2013 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the Entire First Round

Every year, critics question the importance of the NFL combine. And every year, despite their skepticism, the combine shakes up the NFL draft. 

This year was no different, as prospects such as Damontre Moore and Star Lotulelei could be falling as a result of their few days in Indianapolis. Others, such as Desmond Trufant and Xavier Rhodes, are on the rise. 

In addition to the mock draft selection for each team, I've also provided two other options for each team along with its first-round selection. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Luke Joeckel is far from a lock to go No. 1 overall, but I'm sticking with this selection in my mock draft.

Some analysts, including NFL.com's Gil Brandt, have argued that the Chiefs' interest in Joeckel could be tied to their ability to re-sign left tackle Branden Albert.

"

If @kcchiefs re-sign Alberts, we could see first CB ever drafted first overall (Milliner).

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) February 28, 2013"

Personally, I fail to see the connection. 

Albert is a decent left tackle but far from a perennial Pro Bowl talent. The Chiefs could potentially maximize his production by shifting him to right tackle, or even to guard, where he played in college. 

Additionally, the new Chiefs regime has no ties to Albert, who was a selection of former Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson in 2008. 

Other options: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan; Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

2. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan (Projected Trade)

Projected trade: Cardinals send picks No. 7, No. 38 and No. 164 to Jaguars for pick No. 2

The Cardinals desperately need to address their offensive line, but they may not have the luxury of sitting at No. 7 and waiting for someone to fall to them. 

Both Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher could be gone within the first four picks, and a number of teams interested in Lane Johnson, most notably the Chargers, could potentially trade up ahead of the Cardinals, who currently sit at No. 7. 

By trading up with the Jaguars, the Cardinals ensure they get a shot at one of the top-two left tackle prospects in this class. 

Other options: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia; Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

3. Oakland Raiders: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

I've had Geno Smith matched up with the Raiders for awhile now, and with recent reports from ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller linking the Raiders to Smith, I'm even more confident in the selection. 

While the Raiders still have Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor, general manager Reggie McKenzie was brought on board after Oakland acquired both quarterbacks. 

McKenzie likely wants to put his stamp on the organization and distance himself from the dysfunctional ways of the Al Davis era. 

Other options: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida; Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Dion Jordan, LB, Oregon

Chip Kelly wasn't shy about his praise for Dion Jordan at the combine, and he certainly wouldn't be the first college coach to jump to the NFL and target one of his former players. 

Given the Oregon connection and the Eagles transition to a 3-4 defense, this pick almost makes too much sense not to happen. 

Jordan has the potential to make an Aldon Smith-like impact at outside linebacker in the Eagles scheme and should excel from day one. 

Other options: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma; Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Brigham Young

Ezekiel Ansah is one of the most difficult prospects to judge in this class. 

As a prospect who is relatively new to football, there will definitely be a learning curve as he adjusts to life in the NFL. 

But Ansah possesses the size and athleticism of a Julius Peppers-type pass-rusher, and he could develop into that type of player within a few seasons. 

Unless the Lions can re-sign Cliff Avril, they'll be in the market for two new starting defensive ends this offseason. They are likely to find one of them with this selection. 

Other options: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State; Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The Browns are transitioning to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, which has led to speculation that they will target a pass-rusher with this selection.

But I expect Horton to be satisfied with the duo of Jabaal Sheard and James-Michael Johnson and target Milliner instead. 

The combination of Milliner and Joe Haden would give the Browns two elite cornerbacks to build around in their secondary. 

The Browns may also be a candidate to trade back, due to the fact that they spent their second-round pick on Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft. 

Other options: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia; Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State (Projected Trade)

Projected trade: Cardinals send picks No. 7, No. 38 and No. 164 to Jaguars for pick No. 2

With so many holes to fill, the Jaguars would have to consider a trade offer from a team such as the Cardinals. The additional second-round pick would give them the ability to fill multiple starting positions within the first two days of the draft.

The Jaguars finished with a league-worst 20 sacks a season ago, leading some analysts to speculate that they may target one of the draft's elite pass-rushers such as Barkevious Mingo. 

But I have a hard time envisioning new general manager David Caldwell gambling on a project such as Mingo with his first selection.

Bjoern Werner lacks Mingo's elite upside as a pass-rusher, but he is a far safer pick. 

Werner reminds me of the Rams' Chris Long. He's not the most exciting player to watch, but he gets the job done in all aspects of the game.

Other options: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah; Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

8. St. Louis Rams: Chance Warmack (Projected Trade)

Projected Trade: Rams trade picks No. 16 and No. 46 to Bills for pick No. 8

If the Rams want to guarantee themselves a shot at one of the top linemen in this draft, they'll need to trade up. And with three picks in the Top 50, they have the ammunition to pull it off. 

In this scenario, the Rams are able to move into the Top 10 for the premiere guard in this class while still maintaining two Round 1 selections. 

Adding Warmack would help protect Bradford, while also opening things up for the power running game. 

Other options: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

To be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no idea what to do with Jarvis Jones. 

He is going to be removed from some draft boards, that much we know. 

But he's also going to have some first-round grades from teams who are satisfied with his medical reports. 

As we get closer to the draft, we'll hear some rumors about who is interested, but until that time, we're all just guessing. 

Based purely on talent, he would make a lot of sense for the Jets. His pass-rushing ability and his experience in the 3-4 scheme make him an ideal candidate to step into an immediate starting role at outside linebacker in Rex Ryan's system. 

Other options: Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB, LSU; Matt Barkley, QB, USC

10. Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

Either Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper should be on the board at No. 10, and both would fit nicely into the middle of the Titans' offensive line. 

While Warmack may be higher on most boards, Cooper may actually be a better fit in Tennessee. 

With a shifty running back (Chris Johnson) and a mobile quarterback (Jake Locker), the Titans could use the more athletic Cooper, who can get down the field and pick up blocks on the move. 

A guard in the Top 10 isn't a sexy pick, but it might be a safe, smart move for the Titans.

Other options: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas; Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

11. San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

The Chargers need to land an offensive lineman with this pick.

Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher will be off the board, so Lane Johnson falling to No. 11 is the dream scenario for San Diego. 

Johnson could be plugged in immediately at left or right tackle, depending on what the team decides to do with Jared Gaither. 

Gaither isn't exactly popular in the Chargers locker room these days, and the team may cut ties with him before the draft. If that's the case, a trade into the Top 10 to ensure a shot at Johnson would become a strong possibility. 

Other options: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama; Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

12. Miami Dolphins: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

The Dolphins have more glaring needs than defensive tackle, but the elite depth at defensive line in this class may force Miami to simply target the best available player. 

Sharrif Floyd is a potential top-10 pick, but relatively few teams in the Top 10 actually need to address the interior defensive line. 

Miami could plug Floyd in as the three-technique tackle next to veteran nose tackle Paul Soliai. 

The Dolphins may also be a candidate to trade out of this spot. With Floyd on the board, a few teams may be interested in trading up, allowing the Dolphins to accumulate picks and select a receiver later in the first round. 

Other options: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee; Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

I've held off on moving Xavier Rhodes into the Top 20 because I was skeptical about his athleticism. But with an impressive combine, Rhodes may have locked up a spot in the upper half of the first round. 

The Buccaneers have needed to address their secondary for a few years; they attempted to fill this hole by overpaying for Eric Wright last offseason. 

After a disappointing season, Wright is now a candidate to be released, and Tampa is back in the hunt for a cornerback. 

Once Dee Milliner is off the board, Rhodes should be the next cornerback to hear his name called. 

Other options: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia; Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Just like with Jarvis Jones, Star Lotulelei's place in this draft is up in the air right now. 

Lotulelei's heart condition has raised concern, but no one really seems to know what impact it will have on his draft stock. 

Assuming Lotulelei receives some positive news before the draft, he should be high on the Panthers draft board. 

Carolina is in the market for two new starting tackles, and Lotulelei would fill a major hole at nose tackle. 

He's a rare athlete for his size and could potentially have an Ndamukong Suh-like impact in the middle of the Panthers defensive line. 

Other options: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DT/DE, Missouri

The Saints have a number of holes to fill before they're ready to put a respectable 3-4 defense on the field. 

Fortunately, a number of quality 3-4 players should be on the board at No. 15. 

Sheldon Richardson is a potential top-10 talent who may fall due to a limited number of teams in need of a defensive tackle. 

In New Orleans, Richardson would play defensive end and would pair with Cameron Jordan to give defensive coordinator Rob Ryan two quality ends to build around.

Other options: Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB, LSU; Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

16. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse (Projected Trade)

Projected Trade: Rams trade picks No. 16 and No. 46 to Bills for pick No. 8

Ryan Nassib isn't a popular first-round pick in mock drafts, but he's the top-rated quarterback on my draft board, and I fully expect him to land in the first round. 

I'll concede that other quarterbacks, such as Geno Smith, have a higher ceiling, but Nassib is the most NFL-ready signal-caller in this class—a quality that many teams in need of a quick fix will find intriguing. 

The Bills' staff is also best-equipped to prepare Nassib for an immediate starting job, due to the fact that head coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett worked with Nassib at Syracuse. 

Other options: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee; Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Ben Roethlisberger has always wanted a tall receiver, and this may be the Steelers' opportunity to grant him his wish. 

In 2008, Big Ben told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "I'm always going to ask for a tall receiver. That's just me... I'm 6-5. I throw down to a lot of these guys. You see so many times Hines [Ward] reaching up, and I'm getting him killed because he's reaching up for balls and I'm just throwing it on my plane."

Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are both under 6', so Roethlisberger's quotes still hold true five years later. 

Cordarrelle Patterson is 6'2" and would be a perfect complement to Brown and Sanders. 

Other options: Barkevious Mingo, LB, LSU; Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

18. Dallas Cowboys: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

The Cowboys are considering moving Doug Free inside to guard, which would open up a gaping hole at right tackle. 

Some analysts have speculated that D.J. Fluker would be a better fit at guard, but the Cowboys have always loved having over-sized linemen. 

By having Free replace Mackenzy Bernadeau at right guard and drafting Fluker to take over at right tackle, the Cowboys could potentially turn their offensive line from a weakness into a relative strength. 

Other options: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M; Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

19. New York Giants: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

The Giants may re-sign Martellus Bennett, which would eliminate Tyler Eifert from consideration. But until Bennett re-signs, Eifert should remain high on the Giants' draft board. 

Tom Coughlin has always preferred tight ends who can contribute both as a receiver and a blocker. Bennett, Kevin Boss and Kyle Brady are the three most successful examples. 

Eifert is still developing as a blocker, but he has the size and strength, and he has shown a willingness to contribute.  

Under Coughlin, Eifert could develop into one of the more well-rounded tight ends in the game. 

Other options: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State; Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

20. Chicago Bears: Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

Brian Urlacher is an unrestricted free agent, but even if the veteran re-signs, the Bears need to start thinking about the future. 

Urlacher, a former safety, developed into a Hall of Famer due to his impressive ability to contribute against the run and in coverage. And while Kevin Minter may never completely fill Urlacher's shoes, he is one of the few prospects capable of being an asset in both areas.

Minter has the speed to be a sideline-to-sideline defender against the run, but he is also quick enough to stick with tight ends and running backs in coverage. 

In fact, LSU occasionally matched him up against wide receivers, such as Arkansas' Cobi Hamilton. 

Other options: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State; Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

The Bengals only have three defensive ends under contract for 2013, which could put them in a difficult position if they're unable to re-sign some of their free agents, such as Michael Johnson.

Fortunately, this is an incredibly deep class of defensive linemen, and they should have no issue finding someone with the 21st pick. 

Barkevious Mingo is a difficult prospect to project. He has been linked to the Jaguars with the No. 2 pick but could just as easily fall to the late first round. 

He is as raw as any prospect in this class, but his elite athleticism makes him an intriguing option as a pass-rush specialist. He could contribute in a reserve role in much the same way the Seahawks used Bruce Irvin in 2012. 

Other options: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas; Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

22. St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

The Rams need a receiver, but in this scenario, Kenny Vaccaro may be tough to pass up. 

Vaccaro is the consensus top available safety in this year's class and would fit perfectly in St. Louis' secondary next to veteran Quintin Mikell.

If the Rams are unable to re-sign Danny Amendola or bring in a veteran receiver such as Greg Jennings, they may feel the need to reach to fill a need. But taking the best available player would definitely be the preferred approach for a team with many holes left to fill. 

Other options: Keenan Allen, WR, California; Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen, WR, California

Assuming the Vikings don't feel forced to trade Percy Harvin, they should focus on bringing in more of a traditional No. 1 receiver with this pick. 

Keenan Allen never fully developed at California, primarily due to poor quarterback play. But he has the raw skill set of an elite receiver. 

Allen will need to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but when he does, he could be the receiver Christian Ponder needs to continue his growth in Minnesota. 

Other options: DeAndre Hopkins, WR Clemson; Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

24. Indianapolis Colts: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

Chuck Pagano's hybrid scheme requires certain types of players, and he doesn't have many of them on the current roster in Indy. 

Datone Jones, who has experience in 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, is perfect for Pagano's system. 

He's built like a prototypical 3-4 end and also has the skills to play the three-technique tackle position when lined up in a 4-3 set. 

The Colts should also be considered a candidate to trade down on draft day. With so many holes to fill on both sides of the ball, they may benefit more from multiple day-two picks than this one first-round selection. 

Other options: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

25. Seattle Seahawks: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Few players have seen their stock plummet over the course of the past season quite like Johnathan Hankins. 

But while many are moving Hankins into the second round, I'm going to stick with him here. 

There are only so many men on the planet who can match Hankins' combination of size and athleticism, which always drives up the stock for these physical freaks of nature. 

While his production wasn't ideal this year, and his combine performance was slightly disappointing, Hankins still has the skills to be a difference-maker in the NFL. 

Hankins reminds me of Alan Branch, who experienced a similar fall when he entered the draft out of Michigan. Over the past two seasons, Branch was a solid contributor on the Seahawks' defensive line but is now an unrestricted free agent. 

Other options: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

26. Green Bay Packers: Matt Elam, S, Florida

The Packers secondary has been shaky in recent years, and the release of Charles Woodson only raises further concerns. 

Matt Elam would a nice addition at safety, to start next to Morgan Burnett. 

Like Burnett, who is coming off a career year, Elam is versatile and can play either the strong or free safety position. 

Other options: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

27. Houston Texans: Damontre Moore, DE/LB, Texas A&M

After much overreaction to a strong junior year, Damontre Moore's stock has started to come back down to earth. 

While he was productive at Texas A&M, he isn't an elite athlete. And in a deep class for the defensive end position, he isn't worthy of a Top 10 pick. 

Factor in concerns about his character (arrested for marijuana possession in 2011) and his work ethic, and now Moore is fighting to remain in the first-round conversation. 

The Texans could be a candidate to end his free fall, as they may need to replace free agent Connor Barwin. 

Other options: Tank Carradine, DE/LB, Florida State; Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

28. Denver Broncos: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

As strong as the Broncos defense looked at times in 2012, there are some serious question marks on the depth chart this offseason. 

One of the most significant holes that needs to be filled is in the middle of the defensive line. 

Jesse Williams is built like a fire hydrant and would be a perfect fit at nose tackle in John Fox's defense. He's the type of lineman who can take up space, and he often requires multiple blockers to keep him in check. 

Other options: Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

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

The Patriots found one starting cornerback in Alfonzo Dennard, but unless Aqib Talib is re-signed, the other spot is up for grabs. 

Desmont Trufant is coming off a strong performance at both the Senior Bowl and the combine and should be considered a strong possibility to sneak into the late first round. 

He reminds me of a slightly more athletic Devin McCourty, whom the Patriots selected in the first round in 2010 and have since moved to safety. 

Other options: Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

30. Atlanta Falcons: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

When the Falcons released Ray Edwards during the 2012 season, they severely weakened the depth on the defensive line. That issue is made worse by the fact that the line features 34-year-old John Abraham, who needs a breather every now and then to remain effective.

Tank Carradine is recovering from a knee injury that prematurely ended his senior year, but if fully healthy, he could have been in the conversation to come off the board in the Top 10. 

With relatively few holes to fill, the Falcons may have the confidence to take a small gamble on an injured prospect with a significant upside. 

Other options: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford; Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

31. San Francisco 49ers: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

This would definitely be a luxury pick for the 49ers, but with so few holes and with two second-round picks, the 49ers can afford to make a few selections other teams may not consider. 

Tavon Austin would add an interesting new dimension to their read-option offense. 

The potential to put players such as Colin Kaepernick, LaMichael James and Austin on the field at the same time is an offensive coordinator's dream. 

Other options: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Eric Reid, FS, LSU

32. Baltimore Ravens: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Alec Ogletree's DUI arrest was just the latest in a number of issues raising a red flag about his character, but the Ravens have shown a willingness to gamble on such prospects in recent years. 

Additionally, Ogletree fits perfectly into their defensive system and would fill a glaring need for a true coverage linebacker. 

Ogletree probably isn't the next Ray Lewis but due to his elite coverage ability (he's a converted safety), he would be a significant upgrade over the 2012 version of Lewis.

Other options: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee; Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State