Archived Mock Draft (Willy): 9/14, Round 1

Archived Mock Draft (Willy): 9/14, Round 1

*Please Note: You’re looking at an archived post! Links to Steve’s most recent mock drafts are below.

Steve Shoup’s Updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 | Round 1 Picks 17-32 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |

Picks: 1-16, 17-32 Also Check Out Fanspeak’s NFL Draft Blog

1 Jacksonville Logan Thomas* QB Virginia Tech 6′ 6″ 238

-If the Jaguars finish with the top pick they will take a QB, regardless of Blaine Gabbert’s presence on the team. While most would assume that the pick will be USC’s Matt Barkley, I think Logan Thomas has a higher upside and will establish himself as the top QB next year.

2 Oakland Matt Barkley QB USC 6′ 2″ 230

-While Oakland has invested a ton of resources into the QB position the past couple of years, none of them were from the current regime. You can expect the team to look to rebuild with a new quarterback next season. Though given their lack of a 2nd round pick, and needs across the board, they might be tempted to trade back if a strong offer comes in.

3 Minnesota David Amerson* CB North Carolina State 6’3″ 195

-The Vikings didn’t do much to address their needs at cornerback this past offseason, and it figures to be a major concern next year as well. When you play in a division against Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and Jay Cutler 6 times a year you can never have enough cornerbacks. Amerson has elite potential, and would have probably given Claiborne a run for his money at the top CB spot.

4 Cleveland Robert Woods* WR USC 6′ 1″ 185

-Woods may be the best receiver to come out since Calvin Johnson, despite not having typical elite size. Woods plays far bigger than he actually is and should be a game breaker at the next level. The Browns figure to add another receiver early next year, unless a number of players really step it up.

5 Miami Star Lotulelei DT Utah 6’3″ 325

-The Dolphins need to add an impact receiver for their young QB, but with Woods off the board (look for them to be aggressive and trade up) they could turn their focus to the defensive side of the ball. There are a couple of different ways they could go, but I can’t see them passing up an elite DT to anchor their 4-3 defense.

6 Indianapolis D. J. Fluker OT Alabama 6′ 4″ 301

-Though defense is a possibility here, don’t be shocked if they look to further add protection for Andrew Luck. The Colts line could be solid, but they might want to add a bookend tackle to Castonzo (and move Ijalana inside).

7 Arizona Tyler Bray* QB Tennessee 6′ 6″ 210

-If the Cards are drafting this high then it likely means the Kevin Kolb experiment isn’t going to work. With all they have invested in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, the Cardinals need to add a QB who can get them the ball. Thomas is likely to rise up draft boards next year, and offers huge upside.

8 Carolina Keenan Allen* WR Cal 6’3″ 205

-The Panthers could look to add a defensive tackle here, but Steve Smith is getting up there in age, and another weapon is needed for Cam Newton.

9 St. Louis (from Wash) Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia 6′ 3″ 241

– Jones is more known as a pass rusher and projects better in a 3-4 defense, but after the success of Von Miller in a 4-3 role, Jones could get some similar consideration. He’d add another top pass rusher, while filling a major defensive void.

10 Dallas Eric Reid* S LSU 6′ 2″ 208

-safety is a major weakness heading into this season, and unless there is a major breakthrough performance it should be at the top of the Cowboys wish list next season. Reid has major playmaking potential and could be the best safety the Cowboys have had since Darren Woodson.

11 Seattle Marquess Wilson* WR Washington State 6′ 3″ 173

-The Seahawks could go a few different ways, but I could see them adding an impact receiver, and Wilson could fit the bill. He’s got excellent size and potential and could be the weapon that the Seahawks need.

12 St. Louis Ricky Wagner OT Wisconsin 6′ 6″ 320

-The Rams didn’t address their tackle need this past year and that figures to be a primary issue next offseason. Wagner should be an immediate starter at either left or right tackle.

13 Tampa Bay Sam Montgomery* DE LSU 6′ 4″ 245

-The Bucs are desperate to generate more of a pass rush, and don’t be surprised if they grab a young pass rusher early next year.

14 Kansas City Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas 6′ 3″ 215

-The Chiefs have one of the best all-around collections of talent, but lack a quality QB prospect. Wilson projects to be a very good starting quarterback, in the talent range of a Matt Ryan type. Add that to the talent the Chiefs have and they could have a special team in 2013.

15 San Diego Taylor Lewan* OT Michigan 6′ 6″ 316

-The Chargers will need to continue to rebuild their offensive line next offseason and Faulk is a good fit for them.

16 Tennessee Alex Okafor DE Texas 6′ 4.5″ 260

-The Titans need to generate more of a pass rush, and could opt to go for a defensive end here, from what looks to be a pretty strong class.

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