2013 NFL Mock Draft by Nathan | Picks 17-24
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tavon Austin WR
Losing Mike Wallace is going to hurt the Steelers, as his speed opened up a lot over the middle. Why not replace him with a better playmaker, with a better attitude and better hands? Austin will immediately click with Big Ben, and easily make up for the departure of Wallace.
18. Dallas Cowboys- Chance Warmack OG
Tony Romo has been rocked way too many times in his starting quarterback career. Tyron Smith and Doug Free are entrenched at the tackle spots, but the guard positions are a different story. Dallas can get an all pro player if they select Warmack, and I see no reason why they would let him slip away.
19. New York Giants- Barkevious Mingo DE/LB
Keke Mingo is a guy who can rush the passer, but is pretty raw in defending the run. However, if he were selected by the Giants, he would only need to function as a pass rushing specialist until he improves his all around game. The Giants know how important the pass rush is, and adding Mingo would be a smart move as Osi Umenyiora’s tenure for the Big Blue is over.
20. Chicago Bears- Arthur Brown LB
Brian Urlacher’s departure is huge because he was the vocal leader, and the heart and soul. His abilities have without a doubt eroded, but his leadership will be missed most. Lance Briggs is also getting older as we speak, so very quickly, the line backing position has become a concern. Arthur Brown offers great ability, and leadership, so he seems like the perfect fit here.
DJ Fluker will also be considered, but I think Brown will get the nod.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- DJ Fluker OT
Andre Smith may or may not be back as the team’s right tackle. DJ Fluker projects as a very good right tackle. Perfect match. The end.
22 St. Louis Rams- Keenan Allen WR
The Rams biggest weakness is Wide Receiver. They could have selected Tavon Austin earlier, but I really think they want a true number one, not a slot guy. Keenan Allen has number one potential, and has the size and speed to back it up.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Justin Hunter WR
The Tennessee Volunteers have underachieved greatly in recent years, but they surely have produced some great talents at the receiver position.
Even after signing Greg Jennings, the Vikings still need help at the receiver position. I thought about mocking someone else after they brought back Jerome Simpson, but I think that was to give them some more depth.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Jonathan Cooper OG
Guard is not a position that the Colts really need to address, but Cooper is way too good to pass up. I wanted to slot him sooner, but haven’t been able to find a good home for him. Here it is, protecting the future face of the NFL.