NFL Draft 2013: Prospects Who Can Replace Recently Released Veterans

With so many big names being released in the NFL, there are now opportunities for teams to draft potential replacements. 

It’s nearly impossible to accurately predict where each prospect will be drafted, but it is possible to look at each team and determine a player that would fit well with each team.

There are multiple teams that are looking for a replacement for a veteran player, and they are more than a few guys who could fit well with these teams.

Damontre Moore

The Indianapolis Colts recently released Dwight Freeney after a decade of success with the team.  Now, the Colts are looking for a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker to replace the veteran.

Damontre Moore would be an appealing pick for the Colts in this draft.  Listed at 6’4’’ and 250 pounds, the star out of Texas A&M could provide some solid pass-rush for a team that struggled on defense in 2012. 

With 12.5 sacks last season, he's a player that the Colts should consider taking him.  He’s an athletic player who would fit well in the 3-4 defensive scheme adopted by the Colts last season.

Jonathan Cyprien

The Green Bay Packers parted with Charles Woodson earlier this year.  It was a tough decision for the team, but the age of Woodson combined with the cap space saved by releasing him made it the right choice.

It appears now that the Packers will need a safety, especially one who can help with the struggling defense against the run.

Jonathan Cyprien was a relatively unknown prospect before the NFL combine, but he is now one of the top projected safeties in this year’s draft.  A player who did a great job against the run at Florida International, he would appear to be a great fit to replace Woodson.

There’s a lot to like about Cyprien.  He is a quick and very aggressive safety who loves to get involved in stopping the run.  With the blitz packages that Dom Capers has, Cyprien could make big plays for the Packers in 2013.

Eddie Lacy

There are a couple of teams that will be looking for running backs in the NFL draft this year.  The Atlanta Falcons recently released Michael Turner, while Steven Jackson voided the final year of his contract with the St. Louis Rams.

Eddie Lacy could be an appealing option for either of these teams.  He proven to be a very tough and intelligent runner at Alabama, and is the top running back on Matt Miller’s NFL Draft Big Board, saying that, "Eddie Lacy headlines a class of big, powerful runners".

There are some appealing and physical running backs in this year’s draft, but Lacy is certainly the biggest one to look out for.  He would be a great fit for either the Falcons or Rams if they decide they need a rookie to replace their former backs.