2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pegging Down Stars of Next Year's Class

It's never too early to start looking at the potential 2013 NFL draft class, especially for those fans who know their teams aren't going anywhere in 2012.

There is a fine crop of prospects gunning for the bright lights next year. Some look like sure-fire top picks. Others are just scratching the surface of the first round.

Here's my first 2013 NFL mock draft.

1. Cleveland Browns: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

The Browns need to add someone on the opposite end of Joe Thomas to protect whoever their quarterback will be. D.J. Fluker is largely considered the top potential offensive tackle in the 2013 draft class right now.

2. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Woods, WR, USC

Adding a weapon for Christian Ponder in the receiving corps would be a wise move by the Vikings. Robert Woods is an explosive player and figures to be the top wideout selected.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU

Adding to their pass rush would be a good idea for the Colts. Sam Montgomery is an excellent athlete, as evidenced by his nine sacks last season, and he could be a good one. 

4. Miami Dolphins: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia

The opinion is split on Montgomery and Jarvis Jones. Both could end up being elite pass-rushers, but it's hard to peg down who will be the best of the two come draft day. Jones had an astounding 13.5 sacks last season in the SEC.

5. St. Louis Rams: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

Barkevious Mingo has the ability to be an impressive player in the NFL and at 6'5", 240 pounds, he still has room to grow. A strong player who would be a nice addition to the Rams' defense.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o likely would have been a top 15 pick if he declared in 2012. Instead, he may actually go even higher in 2013. His tackling ability, range and instincts are uncanny, and he's a better prospect than Luke Kuechly.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida

Beyond being a terror against roaches in his bathroom, Jelani Jenkins is a fast, physical, explosive athlete on the field. He would be a nice pass-rusher for the Jags.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Amerson, CB, N.C. State

Finding a successor to Ronde Barber would be wise. David Amerson is largely considered the second-best cornerback prospect in the 2013 draft class right now.

9. Oakland Raiders: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

It's hard to imagine Matt Barkley not being the top quarterback selected in the 2013 draft. Even if the Raiders think Carson Palmer is the answer, Barkley could succeed him in due time.

10. Kansas City Chiefs: Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State

After addressing inside linebacker with Luke Kuechly, the Chiefs could add a nose tackle to plug up holes in the middle of the line next year. Johnathan Hankins is largely considered the best nose tackle right now.

11. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake Matthews has the family history and ability to protect Kevin Kolb down the line.

12. Carolina Panthers: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue

Adding a defensive tackle wouldn't be a bad idea for the Panthers. Kawaan Short, at 310 pounds, still had 6.5 sacks n 2011. That's impressive.

13. St. Louis Rams (via WA): Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Marcus Lattimore figures to be the best running back in the 2013 class and the Rams could use a running back given Steven Jackson's contract demands. 

14. Buffalo Bills: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

Keenan Allen showed first-round potential at Cal in 2011 and it would be wise for the Bills to search for someone opposite Stevie Johnson. 

15. Tennessee Titans: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

As a Heisman candidate in 2011, Tyrann Mathieu flashed game-changing ability in LSU's secondary. After Cortland Finnegan left town, the Titans could use some help in the secondary.

16. New York Jets: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Adding more weapons in the receiving corps would make life easier on Mark Sanchez, who has yet to establish himself as the Jets' clear-cut franchise quarterback. 

17. San Diego Chargers: Barrett Jones, OG/C, Alabama

The Chargers could use some protection for quarterback Philip Rivers, and Barrett Jones has shown tremendous strides at Alabama. He has good size at 311 pounds and he's a strong player.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

Adding to the pass rush wouldn't be a bad idea for the Cowboys and Brandon Jenkins has a chance to be special with his athleticism.  

19. Chicago Bears: Chris Faulk, OT, LSU

The Bears, as always, need to add protection for Jay Cutler. Chris Faulk has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL. 

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Ricky Wanger, OT, Wisconsin

The NFL draft isn't complete without a Wisconsin offensive lineman being selected early. Ricky Wagner has the potential to protect Michael Vick's blind side. 

21. New Orleans Saints: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

The Sharrif's in town! I'll be here all week, folks. Sharrif Floyd has the ability eat up the middle of the field. He had 11 tackles against LSU in 2011. 

22. Denver Broncos: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Xavier Rhodes is big, physical and fast enough to cover the speedy receivers of the NFL. The Broncos could use some help in the secondary for their budding defense. 

23. Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The next top inside linebacker for Alabama: C.J. Mosley. He was a consensus Freshman All-American in 2010 and he flashed the skill set and athleticism to be a first-rounder in 2011.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma

Tony Jefferson is a leader first and foremost. He's also a physical, strong player who has versatility, to boot. The Bengals wouldn't mind bolstering their defense. 

25. Detroit Lions: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama

Another promising cornerback prospect, DeMarcus Milliner has game-changing ability and has been a ball hawk for Alabama. He's also a solid tackler. 

26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tom Wort, ILB, Oklahoma

The Steelers weren't able to grab Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the 2011 draft, but Tom Wort isn't half-bad, either. He's an aggressive, fast, tough player who flies to the ball and has the potential to pressure the quarterback.

27. New York Giants: Khaled Holmes, C, USC

David Baas is 32 years old and didn't stand out in 2011. Khaled Holmes is not particularly explosive, but he's displayed solid technique, balance and drive blocking at USC. 

28. Houston Texans: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

The Texans could stand to add a No. 2 receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Kenny Stills has the ability to be a complete receiver in the NFL, with great speed, hands and elusiveness. He had 849 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2011 for the Sooners. 

29. San Francisco 49ers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

The 49ers could use more depth in the secondary. Johnathan Banks has good closing speed, instincts and agility and he's become a good tackler at Mississippi State. 

30. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Lester, S, Alabama

Ed Reed has been heroic for the Ravens throughout the years, but he's getting older and Robert Lester would be a solid value pick here.

31. Green Bay Packers: T.J. Mcdonald, S, USC

T.J. McDonald could have been selected in this year's draft, but he opted to return for his senior season at USC. He's a very quick player with good size and tackling ability. 

32. New England Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Desmond Trufant has raw speed and athleticism, and he's emerged as a solid cover corner for Washington. He's also shown the ability to make the big interception.

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