NFL Mock Draft 2013: Pre-Super Bowl Edition
By Josh Sanchez
St. Louis could benefit from adding a big time receiving threat and it doesn’t get any better than Patterson. He is a big, vertical threat that burst on to the scene at the start of the college football season. Sam Bradford would be ecstatic to see Patterson suit up in a Rams uniform.
Jones’ medical issues could cause him to fall in this draft, despite being one of the top players based on pure talent. If he is to fall on draft day, he would go no lower than this pick to the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs to add youth to the linebacking corp and there is no better way to do that than by adding a top prospect. There is some belief that the Steelers could look for a nose tackle, but I am not buying into that. Expect them to resign Steve McLendon and plug him into the role they have been grooming him to fill for the past few seasons.
There are rumors swirling in the scouting community that the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones love Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson. We have seen Jones’ love for Arkansas players in the past, so the news should not come as a surprise. If the team is looking for a future replacement for Tony Romo, expect Wilson to be their guy.
Jordan is another elite prospect that will see their draft stock take a hit because of injury. Jordan is recovering from surgery on a torn labrum, but when he is healthy he is one of the most dynamic pass rushers available.
Johnson solidified his status as a first-round pick with his performance in Mobile and the Bears could use someone to keep Cutler on his feet. If the Bears can protect Cutler next season, he will thrive under new head coach Marc Trestman.
Montgomery had a disappointing season, but there is no denying his talent. The Bengals need to add a pass rusher and Montgomery is the best available player at his position. This seems like an excellent match.
St. Louis keeps on making Sam Bradford happy. The team is in a market for a right tackle this offseason and Fluker is a massive man that they would be able to plug right in. If St. Louis fills the void at right tackle and adds a big time playmaker on the outside, the team is set to make major improvements in 2013.
Percy Harvin could be out the door in Minnesota, so Allen would be a perfect replacement. He was considered the top wide receiver prospect in this class before Patterson’s stock went through the roof. He’d be an excellent target for Christian Ponder and would provide him a more reliable true receiving threat.
Cornerback may not be the Colts biggest need, but Banks is a player who they could team up with Vonte Davis to create an impressive cornerback tandem. The Seahawks proved this season how valuable two top corners can be in the league, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams following that trend.
Seattle will be in the market for a number one receiver and Hopkins is the type of dynamic threat that they would benefit from adding to the roster. “Nuk,” as he is known by his teammates, has big play potential and is a threat to take it to the house every time he gets the ball in his hands. There is a reason he was able to take the spotlight off of his teammate, Sammy Watkins, at Clemson. Hopkins is the real deal.
Jeff Saturday is calling it a career, so the Packers need to find a replacement in the middle of their offensive line. Cooper is a player who would bring the ability to play both center and guard, so his versatility will be attractive to NFL front offices.
27.
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Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, Georgia
Ogletree could have some maturity issues, but the Texans would be thrilled to add a player with this type of talent next to Brian Cushing in the middle of their defense. Ogletree and Cushing would have the opportunity to become one of the league’s top inside linebacker tandems.
28.
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Shariff Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
Denver has three unrestricted free agents along the defensive line heading in to the offseason. It is unlikely that the team will retain all of the players, so they will be looking to add talent and depth to their interior line.
The Patriots always find ways to land great talent and this year they should look to the defensive side of the ball. Short was playing out of his mind in Mobile this past week and would be a force along the Patriots front-seven. The Patriots have shown more of a base 4-3 recently and Short would be a perfect compliment to Vince Wilfork in the 40 front. In the 3-4, he could bump outside and play the five technique.
30.
– Alex Okafor, Defensive End, Texas
It was clear down the stretch that Atlanta needs to add a pass rusher. If Okafor is still on the board when they are on the clock, the Falcons will rush their card up to the podium to make this pick
Ray Lewis is retiring and the Ravens need to add a linebacker. Not only would they get an incredible football talent with Te’o, but the team would be adding another player known for his intangibles. Te’o was the heart and soul of the Notre Dame defense during his college career and the Ravens will need to replace Lewis with a player that has those same characteristics. There is the scandal surrounding Te’o, but in the end, it doesn’t change the way he plays football.
If the 49ers would be able to land Reid, they would be jumping for joy. Safety is one of the team’s weak spots on the roster and, outside of Kenny Vaccaro, Reid is as good as it gets. Talk about the rich getting richer.