2013 NFL Mock Draft by Nathan| Picks 9-16
9. Jets- Codarrelle Patterson WR
Mark Sanchez is an abomination, but his salary makes him impossible to move. Rex Ryan knows he has one shot to improve his team or he’s history, so I believe he will put many new weapons around Sanchez to help him succeed (although Sanchez’s biggest issue is his footwork, not his supporting cast, but I digress). Codarrelle Patterson is the number one rated receiver in this draft, and he has the ability to be special. He’s a talented playmaker who to me has a ceiling of Julio Jones. He is certainly worth a top 10 selection, even if he only had one highly productive year in college.
10. Tennessee Titans- Desmond Trufant CB
The Titans are praying to the Gods that Dee Milliner falls to them, but there’s no way that happens. They have to settle for second best, which isn’t so bad in this case. Trufant has playmaker ability that the Titans drastically need in the secondary. He is familiar with Titans GM Ruston Webster as he worked in the Seattle area and used to spend time with the Washington program.
I wanted to mock Chance Warmack, but with the Andy Levitre signing, I think this is much less likely to occur. Truant fills a huge need, and had been skyrocketing up draft boards.
11. San Diego Chargers- Lane Johnson OT
The Chargers need a left tackle. Plain and simple. Philip Rivers continues to get beat up week in and week out, and he’s continued to regress because of it. Lane Johnson can slide right into the blind side spot from day one and start. He had many ups and downs at Oklahoma, but he’s a very intriguing prospect because of his measurable qualities. I think the Chargers will not hesitate at all if he’s available.
12. Miami Dolphins- Xavier Rhodes CB
The dream team has landed in Miami. Alright really though, Miami is clearly in win now mode after dishing out contracts to free agents that will total over $100 million. In my opinion, they have about a two year window to win until they are in cap hell, with barely any room to budge. Their biggest need is cornerback, as they lost both Sean Smith and Vontae Davis in the last year. Xavier Rhodes is the top rated cornerback, so he fits the bill.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Star Lotulelei DT
This stud defensive tackle is a top 5 prospect, but he’s been lost in the shuffle after there were concerns about his heart irregularities. Gerald McCoy and Lotulelei would make a dynamic duo in the middle. The Buccaneers would no doubt pull the trigger if this guy fell to them.
14. Carolina Panthers- Sheldon Richardson DT
I’m sure the Panthers would love if Star Lotulelei fell one more spot, but unfortunately it doesn’t happen in this case. Richardson is a great consolation prize though. He has the athletic ability to take over not only the running game, but also the passing game. The Panthers haven’t had a consistent defensive tackle since Kris Jenkins, and Richardson can change that.
15. New Orleans Saints- Jarvis Jones DE/LB
Point your finger at any position on the defensive side of the ball for the Saints, and you’ll see a position of need. In this case, the Saints just need to be smart and select the best player available. I understand some teams have questions about Jones because of his spinal stenosis, but open your eyes people! He dominated SEC competition, and will do the same at the NFL level. With the Saints switching to a 3-4, Jones fits perfectly and will dominate from day one.
16. St. Louis Rams- Kenny Vaccaro S
This is a tough call for the Rams. Chance Warmack is the top rated player in my book, but guard isn’t as big of a need as other positions, so I think they let him pass. Tavon Austin is the top rated Wide Receiver, but I think the Rams want a true number one, not a slot receiver. That leaves the safety position, and Vaccaro is the top dog. He’s the playmaker they covet, and with Craig Dahl leaving, it makes room for the top safety.