2013 NFL Mock Draft: Tennessee Titans’ Round 1, Top 10 Dream Scenario

Jan 19, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide captain Chance Warmack reacts as he is introduced at the National Championship celebration outside Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Josh Gunnels wanted to create some excitement and optimism within the Tennessee Titans fan base. Gunnels accomplished this with a couple of his dream mock drafts for the 2013 NFL Draft. This included a version with trades and without trades.

The sadist that I am (one who delights in cruelty), I tried turning those dreams into nightmares with a seven-round Inferno mock draft. This included Bjoern Werner (or Cordarrelle Patterson) and Manti Te’o as the first two picks. It ended when Jordan Rodgers replaced Rusty Smith for the No. 3 quarterback gig. Smith went on to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars and—you can finish the tale.

I’ve come to realize that an Inferno mock draft was cruel and unusual punishment. For that, I’d like to make it up to everyone with something much more encouraging. Something that displays my cruelty toward each of the nine teams who draft before the Titans.

This 2013 NFL mock draft was an attempt to make everything go the Titans way before they’re due with the No. 10 pick. I’ve seen all of these players rumored as potential destinations for the teams listed. A lot of them would work in the Titans’ favor. If players such as Tyler Eifert and D.J. Fluker are drafted in the top 9, then the Titans have more players to choose from at No. 10—players who they’d definitely consider.

Kansas City Chiefs (Round 1, Pick 1): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Interchangeable with Eric Fisher (No. 4). The Kansas City Chiefs need an offensive tackle. The Titans don’t (not early on).

Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 2): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Can Geno Smith help restore respectability to this franchise? If not, then this helps the Titans in the short term (draft) and long term (next three seasons).

Oakland Raiders (Round 1, Pick 3): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Interchangeable with Sharrif Floyd. The Oakland Raiders need defensive linemen.

Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, Pick 4): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Interchangeable with Luke Joeckel (No. 1). The Philadelphia Eagles need an offensive tackle. The Titans don’t (not early on).

Detroit Lions (Round 1, Pick 5): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Detroit Lions need an offensive tackle. The Titans don’t (not early on).

Cleveland Browns (Round 1, Pick 6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
This idea of Tyler Eifert getting drafted inside the top 10 has picked up a lot of steam. Within days, Eifert has gone from a fringe first-rounder to someone who could join Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow Jr. as the only tight ends to get drafted inside the top 6 since 2004.

Don’t ask me why— I think it’s insane. Maybe ESPN NFL Insider Todd McShay was just trolling people with his mock draft a couple days ago? Maybe it’s a smokescreen? Regardless, if Eifert found his way into the top 10, then the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are options.

Arizona Cardinals (Round 1, Pick 7): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Another crazy idea that has picked up steam is D.J. Fluker getting drafted at No. 7, possibly ahead of Chance Warmack. In this scenario, the Cardinals would move Bobby Massie or Nate Potter to guard with Daryn Colledge. Fluker would join Levi Brown as offensive tackles.

An ultimate example for drafting based on need instead of best player available.

Buffalo Bills (Round 1, Pick 8): Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
It’s a quarterback-to-coach connection from Syracuse University. Entering his first season as Buffalo Bills head coach, Doug Marrone may want Ryan Nassib because he has knowledge of Marrone’s offense.

No other teams are expected to consider Nassib with their top-10 pick. If the Bills don’t draft Nassib in Round 1, there’s a good chance that he falls into Round 2. They could trade back into the 20s and get Nassib—but will anybody trade with them?

For me, this is a “see it to believe it.” But if it does happen, it helps the Titans.

New York Jets (Round 1, Pick 9): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Playmakers needed for Mark Sanchez or whoever plays at quarterback. If the New York Jets wanted Tavon Austin, they could possibly wait until their No. 13 pick. No guarantees.

Tennessee Titans (Round 1, Pick 10): CHOICES!
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE, BYU
Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida (Interchangeable with Star Lotulelei)
Dion Jordan, DE/LB, Oregon
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee (That’s for JS)
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama