2013 NFL Mock Draft: Three Months to Go, and Two QBs Are in the First Round, with Tajh Boyd Making a Charge
By Jason McIntyre
21. St. Louis Rams (via Washington) – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee. I know Tavon Austin of West Virginia is rapidly becoming the most popular receiver in the draft, but I can’t wait until Patterson dominates the combine. Kid is a freak. Sort of reminds me of AJ Green.
22. Cincinnati – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia. If the Bengals make a run this postseason (I don’t think they will), then add another playmaker like Austin and a cornerback and maybe another running back, they probably open 2013 as a top three team in the AFC.
23. Minnesota – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor. The receiver run continues. That the Vikings made the playoffs with no receiver to speak of since Percy Harvin went down, is very impressive. Williams is a burner who had 97 catches and over 1800 yards after RG3 left.
24. Indianapolis – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State. Freeney could leave as a free agent, but even if he stays, this defense needs help. A lot of people like Werner in the top 10. Sorry, just not as in love with him as others.
25. Baltimore – Alex Okafor, DE, Texas. When we spoke with Herman Edwards last month, he made an interesting note that the Ravens were starting to look like the fading Jets. Quick fix? Well, besides getting the ball to Ray Rice, they really need to bolster the defense. Okafor was part of a dreadful Texas defense, but had 4.5 sacks against Oregon State in a bowl game and five tackles for loss.
26. Green Bay – Jake Matthews, OL, Texas A&M. Aaron Rodgers was sacked a league-high 51 times. The other primary need is defense, anywhere.
27. Houston – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson. In the shadow of Sammy Watkins in 2011, but broke out this year, big-time.
28. Atlanta – Kevin Minter, LB, LSU. When Marshawn Lynch gashes them for 150 in a home playoff loss, you’ll be on board with this pick. Minter played one of the great halves of football I saw this year against Florida.
29. Seattle – Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia. Feels like a luxury pick, no? Looked up and down the roster, spoke to Seattle fans, read Seahawks reports … there is no gaping hole that needs to be plugged. The way Ogletree flies around the field, he’d be a perfect fit there.
30. Denver – Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. He just seems like the type of guy who can play anywhere and protect Peyton Manning.
31. New England – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri. The next Vince Wilfork? Ha. There won’t be another Wilfork, but Richardson could slide in there as Big Vince gets up there in age (he’s 31). The need is in the secondary, but as you’ve read, and will continue to read, nobody has any clue what Bill Belichick will do in the first round. If I had to guess … trade.
32. San Francisco – Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson. Didn’t think I’d go there, did you? Well, this is under the assumption that Alex Smith leaves town, and Harbaugh will want a backup. This is akin to the Patriots drafting Ryan Mallet … who could be a trade piece this offseason.