NFL Mock Draft 2013: Updated Post-Divisional Round Mock Draft
By Josh Sanchez
St. Louis needs to build in the trenches and Warmack is among the best offensive guard prospects in nearly a decade. The Rams will likely be targeting a right tackle with this pick, but most of the options at pick 16 would be considered a reach. Warmack, however, is great value and would be hard to pass up.
Pittsburgh needs to go through a youth movement on the defensive side of the ball and there would be no better way to start than to bring in Manti Te’o. Te’o would be a star in the Steelers scheme as he would be able to run free with the big bodies up front eating up blockers. Te’o also brings incredible leadership which would be valuable to Pittsburgh when their aging stars are out the door.
Dallas is transitioning to a 4-3 defense under Monte Kiffin and Floyd would be a brilliant fit in the scheme. The transition to the 40 front should not be a problem for the Cowboys if they can add a 3-technique pass rushing defensive tackle to the mix. That is where Floyd can immediately be plugged in and make an impact.
Ansah is a freak athlete who still has so much untapped potential. Ansah is still new to the game, but he has the natural talent to join the Giants defensive line and learn from their veterans. Is there any better way to compliment a player like Jason Pierre-Paul than with a player who can develop into his clone?
The Bears will need an eventual replacement for Brian Urlacher and Arthur Brown could prove to be that man. Brown is considered an undersized linebacker with unmatched vision that flies around the ball with reckless abandon. He would be a welcomed addition to the Chicago linebacker corp.
In a division with Ben Roethlisberger and his speedy wideouts, Joe Flacco who is coming into his own and then the Browns who are preparing to install a vertical passing game, you need to add help in the secondary. What better way to do that than to add a rangy safety?
The Rams are bolstering the offensive line, but they also need to provide targets for Sam Bradford. There is no better way to bring comfort to a young quarterback than to bring in a reliable, sure-handed tight end that the signal-caller can use as a safety blanket. Eifert would provide Bradford that comfort.
There are some whispers that the Vikings could be moving on from Percy Harvin in the offseason, so the Vikings will need to find a replacement. Allen is a versatile wide receiver who could fill the void Harvin’s departure would leave, while adding a more reliable target and legitimate receiving threat for Christian Ponder.
Indianapolis needs to bring in talent to complete their transition to the 3-4. Hankins is a massive man who could anchor the center of the team’s 30 front. He would become the Colts linebackers best friend.
Seattle could benefit from adding another pass rusher in this year’s class, but they also have a big need at right tackle. Fluker is a pure right tackle and fits in perfectly with the tough, gritty attitude that Pete Carroll has brought to Seattle. If you have a power running offense, Fluker is your man.
Reports have indicated that the Packers are ready to move on from tight end Jermichael Finley, so they would need to find a replacement. Ertz is one of two tight ends that will grade out as first-round prospects. While Eifert may be the more dynamic passing threat, Ertz is the more well-rounded of the two prospects.
27.
– Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
It was obvious all season long that the Texans need to add a threat in the slot and in the return game. The team can kill two birds with one stone if they bring in dynamic West Virginia wideout Tavon Austin. His skill set is perfect for what the Texans need. Another name to watch with the Texans pick is LSU linebacker Kevin Minter, who would also fill a big need.
28.
– Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State
Champ Bailey looked lost on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens and Torrey Smith. Smith was having his way with Bailey, who looked slow and ready for the end of his career. Rhodes brings some much needed youth to the defensive backfield in Denver and some speed that they currently lack.
Ray Lewis is retiring. Did you hear that yet? With that news, Baltimore will need to add another young linebacker to build up in the middle of the defense. Alec Ogletree is the top available interior linebacker at this pick.
Free safety is a place that the 49ers could benefit from improving on and Reid is just what the doctor ordered. He’s a fast, rangy safety that isn’t afraid to lay the big hit. He would allow the 49ers to move on from Dashon Goldson without missing a beat.
Bill Belichick loves versatile players and Barrett Jones is among the most versatile linemen in this year’s class. Jones can play center or both guard positions. He will be highly valued by a coach like The Hoody.
32.
– Sam Montgomery, Defensive End, LSU
Atlanta could use some additional pass rushers and Montgomery would be a great value for the team with the last pick in the first round. Montgomery is a natural pass rusher and will bring an immediately boost the defensive line’s overall speed. He fills a clear void and gives the team a future replacement for John Abraham.