2013 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting First Round
September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Cornellius Carradine (91) forces South Florida Bulls quarterback Matt Floyd (11) to fumble the ball during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the South Florida Bulls 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Kenny Vaccaro, FS
The position that the Bengals need to work on is at safety and the Texas Longhorns FS Kenny Vaccaro will still be available to them here.
22. St. Louis Rams (via Washington) – Eric Reed, FS
With the wide receiver position filled in the St. Louis Rams earlier draft position, they can work on the safety position here, trying to replace both of the starters who left in the offseason via free agency. Vaccaro is the best choice for them, and if the Bengals pass on him they will probably take him here. If not, LSU Tigers free safety Eric Reed.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Keenan Allen, WR
Minnesota added Greg Jennings but they traded away Percy Harvin, so they still need help. Cal Bears receiver Keenan Allen and Tennessee Volunteers Justin Hunter are the two best options and Allen gives the Vikings a great down field threat to compliment Adrian Peterson’s running attack.
24. Indianapolis Colts – Brian Schwenke, C
Protecting franchise quarterback Andrew Luck is most important and the Colts added what they needed in free agency. They could still use an improvement at right guard as well as a running back. Brian Schwenke was one of the top centers in 2012 while playing for Cal, but he was a great guard before the change in his senior season, and can move back to guard to help the Colts.
25. Minnesota Vikings (via Seattle) – Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE
With a receiver taken with the 23rd pick, they can turn their attention to defense next and can add help to the defensive line, currently full of older players that won’t be around for much longer. Cornellius “Tank” Carradine from Florida State Seminoles can give Minnesota a pass rusher who can lead them into the future.
26. Green Bay Packers – Manelik Watson, OT
Aaron Rodgers can almost win games by himself, but he needs more help on the offensive line because he can’t win if he isn’t standing. The LT and C are important spots to fill in the 2013 NFL Mock Draft. Luckily, OT is a strong position in the draft and the Packers will still see Florida State’s Manelik Watson when they come up to pick.
27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR
Year in and year out, the Houston Texans need a wide receiver to help compliment Andre Johnson, and every year they ignore the position in the draft. Last season, Johnson spent a lot of time injured and the Texans really missed him. With Kevin Walter gone, the Texans can’t keep ignoring the position. The Clemson Tigers DeAndre Hopkins is the best option at the position and should be starting from Game 1.
28. Denver Broncos – Bjoern Werner, DE
Peyton Manning has the Denver Broncos believing they can win the Super Bowl again. The areas they could use help is the MLB position as well as a better running back. However, for the first round they need to find another pass rusher to help their defense continue to play strong. Florida State’s DE Bjoern Werner should be a great value this late in the first round.
29. New England Patriots – Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB
The New England Patriots spends most drafts just filling the cupboards and this year is on different. They could use another cornerback and depth at linebacker. UConn Huskies CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson is a good skill player and would be the perfect fit in both man and zone looks for New England.
30. Atlanta Falcons – D.J. Hayden, CB
Atlanta struggled in 2012 with their pass rush and could use some help along those lines. However, the addition of Osi Umenyiora might cause them to ignore that until later in the draft and they could use some help in the cornerback position. D.J. Hayden should go here, starting a big run on the corner position from here through the second day of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Jesse Williams, DT
The San Francisco 49ers were a hair away from winning the Super Bowl and added their one hole by signing Anquan Boldin. They could use some depth on the defensive line and the tight end position behind Vernon Davis. DT Jesse Williams of the Alabama Crimson Tide is the best bet here.
32. Baltimore Ravens – Kevin Minter, ILB
The Super Bowl champions need more help than you might think. They lost Anquan Boldin, the receiver who led the team to the Super Bowl. They lost Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of their defense. They also lost Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard, so they have some glaring spots that could use improvement. While some see them taking Manti Te’o, there are too many problems with the player and ILB Kevin Minter of LSU is a better option.