2013 NFL Draft Order: Teams That Desperately Need to Trade Up in the First Round
Now that the Super Bowl has been decided, so has the order for the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
The playoff results have changed some things, but it does not alter the fact that some teams have glaring needs that must be fixed.
Some teams wait in their spot and hope that good players fall. However, the Washington Redskins showed last year that it pays to be aggressive. They drafted the eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III after trading up from the No. 6 pick to No. 2.
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While this year's class might not have a game-changer like Griffin or Andrew Luck, the following teams would benefit from trading up in the draft.
No. 9 New York Jets
Although the Jets have a lot of needs and do not want to give up too many picks, the team could benefit greatly from getting one of a few elite players.
This season, many focused on the lack of efficiency at quarterback. However, it was the strong offensive line and defense that allowed the team to have success in the past.
By trading up a few picks the team could guarantee drafting Chance Warmack out of Alabama. He is a powerful guard that would instantly help the Jets get back to the run-heavy offense it is used to having.
If he is unavailable, there are a number of big-time pass-rushers at the top of the draft that would transform the defense.
There are some solid players at the top of this class, but there is a bit of uncertainty by the ninth pick. New York should get out of this position to make sure it gets an elite player.
No. 13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers had statistically the best run defense in football. However, that is a little misleading because opponents spent entire games passing against the worst secondary in the NFL.
Tampa Bay needs help in the defensive backfield at all positions, but most importantly it needs a cornerback who can shut down top receivers.
Although Alabama's Dee Milliner fits that description, he will be in high demand in April. While there is a possibility that he falls to the No. 13 pick, the Bucs should not take that risk.
They need to move into the top 10 and make sure they get the right guy.
No. 20 Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler might be a good quarterback if he can ever get time to throw the ball. This makes fixing the offensive line the top priority this offseason.
Unfortunately, there might not be any top player by the team the Bears are set to draft in the second half of the first round.
Luke Joeckel will be off the board early, but Eric Fisher of Central Michigan was impressive in the Senior Bowl and would be a solid addition to this team.
Even if that is not an option, Chicago should still move up to try to get either Lane Johnson or D.J. Fluker. The team cannot afford to go another year without drafting a tackle in the first round.
Full Draft Order (via NFL.com)
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Detroit Lions
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Arizona Cardinals
8. Buffalo Bills
9. New York Jets
10. Tennessee Titans
11. San Diego Chargers
12. Miami Dolphins
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. Carolina Panthers
15. New Orleans Saints
16. St. Louis Rams
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Dallas Cowboys
19. New York Giants
20. Chicago Bears
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Indianapolis Colts
25. Seattle Seahawks
26. Green Bay Packers
27. Houston Texans
28. Denver Broncos
29. New England Patriots
30. Atlanta Falcons
31. San Francisco 49ers
32. Baltimore Ravens
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