NFL Mock Draft 2013: Highlighting 8 Instant Impact Starters

Every player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft should theoretically be an instant starter, but we know that's not always the case. 

Some turn out to be busts, many of whom need more time to develop physically, while others need more time to develop mentally. Many just can't beat out proven veterans who raise their level of play after the threat of losing their jobs to their rookie competition. There are some players in this year's draft class who will certainly start from Day 1, though, unless they succumb to an injury.

We'll highlight this year's can't-miss starters who will make a big impact on their respective teams in this upcoming mock draft, so follow along and find out which players made the cut. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter 

Since new Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey came out in his opening press conference to say he'd be selecting the best player available rather than reaching for a quarterback in this year's weak class, we have to assume he's going to take Joeckel. 

Joeckel is an elite prospect who already has they physical tools to dominate at the next level and nearly flawless technique. He possesses incredible lateral agility, sweet feet and enough power to dominate at the point of attack. 

He'll be an instant starter and an instant upgrade over Donald Stephenson, part of last year's draft class.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Verdict: Starter

The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to sack opposing quarterbacks just 20 times in 2012, the worst mark of any team in the NFL. Werner is an ideal fit with any 4-3 team, as he possesses an  excellent size/speed/strength combination to anchor the edge.

Although there are other pass rushers in this year's draft class with more pure athleticism, none are more complete with the entire package Werner brings to the table. He has a good burst off the line, power to go inside and the hip flex and agility he needs to get around the outside. 

3. Oakland Raiders

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Verdict: Starter

The Oakland Raiders have needs across the board, but there's no doubt the team's defense needs an infusion of youth and skill on the interior of its defense. 

Lotulelei is big, strong, agile, quick and knows how to use his massive body (6'4, 325) to devastating effect by staying low and using good leverage. He's an underrated pass rusher from his defensive tackle spot will help the Raiders improve their dismal run defense from a year ago. 

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Verdict: Starter

Michael Vick seems like a perfect fit for Kelly's system, but the Philadelphia Eagles can't afford to keep him on in 2013. Chip Kelly has never been afraid to start freshman quarterbacks at Oregon and he won't hesitate to throw Smith into the fire.

Smith isn't as explosive an athlete as Colin Kaepernick or Robert Griffin III, but he is athletic enough to run Kelly's system and his arm talent cannot be denied. Kelly will craft an offense that plays to his strengths and the Eagles have the personnel at the skill positions to make it work. 

5. Detroit Lions

Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter

The Detroit Lions have some big decisions to make this spring. Cliff Avril is up for a contract again and he'll be expensive whether the team tags him again or if he gets a long-term deal. Kyle Vanden Bosch is a couple of years removed from his former-dominance and it might be time to let him go.

Moore is an explosive edge-rusher who could step in right away and give Detroit a boost on one side, and if the team decides to keep Avril, the two of them would represent a dynamic duo playing on the outside of another duo that's terrorizing offenses, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.

Adding him to this crew will make the Lions into a dangerous team for opposing quarterbacks and he'll make a huge impact from Day 1. 

6. Cleveland Browns

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter

Whether the Cleveland Browns stay with their current 4-3 scheme on defense or switch back to a 3-4, Jones fits the bill. It's not yet known what will happen on that front, but what we do know is that the Browns need to add talent to their linebacker corps. 

Jones is a freak athlete who is similar to Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, though he's not quite as quick. That doesn't mean he will be any less effective, though, and his ability to rush the passer will be a boon to Cleveland's defense in 2013. 

I expect Jones to be one of a few players with a legitimate chance to win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. 

7. Arizona Cardinals

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Verdict: Starter

When Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan decided against entering the 2013 Draft, Fisher's stock rose significantly. He was already a first-round tackle before the news that both top-rated tackles would be staying in school for another year; now he's a surefire pick in the top half of the first round. 

The Arizona Cardinals' offensive line was a joke in 2012, both in the running and passing game. No matter who starts at quarterback in 2013, he'll need better protection than what the team had a year ago. 

Matthews is a lean, athletic tackle with excellent technique and an incredibly high ceiling. He comes from the same small school that produced Joe Staley, one of the NFL's best left tackles and possesses many of the same qualities. 

8. Buffalo Bills

Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

Verdict: Needs Time To Develop

Doug Marrone can't afford to hope his former-college quarterback is available in the second round and certainly can't afford to gamble that the Buffalo Bills can successfully engineer a trade to pick him up later in the first. 

Nassib has the talent to be taken in the first round, so it's not like it's a huge stretch for the Bills to go ahead and take him here with the No. 8 overall pick. Blessed with a rocket for an arm, enough speed and athleticism to make defenses pay with his legs and an uncanny ability to anticipate open receivers, Nassib will be an excellent pro. 

The best part about this whole arrangement is that incumbent Ryan Fitzpatrick can start the season as the starter while Nassib develops. 

9. New York Jets

Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter

Brandon Moore is a free agent and, even if the New York Jets decide to bring him back, there's no doubt this team needs to upgrade the interior of its offensive line. 

Warmack is one of the few true blue-chip prospects of this year's draft class and, if it were not for the fact that guards aren't valued as high as tackles or defensive ends, he'd be taken long before No. 9. 

He has the size, athleticism, power and technique to dominate the line of scrimmage from Day 1 and adding him to the Jets lineup will vastly improve the team's running game immediately. 

10. Tennessee Titans

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

Verdict: Role Player in 2013

The Tennessee Titans have put together an impressive corps of young defenders and, with another year or two of solid development, will feature an impressive defense. 

Adding a freak of nature to the defensive line who has all the physical tools to succeed along with a relentless motor and the nasty attitude teams love gives the team an added element it desperately needs to compete in the AFC South.

11. San Diego Chargers

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter

We all know the San Diego Chargers need to bring in offensive linemen, but the best course of action for new general manager Tom Telesco is to take the best player available.

Besides, it's not like San Diego can't use the help at cornerback. Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason both struggled in 2012 and Jammer's best days are clearly behind him.

Adding this year's top cornerback will key an improved defense in 2013 and Milliner will start from Day 1. 

12. Miami Dolphins

Keenan Allen, WR, California

Verdict: Starter

With Chance Warmack already off the board, the Miami Dolphins would be wise to add a playmaking wide receiver and Allen fits the bill.

Assuming Allen recovers from his PCL injury and puts up good numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine, he's this year's top wide receiver. He isn't a true burner, but Allen is a polished route runner with excellent hands and an ability to make big plays after the catch.

Adding him will greatly aid Ryan Tannehill's development and it'll make the Dolphins offense much more formidable in 2013.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Verdict: Starter

Rhodes will move up draft boards the closer we get to the actual 2013 NFL Draft. 

He's a big, physical cornerback who excels in press-man coverage and possesses the speed, athleticism and agility needed to keep up with the NFL's top receivers.

Adding him to an already-talented defense will ensure that the Buccaneers have a feared defense every Sunday.

14. Carolina Panthers

Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Verdict: Starter

The Carolina Panthers made big strides on defense towards the end of 2012. Luke Kuechly was excellent as a tackle machine in his rookie year and Jon Beason and Thomas Davis played well next to him. 

The only thing missing from the team's front seven is a run-stuffing tackle and Hankins fits the bill in that capacity. 

A powerful young man, Hankins isn't just a run-stuffer. He is quick and agile enough to disrupt plays in the passing game and would be a welcome addition to this burgeoning defense. 

15. New Orleans Saints

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Verdict: Starter

The New Orleans Saints need pass rushers and they need help stopping the run. 

Richardson will provide assistance on both fronts, as he's a dynamic defensive tackle who is strong enough at the point of attack to make plays in the rushing game and who possesses excellent pass-rushing moves inside.

16. St. Louis Rams

Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

Verdict: Starter

Harvey Dahl is the only reliable guard currently on the roster for the St. Louis Rams and bringing in talent to solidify the offensive line should be priority No. 1 for Jeff Fisher's club.

Cooper is a big, athletic young man with excellent feet and an ability to blow defenders off the block. He'll be a boon for the Rams in the running game, but he's also an adept pass-blocker who will help Sam Bradford stay healthy in 2013. 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU

Verdict: Needs Time to Develop

It's not like the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a flashy project player like Mingo in the first round, but mock drafts are supposed to be fun!

Besides, the Steelers could certainly use the help on the outside. 

Ranked in the middle of the pack in sacks, Pittsburgh's defense desperately needs the playmakers to terrorize opposing offenses. 

Mingo is this year's biggest boom/bust prospect, but if he goes "boom," the Steelers will have one heck of a player for years to come. 

18. Dallas Cowboys

Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Verdict: Role Player in 2013

Monte Kiffin is going to need big men to man the trenches in Dallas and, though Floyd may not be an instant starter, you can bet he'll have a big role to play for the Cowboys in 2013. 

Blessed with the size teams covet, Floyd is a powerful lineman who possesses underrated agility and a seemingly non-stop motor. He'll be a big asset for the Cowboys for years to come. 

19. New York Giants

D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Verdict: Starter

Offensive Tackles are in short supply at the top of the 2013 NFL Draft, so teams in need of help there will have to take some risks at this high-priority position.

The New York Giants weren't able to overcome poor play from their offensive line in 2012, as Eli Manning often faltered down the stretch. It's about time for Jerry Reese to address the team's desperate need for help on this front. 

Fluker projects as more of a right tackle in the NFL, given the fact that he isn't as quick on his feet as most elite left tackles, but his ability to handle the right side and dominate in the running game will make him a valuable asset from Day 1. 

20. Chicago Bears

Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

Verdict: Instant-Impact Starter (If Brian Urlacher Retires)

Brian Urlacher may or may not retire before the 2013 NFL season begins, but it's imperative that the Chicago Bears find his replacement now. 

Ogletree is a linebacker with exceptional speed, a trait desperately needed in today's NFL.

He has good size, tackles well and is an instinctive player who will make an immediate impact for any team he joins. His speed and athleticism will allow Ogletree to be a three-down linebacker, a must for any inside linebacker taken in the first round. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Matt Elam, S, Florida

Verdict: Starter

The biggest area of weakness for the Cincinnati Bengals on defense is at strong safety. Once they get that sewed up, the Bengals will terrorize opposing offenses on a weekly basis.

Elam is an instinctive ball hawk who is also strong against the run. His ability to play both near the line of scrimmage and out in center field makes him a valuable defender and he'll slide into the starting lineup from the opening week of training camp. 

22. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins)

Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Verdict: Starter

Like the Cincinnati Bengals, the St. Louis Rams already feature an impressive defense. Adding a talented safety like Vaccaro to the mix to play along with Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins will turn this talented unit into one that will give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares. 

Vaccaro is a rare player who can line up one-on-one against most receivers, can play the run like a linebacker and has the speed, athleticism and instincts to play the middle of the field in coverage. 

23. Minnesota Vikings

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Verdict: Instant Impact Starter

Adding Patterson to the offense of the Minnesota Vikings will give Christian Ponder the added element he needs to crank things up to another level. 

Even when Percy Harvin is healthy, there hasn't been another playmaker opposite him in the passing game to really open things up. Patterson has the speed, size, athleticism, hands and after-the-catch abilities to force teams to cover both sides evenly on an offense often seen as one-dimensional. 

24. Indianapolis Colts

Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

Verdict: Role Player in 2013

The Indianapolis Colts made an impressive transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 in 2012, but the team still needs to add players that fit this new scheme.

Jordan may end up going much higher in April, but the Colts will do backflips down the aisles to submit him as their first-round pick.

Jordan is as raw as Barkevious Mingo, but he is bigger and was a bit more productive this year for the Ducks than Mingo was for LSU, despite the fact that he was dealing with a nagging shoulder injury for much of the season. 

25. Seattle Seahawks

Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Verdict: Role Player in 2013

Pete Carroll made it crystal clear that the team's biggest area of need in 2013 will be pass rushers (h/t The News Tribune's Eric Williams). 

Sure, the Seahawks brought in Bruce Irvin last year via the draft, but he's more of an outside linebacker than a pure defensive end and, until he gets stronger, he won't be a viable starter. 

Montgomery is a productive, powerful pass rusher who doesn't rely on pure speed to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He has a nice repertoire of moves and will be an impact player for the Seahawks as a situational pass rusher in 2013. 

26. Green Bay Packers

Barrett Jones, C/G, Alabama

Verdict: Starter

The Green Bay Packers desperately need to bring in talented young players to protect Aaron Rodgers and pave lanes in the running game. 

Jones is an exceptionally gifted interior lineman whose diversity will be a boon for whichever team drafts him. He can play all five positions on the line if need be and he'd step from Day 1, starting at guard or center for Green Bay. 

27. Houston Texans

Eric Reid, S, LSU

Verdict: Starter

The Houston Texans struggled to defend the pass in 2012, despite the fact that the team's front seven is among the best in the NFL. 

Danieal Manning and Glover Quin are both average in coverage—at best—and if Houston wants to be able to defeat Tom Brady in the playoffs any time soon, it'll need an upgrade. 

Reid is an excellent safety in coverage who needs to work on his tackling a bit, but who has the ideal size/speed to become a dominant pro.

28. Denver Broncos

John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

Verdict: Starter

Ray Rice ate up the middle of the Denver Broncos defense in the AFC Conference Championship Game, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown. His performance highlighted a need for the Broncos that's been masked for much of the year: a run-stuffing defensive tackle.

Jenkins, a massive interior lineman at 6'3" and almost 360 pounds, is just that. He is surprisingly agile for a man of his size, too, and he'll be an immediate upgrade over Kevin Vickerson on the interior of the Broncos defensive line. 

29. Baltimore Ravens

Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State

Verdict: Instant Impact Starter

No more Ray Lewis means the Baltimore Ravens need to find his replacement as soon as possible. 

Thankfully, Brown more than fits the bill as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

He's a bit like Daryl Washington of the Arizona Cardinals or Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both are a bit undersized, like Brown, but they more than make up for it with pure speed, quickness, excellent tackling and top-notch instincts.

Brown will be hard-pressed to make fans forget about Lewis, a tough act to follow, but he'll be a good player who will make Baltimore better going forward.  

30. San Francisco 49ers

Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama

Verdict: Starter

The San Francisco 49ers haven't been as dominant against the run in 2012 as they were in 2011, in part because Isaac Sopoaga hasn't been nearly as stout at the point of attack.

Sopoaga is a free agent after this season, and it's conceivable that the 49ers might let him walk, given the team's salary-cap situation (h/t NinerCapHell.com).

Williams is a perfect replacement and, at this draft slot, he'd be a lot cheaper, too. Not only is he a strong run-defender, but he is also adept at pushing the pocket on passing downs.

31. New England Patriots

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Verdict: Role Player in 2013

Austin's pure speed, agility and after-the-catch prowess makes him a perfect fit for Tom Brady's offense in New England.

Even if Wes Welker remains with the Patriots in 2013, Austin would make a big impact as a role player and I see him becoming a game-breaking player from Day 1. 

32. Atlanta Falcons

Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Verdict: Starter

John Abraham, who recently suffered another injury, is clearly on his last legs and the Atlanta Falcons need to bring in young pass rushers to keep what they have going on defense rolling along into 2013 and beyond. 

Okafor is a relentless pass rusher with raw power and good speed who will step in and give the Falcons what Abraham has not been able to give during the latter half of the 2012 season. 

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78