2013 NFL Mock Draft: What Have We Learned From Free Agency?
By Leo Howell
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
We’re well into free agent season, to the point that most key free agents have found their new homes. So let’s take this slow weekend to look ahead to the draft, and use what we know now about the players and the teams and project who goes where.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Luke Joeckel
Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
A tackle to protect Alex Smith and help grow the potential rushing attack
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dion Jordan
Defensive End, Oregon
The Jags need a pass rusher, being at the bottom of the league in sacks.
3. Oakland Raiders
Dee Milliner
Cornerback, Alabama
The Raiders need to rebuild the defense from the ground up, especially after releasing Michael Huff, the defensive backfield is barren.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Geno Smith
Quarterback, West Virginia
Mike Vick isn’t going to last long, and Nick Foles isn’t the future.
5. Detroit Lions
Eric Fisher
Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
The Lions have plenty of needs, but they big money is on offense. Fisher helps keep the offense competitive and keep Matt Stafford on his feet.
6. Cleveland Browns
Chance Warmack
Guard, Alabama
The Browns have invested heavily in free agency, but haven’t upgraded the guys in front of Trent Richardson.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Lane Johnson
Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
The Cardinals are probably just going to continue to play whatever quarterback shows up healthy for gameday. At least they’ll have a good blocker.
8. Buffalo Bills
Matt Barkley
Quarterback, USC
The Bills can’t resist the urge to snag a quarterback.
9. New York Jets
Jarvis Jones
Linebacker, Georgia
The Jets need to retool an aging defense.
10. Tennessee Titans
Jonathan Cooper
Guard, Alabama
Want the old Chris Johnson back? Help him out with some blockers. Adding Cooper to Andy Levitre means the line is made infinitely better.
11. San Diego Chargers
Barkevious Mingo
Linebacker, LSU
Doesn’t look like Shaun Phillips is coming back, and even if he does, the Chargers need someone opposite Melvin Ingram.
12. Miami Dolphins
Xavier Rhodes
Cornerback, FSU
A replacement for Sean Smith comes by reaching a bit for a similar cornerback.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sharrif Floyd
Defensive Tackle, Florida
Roy Miller was allowed to walk because he failed to make an impact and was frequently substituted off the field. Floyd would be able to make an impact against the run and pass.
14. Carolina Panthers
Star Lotulelei
Defensive Tackle, Utah
The Panthers need help up the middle, and Star provides just that.
15. New Orleans Saints
Ezekiel Ansah
Defensive End, BYU
The Saints will be back with a vengeance and need to make sure the defense matches their instantly improved offense under Sean Payton.
16. St. Louis Rams
Kenny Vaccaro
Safety, Texas
The Rams seem to have lots of good pieces, and add another to help an improving defense.
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