2013 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Mock Draft: Tavon Austin breaks through
By Gil Brandt |
Senior Analyst
Published: Feb. 26, 2013 at 09:22 p.m.
With the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine in the history books, I thought I'd take another run at predicting the first round of the draft, this time factoring in the prospects' workouts and measurements.
Many players (like Luke Joeckel and Bjoern Werner) maintained their previous lofty status, while others (Tavon Austin and Eric Fisher) rose considerably. Still others (Damontre Moore) dropped out of the first round altogether.
Note: All listed heights and weights are official numbers taken at the combine.
Many players (like Luke Joeckel and Bjoern Werner) maintained their previous lofty status, while others (Tavon Austin and Eric Fisher) rose considerably. Still others (Damontre Moore) dropped out of the first round altogether.
Note: All listed heights and weights are official numbers taken at the combine.
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Joeckel (6-foot-6, 306 pounds) did a good job at the combine. The touted tackle prospect provided no reason that he shouldn't be the No. 1 overall pick.
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Jacksonville needs a defensive end, and Werner (6-3 1/4, 266) is probably the best pass rusher in the draft.
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Smith (6-2 3/8, 218) didn't do anything outstanding, but he didn't do anything to hurt his stock, either. So here he sits.
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Fisher (6-7 1/4, 306) ran real well and was strong; in short, he looked to be every bit what I thought he was. He'll be one of those guys who starts at left tackle for a long time. The Eagles could use the offensive line help.
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Milliner (5-11 7/8, 201), whose 4.37-second 40-yard dash was the second-fastest among cornerbacks, should provide a boost for a Lions secondary that could use one.
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Mingo (6-4 1/4, 241) might be a little bit of a reach here, but he boasts great pass-rush ability and can play in space. I don't know if he'll ever get big enough to be a defensive end, but I think he can play outside linebacker for a team that runs a 3-4. Perfect: The Browns are transitioning to a 3-4 from a 4-3.
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Barkley (6-2 1/2, 227) might not be the most athletic or fastest quarterback prospect available, but he has really good leadership skills. I just liked the way he carried himself at the combine, watching every drill that went on; he was really paying attention.
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The Bills need defensive help. Jordan (6-6 1/4, 248), who really looked good, should be able to provide some. One thing to pay attention to: He's going to have surgery to fix a torn labrum.
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Ansah (6-5 1/4, 271) looked great in drills, proving he can play with his hand on the ground and in space.
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The Titans go with the best player available in Warmack (6-2, 317). His 40 time (5.49 seconds) was a little disappointing, but he still seemed to have good initial speed and quickness.
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The Chargers need an offensive lineman; Johnson (6-6, 303), who has really come on lately, posted a blazing 4.72-second 40-yard dash -- second-best in his position group. He seems to have mastered his position, despite having played it for a relatively short time.
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The Dolphins want to improve their defense. This might be a bit high for Rhodes (6-1 1/4, 210), but with Milliner gone, he's the best cornerback available.
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Fluker didn't throw the bar up a ton (21 reps), but at 6-4 3/8 and 339 pounds, he's a big, big man. He has long arms and a lot of power. I think he'll be a dominant right tackle in the NFL.
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Allen could be the speedy receiver the Panthers need. He didn't work out at the combine, but if he had, he likely would have been among the fastest receivers there.
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The Saints need to add toughness to their defense, and Vaccaro (6-0, 214) should bring that. His 4.63 40 was not lightning-quick, but it wasn't a disastrous time for his position. He plays much faster than that mark indicates.
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The Rams want a receiver. I think this is a bit early to take Tavon Austin, but they could go with the speedy (4.42 40) Patterson (6-1 7/8, 216).
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Richardson (6-2 1/2, 294) is a very athletic and quick defensive tackle (probably the most athletic prospect at his position in this draft class). If Star Lotulelei's health checks out, I could see the Steelers taking him in this spot, as well.
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The strong Cooper (6-2 1/8, 311), who posted 35 reps in the bench press, could solve the Cowboys' offensive-line problems at either guard or tackle.
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The Giants would love to add a first-class linebacker; Ogletree (6-2 1/8, 242) can help in the middle or from the outside.
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The Bears need a tight end. I'd slot Eifert (6-5 1/2, 250) ahead of the other high-profile prospect at this position, Stanford's Zach Ertz.
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This is probably a tad too high for Lacy, who didn't work out at the combine. However, Cincinnati is among the teams that could most stand to add a running back, and Lacy is the best in the draft.
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A relative football novice, Watson (6-5 1/8, 310) is a huge, long-armed offensive lineman who probably has good enough feet to play left tackle.
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Hopkins (6-1, 214), who clocked a 4.57-second 40, has speed, but not great speed. He does, however, have really good hands.
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Hunt (6-8 1/8, 277) was a marvel at the combine -- just unbelievable. I ran into him the night before he was going to work out, and he asked me if I thought it'd be OK for him to come back to the stadium and test out the turf. The security guards said it was fine, so he went over to his hotel, got his shoes, came back and practiced. That shows you the kind of dedication this native Estonian brings to the table.
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The 6-2 1/2, 297-pound Floyd, who has excellent quickness, can be a very good inside player. The Seahawks' new defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, coached Floyd at Florida, so he should be pretty familiar with the prospect. (Editor's Note: This mock was submitted before the Seahawks-Vikings trade involving Percy Harvin was complete.)
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Lots of anticipation surrounded Jones heading into the combine, but when the linebacker prospect chose to not work out, he more or less fell off the face of the Earth. He's putting all of his eggs in his pro-day basket, which is dangerous. Nonetheless, he can be the kind of outside pass rusher Green Bay is looking for.
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Austin (5-8 1/2, 174), whose 4.34 40 tied for second-fastest at the combine, can run out of the backfield or catch passes. He'll be a matchup nightmare for defenses. His quickness is just unbelievable, and he can play all over the field, like Darren Sproles -- but better. He would be very effective in the Texans' play-action offense.
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Williams (6-2 5/8, 313) is a very active, strong inside player, and he'd be a good fit for the Broncos' needs.
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I didn't have Amerson ranked highly (in fact, he came in at No. 84 in my first Hot 100 of the year) because it didn't look to me like he could run very fast. He proved me wrong at the combine, clocking a 4.44 40. Bill Belichick is always looking for tall corners; Amerson (6-1, 205) would qualify.
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A real standout, Ertz (6-5, 249) fulfilled all expectations. He ran fast (with a 4.76 40) and did the whole thing.
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The Niners could use a defensive lineman. Jenkins (6-3 5/8, 346) is probably the best one on the board at this point.
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His 40 time (4.82 seconds) was not very impressive, but I think Te'o (6-1 1/4, 241) plays a lot faster than that mark indicates. He was just too productive in college to not make it into the first round.
- 2013 NFL Mock Draft Central
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