed and can be extremely difficult to wrap up. He was renowned for his ability to turn short passes from Geno Smith into home runs. At 5’9”, 175 lb. there are questions about how durable he will be in the NFL, but his pure speed will ensure he is drafted in the top twenty to play a role similar to Pervy Harvin. This is the first of two first round picks for the Rams which is fortunate because they have a lot of needs. In addition to a receiver they could target safety Kenny Vaccaro, offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper, or linebackers Alec Ogletree and Arthur Brown.
17. Pit Kenny Vaccaro, FS Texas (FS/SS)
Vaccaro is a hard hitting, rangy safety who has the versatility to play deep, in the box, or in the big nickel. As the top player at his position in this draft class he could go as high as the top ten just as Mark Barron did a year ago, though he will have to answer questions about character concerns. The Steelers usually do a good job of letting the draft come to them and not reaching for prospects. Vaccaro would give them crucial youth and depth at safety with Troy Polamalu often injured and Ryan Clark entering his mid-thirties. They also could take a pass rusher that falls to them like Barkevious Mingo, Jarvis Jones, or Damontre Moore. Nose tackle Jonathan Hankins could fit as well.
18. Dal Jonathan Cooper, OG North Carolina (C/OG)
“Agile” and “fluid” are words not usually used to describe interior offensive linemen. Cooper is easily described as such while also being tough and physical. Perhaps most of all he excels at pulling out as a lead blocker. He has scheme versatility and many believe he could move to center without issue. The Cowboys do not usually spend first round picks on offensive linemen but they badly need to upgrade their interior. They would be happy if either Cooper or Kenny Vaccaro fell to them. They could also look to add pieces to the front seven as they transition to a 4-3 defense.
19. NYG Bjoern Werner, DE Florida State (DE/34OLB)
Werner came to the United States from Germany in high school to play football. He did so at a very high level as the left defensive end for Florida State and appeared to be a top five pick a few months ago. A prototypical left end, he can pressure the quarterback as well as defend the run. He played anywhere between 255-275 lb. so he can adjust for different schemes. His draft stock has fallen after merely average workouts but the tape remains unchanged. The Giants are another team that does a great job of picking up players that have lasted longer than they should on the draft board. It is also well known they believe “there is no such thing as too many pass rushers”. With Osi Umenyiora departing via free agency and Justin Tuck battling injuries the past few years they could certainly look for another defensive end. Defensive end Damontre Moore and cornerback Desmond Trufant could also pique their interest, but they will keep their eyes open to whichever prospect falls into their laps.
20. Chi Alec Ogletree, ILB/SS Georgia (MLB/34ILB)
Ogletree moved down from safety early in his college career to lead an elite group of linebackers. The speed that once allowed him to play deep in coverage now helps him make plays sideline to sideline. He is a true three down linebacker, a dying breed in the NFL. The coverage skills he possesses make him a perfect fit to play the middle in a cover two defense. Some teams might be scared off by his run-ins with the law, most recently accruing a DUI shortly before the combine. If the Bears feel they can contain him they could turn to him to restore a once stout linebacking core as the replacement for future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher. If not, they could ask the same of Arthur Jones. Guard/center Jonathan Cooper could get a look as well if he is still on the board and wide receiver Keenan Allen cold tempt them as well.