Mel Kiper Jr. 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Kiper's Final Projections

Mel Kiper's final 2013 NFL mock draft has finally been released.

The mock (5.0) hit the web with less than 24 hours until the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Love him or hate him, ESPN's top draft guru has a strong working knowledge of the draft process and maintains inside sources to help guide his predictions.

After the draft's top 10 picks, most mocks get thrown out the window. But it's been Kiper's accuracy within those first 10 picks that have made him a household name in NFL draft circles.

We'll take a look at each of his final first-round projections and decide whether or not he's onto something in 2013.

32. Baltimore Ravens

Kiper's Pick: ILB Kevin Minter, LSU

The Baltimore Ravens attempted to revitalize former first-round pick Rolando McClain's career by scooping him up after he was cut by the Oakland Raiders. McClain rewarded the Ravens' goodwill by promptly getting arrested during draft week, his third arrest since 2011.

They certainly could use a solid middle linebacker to fill the void left by Ray Lewis' retirement. Is Kevin Minter that guy? Mel Kiper has stuck with him throughout this whole process.

He was only a one-year starter at LSU but was productive enough in a very good Tigers defense. Minter also has the potential to warrant a first-round selection, making this a solid pick at a position of need.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Kiper's Pick: S Matt Elam, Florida

Mel Kiper is assuming a lot by mocking former Florida safety Matt Elam to the San Francisco 49ers. Several teams ahead of the Niners may be looking to add a safety, and they won't likely pass up on the quick and hard-hitting Elam.

This pick makes sense, but it isn't likely to happen as the player will most likely be gone before it can be made. In that case, San Francisco could potentially select safeties John Cyprien from Florida International or Eric Reid from LSU.

A trade is another potential move. They are stocked with picks and could move up to assure they get Elam or another player they covet.

30. Atlanta Falcons

Kiper's Pick: CB Robert Alford, S.E. Louisiana

Mel Kiper threw a curveball with this selection. While cornerback is a big need for the Super Bowl-hopeful Falcons, they could certainly use a pass rusher over a small-school player like Robert Alford.

Kiper's evaluation of the former S.E. Louisiana CB is glowing, but it doesn't seem like the right move for them this early in the draft. They could possibly find a comparable player later in the draft in the second or third rounds.

29. New England Patriots

Kiper's Pick: CB Desmond Trufant, Washington

If cornerback Desmond Trufant is still available here, it would be hard for the New England Patriots to pass him up. The way the chips fell in Mel Kiper's latest mock allowed that to happen.

Wide receiver remains a big need for the Pats, and that could very be the direction they go depending on how things shake out ahead of them. However, a run on receivers ahead of them prevented them from doing that.

28. Denver Broncos

Kiper's Pick: DE Tank Carradine, Florida State

Elvis Dumervil is gone thanks to fax machine problems. Mel Kiper seized the opportunity to fill the Denver Broncos' need for a replacement by projecting former Florida State standout Tank Carradine here.

While it makes sense, there is some risk involved. Carradine benefited from playing behind a stout defensive line in college and is recovering from ACL surgery. Kiper is optimistic about his recovery, but the Broncos might not be.

If not Carradine, the team may explore selecting Carradine's teammate DE Bjoern Werner here.

27. Houston Texans

Kiper's Pick: WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

The Houston Texans need to do something in the passing game. Adding a solid receiver like DeAndre Hopkins makes perfect sense.

Hopkins is a smart, gifted and solid pass catcher who will give the Texans a legitimate threat across from aging WR Andre Johnson.

Mel Kiper seemingly hit the nail on the head with this selection.

26. Green Bay Packers

Kiper's Pick: DE Datone Jones, UCLA

Solidifying the front seven makes perfect sense for the Green Bay Packers with the 26th pick. Former UCLA defensive lineman Datone Jones is a versatile prospect who can play end in their 3-4 front.

This pick meets a need and provides the Pack with good value at the bottom of the first round.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Kiper's Pick: ILB Alec Ogletree, Georgia

There are a number of players the Minnesota Vikings could have ended up with to fill their need at inside linebacker. Former Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree is an intriguing prospect who brings tenacity and power to the inside of a Vikings defense that could definitely utilize those talents.

Some scouts, though, question his football skills despite his physical ability. He also comes with character concerns after being suspended in 2011 and recently being arrested for DUI before the NFL Scouting Combine.

Mel Kiper was accurate in mocking an inside linebacker to the Vikes, but it could end up being someone who comes with less risk than Ogletree.

24. Indianapolis Colts

Kiper's Pick: CB Xavier Rhodes, Florida State

The Indianapolis Colts needed to address their secondary this offseason. They made one solid move already by inking former Arizona Cardinals CB Greg Toler to a three-year deal after the kickoff of free agency.

Mel Kiper sees the big and physical Xavier Rhodes as being an idea fit at the nickel corner position, solidifying the rebuilding efforts of the team's defense. Rhodes is a willing tackler and solid cover corner, which lends some credibility to that claim.

He would also provide the team with a security blanket in the event Toler struggles with injuries again in 2013. The CB missed all of 2011 and four games in 2012 due to injuries.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Kiper's Pick: WR Robert Woods, USC

Mel Kiper obviously thought that the Minnesota Vikings still need to do more to upgrade their passing offense despite adding WR Greg Jennings during the offseason.

However, his projection of Robert Woods to the team is a little confusing considering he and Jennings are similar talents. A better option here could be DeAndre Hopkins or a deep-threat receiver like Justin Hunter from Tennessee.

22. St. Louis Rams

Kiper's Pick: WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

This pick is pretty self explanatory. The St. Louis Rams have two first-round picks and need to upgrade their wide receiver group with one of them.

Cordarrelle Patterson is still raw when it comes to running a full route tree, but he can provide a spark offensively if the Rams find a way to get the ball in his hands. After losing WRs Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, the team will need to find a playmaker or two during the draft.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Kiper's Pick: RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama

Not every one of Mel Kiper's projections makes sense. The Cincinnati Bengals could certainly pick a running back in the 2013 draft, but it's not likely to be in the first round.

Eddie Lacy lacks the explosiveness to upgrade the Bengals' current rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Kiper thinks a team may reach for Lacy in the first round, and that is possible, but it most likely won't be Cincinnati.

A more likely selection here could be an offensive tackle, safety or linebacker.

20. Chicago Bears

Kiper's Pick: ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Not everyone is jumping ship on Manti Te'o being worthy of a first-round selection. Mel Kiper mocks the former Notre Dame inside linebacker as the first player at his position off of the board.

Filling Brian Urlacher's shoes will not be easy, but Te'o could certainly be the guy to do it. Despite a disastrous offseason, he is still a talented linebacker who would benefit from the Chicago Bears' stout defensive line.

19. New York Giants

Kiper's Pick: CB D.J. Hayden, Houston

NFL Network's Greg Cosell recently called cornerback D.J. Hayden the "most physically gifted corner in this draft class." Cosell isn't alone, either. Mike Mayock propelled the CB to No. 1 on his big board after hearing teams cleared him medically.

Hayden tore the vena cava blood vessel in his heart during a practice in November 2012, but underwent surgery and quickly bounced back to get back in shape and perform at Houston's pro day. There, The Houston Chronicle clocked him at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash while NFL's Gil Brandt timed him at 4.42 seconds.

Mel Kiper appears to be on board, too after inserting Hayden here over Desmond Trufant, his former choice for the New York Giants.

18. Dallas Cowboys

Kiper's Pick: DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

Yes, it's true that the Dallas Cowboys are transitioning to a 4-3 defense in 2013. However, how big of a priority should the team place on adding depth at defensive tackle instead of addressing starting positions in need?

The Cowboys ranked next-to-last in rushing offense in 2012 and could definitely use an offensive guard prospect to help them improve that next season.

A trade down to select an interior lineman would be ideal here if neither Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack are available as Mel Kiper mocked.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kiper's Pick: TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

Former Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert is big, athletic and a potential matchup nightmare for opposing teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers have some other needs, but it would definitely be hard for them to pass up the potential of adding someone like that to an offense that went stale in 2012.

16. St. Louis Rams

Kiper's Pick: S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

It's hard to imagine the St. Louis Rams passing on Kenny Vaccaro if he's available when they pick at No. 16 overall. They made huge improvements last season by drafting CB Janoris Jenkins and signing free agent CB Cortland Finnegan.

They have a definite need at safety, and Vaccaro is the best this draft has to offer. He's a playmaker who can play from sideline to sideline and everywhere in between.

15. New Orleans Saints

Kiper's Pick: OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

The New Orleans Saints defense can't get any worse in 2013, that's for sure. They're making the switch to the 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's guidance. Ryan is a fiery and creative coordinator who loves to rush the passer.

That's why Jarvis Jones makes perfect sense for the Saints here if still on the board. Jones underwent some heavy scrutiny after a tremendously poor showing at Georgia's pro day. If you watch the tape, though, he moves much better in pads and is a proven commodity as a pass rusher against good competition in the SEC.

14. Carolina Panthers

Kiper's Pick: DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

The Carolina Panthers were huge benefactors in Mel Kiper's final 2013 NFL mock draft. Not only did they fill a position of need, but they got a potential top-five talent in former Utah DT Star Lotulelei.

It's very possible things could shake out this way, making this a solid projection.

13. New York Jets

Kiper's Pick: WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia

The New York Jets acquired this pick recently in a trade that sent former Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mel Kiper has the team addressing its offensive ability by taking potentially the best playmaker in the draft in Tavon Austin.

This pick seems to be more a luxury selection, and the Jets certainly aren't in the position to be making those type of selections. A huge exodus this offseason, including Revis, has left the team looking very different and with many needs.

12. Miami Dolphins

Kiper's Pick: OG Chance Warmack, Alabama

This pick could be very fluid depending on the result of the proposed trade of OT Branden Albert from Kansas City to Miami.

Chance Warmack would help the team up front, but there is not as big of a need here as there is at cornerback. This selection by Mel Kiper is questionable with D.J. Hayden and Desmond Trufant still on the board.

11. San Diego Chargers

Kiper's Pick: OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

Mel Kiper really likes D.J. Fluker if he thinks the San Diego Chargers would reach for a right tackle-suited prospect with the 11th pick of the draft.

However, he does note that he feels the Chargers will move down if they fail to trade up for one of the top three tackles in the draft.

10. Tennessee Titans

Kiper's Pick: DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Sheldon Richardon's disruptive ability up the middle makes him an interesting option for the Tennessee Titans. They definitely need someone capable of creating penetration, and he fits that bill.

The Titans have multiple needs, but getting defenders into the offensive backfield should be their biggest priority. An edge rusher might be a better idea here, but there aren't too many left at this point who have Top 10 value.

9. New York Jets

Kiper's Pick: OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo, LSU

Barkevious Mingo is a true boom-or-bust prospect. It's hard to imagine the New York Jets taking this risk here, but it could happen if Rex Ryan thinks he can harness Mingo's potential and turn him into a lethal pass rusher.

A quarterback, depending on what happens ahead of them, might also make more sense here for the Jets. If none are picked and they have their choice, they could very well end up with their top-rated passer with the No. 9 overall pick.

8. Buffalo Bills

Kiper's Pick: OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

The Buffalo Bills lost OG Andy Levitre during the offseason and definitely need someone to fill that void. Mel Kiper labeled Jonathan Cooper as the "best guard" he has graded in "years" and as an instant Pro Bowler as a rookie.

Cooper is certainly a versatile interior lineman who can pull with speed and power. That ability is invaluable for the Bills, as it will help create holes for speedy RB C.J. Spiller to break into the open field.

7. Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's Pick: OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon

Mel Kiper acknowledges the Arizona Cardinals' need for an offensive lineman, but thinks it would be too hard for them to pass up a pass-rushing prospect like Dion Jordan.

If Jordan does fall this far, it would be hard to blame the Cards for going in this direction, especially with the top-three offensive tackles already off the board.

6. Cleveland Browns

Kiper's Pick: CB Dee Milliner, Alabama

It would be hard to complain for Cleveland Browns fans if the team picks former Alabama CB Dee Milliner as Mel Kiper predicted. Milliner could provide the Browns with a starting-quality complement to Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden.

Last year the Browns were picked apart while Sheldon Brown struggled as teams threw away from Haden.

5. Detroit Lions

Kiper's Pick: DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU

Former BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah registered just 4.5 sacks in college after starting just one season on defense. Ansah, though, is a massive athlete who only recently started playing football.

Mel Kiper isn't alone in his appreciation of the big man's talents. Draft analysts and scouts have taken notice to the raw power and athleticism of Ansah, and he is commonly believed to be a Top-10 pick on Thursday night.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Kiper's Pick: OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense will require linemen who are capable of getting to the line of scrimmage quickly. They also need to be big, athletic and capable of pulling and kicking out defenders to create big holes.

This pick by Mel Kiper isn't a common one in many draft circles, but it makes more sense the more you think about it. It's especially convincing when looking at Philadelphia Eagles' quarterbacks running for their lives in recent seasons.

3. Oakland Raiders

Kiper's Pick: DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida

The Oakland Raiders watched most of their defensive line leave during the offseason. Adding a versatile defender like Sharrif Floyd makes a lot sense here. He can play end or tackle, depending on scheme, and is a good option for a team that will start its rebuild in the trenches.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper's Pick: OT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan

The Jacksonville Jaguars have too many needs to ignore the possibility that they would draft an offensive tackle with the second pick. Eric Fisher will, as Mel Kiper pointed out, be the best player available if Luke Joeckel is selected No. 1 overall.

Jacksonville, though, does have more pressing and immediate needs. The team ranked last in sacks in 2012 and needs immediate help in getting to the quarterback. If the Jags could trade down with an OT-starved team, they should do that instead of using a 2013 first-rounder on the position.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Kiper's Pick: OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

The Kansas City Chiefs are fielding offers for left tackle Branden Albert as well as the No. 1 overall selection of the draft, according to Lindsay H. Jones of USAToday.com.

If they keep their pick, a popular opinion is that they will select OT Eric Fisher of OT Luke Joeckel.

Either way, it's hard for the Chiefs to go wrong with the top pick of the draft. Both Joeckel and Fisher project to be excellent NFL tackles.