2013 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions and Analysis for First Round

The 2013 NFL draft is just around the corner and everybody is buzzing about who will be the next stars in the pros.

Will the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals finally find a reputable quarterback? Which powerhouses will get lucky and see steals fall in their laps?

As always, there will be some surprises in the draft. Here's my 2013 NFL mock draft, complete with bold predictions (in italics).

Note: Draft order is based on standings as of 12/11. I do not think the Falcons and Texans are meeting in the Super Bowl!

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Anybody who has watched the Chiefs for, like, a game knows that quarterback is a high priority. Geno Smith is the top quarterback in the class, with the arm strength to fire downfield and the mobility to escape the pocket if need be.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bjoern Warner, DE, Florida State

The Jaguars need a difference-maker off the edge and Bjoern Warner can make a difference defending the run and rushing the passer. Not supremely athletic, but solid and has a mature game.

3. Oakland Raiders: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Anybody who saw Jarvis Jones play this season knows he's a beast, against the run and the pass. The Raiders need a pass-rusher and Jones—with his speed and plethora of moves—is a safe and solid bet.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

My god, do the Eagles need some pass protection. Luke Joeckel, with his athleticism and impressive technique, would do wonders for Philadelphia.

5. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

If Star Lotulelei drops to the Panthers, they will be ecstatic. They have one of the worst run defenses in the league and it starts at defensive tackle. Lotulelei is big, strong and moves well laterally. He also has a mean streak, but he keeps it under control.

6. Tennessee Titans: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Damontre Moore was one of the best defensive players in the country in 2012, displaying the combination of speed and power NFL scouts love. He has a non-stop motor and he's shown the knack for the big play. Something the Titans desperately need on defense.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

There are questions whether the Cardinals will take on offensive tackle here, but, let's be honest, none of the quarterbacks on Arizona's depth chart can do much anyway. Barkley gives them an upgrade under center as far as arm strength, accuracy and leadership. He just needs to get back to making better decisions with the pigskin.

8. Detroit Lions: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

The Lions could use some help in the secondary, but they can't pass up on a run-stuffer like Manti Te'o if he drops to them. He figures to be an imposing player for years to come.

9. San Diego Chargers: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Chargers need some help as far as pass protection and Taylor Lewan can set the edge and run-block with consistency. He has great footwork.

10. Buffalo Bills: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

The Bills desperately need to find a way to stop the run and adding a high-impact defensive tackle is the first step. A disruptive force, Sheldon Richardson has the size and athleticism to be a major factor in the pros.

11. Miami Dolphins: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

The Dolphins need a true threat in the receiving corps and Keenan Allen is an eye-opening playmaker. He's not exceptionally athletic, but he has great hands and the innate ability to rack up yardage after the catch. He's had no trouble gaining separation in college.

12. Cleveland Browns: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

The Browns could go a number of ways here, but adding a guard like Chance Warmack is not a bad way to go. Not only is Warmack an excellent run blocker, which should help out Trent Richardson, he's also a very good pass protector. We all know Brandon Weeden needs a little more time in the pocket.

13. New Orleans Saints: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Sedrick Ellis has been a bust for the Saints and they need a replacement. A very powerful player, Hankins wears opposing offensive linemen down throughout the course of the game.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The Buccaneers need serious help in the secondary and Dee Milliner is arguably the best cornerback in the class. Great play recognition, instincts, ball-hawk ability and run support, Milliner can do it all for you.

15. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

Barkevious Mingo, with his explosive burst and speed, will be just what the doctor ordered for the Jets' defense. He should make waves as a pass-rushing specialist with the ability to eventually become a 3-4 linebacker.

16. St. Louis Rams: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

The Rams desperately need someone to close off the edge for quarterback Sam Bradford and Eric Fisher is arguably the third-best offensive tackle in the class. Fisher's fluidity has always been impressive and his technique has improved. Plays with a chip on his shoulder.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

While Mingo is an explosive speed rusher, Sam Montgomery is more of a bull-rusher who drives blockers backward. The Bengals don't care how he does it as long as they get some extra help rushing the passer.

18. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The Rams may need a high-impact wide receiver, but they still have Danny Amendola and Chris Givens. Plus, are they really ready to give up on Brian Quick? I don't think so. I think they will add to the defense with Kenny Vaccaro, who has made his way up big boards given his instincts, cover skills and ball-hawking ability.

19. Dallas Cowboys: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

This may come as a surprise, given Dallas' need to upgrade on the interior of the offensive line, but drafting a run-stopper with great toughness like Jenkins would allow the Cowboys to shift Jay Ratliff to the outside, something that sounds mighty intriguing.

20. Minnesota Vikings: Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

The Vikings could add to the receiving corps here, but Alec Ogletree is an outstanding athlete with great pass-rushing ability. The Vikings need to replace Jasper Brinkley fast.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

A great combination of strength and agility, Jesse Williams would be a splendid addition to Pittsburgh's aging defensive line.

22. Chicago Bears: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

It's not a sure thing that Jake Matthews drops this far, but the Bears would love it if he did. The offensive line has been a problem for years in Chicago and Matthews has the quickness and blocking control to make a difference for Jay Cutler.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Young signal-caller Russell Wilson needs some more options in the receiving corps and Cordarrelle Patterson, with his size and big-play ability, could make an impact right away in the NFL. He needs some work on his route-running, though.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Why is this a bold move by the Colts? Because you would think the first thing they would do is add more protection for Andrew Luck. But they will go a different route, adding to the beleaguered secondary with Xavier Rhodes, who exhibits a little bit of everything.

25. New York Giants: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

The Giants may need a replacement for Osi Umenyiora, who enters free agency after the 2012 season. Dion Jordan's length, burst and versatility could make him an impact player right away in New York.

26. Green Bay Packers: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

Instead of adding to the offensive line to help out Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will reach for North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard, a second-round prospect. Green Bay decides it must find a threat in the backfield and Bernard is the closest thing there is in this draft.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Eric Reid, S, LSU

The Ravens will go with safety Eric Reid of LSU, hoping he can be a dynamite replacement for Ed Reed moving forward. A tough, intense player, Reid can sometimes be overly aggressive, but the Ravens should be able to control him and turn him into a star. He has great talent and playmaking ability.

28. Denver Broncos: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Needing a run-stuffer on defense, the Broncos will go with Sharrif Floyd here, who has the burst, motor and technique to be a impact player for Denver.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Matt Elam, S, Florida

Given that Dashon Goldson could be expensive this offseason, the 49ers could go another route and pick up a safety in Matt Elam who has the potential to be a starter for them from Day One. Elam's athleticism, instincts and tackling ability could make him a nice choice for San Francisco.

30. New England Patriots: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Needing some help in the secondary, the Patriots will go with Johnthan Banks here, who has the instincts, fluidity and ball-hawking ability to make a difference for them.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

The Falcons could use some help on the offensive line, but with Alex Okafor dropping due to team needs, they gladly pick up the powerful defensive end to eventually replace John Abraham. This would be a steal.

32. Houston Texans: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Imagine the explosive Tavon Austin lined up opposite Andre Johnson in Houston. With another speedy option for Matt Schaub to throw to, this passing attack could take on a life of its own.