2013 NFL Mock Draft: QB’s Rule the Top 10 Picks

Jan 02, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Jeremy Wright (28) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive back Matt Elam (22) as his helmet comes off during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. defeated Florida 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Here it is, my first 2013 NFL mock draft of the year. There’s plenty that will change between now and the draft, including free agency and retirements, but here’s a look at what the first round of the 2013 NFL draft could look like.

Thanks to DC Pro Report, Hail Redskins, NFL Draft Dog, WalterFootball, Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database, and Mock Draft Database for featuring the link.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – QB Geno Smith, West Virginia

The Chiefs had a rough season, to put it lightly. Most of their troubles stemmed from troubles at the QB position. Andy Reid is taking over things in Kansas and what new head coach doesn’t want his own QB in there? He takes Smith here and starts a new era in Kansas while filling a big need.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Dee Milliner, Alabama

This is a pretty popular spot for the Jaguars to take a DE if you look around the internet, but last year they took DE Andre Branch with the 6th pick of the 2nd round, and it seems a little quick to give up on him. They also gave DE Jeremy Mincey a new contract. Though the production they got out of those guys wasn’t good, I don’t think they take a DE here. Enter Dee Milliner. Milliner is currently the top CB in the draft. The Jaguars have Rashean Mathis and Derick Cox set to be free agents, as well as a few other CB’s. They didn’t get great production out of them in 2012 and may not be able to retain all of them. It is high to be taking a CB, and if possible, they may try to trade back. Either way, need filled.

3. Oakland Raiders – DE Bjorn Werner, Florida State

The Raiders likely won’t be bringing back DL Richard Seymour this year as they strive to get younger on the defensive side of the ball. Werner is a player reminiscent of J.J. Watt, at least in my eyes. He’s great against the pass and is a solid addition to any defensive line.

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

The Eagles offensive line let it’s QB’s get hit 48 times, which was good enough for 28th in the league, or 5th worst. Both Michael Vick and Nick Foles were hurting by the end of the season, with Vick suffering from a serious concussion and Foles fracturing his hand. This is just the smart move. An offense can’t move well with a QB constantly worrying about getting destroyed. We’re not sure who’ll be Chip Kelly’s QB, but whoever it is, he’ll want to keep them alive.

5. Detroit Lions – DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is getting too old to be worth much at the DE position and DE Cliff Avril is set to be a free agent after being slapped with the franchise tag this last season. They need a DE. Moore’s one of the top players on the board and helps fill a big need for the Lions.

6. Cleveland Browns – OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

The Browns are quite satisfied with this pick, seems as Jones has had his name in the mix for being the top pick in the draft. The Browns had a disappointing year, but adding Jarivs Jones to the mix certainly makes them feel better. Now if they can get their offense clicking, they could actually be a decent team in 2013.

7. Arizona Cardinals – QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

The Cardinals are done playing ring around the rosie at the QB position. Wilson takes the cake while the Cardinals figure out what to do with the mess of QB’s behind him. Next up, let’s fix this offensive line that’s been letting our QB’s get crushed. They let their QB’s get sacked 58 times in 2012.

8. Buffalo Bills – QB Mike Glennon, North Carolina State

The Bills, like the Cardinals and Chiefs, are moving on from their QB. Glennon is a tall guy that seems to be surrounded by praise. Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t earned that nice contract the Bill gave him in 2011 and now he’ll be competing to play in Buffalo in 2013.

9. New York Jets – DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

Who knows how the QB position will play out in New York right now, but at this point in the draft, all the QB’s that you’re really interested in are gone, so maybe you wait until the 2nd round. The Jets still need to amp up their pass rush after tying for 6th worst in the NFL with 30 sacks in 2012. He’s also one of the top players in the draft. The Jets should get some nice production from him in his first year.

10. Tennessee Titans – OG Chance Warmack, Alabama

This is a weird one. The Titans don’t do this, ever. In fact, I’m almost certain they’ll try and fill this need via free agency, but seems as we don’t know that, why

That’s not what usually comes to mind when you hear double team. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

not? The Titans have an aging, injured line and may lose Steve Hutchinson to retirement after yet another knee injury. Leroy Harris won’t be back. They need to strengthen the middle of their line. People are drooling over Warmack and his play in both the pass and run game. If the Titans don’t address this need in free agency, this is the best thing they can do for themselves. *Jake Locker and Chris Johnson share an epic high-five moment.

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

The Chargers let Phillip Rivers get hit even more than the Eagles let their QB’s get tossed around. This fill one hole in their line. It’s going to take a little more than just Fisher to fix that line.

12. Miami Dolphins – WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

The Dolphins have no threatening weapons on offense. Brian Hartline had a good year, but if they really want their young QB to flourish, they’ll add a talented young WR here. Patterson had a great season receiving and rushing. His 6’3 frame gives Tannehill a nice big target.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Xavier Rhodes, Florida State

With Aquib Talib gone, Rhonde Barber possibly gone (ancient if not), the Buccaneers have to add a player to their backfield. They’ve spent the last few years buffing up the front four, now they address the backfield. Good pick at an area of great need.

14. Carolina Panthers – DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

The Panthers feel pretty lucky as a DT who could have been a top 10 pick falls to them at 14. Big need met with great player. The Panthers were overdue to add somebody in the middle.

15. New Orleans Saints – DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

The Saints have a few defensive holes to fill, but DT looks like the biggest to me. Star Lotulelei goes one pick before the Saints, but Richardson is just as good of a pick. He brings some great athleticism to the position and should be a great addition alongside young DE Cameron Jordan, who had a solid 2012.