2013 NFL Mock Draft by Nathan updated 04/12/2013
1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joeckel OT
The Chiefs have made it pretty clear that they are zeroing on the top Tackle in the 2013 NFL draft. They franchised Brandon Albert, who agreed to sign on to the tender. This means that Albert is no guarantee to sign back with Kansas City at the end of the season, as I’m sure he’ll be looking for a big contract. Also, the Chiefs have already parted ways with right tackle Eric Winston. In doing so, they have a void at right tackle for this season. Joeckel can enter right in there and start, and slide over to the left in 2014 if Albert departs. A win win situation.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dion Jordan DE
New head coach Gus Bradley is all about the defensive side of the ball. He had a stellar defense in Seattle, and he’ll be looking to do the same with his new squad. First and foremost, they need a pass rush. They have ranked in the bottom of the NFL for years in sacks, and the defense will never be successful without fixing that problem. Dion Jordan would be an excellent option at this juncture. He fits in Bradley’s system as the "Leo", and will be counted on to be relentless on opposing teams’ Quarterbacks. He had an inconsistent career at Oregon, but with his measurable qualities and his work ethic, there’s no reason he won’t be successful in Jacksonville.
3. Oakland Raiders- Geno Smith QB
I really feel that Geno Smith will be selected in this spot, but I’m not 100% sure it will be Oakland. The stock on Smith has been growing since his pro day, and we’ve seen as many as 8 teams express interest in obtaining Smith. I’m not convinced Oakland is ready to bypass Carson Palmer quite yet, so I think they will look to move their draft spot. Luckily for them, the Philadelphia Eagles have been rumored to covet Smith for a while now. Because of this, teams will need to jump Philadelphia to guarantee the selection of Geno Smith. I could absolutely see the Jets, Browns, Cardinals or Bills trade up for him, as they all have gaping holes at the quarterback position.
4. Philadelphia Eagles- Shariff Floyd DT
Many have mocked a tackle to the Eagles, but with Jason Peters returning, I think they will refrain from the selection. However, with the transition to the 3-4, they are in need of new talent on defense. With the release of Cullen Jenkins, a defensive end is a position of great need as Fletcher Cox only fills one side. Shariff Floyd projects better as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but with his talent level, it should be no surprise if Philadelphia selects him. Many experts have him as the number one defensive player in the draft, so getting him at this juncture is a steal.
5. Detroit Lions- Eric Fisher OT
I really want to mock Ziggy Ansah to the Lions, but with Gosder Cherilus leaving for the Colts and Jeff Backus retiring, the tackle position is in dire need of improvement. The jury is still out of Riley Reiff, but he will at least fill in at the right tackle position. However, the blind side is spot that most obviously needs fixed, and Eric Fisher can do just that. The Central Michigan product is my number two rated tackle, and would slide in excellently in as Matthew Stafford left tackle. Although he played against MAC competition in college, he absolutely dominated his opposition and it will translate well to the NFL.
6. Cleveland Browns- Dee Milliner CB
The Browns need a quarterback, but unless they trade up for Geno Smith, it’s doubtful they will draft any of the prospects here. The other glaring need is a cornerback to pair with Joe Haden. Signing Paul Kruger will no doubt greatly improve their pass rush, which will cause quarterbacks to make rushed decisions. Why not add a playmaker who can help capitalize on their mistakes? Sheldon Brown has been solid, but Milliner has the talent to be a shutdown corner just like his teammate Haden. This move would vault Cleveland into a top 10 defense in my opinion.
7. Arizona Cardinals- Ziggy Ansah DE/LB
Like the Browns, the Cardinals are in great need of a quarterback. But likewise, there is nobody worth drafting at this juncture unless they trade up. The next most glaring need is pass rush, and Ziggy Ansah is my top rates rush linebacker. His is raw, but we’ve seen "raw" pass rushers excel in the NFL (JPP, Aldon Smith, Demarcus Ware). The Cardinals are going to be miserable on offense until either Kurt Warner returns or they draft a quarterback in the 2014 draft. In this draft though, they can solidify their pass rush for years to come.
8. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Nassib QB
I know, I’m a hypocrite. I said there aren’t any quarterbacks worth drafting in the top 10, but this is the Buffalo Bills we are talking about here. They haven’t had a solid quarterback since Jim Kelly, and I’m sure the 10 remaining fans of this team would love to finally obtain a franchise guy. Doug Marrone is the new head coach, and with every other new head coach, he wants to select HIS guy. Why not Nassib? He played under Marrone at Syracuse and has the leadership qualities and arm strength to excel at the next level. His footwork needs work, but that can improve over time. Buddy Nix is desperate to start a new, winning tradition in Buffalo, and that all starts with the signal caller position.
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