2013 NFL Mock Draft: Projected Top 5 Draft Picks: The 2013 NFL Draft is a little more than two weeks away, and with all the free agent signings an cap casualties that have occurred during the offseason, the most pressing needs of the teams picking near the top of the draft have become about as clear as they are going to get. Granted, teams have been known to pass on filling major needs to gamble on players with major potential, and trades can always throw a wrench in everything. That being said, here is a look at the potential top five picks in the NFL Draft in the latest mock draft.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
While using the franchise tag on left tackle Brandon Albert gives Kansas City options, Joeckel is still the smartest, safest pick. Joeckel has the strength and technique to start at left tackle immediately, but he can always spend a year at the right tackle spot and get his feet wet. In the meantime, Kansas City can shop Albert either before the draft or during the year to add picks and address other names. Either way, expect Joeckel to be the first name announced when the draft begins next week
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon
Jacksonville is one of the tougher teams to gauge because the team could stand to improve at almost every position. However, Jordan makes the most sense for a couple of reasons. For one, he has the combination of size, strength and speed to become a dominant edge rusher, and the Jaguars logged a league-low 20.0 sacks as a team last year. Meanwhile, new coach Gus Bradley built a pretty stout defense in Seattle by adding size in the secondary in speed on the edge. Jordan fits the mold and could become the future centerpiece of a defense that Bradley will try to rebuild in the coming years.
3. Oakland Raiders: Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
Quarterback, defensive end and defensive tackle would all make sense, but while the prospects at those positions are all said to have the potential to become stars, Milliner is the unquestioned top corner in the draft. Meanwhile, the Raiders allowed a league-high 28 touchdown passes last year and allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete almost 67 percent of their passes. The second of those two statistics is downright disturbing, but adding a cover corner like Milliner is the first step toward correcting the issue. Given all the other issues I mentioned and the fact that Oakland is missing a second-round pick, trading down will also be in play. That being said, look for Milliner to be the pick if the Raiders can’t find a trading partner.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Rumors about the Eagles falling in love with Geno Smith have been gaining steam, but as much as new coach Chip Kelly loves speedy players at crucial positions, he also understands that it takes a strong offensive line to build a high-scoring offense. Philadelphia’s offensive front was a mess last year, and with left tackle Jason Peters returning from injury, adding Fisher will secure the right side of the line. Fisher could use a little polish in pass protection, but he has the massive frame and overwhelming strength to be a mauler in the run game immediately. He will help get Kelly’s offense up and running that much quicker.
5. Detroit Lions: Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
Detroit’s coaching staff got to do a lot of work with players at the Senior Bowl, and while the Lions have reportedly fallen in love with BYU pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah, there is a more pressing concern for this team. The Lions have lost three starters from their offensive line during the offseason, including both tackles. Meanwhile, Detroit is an offensive-minded team that just added Reggie Bush to the mix and has a somewhat fragile Matthew Stafford as its franchise QB. Yes, the Lions need to improve on defense, as well. However, adding a raw pass rusher that has a lot of potential isn’t going to fix the defense overnight. Adding a strong, reliable offensive tackle on the other hand might just help Stafford, Bush and Calvin Johnson put up enough points to get Detroit back to the playoffs.
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