2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Free Agency Mock Draft With Analysis 

NFL Free Agency isn’t officially here for a while yet, but with not a whole lot changing between now and then, I felt it was the perfect time to push out a new mock draft, taking a look at what could go down in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Some things are already in motion that could dramatically affect the make-up of the first round. Some player stock is rising an dipping, and some new bubbling about guys like Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Percy Harvin, and many others could change the way teams approach their first pick or two.

With that said, let’s dive into another mock draft as we try to put our GM hats on and nail down how the real draft will play out a couple months from now:

1.  Kansas City Chiefs - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

With the buzz about the Chiefs being interested in both trading for Nick Foles AND keeping OT Brandon Albert, I’m starting to think they don’t need a QB or OT here. If that’s true, that means only Lotulelei makes sense here. That, or KC tries to trade down.

2.  Jacksonville Jaguars - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Werner’s stock isn’t slipping, as some may have you think – it’s just not moving. He’s still one of the more balanced pass-rushers in this class, as he can get to the quarterback and help defend the run. Jacksonville needs help with both and he should make an immediate impact as a rookie.

3.  Oakland Raiders - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Some whispers are going around about Moore not even being a first rounder. Not sure where that’s coming from, as he’s a heck of a talent and there is always a need for elite pass-rushers. Oakland is one of those teams that could use some pass-rushing help, so it’s likely Moore doesn’t escape the top-three.

4.  Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The Eagles are probably keeping Michael Vick and they’re stacked elsewhere on offense. Considering their offensive line is their only glaring weakness on that side of the ball, it’s time to fix the problem that ails them. Joeckel is the draft’s top tackle, so the pick just feels right.

5.  Detroit Lions – Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia

Sure, Jones could do a free fall like many are boldly predicting. After all, Dee Milliner would make a ton of sense here due to Detroit’s awful pass defense. However, their defensive line has been under-performing and they could really use an injection of talent. Jones definitely fits the bill here and could help make-over this defense.

6. Cleveland Browns - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

The Browns could go quarterback, cornerback, or wide receiver here, so the possibilities are endless. I know some want to see them take Ezekiel Ansah, but he’s really raw and Mingo is ready to ball right now. Here’s to hoping this new regime knows what they’re doing.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Call me crazy, but the Cardinals don’t have a single quarterback on their roster. Call me crazier, but I didn’t drink the kool-aid and I still think Barkley is the best quarterback in this draft class.

8. Buffalo Bills - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Every time I look at a mock I see Patterson going higher, and after watching a lot of tape, I just don’t see this guy outside the top-10 anymore. The Bills have Stevie Johnson and nothing else, so landing a big-time receiver could really put their offense on another level. They can always get their quarterback in round two.

9. New York Jets - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

With the constant trade rumors swirling around Darrelle Revis, it only makes sense to replace him with the top corner in the draft. I can see the Lions snagging him, but if he’s here, the Jets will choose between him, a quarterback or a pass-rusher. I think he’s the best value.

10. Tennessee Titans - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Some are saying he’s the best overall talent in the entire draft and some are saying he’s a top-five pick. Let’s take both claims with a grain of salt and just admit he’s at least the best guard – by far. With that said, the Titans have a pretty weak o-line. Adding the draft’s best guard should help that a bit.

11. San Diego Chargers – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Fisher is the second best offensive tackle this year, and some might argue he’s actually better than Luke Joeckel. I don’t believe that, but he’s still damn good. San Diego still has a good quarterback, whether some think that or not. It’s time they started protecting him better.

12. Miami Dolphins - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Floyd is rising up boards, Miami could use a new DT and he’s a hometown kid after attending Florida. Miami would probably like Cordarelle Patterson to fall into their lap, but a stud defensive tackle will do.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Is this too early for the second best corner in the draft? Probably not when you have a terrible secondary like the Bucs do. Banks is a fine talent and Tampa Bay can’t go through the first round without addressing their biggest need.

14. Carolina Panthers – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

You can rotate a few different DT prospects here, but I’m landing on Hankins, who is a space and man-eater all in one. The Panthers nabbed a stud middle linebacker in Luke Kuechley last year, but their run D is still soft. Hankins will man the middle and rectify that pretty quickly.

15. New Orleans Saints - Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

Ansah could go a lot earlier, I know that. But he’s also raw and inexperienced, so he could easily drop this far. The Saints are moving to a 3-4 under new DC Rob Ryan, so he’s the perfect piece to add to help ease the transition. If he lives up to the hype, that is.

16. St. Louis Rams - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The Cowboys can uncross their fingers now, as Vaccaro won’t be falling to them once the Rams announce their first pick. They could reach for a tackle here, but instad they land a stud safety. Craig Dahl was horrendous in 2012, and he needs to be replaced.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

James Harrison is ancient and needs to be cut. Insert Jordan, who is a great value pick here and should waste no time in providing a consistent pass-rush in Pittsburgh’s active 3-4 scheme.

18. Dallas Cowboys - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Dallas needs safety help badly, but they also need some defensive line help now that they’re moving to a base 4-3 under Monte Kiffin. Richardson can be a top-15 pick, but if he falls here the Cowboys will snatch him up in a heart beat.

19. New York Giants – Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame

New York has nothing in the middle of their defense. I think this pick is down to Te’o or Alec Ogletree. The Giants could easily go either way, but I think Te’o is the better leader and has better instincts. The Giants could have their defensive soul for years to come.

20. Chicago Bears – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Lane Johnson is rising up draft boards, but I’m not convinced yet that he’s a better or more refined prospect than Fluker. The Bears need help on a seemingly constantly bad o-line, so Fluker makes as much sense as anyone else.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia

Here Ogletree goes. The Bengals need a new guy to man the middle of their defense. It’s him or Te’o, and with Manti going to the Giants, Ogletree fits in comfortably with Cincy.

22. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins) – Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

Oh snap. All that hype about the Rams needing a stud receiver, and they don’t take one with one of their TWO first round picks? Gasp. Horror. Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. All I know is that they drafted two wide receivers last year, claimed Titus Young off waivers and still might retain Danny Amendola. Ask Sam Bradford if tackle seems to be more important at the moment.

23. Minnesota Vikings – Keenan Allen, WR, California

Percy Harvin is holding out and might get traded, while the Vikings have jack behind him no matter what happens. They need to get a stud receiver via some venue. Allen has major potential and could make an immediate impact.

24. Indianapolis Colts – John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

The Colts still need to keep filling holes due to their not-so-seamless transition from a 4-3 to Chuck Pagano’s 3-4. Jenkins is a big man that can rumble in the middle of the defensive line for years to come.

25. Seattle Seahawks – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

There are a lot of very solid wide receivers in this draft. The Seahawks would like to get one of them. Tavon Austin is probably more talented and more explosive, but Seattle needs a bigger guy who can do damage down the field. I think Williams could be that guy.

26. Green Bay Packers - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

If you didn’t get the memo, Ted Thompson is all about drafting the best player available. That’s probably Cooper at this point, who is an outstanding guard who brings elite versatility to the table. Green Bay’s offensive line was pretty sketchy in 2012, so they could use the extra beef.

27. Houston Texans – Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

Houston was a shell of themselves when Brian Cushing went down last year. They need insurance in case that happens again, while Cushing needs a strong running mate in the middle, regardless.

28. Denver Broncos – Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Champ Bailey is slowing down and there’s not much after him in Denver. Trufant’s stock is rising quickly. Denver will be lucky to get him.

29. New England Patriots – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

The Pats might let Wes Welker go and all they have at receiver after him is Brandon Lloyd. Austin has the size and speed to be a dynamite slot receiver.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Alex Okafor, DE/OLB, Texas

Call me crazy, but I think Tony Gonzalez is coming back. If not, the Falcons could go tight end here. Then again, they could probably still get a good one in the second round, too. Regardless, Atlanta needs to do something about their pathetic pass-rush. They ranked 28th in the league in sacks last year.

31. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Elam, S, Florida

Ed Reed is as a good is gone. So is Ray Lewis, but safety is the more pressing need. Elam isn’t the ball-hawk Reed was, but he’s plenty good. He could start right away.

32. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, S, LSU

Back to back safeties. This is sure to mess up the second round just a bit. Dashon Goldson is a free agent and Donte Whitner stinks in coverage. Translation: the 49ers need some safety help and Eric Reid is going to give it to them.

Love or hate these picks? Comment below or harass me on Twitter!