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2013 NFL Draft Grades: Worst Picks in First Round
April 29, 2013
Some picks in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft came out of nowhere.
Drafting a position of need is one thing, but reaching for a need is the kind of thing that gets teams in trouble time and time again.
Whether it was reaching for a one-dimensional pass-rusher or really reaching for an interior lineman, here are the worst picks of the first round this year.
6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
The Browns aren't in the position to be taking risks like this. Yes, the explosive, athletic Barkevious Mingo could develop into a strong pass-rusher in the NFL, but he's also raw and there's a slim chance that he'll become more than a one-dimensional player.
But what I disliked the most about this pick is that the Browns passed up Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner for Mingo. Milliner—widely considered to be the best corner in the 2013 class—would have been an excellent addition opposite Joe Haden in Cleveland.
When you are in the same division as quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger, you would think it would be obvious to draft a cornerback of Milliner's caliber.
16. Buffalo Bills: EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
This was a complete surprise, similar to the Minnesota Vikings drafting Christian Ponder at No. 12 overall in the 2011 draft.
EJ Manuel is not only raw, he's a worse quarterback prospect than Geno Smith or Matt Barkley—who were available at this spot—and I question whether Syracuse's Ryan Nassib would have even been a better pick (given his familiarity with coach Doug Marrone).
Manuel may have the arm and mobility, but his decision-making, accuracy and footwork leave a lot to be desired. I could have seen the Bills taking Manuel in the second or third round—not in the first.
31. Dallas Cowboys: Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin
I've heard of teams getting "their guy," but this was just ridiculous.
There were so many things I disliked about this pick. For one, Frederick was a third-round prospect, but the Cowboys grabbed him at No. 31 overall. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report had him ranked as the No. 2 center and No. 100 overall.
Secondly, the Cowboys traded back from No. 18 overall to ultimately select Frederick. They could have picked up defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd at No. 18 overall, which would have been a steal.
