2013 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting First Round
Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin warms up before running the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
11. San Diego Chargers – Star Lotulelei, DL/NT
Philip Rivers had a horrible season in 2012 thanks to a horrible offensive line and no star quality wide receivers. There is no help coming at receiver in the first round and the best choices on the offensive line will be gone by this pick as well. The Chargers will probably take the best option here and grab defensive lineman Star Lotulelei, not a position that will help Rivers, but one that might help the defense.
12. Miami Dolphins – D.J. Fluker, OT
Miami was definitely an improved team in 2012, but losing Jake Long is something the Dolphins won’t be able to replace easily. With so many teams needing offensive linemen this year, Miami may have problems finding anyone in this spot to help there. As a result, Miami will have to go with the best lineman available by taking Alabama Crimson Tide OT D.J. Fluker.
13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay) – Xavier Rhodes, CB
The Jets need someone to replace Darrelle Revis, and Rhodes could be that man.
14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT
Defense is a priority for the Carolina Panthers and they are lucky that most teams ahead of them are looking on the offensive side of the ball. While they need to look at the secondary in the later rounds, they need a DT more than any other position in the 2013 NFL Mock Draft, and Missouri Tigers’ DT Sheldon Richardson could be a perfect fit for the Panthers’ biggest needs.
15. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones, OLB
The Saints need little help and are only this high because of the suspensions from 2012. The O-line could use some help and the defense could be beefed up some more. This is really a luxury pick for the Saints and Georgia Bulldogs OLB Jarvis Jones is a nice pick.
16. St. Louis Rams – Tavon Austin, WR
The St. Louis Rams cannot keep wide receivers. In 2011, they had Brandon Lloyd and let him leave for the New England Patriots. In 2012, they had a great wide-out in Danny Amendola and let him leave for the New England Patriots. They need to find something and West Virginia Mountaineers WR Tavon Austin should be the first offensive skill player taken in the 2013 NFL Mock Draft.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Eifert, TE
Pittsburgh really needs to find a running back that can lead this offense, but there is no one in the draft that fits the role as a first round running back star. Heath Miller is a great tight end, but he is getting up there in age so Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert has the hands and skills to give the Steelers’ a special weapon at the position.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Sylvester Williams, DT
The Dallas Cowboys still have a lot of problems on the offensive line and need to protect Tony Romo better. They also could use some help at corner and need to rebuild for the new 4-3 defensive unit they are implementing this year. The most important position here is DT to fill in the defensive line with the new scheme, and Sylvester Williams is the best fit here.
19. New York Giants – Alec Ogletree, LB
The top needs for the Giants are the offensive line and the linebacker corps, especially against the run. With so many teams needing line help, expect the Giants to go to the defensive side of the ball. The best linebacker fit here is Alec Ogletree and could start from Day 1.
20. Chicago Bears – Desmond Trufant, CB
Chicago fixed most of their needs in free agency. They could use some depth and that makes their first round pick a luxury. The team could use a third quality cornerback, and someone who can help ease the pressure on Charles Tillman. The Washington Huskies CB Desmond Trufant is a great fit here.