2013 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Mike Glennon to Cardinals
By Josh Norris |
Draft Analyst
Published: Feb. 15, 2013 at 12:28 p.m.
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The recent success of second- and third-round quarterbacks is either a new trend or an outlier, because from 2001 to 2010, only two quarterbacks selected in that two-round span can be considered dependable starters (Drew Brees and Matt Schaub). This year's talent pool of available signal-callers doesn't appear as deep as the groups in recent drafts. This is the time to pick your favorite of the bunch.
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Jason Babin appears to have the Leo role this season, and although that might not last much longer than one year, Lotulelei would bring some interior pass-rush ability along with positional versatility. The Utah product is being mislabeled as purely a nose tackle, when he can be much more along multiple fronts.
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Who knows which players will remain on the Raiders' roster once free agency gets underway. With the interior defensive line featuring a few players in question, Floyd would be a great fit due to his strength to drive the opposition and quickness to penetrate.
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Obviously, if Chip Kelly has full confidence that Jason Peters will return to form, this pick might not happen. Joeckel showed a few rough edges against Florida, but he fits the style of offense Kelly ran at Oregon -- if that is indeed the direction he intends to go.
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The Lions could use a pass rusher, but I get a feeling Milliner will be just as coveted as many defensive ends that are generally considered to be in his talent range. (And he might, in fact, be more coveted.)
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The Browns' front seven appears to be in place outside of a strong-side outside linebacker. Mingo's production dipped in 2012, but with some added weight to match his natural strength, the LSU product has all the tools to be a valuable pass rusher.
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Offensive linemen should be a priority for the Cardinals leading up to the draft. Glennon struggles the longer the ball is in his hands, especially against interior pressure, but he can fit Bruce Arians' vertical style with quick decisions and sound placement.
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Patterson is a natural receiver when adjusting to targets and is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands, but he needs refinement. He only spent one season at the FBS level, but Patterson's smooth and fluid style is very promising.
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Sure, Jordan will have to undergo shoulder surgery after the NFL Scouting Combine, but his mobility and comfort in space are outstanding. I might prefer Jordan behind a four-man front as a strong-side linebacker, but he could make the Jets' defense much more versatile with his movement skills.
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As more and more teams start incorporating Jokers into their offense, defenses will need some way to combat the tactic. Zach Brown, a second-round pick in last year's draft, helps some in that regard, but adding Vaccaro as a versatile safety would really allow the Titans' defense to stay in front of offensive game plans.
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If Fisher lasts this long, run to the podium. An instant starter on the left side, Fisher has every quality teams look for: length, toughness, posture and athleticism to mirror.
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This would only happen if Jake Long is not retained, which appears to be a distinct possibility. Ryan Tannehill displayed great comfort in the pocket last season, but he was hit too quickly too often. A receiver is nice, but the Dolphins could spend multiple picks later in the draft at that position or bring one in during free agency.
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The Bucs have spent multiple high picks on their front four, but the defensive end spots still remain a big question. Adrian Clayborn is returning from injury, Da'Quan Bowers' health is always in question and Michael Bennett is not signed for the 2013 season. Werner shows a lot of speed and solid hand use off the edge. He would help in any kind of pass-rushing role.
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This is becoming a popular selection for many reasons. First, Richardson could give the Panthers a disruptive force inside -- against both the run and the pass. His positional versatility could appeal to Ron Rivera, as well, since Carolina might deploy different fronts more frequently. Cornerback and left tackle are two other possibilities, depending on the Panthers' cap casualties.
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Jones cleared his first hurdle in a general medical test, but each team will put him through additional evaluations. Still, his ability to win on the edge as a pass rusher is undeniable, and a solid motor only helps him attack from the back side.
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I consider Warmack the best player in this draft, regardless of position. The Alabama product is a reliable pass protector with an aggressive attitude to finish off blocks. Warmack would give the Rams an identity up front.
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I question what kind of an athlete Moore is, but his motor to chase plays down from the back side or behind will only help his chances of success. If he continues to improve his hand use and extension, Moore should take the place of an aging James Harrison.
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This might be worst-case scenario for Jerry Jones, as the top three defensive tackles, the top safety and the top guard are all off the board. Cooper is a very talented player, especially on the move, and could be an All-Pro lineman if he limits the number of losses to quickness off the snap.
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A perfect fit. With questions surrounding Osi Umenyiora's return and Justin Tuck's decline, Ansah would learn from a staff that has developed a good number of edge rushers. The BYU product just has to learn how to shed blocks when pass rushing. Easier said than done, but Ansah is already a strong run defender and possesses the best closing speed in the draft.
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The NFL appears to be much more enamored with Fluker than I am, but the mauling right tackle would give the Bears more talent up front. His footwork is much more fluid moving forward than in his pass drop, which might lead to a position switch.
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Get to know the name, as Cyprien will continue to generate more attention as the tape spreads around. An interchangeable safety in the back half, Cyprien takes aggressive but reliable angles and never shies away from contact.
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After the Rams added Jo-Lonn Dunbar last offseason, the team was not sure whether he would play the strong or weak side. Ogletree is a better athlete than Dunbar and could instantly improve the Rams' coverage in short-to-intermediate areas. With some grooming, Ogletree has the tools to be a stud on the weak side.
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I doubt we see Allen test well, but he consistently generates separation with crisp cuts, exaggerated routes and solid body positioning. Depending on Percy Harvin's situation, the Vikings could be set to make the most of a strong receiver class in the first three rounds.
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Even if he cannot gain enough weight to be considered a traditional defensive end in a three-man front, Jones plays with plenty of strength in his base and power in his hands to succeed at the position.
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I know the Seahawks are already dealing with one defensive end who has a knee injury (Chris Clemons), but Carradine's raw talent warrants a first-round selection. His timeline to return is not presently clear, but think of Carradine as an investment for the future if he misses time in 2013.
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This pick isn't to replace B.J. Raji, but rather to find an heir apparent to Ryan Pickett. Edge pass-rushing help would be nice, but without a realistic option here, Williams offers strength in the middle and flashes penetration by putting his opposition on skates.
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Hopkins projects very similarly to Roddy White. He consistently high-points passes and maneuvers his body in front of defenders. With strong hands and underrated athleticism, Hopkins has the talent to provide an impact early on for the Texans.
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Hankins is an excellent talent who sucked me in prior to last season, but left me wanting more by the end of 2012. John Fox and Jack Del Rio previously extracted plenty of positive play out of a similar talent in Kris Jenkins, so this is a great landing spot for Hankins.
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Wes Welker's status for next season is uncertain -- not to mention, he'll be 32 in May -- and the Patriots' offense would only get more multi-dimensional with Austin in the fold. The West Virginia product's movement skills in the open field are rarely seen in the NFL, but I expect them to be effective nonetheless.
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This is a deep tight end class, and Tony Gonzalez still could return for another season -- so Atlanta doesn't have to address that position here. Brown would instantly upgrade the Falcons' defense in two ways. First, as an every-down inside linebacker with a physical presence and aggressive style. Second, he would remove Stephen Nicholas from nickel situations, thanks to his skills in coverage.
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Banks played in a variety of coverages in college, but did his best work in press-man situations or when gambling on shorter routes in Cover 3. Banks did not participate in the Senior Bowl, but he has plenty of length and fluidity to remain in this range.
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Shortly after the Super Bowl, Ozzie Newsome noted that the middle section of the Ravens' defense needs improvement. With Ed Reed possibly leaving for another team, a safety seems like a logical selection. Swearinger is a thunderous hitter, but he flashed impressive coverage skills when asked to line up at cornerback, as well.
- 2013 NFL Mock Draft Central
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