Marc Sluis Five Round 2013 Mock Draft - Mock Draft Final Week Edition
04-23-2013
Marc's final mock draft including suspected trades.
Round 1
| Pick | Team | Pos | Player | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | OT | Luke Joeckel # | Texas A&M |
| Whether or not the Chiefs make a deal with the Dolphins and send away OT Branden Albert they will likely target one of the strengths of this draft: a franchise left tackle. The question is do you take a taller, slightly more athletic Eric Fisher who is also more of a project or the experience and safer Luke Joeckel? My guess is Joeckel who proved he can handle quality defensive ends in the vaunted SEC and was a rock on the left side for a more traditional quarterback in Ryan Tannehill as well as a scrambling Johnny Football. | ||||
| 2 | Jacksonville Jaguars | DE/34LB | Dion Jordan | Oregon |
| The Jags have a new regime and boy does that group have some work to do. Blaine Gabbert will get another year, purely by default, because there are no quarterbacks worthy of a top pick. The defensive pass rush was anemic and Sharrif Floyd or Dion Jordan would help in a major way. Both are young with big time upside, but Jordan, who could be the most physically gifted defensive player in the entire draft, offers the versatility and upside that should provide hope and energy on the defensive side of the ball. | ||||
| 3 | Oakland Raiders | DT | Sharrif Floyd # | Florida |
| With Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly out of the long term picture the Silver and Black will be in position to address that defensive tackle position in a big way. Sharrif Floyd has a lightening quick first step and can be a handful to deal with especially in clear passing downs. He has short arms yes, but at 20 years old and incredibly athletic he should bring some juice to the interior pass rush. Utah's Star Lotulelei is another viable option. | ||||
| 4 | Philadelphia Eagles | DT | Star Lotulelei | Utah |
| Looking back at last year's mock drafts made me trust SI's Peter King more than anyone. He didn't mock Utah's freakish defensive tackle here, but multiple media outlets have been citing his inside information that Chip Kelly and company really like the Tongan. Kelly got an up close look at Lotulelei during his time in the Pac 12 and in addition to his beastly ability in run defense he offers tremendous scheme versatility. | ||||
| 5 | Detroit Lions | OT | Eric Fisher | Central Michigan |
| Fisher could have easily gone higher, with #1 overall even a strong possibility, so this fits the Lions perfectly. They are widely known to take the best player available but this would be a huge need as well, and would hopefully secure Matt Stafford's blindside in the long term. Stafford isn't overly mobile so in order to keep the Stafford-Johnson connection going to its record setting pace this would be a sensible and all around terrific pick. | ||||
| 6 | Miami Dolphins | OT | Lane Johnson | Oklahoma |
| TRADE Projected: It's been a splashy (no pun intended) offseason for the Fish after signing speedster Mike Wallace to a big money long term deal. The Dolphins don't have too many glaring weaknesses, but locking up a blindside protector for their franchise signal caller has to be a priority. Lane Johnson had a truly insane Combine and is a superior athlete for the left tackle position. Miami has a good enough second rounder this year (#54 overall) to offer the Browns for the #12 to #6 switch. Not positive this trade will materialize, but I think there is a great chance it happens. | ||||
| 7 | Arizona Cardinals | DE/34LB | Ezekiel Ansah | BYU |
| Carson Palmer was brought in to appease Larry Fitzgerald and could be much better than people expect. If the Dolphins don't trade up to #6 then the Cards would think long and hard about taking Lane Johnson to sure up the left tackle position, but I think Ansah has so much upside and potential to be a dynamic edge rusher that it would be hard to pass up here. This is one of the first turning points in the top ten, and could shape the rest of the draft, especially if the Browns hang tight at #6 and likely take Dee Milliner leaving Johnson still on the board. | ||||
| 8 | Buffalo Bills | QB | Geno Smith | West Virginia |
| Buddy Nix has made it abundantly clear he wants a franchise quarterback in this year's draft. Apparently he feels like there are multiple such signal callers, which is probably wishful thinking, but the clear cut number QB this year is Geno Smith. Doug Marrone's quick hitting system has done wonders for Drew Brees and Ryan Nassib at Syracuse and Smith has the smooth release and arm strength to have similar success. The aforementioned Nassib, who would make for a logical reunion with Marrone, has been getting rave reviews from ESPN's Jon Gruden among others and might not be there for the Bills in round two. If Smith slides to them at #8 look for Nix's influence to push the Bills in that direction. | ||||
| 9 | New York Jets | DE/34LB | Barkevious Mingo # | LSU |
| Mingo seems like an ideal fix to the Jets inability to generate a consistent pass rush. He may not be a finished product and could use some more bulk, but he has elite speed and the athleticism to make flat-footed lineman pay. While not excelling in run support he has improved throughout the year and does shy away from contact. Those are all very good signs. A bit of a risky selection, but Rex needs to gamble in order to save his job. Expect a QB to be taken at some point, but other needs like help at S, WR and RB maybe push that down to the mid to late rounds. If Lotulelei is still available they could take him to pair with Mo Wilkerson on the line. | ||||
| 10 | Tennessee Titans | CB | Dee Milliner # | Alabama |
| Milliner is a hot name in the media but WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell warns he could be in for a draft day slide. As much as I like Milliner and his all around game, he isn't a playmaker or sure fire lock down corner. A 4.37 40 at the combine is a great sign and the impetus for the media attention surge, so at #10 overall the Titans would be getting terrific value. Milliner isn't a stud in one area but has every trait you look for from size, length and physicality to speed. | ||||
| 11 | San Diego Chargers | G | Jonathan Cooper | North Carolina |
| Philip Rivers' career looks to be on its last legs, but if he can squeeze out a few more productive seasons with his big arm he'll need some more help from his offensive line. With most of the premium linemen already long gone Bama G Chance Warmack or North Carolina's Cooper seems like logical choices. The 311 lb Tar Heel guard has the lower body explosion and mobility to excel in space and handle a variety of tasks. That versatility will be highly valued and could easily make the move to center depending on scheme. | ||||
| 12 | Cleveland Browns | CB | Xavier Rhodes # | Florida State |
| TRADE Projected: The difference between Milliner and Rhodes might not be as big as people think (I love Rhodes). The Browns trade down and pick up an extra second rounder and still get a premium corner talent to pair with Joe Haden. Rhodes has all the athletic ability to shine as a man cover corner or in a zone scheme with his size, physicality and speed not to mention the fact he is a great tackler. If the trade doesn't happen Dee Milliner is a likely option at #6. | ||||
| 13 | New York Jets | WR | Tavon Austin | West Virginia |
| TRADE Projected: Whether or not Austin will hold up in the long term, his blazing speed and big play ability will have an immediate impact a Rex Ryan firmly on the hot seat. This would certainly be a Woody Johnson inspired selection that would garner a lot of media attention on draft day, and be welcomed with open arms by Mark Sanchez. Austin would give the Jets a dynamic playmaker that would allow Sanchez to make some relatively easy throws on screens and go routes that have the potential to go the distance. | ||||
| 14 | Carolina Panthers | DT | Sheldon Richardson # | Missouri |
| The Panthers have a major need at defensive tackle and an attacking Sheldon Richardson would be a nice fit for a Carolina defense that is reluctant to blitz. With an explosive first step and quickness you rarely see from a tackle, the Mizzou product is inconsistent but brings massive upside and pass rush ability. | ||||
| 15 | New Orleans Saints | S | Kenny Vaccaro | Texas |
| The Saints defense was a disaster in 2012, plain and simple. The 2012 campaign was actually a historically bad season. Kenny Vaccaro is considered the best safety in this class and would help sure up a horrific pass defense. He is a long and athletic CB/S hybrid who is also a good tackler with fantastic intangibles. | ||||
| 16 | St. Louis Rams | G | Chance Warmack | Alabama |
| Normally you don't consider any guard prospect falling to your lap a major steal, but his would be ideal for St. Louis. After a stellar rookie season Sam Bradford has struggled and the porous offensive line is a major reason why. Adding Jake Long was a great decision, but further solidifying the line would be logical here. Warmack has the bulk and strength to dominate in the running game and the heavy hands to easily win battles inside and would be a huge value pick here. | ||||
| Pick | Team | Pos | Player | School |
| 17 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 34LB/OLB | Jarvis Jones # | Georgia |
| This is classic Pittsburgh. While teams lose sight of on the field production (in the SEC no less) and the ability go your job, the Steelers are more than happy to snag Jones at a premium value. Sure he didn't run well at his pro day and might be a little short armed, but he still a true pass rushing threat. I don't love him as a 3-4 OLB, but he'll thrive in the Steelers system. | ||||
| 18 | Dallas Cowboys | DT | Sylvester Williams | North Carolina |
| The Cowboys would love Warmack, Cooper or Vaccaro to fall to them here, but with a switch to Kiffin's 4-3 they will need a difference maker inside. Williams is a great story and well liked in the scouting community. He has a wicked swim move and is a good overall athlete. | ||||
| 19 | New York Giants | DE/34LB | Bjoern Werner # | Florida State |
| In an attacking 4-3 you can never have enough defensive ends. With Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck's future in the Big Apple questionable its time to reload. Werner's strength would compliment the freakish speed of Jason Pierre-Paul very well. A top ten prospect the German born defensive end would be a good pick for both parties involved. | ||||
| 20 | Chicago Bears | TE | Tyler Eifert # | Notre Dame |
| Jay Cutler is clearly unhappy with his group up front and you can't blame the guy. However, with Jake Matthews and Tyler Lewan returning to school the elite level OT prospect that looked to be available for them is no longer a sure thing. It's a bit early for Menelik Watson and my previous mock of Fluker makes sense to be at right tackle but I haven't seen it appear much elsewhere. Eifert is a safe pick and top ten tight end from day one | ||||
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | ILB | Alec Ogletree # | Georgia |
| If not for off the field concerns Ogletree would be a top ten pick. A former safety with the ball skills and athleticism to drop to the deep middle of the field in coverage as well as the length and physicality to make tackles all over the field. | ||||
| 22 | St. Louis Rams | S | Eric Reid # | LSU |
| (from Redskins) With Jake Long signed and Chance Warmack taken earlier the line might finally be a strength or at least good enough to keep Bradford healthy. Now they can focus on the secondary where the safety class is loaded. I absolutely love Eric Reid (and NFL Networks' Charles Davis agrees) and in my mind might be at least equal to Vaccaro. The Rams could opt for a receiver or Elam or Cyprien as well. | ||||
| 23 | Minnesota Vikings | WR | Cordarrelle Patterson # | Tennessee |
| NFL MVP Adrian Peterson is a stud but had to carry a weak offensive unit down the stretch. Ponder will have one more year to make a case for being the guy but will need play-makers on the outside to do so. Percy Harvin was an all-purpose threat but often injured and now he's gone to Seattle. Patterson has the 4.42 speed, 35 inch vertical and dynamic stop and start ability to really help an anemic passing attack. | ||||
| 24 | Indianapolis Colts | DE | Datone Jones | UCLA |
| Andrew Luck was as good as advertised, but nobody could have thought the Colts would end up six games over .500 and make the playoffs in year one. After an offense barrage in last year's draft the Colts will turn to the defense and Datone Jones has the burst and quickness to really help the line generate pressure. | ||||
| 25 | Minnesota Vikings | ILB | Manti Te'o | Notre Dame |
| (from Seahawks) Te'o's 4.75 pro day 40 has people talking first round again. I'm not sold but the Vikings know adding a hard working and instinctive 'backer will never come back to bit them like other more flashy picks. Plus he fills a major hole inside. | ||||
| 26 | Green Bay Packers | OT | D.J. Fluker # | Alabama |
| Not sure about this pick, but Fluker could play on the right side or fill in at guard and with his massive wingspan and 336 lb frame could develop into an elite right tackle. Other options are DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Eifert, Matt Elam or Johnathan Cyprien. | ||||
| 27 | Houston Texans | WR | Justin Hunter # | Tennessee |
| Andre Johnson is still a legitimate number one wide out, but the offense clearly needs more weapons. Hunter is one of the most talented prospects in recent memory at the wide receiver position and maybe overall. A 6'4 with 4.44 speed and a 39.5 inch vertical Hunter could be just what a mediocre Texans offense needed. | ||||
| 28 | Denver Broncos | DE/34LB | Damontre Moore # | Texas A&M |
| The Broncos clearly need to focus on the defensive side of the ball, with Peyton and now Welker pairing up on offense. The Mile High City would love to add another pass rusher to help compensate for losing Elvis Dummervill to a late fax. Moore has tremendous quickness and plays to the whistle, making him a solid 3-4 OLB prospect. | ||||
| 29 | New England Patriots | CB | Desmond Trufant # | Washington |
| The Pats are a tough team to mock because Belichik has a unique type of player he looks for. You would think that a receiver would be in play, but signing Danny Amendola (a very underrated move by the way) and attempting to draw Emmanuel Sanders from Pittsburgh would suggest recent draft failures at WR makes them more apt to go the veteran route. Robert Woods and Keenan Allen would seem to fit, but Trufant is too talented a cover corner to pass up considering New England's weak secondary. | ||||
| 30 | Atlanta Falcons | CB | Jamar Taylor | Boise State |
| The cornerback spot is suddenly a major weakness after both Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson have moved on. Trufant would be an ideal scenario but Jamar Taylor's stock is rising quickly and is looking more and more like a first round pick. His confidence and aggressive style will translate well at the next level. | ||||
| 31 | San Francisco 49ers | DE | Margus Hunt | SMU |
| If the Niners stay put they could get a top ten prospect from a physical talent perspective at #31. Hunt is raw but very intriguing. A lack of production and overall football experience are the downsides but the upside is unlimited. With an already talented roster in place they can afford to bring the Estonian on slowly, and his 6'8 frame (33 (3/4) inch arms), strength and athleticism could make him a disruptive JJ Watt like 3-4 DE down the road. | ||||
| 32 | Baltimore Ravens | ILB | Kevin Minter # | LSU |
| A roster decimated after a Super Bowl victory could use some help in a number of areas, but the major hole is inside at linebacker. Ray Lewis was more than a tackling machine he was the spiritual leader for more than a decade. Minter might be a slight upgrade talent wise over an aging Lewis but will have massive shoes to fill. | ||||
# Denotes Underclassman
