NFL Mock Draft 2013: Buffalo Bills Make Splash in Top Ten
By Josh Sanchez
Each week Fansided.com will have a new mock draft to 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.
1.
– Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
With the Chiefs releasing Eric Winston and placing Branden Albert on the trading block in hopes of receiving a second-round pick in return for his services, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the Chiefs will be selecting either Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher with the first overall pick. Joeckel gets the edge with a slightly higher draft grade.
2
.Bjoern Werner was a popular pick early in the draft process but his stock has continued to fall while Jordan’s is back on the rise. If it weren’t for his injury, Jordan would have been considered a top five pick all along. He’s a dynamic pass rusher that will immediately provide the Jaguars with a boost where they need it most.
This is a pick that has been mocked for weeks and is the consensus among the draftnick community. Floyd is the top interior defensive lineman in this year’s draft class and he is a perfect fit.
Geno Smith has drawn interest from a number of teams in the top ten, but there are few teams who’s interest seems as sincere as the Eagles. Philadelphia even sent owner Jeffrey Lurie out to visit Smith’s Pro Day at West Virginia. The only other time Lurie went to meet with a prospect was a player by the name of Donovan McNabb.
The Lions addressed their cornerback situation a bit by re-signing their top cover corner Chris Houston, so they can focus on a more immediate need with the No. 5 pick. Ansah would be a brilliant addition after watching Cliff Avril leave for Seattle in free agency. It also helps that the Lions coaching staff is very familiar with Ansah after their time in free agency.
Cleveland has been linked to a number of the top corners in free agency, but they were unable to land any despite their deep pockets. Fortunately for the Browns, Milliner is the top available cornerback in this year’s draft and he falls right into their laps in a number of scenarios.
There seems to be every indication that the Arizona Cardinals will be heading in to the season with Drew Stanton as the favorite to be their starting quarterback. This doesn’t mean that the team won’t look to address the position later in the draft, but they need to protect whoever lines up under center and Fisher is an elite tackle that is capable of doing just that.
Buffalo needs a speedy receiver opposite Stevie Johnson and their is no quicker receiver or one that is better in open space than Tavon Austin. Austin blew away the scouts at his Pro Day and continues to receive excellent reviews. By the time the draft rolls around, it would not be surprising to see Austin’s name land in the top ten.
Jarvis Jones’ medicals seem to no longer be a question and his stock sits firmly in the top ten. There is little doubt that Jones is one of the most talented player’s in this year’s draft class and he has continuously drawn comparisons to Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. If the Jets could get half of that production from Jones, it would be better than a few of their other pass rushers that they’ve taken chances in recent years.
Despite spending a lot of money on Andy Levitre, the Titans offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. Warmack is a special prospect and one of the best guards to come around in quite some time. If you pair him with Levitre, the Titans have a punishing interior line and could really open things up for the redzone rushing offense with Shonne Green among other aspects of their offense.
San Diego needs to add a reliable offensive tackle and Johnson is the best available. Unfortunately for the Chargers, Johnson could very well be off the board after this pick. If he is, the defensive backfield could be an area they address with the man who is off the board next in this mock draft.
After trading Vontae Davis and losing Sean Smith in free agency, it is a no-brainer that the Dolphins need to add cornerback help.
The Buccaneers defensive line watched some key players depart in free agency and former first-round pick DaQuan Bowers found himself in some legal troubles earlier this year. With the holes that are creating themselves in the trenches, Tampa Bay would be wise to add Lotulelei who is a top three talent that is dropping in the draft because of health concerns.
Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith has been publicly campaigning for this pick and it is one that makes the most sense. When you sort through the draft and potential options for every team, Richardson always seems to be linked to Carolina when the Panthers come up. This is a pick you will see almost everywhere, which means it probably won’t happen when the draft rolls around, but it makes so much sense.
Mingo is one of the most naturally gifted defensive ends in this year’s draft class, but there have been questions about his motor. Question Mingo’s motivation all you want, but when he is on there are very few players better at getting after the passer. It would be an easy choice for the Saints to address their pass rush while bringing in the kid that played just over an hour down the road from the Superdome in college.