2013 NFL Mock Draft: Important Selections for Every Round One Team

Free agency has drastically changed the NFL draft, as several teams have elected to address their needs with established pros rather than develop talent in-house. All the high-profile moves only add to the April intrigue, though.

The talented 2013 class of prospects figures to make a big splash in their rookie campaigns, and should give struggling franchises a massive boost.

Those circumstances make each pick in Round 1 that much more important. This mock will focus on the organizations that particularly need to nail their selections in the top 32.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Not to minimize the vitality of the No. 1 overall pick, but the Chiefs can't really do any wrong here. The logical pick is Joeckel to serve as a bookend franchise tackle opposite franchised LT Branden Albert. That will give Jamaal Charles the ability to utilize his speed on the edge and help neutralize pass-rushers against new QB Alex Smith, who was pummeled frequently in San Francisco.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Sharrif Floyd, DL, Florida

There are so many needs for the Jaguars, and Floyd would give them a lot of versatility on the defensive line. The Jags were last in the NFL in sacks last season, and Floyd's speed, quickness and ability to push the pocket from the inside should allow him to make an instant impact.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

It's been a decade since the Raiders have made the playoffs, and this is the first time general manager Reggie McKenzie has been armed with a first-rounder since taking over the job in 2012. That makes this one of Round 1's most pressure-packed picks.

Lotulelei's heart condition scared some teams away at the combine. However, this report from Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net provides some encouragement:

The exceptional defensive tackle has been fully cleared to do all drills in his Pro Day on Wednesday. That will serve as a huge landmark occasion to determine where Lotulelei will be selected. But ESPN's Todd McShay (subscription required) is still willing to place him at No. 1 overall in his latest mock draft.

Being compared to Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Haloti Ngata by NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock is certainly not a bad thing, either. If he even approaches being as productive as Ngata, Lotulelei will easily justify the Raiders' No. 3 pick despite the perceptive risk.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Another free agency-heavy offseason leaves the Eagles without pressing needs on defense. The offensive line struggled mightily last season, although much of it was due to injury. All-Pro tackle Jason Peters returns after a ruptured Achilles held him out in 2012, but Fisher brings unique athleticism to the position and would start opposite him in Week 1.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Picking up Glover Quin at safety and re-signing Louis Delmas and CB Chris Houston helps the Lions' secondary a lot. Pass-rusher is a need, but this class is deep in that regard. The priority here should be Milliner, the clear-cut top corner in the draft who will help Detroit slow down dynamic passing attacks, including those of NFC North rivals Green Bay and Chicago.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

The new Browns regime is clearly not messing around. Building the defense with strong additions such as Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant should make Cleveland instantly better, but more help could be had at this stage in the draft.

Absent a second-round pick, the Browns must nail this one. Jones is an absolute stud who can play the run very well, rush the passer even better and play solid coverage. His presence in Ray Horton's 3-4 scheme would be a nice luxury to have, since it's the type of alignment Jones played at Georgia.

Jabaal Sheard may not convert to a 3-4 linebacker smoothly, and the more competition the Browns can generate on that side of the ball, the better.

Dr. Craig Bingham, a renowned orthopedist, gave Jones a clean bill of health recently, as reported by Dan Pompei of the National Football Post. That should help eliminate concerns about Jones' spinal stenosis, which wasn't a problem in his days with the Bulldogs. Otherwise, nothing suggests Jones won't be a stud at the NFL level.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California

There are plenty of questions surrounding the quarterback position, and head coach Bruce Arians has a strong track record of developing young quarterbacks, featuring Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck. There's no doubt Barkley would benefit from that, and he's been linked to Arizona since drawing rave reviews from those who saw him at the NFL Scouting Combine.

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

In order to overtake the New England Patriots in the AFC East, the Bills have several problem areas to address. The first of those is quarterback. Ryan Nassib may be the answer in Round 2, but familiarity with former Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone isn't likely to electrify the Buffalo fan base.

That makes Smith a great choice. His surprisingly fast 4.59 40-yard dash at the combine totally changes his stock, as he could be a lethal read-option QB alongside the likes of C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson.

Smith also brings pro-ready size, poise, arm strength and accuracy to the table. A receiver can be added in the second round to complement Stevie Johnson as well, and Smith appears to have the football savvy to grasp an offense immediately despite coming out of a spread system in Morgantown.

NFL Network's Bucky Brooks compares Smith favorably to 2010 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford of the St. Louis Rams. If Smith's throwing ability is on that level along with his unique mobility, he should be a surefire franchise QB.

9. New York Jets (6-10): Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

Jordan is extremely versatile, and would fit extremely well as an outside linebacker and edge rusher in the Jets' 3-4 defense. When playing for the Ducks in college, he was asked to cover slot wide receivers and tight ends at times, and did so effectively. That should make Rex Ryan's scheme all the more exotic.

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

A lot of the focus in the offseason has been on building an offensive foundation around young QB Jake Locker. However, the defense was atrocious last season, and is in desperate need of a playmaker. Ansah may take a while to develop, but his size and athleticism alone should allow him to be an immediate force against the run and pass.

11. San Diego Chargers (7-9): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

A third tackle in the top-11 seems like too many, but Johnson is special. A former quarterback, he has a high football IQ and provides fantastic pass protection. Jared Gaither didn't quite cut it in 2012, and that should allow Johnson to fill in to more adequately protect Philip Rivers' blind side.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

In order to shore up the secondary that finished 27th against the pass last season, the Dolphins select a massive corner with great upside and fantastic press coverage. Although Rhodes is a bit of a liability against the run, it shouldn't be as big of a deal thanks to the acquisitions of stud linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

Speaking of underwhelming secondaries, no one yielded more passing yards last season than the Bucs. Vaccaro would form a wonderful duo with last year's top 10 pick Mark Barron at safety, and GM Mark Dominik could focus on acquiring a cornerback or a sack specialist defensive end in Round 2.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Steve Smith is not getting any younger, and the heat is on QB Cam Newton to get the Panthers to the playoffs in his third season. The defensive backfield is questionable with the retirement of Chris Gamble, but Patterson is too explosive to be left on the board at this juncture.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would be thrilled to have a player like Mingo fall to him at No. 15. A lack of college production is a concern for Mingo, as he had only 60 tackles (29 for loss) and 15 sacks in his three-year career with the Tigers (h/t sports-reference.com).

Mingo, though, has far too much potential to pass up. The Saints really need to improve on defense, as they were the worst overall unit in 2012. Even the outstanding efforts of QB Drew Brees couldn't continually dig New Orleans out of the holes the defense put the team in.

With outstanding speed, length and lateral quickness, the ceiling for Mingo is limitless as an edge rusher in the 3-4. That is where Ryan would put him, and even if he's utilized in substitution packages in his maiden season, Mingo should thrive in the attacking scheme.

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

Standing out on a Crimson Tide offensive line filled with future NFL players isn't easy. However, Warmack did just that. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer calls a power rushing attack, and Warmack is a massive presence that can get to the next level and help the RB tandem of Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead thrive.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Off-field concerns aside, Ogletree is one of the premier athletes in the draft. He started his Bulldogs career at safety before thriving at inside linebacker. Ogletree may be considered too undersized to play inside, which wouldn't be bad for Pittsburgh. After losing James Harrison, it's feasible that Ogletree could thrive as a tackling machine in Dick LeBeau's 3-4 outfit.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Pairing such a wonderful athlete as Richardson with the massive Jay Ratliff would give the Cowboys' new 4-3 look a nice punch on the interior. Plus, teams will have to contend with DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer coming off the edge, which should allow Richardson to be among the most stellar rookies in the league.

19. New York Giants (9-7): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Snagging a pass-rusher is necessary for the Giants. Since Justin Tuck is capable of moving inside, Werner could line up on the edge opposite Jason Pierre-Paul and succeed. Werner notched 13 sacks in his final year with the Seminoles, but at 266 pounds, should also defend the run well at the next level.

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

With a new West Coast offense under head coach Marc Trestman, the Bears have wisely fortified the blocking for quarterback Jay Cutler by signing Pro Bowl LT Jermon Bushrod. Tight end might have been an option if not for the pickup of Martellus Bennett, so Chicago should continue making pass protection the first order of business. No guard does that better than Cooper in this draft.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California

Allen can line up in the slot or on the outside. In addition to sporting a solid 6'2", 205-pound frame, he is extremely dangerous after the catch. QB Andy Dalton needs all the weapons the Bengals can provide, and Allen would complement superstar receiver A.J. Green nicely.

22. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

It might be logical to snag Warmack's former Alabama teammate Eddie Lacy here, yet receiver should be more of a priority. Austin was outstandingly productive for the Mountaineers with over 100 catches in each of his last two collegiate years. He would be a nice go-to target for QB Sam Bradford to replace the departed Danny Amendola.

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

There's a chance that released veteran Antoine Winfield could return. If that doesn't happen, though, the Vikings have a void at the cornerback position. Trufant is tremendous at closing on receivers and has the uncanny ability to recover and find the football. He would be another welcome addition to the secondary, joining 2012 first-round safety Harrison Smith.

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

A lot of cap space resulted in an active free-agent approach by reigning NFL Executive of the Year Ryan Grigson. That gives the GM plenty of flexibility in this draft, and Brown enhances the Colts defense as a run-stopper and dynamic blitzer who can play inside or outside.

25. Minnesota Vikings (via Seattle Seahawks): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Big Hank is a hefty 320 pounds, yet he is able to stay on the field for all three downs. Minnesota was solid against the run in 2012, and Hankins helps the cause even more. He should command a double-team from the jump, which will only help the production of Jared Allen and Brian Robison.

26. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

Minter did nothing but make plays for the Tigers in his only year as a starter, including 20 total tackles (17 solo) and two sacks in a loss to the Florida Gators. Although Desmond Bishop is expected to be ready for the start of 2013, the Packers can't be too careful in adding depth to the linebacker corps at the very least. The past couple of seasons the defense has had have been rough.

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

Drops hurt the stock of the former Volunteer, as does the elevated profile of his college teammate Patterson. That said, Hunter should not be overlooked. He bounced back from a torn ACL in early 2011 with a 1083-yard season that included nine touchdowns. Hunter is a deep threat that also has great vision in the open field.

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Willis McGahee's injuries and age and the Broncos' lack of other needs make this a solid choice. Lacy is great value at this point. There may be red flags about his health concerning his hamstring and toe. But he hasn't taken the battering that typical power backs do thanks to sitting behind Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson in Tuscaloosa and splitting time with T.J. Yeldon as a junior.

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

Imagine a Pats defensive line with the combination of Vince Wilfork and Williams on the inside. If Williams winds up being the persistent force he was at UNC, collapsing the pocket and chasing down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage, New England's defense may be getting a steal at this point in the draft.

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

The 6'4", 283 pounder ran a 4.80 40-yard dash at the combine, which allows him to be stout against the run. Jones had 19 tackles for loss in his senior campaign with the Bruins (h/t sports-reference.com), and is also a strong pass-rusher with a relentless motor. This is a big need for Atlanta if another deep postseason run is to be expected.

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

An improved 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day should allow Banks to remain in the first round. Banks played in the SEC and has nice size at 6'2" to compete against big No. 1 wideouts on the perimeter. His hard-hitting nature fits nicely with the Niners culture, and he should help San Francisco right away.

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

Te'o didn't have a particularly impressive combine, particularly with regard to his 40 time of 4.82.

But there aren't many other surefire inside linebacker prospects to be had with Minter off the board. The reigning Super Bowl champions lost Ray Lewis to retirement and Dannell Ellerbe in free agency, as mentioned earlier. 

That makes this pick so critical as Baltimore looks to mount a decent defense of its Lombardi Trophy. Given his impeccable instincts and knack for intercepting passes, any lack of physical tools Te'o has is made up for by his knowledge of the game. 

A comparison to DeMeco Ryans makes sense, since Te'o has all the intangibles from a football standpoint to be a future Pro Bowl-caliber player. The poor performance Te'o had in the BCS National Championship Game overshadowed an otherwise spectacular season, and as long as he continues to be the player he was for much of 2012, he should enjoy a successful career.

Most importantly for the Ravens, they will have a new leader in the heart of the defense and a player who has a good chance of picking up on the complexities of the NFL right away.