Erd's 2013 NFL Mock Draft

 

1. Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The Chiefs probably wish they could fast forward a year and be choosing between Jadeveon Clowney and Johnny Manziel, but unfortunately for them they are likely choosing between Joeckel and Eric Fisher.  This all comes down to who they have higher on their board.  We may see Fisher pass Joeckel in the coming weeks, but for now, it's Joeckel.

Boocub's Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2. Jaguars - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

The Jags have a lot of choices here, but likely they will go with a defensive lineman.  With the pending news on Star Lotulelei's heart condition, the Jags will probably feel safer taking Floyd from within the state.  They passed on a certain Florida Gator back in 2010, but this time, they'll take the Gator.

Boocub's Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

3. Raiders - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

The Raiders are in need of a pass rush and Werner is considered the best pass rusher in the draft.  They may choose to go with Lotulelei, Damontre Moore, or Ezekial Ansah, but Werner probably is the best fit.

Boocub's Pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

4. Eagles - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

There is no question that the Eagles need to improve their offensive line, it's just a matter of which prospect they take.  Warmack's footwork and quickness are his strength, which could make him a good fit in Chip Kelly's offense.  The Eagles may also go with Fisher here, or possibly surprise with Lane Johnson, who had a great showing at the combine.

Boocub's Pick: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

5. Lions - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Often draft needs are dependant upon the talent in your division.  The Lions need to find an answer to the Cutler-Marshall combo  in Chicago and Aaron Rodgers & Co. in Green Bay.  Milliner has the size that NFL teams are looking for, so I find it unlikely the Lions pass on him here.

Boocub's Pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6. Browns - Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

I think this is where we will find our first trade of the draft.  Look for the Bills to move up ahead of the Cardinals to take Geno Smith. The Browns could possibly go with Geno Smith here, but I think it's more likely the wait and look for a QB in Round 2 or 3.  The pass rush is a concern, so Moore would be a logical fit.  Again, word is still out on Star Lotulelei's heart condition, which could drop him significantly.  If he is cleared, the Browns could go with him here or possibly Ezekial Ansah.  UPDATE: I previously had Damontre Moore here, but following his abysmal performance at the combine, I have him dropping.  Dion Jordan shoots up the this spot with his solid combine performance.

Boocub's Pick: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

7. Cardinals - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Despite blowing smoke about Matt Barkley, the Cardinals would be ecstatic to have the choice between Fisher and Geno Smith here.  Some believe the Cardinals covet Geno Smith, others say they won't take a quarterback here.  I'm predicting Buffalo leapfrogs Arizona to take Smith, leaving the Cardinals still happy to get Fisher.  Either way, we all know they aren't taking Barkley here.

Boocub's Pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

8. Bills - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

As mentioned earlier, I think we'll Buffalo move up to #6 to get Geno Smith.  The Bills are in drastic need of a franchise QB, and clearly Ryan Fitzpatrick is not that man.  They could stay put and take Keenan Allen here and hope for Barkley or Glennon to fall to them in 2nd, but they likely would be willing to part with a 3rd or 4th rounder to move up for Smith. If the Bills indeed go with Smith here, they will probably try to grab Tavon Austin or Robert Woods in the 2nd round to help him out.

Boocub's Pick:  Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

9. Jets - Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU

The Jets have serious needs after some cuts to clear cap space.  Star Lotulelei again is still in play, but a heart condition is not something GM's will want to take a chance on.  Ansah could fill a need for the Jets and may be the best player available on their board here as all.  Jarvis Jones, Barkevious Mingo, and Dion Jordan are other names that may be taken in this spot.

Boocub's Pick: Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU

10. Titans - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Just when the Titans thought they wouldn't have to face an elite QB in their division twice a year, Andrew Luck came around.  The Titans needs to bolster their pass defense and Vaccaro is the top choice here.  It may be a little high, but they have a need to fill.  Vaccaro is solid and a good showing at the combine may help the Titans validate taking him here.

Boocub's Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

11. Chargers - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

I've seen Johnson here in multiple mocks and for good reason.  The Chargers need to improve their line and Johnson only helped his stock at the combine.  The Chargers could also go with best player available be here, but the need is offensive line.  If Eric Fisher or Chance Warmack are still on the board here somehow, expect the Chargers to go with one of them.

Boocub's Pick:  Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

12. Dolphins - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Dolphins have four picks on Friday, so expect them to go with the best player available here an fill needs in rounds 2 and 3.  Lotulelei could still be on the board here even if his heart condition is not serious.  This pick would actually help the Dolphins quite a bit.  If Lotulelei's heart condition is a threat to his NFL career, look for Barkevious Mingo here.

 Boocub's Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

13. Buccaneers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan will tear up the Bucs secondary if they don't address it in the draft.  This pick could come down between Rhodes, Desmond Trufant, and Johnthan Banks.  Tuesday's combine results could be the deciding factor for who the Bucs go with.  For now, Rhodes seems to be highest on most big boards, but if that changes, expect this pick to change.

Boocub's Pick: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

14. Panthers - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Panthers improved their linebacking group by taking Luke Kuechly in last year's draft and are looking for Jon Beason to stay healthy and be productive this season.  The Panthers would likely go with safety Kenny Vaccaro if he's still around, otherwise look for them to add some depth up front.  Lotulelei would not fall past here if he's cleared, but if he's already gone, Barkevious Mingo would probably be the pick.  I'm gonna go out on limb though and say the Panthers take the trending Cordarrelle Patterson to play across from (and to eventually replace) Steve Smith. 

Boocub's Pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

15. Saints - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

The Saints probably will be looking to reload their defense if they do indeed switch to a 3-4.  They have a couple options here with Mingo, Dion Jordan, Jarvis Jones, or Sheldon Richardson.  Mingo may be the biggest project, but may also have the biggest upside.  This could be a toss-up, but MIngo's performance at the combine likely assured he will not fall past the Saints here.

Boocub's Pick:  Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

16. Rams - Keenan Allen, WR, California

The Rams are the only team currently with multiple first round picks, which always leads to the possibility of them moving up.  This year's draft, however, is deeper than it is top-heavy, so I expect they will stay put.  The Rams have the luxury of taking best player available here and addressing a need with pick #22.  It seems the Rams are committed to Sam Bradford, so it's logical they find someone here to help him.  Whether that is jonathan Cooper to protect him or Keenan Allen to give him a legitimate target is the question.  With a few teams in need of a WR between pick #16 and #22, I expect the Rams to take the WR here and hope for Cooper, or possibly DJ Fluker, at #22.

Boocub's Pick: Johnathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

17. Steelers - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

The Steelers will definitely be happy with Jones falling to them at #17.  They are in need of a pass rusher and Jones would fit.  Jones could've solidifed a spot in the top 10, but his decision to not compete in drills at the combine could cause him to fall on draft boards.  A solid pro day might push Jones back into the top 10, but for now, I have him going here.  If Jones is gone and they don't like the pass rushers on the board, Pittsburgh would likely target a WR.

Boocub's Pick: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

18. Cowboys - Johnathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

This is another pick that fits a need with the best player on the board.  The Cowboys are likely to get a deal worked out with Tony Romo soon, and drafting an interior lineman to protect him is a necessity.  The other possibility here is Sheldon Richardson, but offensive line is the glaring need for Dallas.

Boocub's Pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

19. Giants - Sheldon Richardson, DT,  Missouri

The Giants have some needs in the draft, but they will likely be enticed to take a player like Richardson if he falls to them. DJ Fluker is probably a better pick to fill their needs, but the Giants are willing to forego needs to take a top 10 talent at #19.  A cornerback or linebacker is also a possibility for the Giants here.

Boocub's Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

20. Bears - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama

Jay Cutler is a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback when he has time to throw, but unfortunately he hasn't had much of that during his time in Chicago.  The Bears will get great value with Fluker here, so I don't see any other logical pick for them.  They could surprise and take Tyler Eifert to give Cutler another target, but that still wouldn't help them as much as an OT.  The Bears also need to beginning finding successors for their aging defense, but I'd be surprised if they go that route with this pick.

Boocub's Pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

21. Bengals - Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia

There will be no surprise here if the Bengals take Alec Ogletree.  Most scouts agree he has top 10 talent, but off-field issues are a concern.  The Bengals, however, make a point to overlook off-field issues.  Whether they just want to take the best talent available or they want to improve their arrests total, it has paid off as of late, especially with the emergence of last year's undrafted rookie Vontaze Burfict (whom I urged my Packers to take).  If Ogletree doesn't get snatched up earlier in the draft, this would be my most confident pick in the #20-#32 range.

Boocub's Pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

22. Rams (from Redskins) - Eric Reid, FS, LSU

I projected the Rams to go WR-OL with their first round picks, but with Fluker and Cooper both gone, I look for them to address another need.  The Rams have the tough task of gameplanning for Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson now, so they need to address their free safety position.  Reid is know for being an aggressive all-out player, which is something they could use in their secondary.  This may be reach in some people's eyes, but it may just be the right pick for the Rams here.

Boocub's Pick: Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

23. Vikings - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

We are still awaiting a conclustion to the Percy Harvin drama in Minnesota, but assuming it ends in them cutting ties with him, they will be looking for a WR.  Actually, either way they should be looking for a WR.  The Vikings need more vertical threats to prevent teams from putting 9 guys in the box to stop Adrian Peterson.  Tavon Austin would be a better replacement for Percy Harvin than complement to him, so Robert Woods would be more likely here if Harvin stays around.  Another possibility is that the Vikings take Manti Te'o to improve their linebacking group.  Even better, the Vikings could bring back their loveboat and get some pictures of Te'o on it.  Seing Te'o with real women could put to rest some of the recent questions regarding him.

Boocub's Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Colts - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

The Colts could use some help at CB, but Moore could help them in the pass rush as well.  I previously had Moore going much higher, but his performance at the combine has him slipping on draft boards.  Moore could bring his stock back up at his pro day, but for now, the Colts are happy to get him at #24.  Johnthan Banks or Desmond Trufant are the other likely options here.

Boocub's Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

25. Seahawks - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

Seattle does not have any glaring holes, which is a luxury when it comes to draft time.  Their two biggest needs are probably an interior defensive lineman and wide receiver.  There are quite a few options for Pete Carroll here at DT.  Short, Jonnathan Hankins, and multiple guys named Williams could all be a possibility here, but I like Carroll to go out and get Short. 

Boocub's Pick: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

26. Packers - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

Most draft boards I've seen have the Packers taking Eddie Lacy, Manti Te'o or a WR, but I don't see that happening.  Lacy is a great talent, but the Packers are pass first team.  I have my doubts about Te'o and I am hoping they don't go there.  I think this pick really comes down to what they do with Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings.  If Finley goes, I will immediately change this pick to Tyler Eifert.  Even if Jennings is gone, the Packers likely won't address WR until late in the draft.  So for now, I have my Packers taking Minter over Te'o, but Eifert is waiting in the wings.  Another possible choice is Barrett Jones to improve the offensive line, which also is a big need for the Pack.

Boocub's Pick: Johnathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia

27. Texans - Robert Woods, WR, USC

It's no secret that Andre Johnson only has a few years left and the Texans need a realible target to compliment and later replace him.  Woods possesses the physical tools they will be looking for.  Houston's defense is solid, so I don't see them going anywhere but WR here, whether that be Woods or another WR that has fallen.

Boocub's Pick: Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

28. Broncos - Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

This deep into the draft it is starting to become a guessing game, so I'll throw Hankins out there for this pick.  The Broncos do need help on the defensive line, so Hankins would fill a need.  I'm not sure how the Broncos feel about backup QB Brock Osweiler, but they know Peyton has two or three more years left in him at most, so if they wook Mike Glennon or Ryan Nassib here it wouldn't surprise me.

Boocub's Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

29. Patriots (traded to Dolphins) - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

It is always a surprise when it comes the Patriots in the draft.  They real guess is will they stay at #29 or trade down.  The Patriots only have 5 picks in this draft, so I think it's likely they look to move down and get a couple day two picks in exchange.  The Dolphins are in need of some offensive weapons, so Eifert would be a great pick for them.  I'm going to predict the Dolphins move ahead of the Falcons to get Eifert and it likely will cost them the #42 and #84 pick.

Boocub's Pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

30. Falcons - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

The Falcons would love to have gotten Eifert here to following Tony Gonzalez, but with the Dolphins moving up to snag him, they are going to address the defensive end position.  Datone Jones is the best end available on the board, so I'm penciling him in here.  Zach Ertz is also a possibility, but I don't see him quite this high.

Boocub's Pick: Alex Okafor, DE/OLB, Texas

31. 49ers - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

I only have one CB gone at this point, so I'd expect a rush on them to start soon.  San Francisco has the luxury of going with the best player available, which is probably Trufant or Johnthan Banks.  There are other routes they could go, but a defensive back is likely.

Boocub's Pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

32. Ravens - Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

If anything, this pick will make for riveting television.  I wouldn't be surprised if there is a camera permanently installed near Te'o on draft day.  Te'o's showing at the combine probably dropped him to a late first round pick at best, so the only other spot I see him going is to the Packers at #26.  I'm hoping that doesn't happen, so I'm projecting the Ravens take Te'o to help fill the hole in the middle of their defense. It will be tough shoes for Te'o to fill, but would be a great opportunity for him.

Boocub's Picks: Matt Elam, S, Florida

 

I hope you enjoyed my mock draft.  I'll be updating this throughout the remainder of the combine and as things change throughout the pro days, so be sure to check back.