2013 NFL Draft: Mock Draft Week 13
By Josh Sanchez
Each week Fansided.com will have a new mock draft t preview and showcase this upcoming April’s draft. For more in depth analysis of each pick, be sure to visit the Fansided site of your favorite team and check back each Monday for a new and updated Mock Draft.
NOTE: This is as accurate a draft order as possible. As the season nears it’s conclusion, the accuracy of the draft positioning will become more pin point.
– Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
The Kansas City Chiefs need to find a franchise signal-caller. There is no debating that. Unfortunately for Kansas City, this is a weak year to have the first-overall pick but they need to grab the top quarterback on the board in hopes of moving the franchise forward. In the 2013 NFL Draft class, the top quarterback is none other than Geno Smith.
– Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
The Jaguars need to add playmakers on both sides of the ball and there is no one in this year’s draft class with more upside than Mingo. His rare size/speed/strength combination will make him attractive to teams at the top of the draft. In a year where defensive players will dominate the draft, Mingo may be the most naturally gifted pass rusher.
– Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah
The Raiders front seven is horrendous. What they need is a big, dominating presence in the middle of their defense and Lotulelei is as imposing of a force as you can get. In the past, the Raiders always looked like the biggest, most physical team when they got off the bus. Not only does Lotulelei look the part, but he makes the most of his physical attributes on the field.
– Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Cleveland needs to improve their linebacking corp, so common sense would tell you Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o should be the pick. However, inside linebackers generally fall further than they should in favor of big-time pass rushers. Jones is neck and neck with Mingo as the top pass rusher in this year’s draft class and the Browns would be happy to add either player.
– Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
The Eagles offensive line is dreadful… just ask LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick. Until the Eagles put together a better offensive line they will continue to struggle. Luckily for Philly, Joeckel will fall right into their laps in this scenario and he is far and away the top offensive tackle prospect this year. If the Eagles finish the season picking in the top portion of the draft, Joeckel will be the apple of their eye.
– Johnathan Hankins, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
What do you do when you struggle to stop th run? Select a big man to hold it down in the middle of your defensive line. Hankins is very stout against the run and would immediately improve the Panthers rush defense. If Lotulelei is gone at this point, Carolina needs to pull the trigger on Hankins.
– Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Much like the Eagles, San Diego needs to improve their offensive line and they get to snag the other offensive tackle from Texas A&M. When you play on the same team as Luke Joeckel and are still able to stand out on the film, you know you have the chops to transition to the NFL and make an impact. Matthews would be just what Philip Rivers ordered.
– Manti Te’o, Linebacker, Notre Dame
The Buffalo Bills would be ecstatic to have Te’o fall into their laps. Te’o is arguably the best player in this year’s draft class, but he falls due to his position. Te’o is an incredible leader on the field and has proven to be a model citizen off the field. Buffalo will be tempted to select a quarterback in the first-round, but outside of Geno Smith there is no signal-caller worthy of a top ten pick.
– Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
The Jets need help rushing the passer and Moore is one of the most underrated players that is draft eligible this season. In order for the Jets coverage scheme to be properly effective, they need the top notch pass rush which they have lacked this season. Adding a guy like Moore would give the Jets defense the boost they need.
– Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
Werner was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football this season and he would be an easy pick for the Titans. When talent of this level meets a serious area of need, it’s a selection you need to make.
– Tyler Wilson, Quarterback, Arkansas
Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley just aren’t going to cut it for the Cardinals. This team is in desperate need of a potential franchise quarterback and it would be tough for them to pass on a talent like Wilson at this point in the draft.
– Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
It is no secret that the Lions have struggled in the secondary for the past few seasons and they can begin making a move in the right direction by taking the clear number one cornerback on draft boards. Milliner had an incredible season and separated himself from the rest of the draft eligible corners.
– Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
Sam Bradford needs any help he can get and the Rams can start by adding a monster tackle to protect the guy they drafted to be their franchise quarterback. The jury is still out on Bradford, but adding an imposing tackle like Lewan would go a long way in helping Bradford’s progress.
– Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, Cal
Ryan Tannehill has shown flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign but there is one problem — the poor guy has no weapons. Miami has a stable of capable running backs, so they need to add more outside threats to the offense. There is no better outside threat in this year’s draft than Keenan Allen who is far and away the top wideout. This pick would make Tannehill a very happy man.
(From Redskins) – Eric Reid, Safety, LSU
The Rams are beginning to turn things around and anytime you have multiple first-round picks you need to go with the best player available strategy. At this point in the draft, with a safety class that lacks depth, it would make sense to pull the trigger on a safety like Reid. Pairing him up with Cortland Finnegan in the Rams secondary could form a great duo for the future.