2013 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. Round 5 added plus Alex Smith update.
Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

You can find the complete seven-round 2013 NFL Draft Order by clicking the link.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/23) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
It’s now official that the Chiefs will not be picking Geno Smith. They acquired Alex Smith from the 49ers on Wednesday afternoon. Go here for the grades I’ve given both the 49ers and Chiefs in the Alex Smith trade.

This selection is now a no-brainer in terms of which position the front office will address. The pick will come down to Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher. The latter had a better Combine, but there have been reports that the Chiefs love the Texas A&M product. Thus, he’s the favorite to be the first play off the board on April 25. Of course, this all depends on what happens with Branden Albert, but he’s apparently asking for too much money, so Kansas City will probably let him walk.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Eric Fisher, OT – As discussed, the other left tackle possibility.

2. Sharrif Floyd, DE/DT – If the Chiefs re-sign Albert, they’ll likely go with Sharrif Floyd as a big upgrade at defensive end.

By the way, I’m doing this live because I thought it’d be fun to get instant feedback. I’m going to post my mock anyway, so why not do it this way? Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
I’ve been hesitant to place Dion Jordan in my top 10 because of his shoulder issue. That’s why I previously mocked him in the 15-19 range. Apparently it’s not that big of a deal, as he’s widely considered a top-six prospect. Most expect him to go to Philadelphia or Dallas, but I think Jacksonville is the most likely destination.

New head coach Gus Bradley met with the NFL Network crew during the Senior Bowl. He told them that one of the things he learned under Pete Carroll was to build the team on speed. Dion Jordan certainly fits the bill there, as he was one of the most explosive athletes at the Combine.

Jordan, who is definitely one of the top players available, fits Bradley’s defense perfectly. Given that he’s drawn comparisons to Aldon Smith, Jordan would improve the team’s last-ranked pass rush. He would also be able to drop into coverage and defend tight ends – and that is key because the Texans and Colts both use multi-tight end sets.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Sharrif Floyd, DT – The Jaguars could stand to upgrade the interior of their defensive line as well.

Pick change; previously Star Lotulelei, DT
Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Mike Mayock rated Sharrif Floyd above Star Lotulelei prior to the Combine, and he wasn’t the first to do so. There’s a ton of buzz about Floyd, with some of the ESPN and Scouts Inc. analysts ranking him in the top 10 of their big boards. He has so much upside and versatility that he could end up being a top-five pick. It’s possible that the Raiders would view him as the best player available. Of course, this is much more of an obvious pick in the wake of Lotulelei’s heart condition.

Floyd makes a ton of sense from a needs staindpoint. Richard Seymour’s contract has been voided. Meanwhile, Tommy Kelly is a bum who doesn’t care about winning. He’s a thug who has played so sluggishly this year in the rare instances when he wasn’t trying to injure the opposing quarterback, so there’s no chance he’s going to see a penny of his $6.5 million salary in 2013. He’s as good as gone, and 15-year-old head coach Dennis Allen lost all respect in the locker room for not cutting him after the opener.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dion Jordan/Ezekiel Ansah, DE – Only the Jaguars had fewer sacks than the Raiders this past year. The pass rush must improve.

2. Geno Smith, QB – There’s been speculation that the Raiders have taken a liking to Geno Smith. If the Chiefs pass on him, another AFC West team could draft him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sheldon Richardson, DE/DT, Missouri
The Eagles are switching to the 3-4 even though they don’t have the personnel to run that style of defense. They’ll obviously have to do something about that.

One of the positions Philadelphia has to address is defensive end. The front office dumped both Cullen Jenkins (too expensive) and Mike Patterson (didn’t fit the 3-4) on Monday, so it’ll have to find someone to play across from Fletcher Cox. That someone could be Sheldon Richardson, who makes a ton of sense. He’s one of the top players available and would fit perfectly into a 3-4 scheme.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher, OT – The Eagles have to upgrade their offensive line. Jason Peters is coming off an Achilles. He and Todd Herremans are both in their 30s.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – A cornerback hasn’t been chosen in the top four since Charles Woodson in 1998, but that trend could be broken this year because of the lack of talent atop the class. The Eagles need corner help with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hitting free agency and Nnamdi Asomugha likely to be released.

Pick change; previously Eric Fisher, OT
Detroit Lions: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Lions’ M.O. is to take the top player available. That would be DeMarcus Milliner in this situation. Cornerbacks usually don’t go in the top five unless they are top-notch elite prospects, but this draft class is so horrendous at the top that Milliner could easily go No. 4 or 5.

It seems like Detroit has needed cornerback help for ages; general manager Martin Mayhew even admitted that he’s looking for one. He could finally put an end to that by selecting Milliner.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Ansah, DE – The Lions cut Kyle Vanden Bosch and could be losing Cliff Avril in free agency. The coaching staff got a close look at Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl.

2. Eric Fisher, OT – Gosder Cherilus is a free agent, so a right tackle (and future left tackle) is needed if Riley Reiff moves inside.

Pick change; previously Ezekiel Ansah, DE
Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Browns need to improve their pass rush. Jabaal Sheard led the team in sacks with only seven. Juqua Parker-Thomas was next with six, and he’s a 35-year-old free agent.

Ezekiel Ansah, who is a top-10 pick according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, makes sense from a scheme perspective. Michael Lombardi learned from Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, who both prefer larger rush linebackers. Ansah (271 pounds) dwarfs most of the other pass-rushers. He also possesses unbelievable upside, which will intrigue the Browns.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB – Another pass-rushing possibility, should Dion Jordan fall to No. 6. Lombardi will likely want to bolster this group.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – The Browns need cornerback help across from Joe Haden with Sheldon Brown hitting free agency.

Pick change; previously Damontre Moore, DE
Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Eric Fisher has soared up big boards with his impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. Mike Mayock stated that Fisher could challenge Luke Joeckel to be the first tackle off the board. I wouldn’t be surprised if he even went No. 1, so this has to be considered a steal for the Cardinals.

It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is; if the Cardinals can’t pass protect, that signal-caller will struggle. I can’t imagine Arizona passing on Fisher if he’s available. He’s one of the top prospects remaining, so unless the Cardinals really don’t like him, they’ll select him to be the cornerstone of their new offensive front.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Chance Warmack, G – Guards don’t go in the top 10, but this year is different, as previously stated.

2. Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB – The Cardinals will likely go offense at No. 7 overall, but if they do opt to address the defense, they’ll likely want to fix their poor pass rush.

Pick change; previously Chance Warmack, G
Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
General manager Buddy Nix, who is generally forthcoming about his offseason plans, told the media that he plans on drafting a franchise quarterback. He even said he’ll trade up for one in the 2013 NFL Draft. He may have been talking about Geno Smith if the Chiefs pass on him, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves up to No. 5 in order to leapfrog the Browns and Cardinals.

Many will criticize this move, but Nix is desperate. If he wants to keep his job, he’ll have to find a franchise quarterback quickly. I think he’ll swing for the fences with Smith, who undoubtedly has first-round talent; he just needs to put it all together. I’m pretty convinced that Nix will talk himself into taking Smith or another quarterback at No. 8 overall. Don’t look for it to be Ryan Nassib though; it’s been reported that Buffalo doesn’t like him very much.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – Buffalo could go with a wideout here and then a quarterback in Round 2. Patterson’s the big type of receiver Buddy Nix is looking for.
New York Jets: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Mike Tannenbaum was recently fired because he put the Jets in an awful cap position, but given that he’s a recent, former employee, he almost definitely has some inside information about the team. He mocked Cordarrelle Patterson to New York in a 10-team mock draft a few days ago, and the other NFL Network panelists followed suit.

Cordarrelle Patterson is very raw, and he normally wouldn’t be a top-10 prospect. However, this draft class is awful at the very top, so Patterson has a legitimate shot to be picked eighth or ninth. Patterson doesn’t have much collegiate experience, but he’s a dynamic athlete who has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones. Patterson would give the Jets a much-needed No. 1 wideout option.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Ezekiel Ansah or Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB – The Jets need a lot of things, including a top-notch pass-rusher.

2. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – If the Jets trade either Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie, they’ll definitely consider Milliner if he’s available.

Pick change; previously Bjoern Werner, DE
Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
The Titans desperately want DeMarcus Milliner, but they’ll probably have to trade up to get him. However, they’re unlikely to move up because they feel like they have too many needs. Thus, they’re a bit stuck if Milliner goes in the top nine.

I normally wouldn’t mock a guard in the top 10, but three things: 1) Chance Warmack is a rare talent who is regarded by some to be the top prospect in this class. 2) General manager Ruston Webster said he has no reservations about taking a guard this high. He also declared that he wants to upgrade the interior of his offensive line. 3) Again, this draft class stinks at the top, so if there were ever a year in which a guard could finally break thet top 10 again, this would be it.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. DeMarcus Milliner, CB – I guarantee that Milliner will not make it past the Titans, should he fall for some unexpected reason.

2. Desmond Trufant, CB – Another cornerback option. As Charlie mentioned to me, general manager Ruston Webster is familiar with Washington’s program, having drafted Jake Locker recently. Trufant had an awesome Combine.

Pick change; previously DeMarcus Milliner, CB
San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
I usually don’t have teams reach for need unless it involves the quarterback position. However, Lane Johnson had a terrific Senior Bowl and followed that up with a great Combine, so this isn’t really considered a reach anymore.

The Chargers could be forced into making this selection anyway. Philip Rivers appears to be regressing, but it’s impossible to tell if that’s the case because he’s getting slaughtered behind a pathetic offensive line. San Diego cannot, under any circumstances, enter the 2013 season with Jared Gaither as its starting left tackle. He’s just way too injury-prone and unreliable.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB – San Diego may deem Barkevious Mingo to be the best player available. He’d make a ton of sense as a replacement for free agent Shaun Phillips.

2. Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, G – The Chargers also have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line.
Miami Dolphins: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Stud defensive tackle Randy Starks will be a free agent in March. If the Dolphins can’t retain him, they’ll have to find a replacement this offseason. They’d have the option of moving Jared Odrick inside, which is what they’ll do in this scenario. But even if they franchise Starks, defensive end will be an option because Odrick isn’t a very good fit there in Miami’s 4-3. The Dolphins could use a dynamic pass-rusher across from Cameron Wake.

Bjoern Werner has drawn comparisons to Chris Long. He’s not as athletic, but he’s still the best pure 4-3 defensive end in this class. His draft range starts at No. 12. *** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Lane Johnson, OT – It’s looking less likely that Jake Long will be back in Miami. If he leaves, the Dolphins will have to find a bookend for Jake Long.

2. Desmond Trufant, CB – The Dolphins look to be losing Sean Smith, so they need a new No. 1 cornerback.

Pick change; previously Sheldon Richardson, DT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The Buccaneers decided they didn’t like Morris Claiborne very much, so they traded out of the No. 5 spot in the 2012 NFL Draft and selected Mark Barron two picks later. They really need cornerback help, especially in the wake of the Aqib Talib trade, so they’ll almost have to remedy that need at this juncture.

Desmond Trufant had an awesome Combine on top of his excellent Senior Bowl. Like Stephon Gilmore last year, Trufant will be the cornerback to rise. He could go as high as No. 10.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Lane Johnson, OT – The Buccaneers have shown interest in Lane Johnson. Right tackle Demar Dotson is entering his contract year, while left tackle Donald Penn, who struggled down the stretch, is owed about $18 million over the next three years.

2. Xavier Rhodes, CB – The other cornerback option.
Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
I don’t know what to do with Star Lotulelei. He wasn’t allowed to work at the Combine because of a heart condition. It could be something serious, but it could also be insignificant. Hopefully it’s the latter. I think I’ll slot Lotulelei here until I have more information.

I was told by a reliable source not to mock Fletcher Cox to the Panthers because they were satisfied with their current group of defensive tackles. Based on the rushing yardage they surrendered to Bryce Brown and Jamaal Charles at the end of the year, I highly doubt they’ll feel the same way in April.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Desmond Trufant or Xavier Rhodes, CB – The Panthers will be cutting Chris Gamble sometime soon. They’ll need a new No. 1 cornerback.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – More safety help is needed.

Pick change; previously Kenny Vaccaro, S
New Orleans Saints: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
The Saints fired Steve Spagnuolo and announced that they are moving to a 3-4 defense. A new scheme doesn’t mean they’ll be able to fix their old problems, however. They still need to find a top pass-rusher to make things easier for an overmatched secondary. Barkevious Mingo makes a ton of sense here as one of the top prospects available.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Damontre Moore or Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB – More pass-rushing options for the Saints’ new 3-4.

2. Star Lotulelei, NT – Brodrick Bunkley is currently slated to be the team’s nose tackle. New Orleans may not view him as a viable option for the position. If that’s the case, Star Lotulelei will be considered if he checks out medically.

Pick change; previously Dion Jordan, DE/OLB
St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina
The Rams desperately need to upgrade their offensive front. Jeff Fisher said it as much – he defended Sam Bradford recently by saying the blocking needs to get better up front. Expect St. Louis to make multiple upgrades to the offensive line this offseason.

I’d hate the idea of slotting two guards in the top 20, but Jonathan Cooper is capable of playing all three interior positions. Fisher will love his versatility.

*** OTHER 2013 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Chance Warmack, G or Lane Johnson, OT – It’ll be tough for the Rams to pass on Chance Warmack or Lane Johnson if they’re available.

2. Kenny Vaccaro, S – St. Louis’ front office has stated that it wants to improve the safety position.

Pick change; previously Cordarrelle Patterson, WR

Go to 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.