2013 NFL Mock Draft: First Look at Next Year's Crop of New Talent

We don't know who's going to be good, who's going to flop and who is going to need the next Andrew Luck, but it's never too early to start speculating about next year's NFL draft.

There likely won't be an epic quarterback battle at the top of the board like there was last year, but the 2013 draft holds just as much surprise and excitement as the one happening this week. Here's a complete 2013 first-round mock draft with special emphasis on next season's projected show-stealers. 

1. Cleveland Browns: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Barkley could've been a perfect selection for a team like Miami in this year's draft (and he likely would've knocked Ryan Tannehill out of the first round), but alas, he still has more work to do next year at USC as he attempts to restore the Trojans to glory.

Barkley is a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy next season after finishing 2011 with 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He's been a starter at USC since his true freshman season and is a generally accurate passer, though he does have room to improve as far as hitting receivers in stride.

Already, Barkley can adeptly read defenses and has excellent technique. With another year of development at USC, he'll be a sure-fire top-three pick in 2013 and might remove Colt McCoy from his post as the Browns quarterback once and for all.

2. Indianapolis Colts: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Despite rumors that he'd declare for this year's draft, Fluker is giving it one more go with the reigning national champion Crimson Tide. At 6'6" and 335 pounds, he has the size necessary to be a force on an NFL offensive line, but according to NFLdraftscout.com, he said he wants to return to school because he still feels like he has a lot to learn.

NFL head coaches are going to love that drive and commitment next season, and he could offer some solid protection up front for Andrew Luck in his second year with Indianapolis.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Wilson will give it one more year at Washington State. He'll suit up for first-year head coach Mike Leach in an effort to prepare for his upcoming 2013 draft, where he'll likely be one of the first two receivers off the board.

Wilson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team in 2011 after setting Washington State single-season records for receptions (82) and receiving yards (1,388). He was a breakout star for the Cougars his freshman year after leading all first-year receivers in the NCAA with 1,006 receiving yards, and that production should continue to steadily increase as he heads into another collegiate season.

Much like Justin Blackmon this year, he'll be the receiver who can offer his future team's offense an immediate facelift.

4. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Woods, WR, USC

At 6'1" and 180 pounds, Woods is an acrobatic wideout with blazing speed who makes catches on high and low throws with ease.

5. Miami Dolphins: Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU

He has a quick first step and is incredibly athletic, and even in 2011 as a redshirt sophomore, he was one of the top defensive players in the college ranks with 13 tackles for a loss and nine sacks prior to LSU's title-game loss.

6. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

Bray is a pro-style quarterback who, given his upside, could end up upsetting Barkley as the No. 1 overall selection in 2013.

7. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2011 and was a crucial element in helping Ryan Tannehill emerge as an elite quarterback this season.

8. Oakland Raiders: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

He'll be the third quarterback to go in the Top 10, and if he succeeds for an Arkansas program mired in embarrassment after the Bobby Petrino scandal, he'll be one of the best storylines in the draft.

9. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins): David Amerson, CB, NC State

Prior to the bowl season in 2011, Amerson led the nation with 11 interceptions and is a ball hawk who could change the complexion of an NFL secondary.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

Allen was a Pac-12 first-team selection in 2011, and as long as his offseason ankle surgery doesn't compromise his production next year, he should be one of the first wideouts off the board in 2013.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

He'll have a lot to prove in 2013 after missing the final six games of the 2011 season to recover from ligament tears in his left knee, but he's been so dedicated to his rehab that it's hard to believe he won't be even better upon his return.

12. Buffalo Bills: Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida

Jenkins is one of the best linebackers in a stacked SEC and will likely emerge from the 2012 season as one of the nation's best, placing him firmly in the top half of next year's draft.

13. Tennessee Titans: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

Short decided to return to Purdue for his senior season after learning that he'd likely be a third-rounder in the 2012 draft, and since he was already one of the nation's best defensive tackles in the Big Ten in 2011, he'll rank among the NCAA's best after another year to develop.

14. Carolina Panthers: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

Mathieu has the potential to be a serious game changer in the NFL after becoming one of the shut-down corners for the Tigers in 2011.

15. Denver Broncos: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

There are far more desirable first-round quarterbacks in the 2013 draft than there are in 2012, which means more competition for Jones, who is garnering preseason hype as a possible Heisman candidate after a strong showing this spring.

16. Kansas City Chiefs: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Hankins has the potential to be a franchise nose tackle in the NFL given his athleticism and his size at 6'4" and 317 pounds.

17. Chicago Bears: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama

He entered the NCAA as one of the top high school prospects and will have the opportunity to commandeer a secondary that has big shoes to fill as safety Mark Barron departs for the NFL.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

He made the All-SEC second team even after starting the 2011 season as a reserve who excelled in speed-rushing situations.

19. San Francisco 49ers: Barrett Jones, G/C, Alabama

He's currently transitioning from left tackle to center, and as he gets comfortable throughout the 2012 season, he'll emerge as a top prospect.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

The Seminoles defense got a huge boost when Rhodes decided to forego the 2012 draft, and he could've been a first-round selection this year, so he's sure to be one of the top defensive backs on the board a year from now if he stays healthy.

21. New York Jets: Michael Dyer, RB, Arkansas State

If he adapts well to his new school after transferring from Auburn, he could increase his 2013 draft stock even more. Despite the fact that he is the only player in Auburn history to rush for 1,000 yards in his first two seasons, he'll have to overcome concerns about character issues stemming from a suspension for a violation of team rules.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin

He'll have a new offensive line coach in 2012, but if he continues to develop and improve next season, he could be a top-tier left tackle entering the draft.

23. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia

He'll be a part of an extremely experienced defense at Georgia in 2012, which should help him shine.

24: San Diego Chargers: T.J. McDonald, S, USC

He could rank as one of the top two free safeties entering next year's draft and has NFL greatness in his blood: Dad is former 49er Tim McDonald.

25. Atlanta Falcons: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

He sat out two games in the 2011 season for a violation of NCAA rules after receiving improper benefits, but he still projects as one of the top two defensive tackle prospects on the board.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Faulk, OT, LSU

Faulk was an All SEC second-teamer in 2011 and started 12 games at left tackle for the Tigers, finishing third on the team in knockdowns (73.5).

27. New York Giants: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

He decided to stay for another year after leading the nation with 1,923 rushing yards and tied Barry Sanders' record with 39 total TDs.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

After making the commitment to stay in South Bend for one more season, Teo is committed to having his best year yet and could surge up the draft board if he has a strong 2012 campaign. 

29. Detroit Lions: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

He'll be part of one of the best defenses in the NCAA in 2012, which should give him the opportunity to excel. 

30. Houston Texans: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

He left this year's national title game with a dislocated hip, but he's projected to bounce back for a strong season.

31. New England Patriots: Khaled Holmes, G/C, USC

He's a three-year starter for the Trojans who projects to be the best available center on the board.

32. Green Bay Packers: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma secondary struggled down the stretch in 2011, so 2012 is Jefferson's chance to establish himself as a difference maker after registering a team-high four picks last season.