Archived Mock Draft (Willy): 9/28

Archived Mock Draft (Willy): 9/28

*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

17. Cincinnati Bengals- DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

-Bengals pass rush has been non-existent without Carlos Dunlap, and even if it improves with him it could use some help. Jeffcoat could be a nice addition who will help generate pressure as a rookie.

18. Dallas Cowboys- S Eric Reid, LSU

-The Cowboys will be looking at the strong safety class in the early rounds and luck out here as the top safety prospect falls to them. Reid has elite upside, but could fall based on some team needs earlier in the draft.

19. Detroit Lions- CB David Amerson, NC State

-The Lions secondary is a major work in progress. Amerson could very well go much earlier, but there are some inconsistencies in his game, still for the 19th pick this would be a steal for the Lions.

20. Arizona Cardinals- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

-Expect the Cardinals to look quarterback in this draft, but if they miss out on the top guys, offensive line should be their next priority. Adding the son of a Hall of Famer doesn’t hurt, but don’t think Jake Matthews doesn’t earn this spot on his own merit.

21. Denver Broncos- CB Jonathan Banks, Miss. State

-Though Champ Bailey still plays at a high level, he has to be nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career. Banks can strengthen the Broncos secondary until Bailey retires and then look to replace him. He’s a big physical corner with excellent instincts and should be a quick study.

22. Chicago Bears- TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

-The Bears added pass catchers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but they still lack a big play tight end. That might have been okay in the Mike Martz system, but now it is a liability. Offensive line will be a consideration, but I could see them looking to add a weapon here.

23. New York Giants- MLB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

-The Giants have a solid middle linebacker in Chase Blackburn, but they take the best player available that is an upgrade for them and that would most definitely be MLB Manti Te’o.

24. San Diego Chargers- OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

-The Chargers offensive line is probably their biggest weakness and should be prioritized this offseason. Fluker would be an excellent fit, he’s a natural right tackle, but has the skill set to move to the left side if needed.

25. New England Patriots- DE Alex Okafor, Texas

-The Patriots need to keep upgrading their defensive line and pass rush. Okafor is a nice fit, he also is pretty stout against the run, which has been an issue for the Patriots at times.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers- DT John Jenkins, Georgia

-Steelers could look at a few positions, but I think they will look for an impact defensive lineman. John Jenkins is just that and can help clog up the offensive line allowing the Steelers backers to make plays.

27. Philadelphia Eagles- SS Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

-Philly has invested a lot into the safety position, but they haven’t come close to finding anyone of Vaccaro’s talent. He should be a day one starter for them and really shore up the back end of that defense.

28. Green Bay Packers- RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

-Its never a good sign when Cedric Benson is your top running back. Now I know the theory is you don’t need a running game in today’s NFL when you have an elite quarterback, but that is a bit too simplistic. A strong rushing attack can help the passing game even be deadlier than before.

29. Baltimore Ravens- WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee

-The Ravens seem to want to further open up their passing game so another big play weapon would make sense. It also appears that Anquan Boldin is slowing down a bit, and could need to be replaced as a starter.

30. Atlanta Falcons- DT Sylvester Williams, UNC

-The Falcons still have trouble getting push up the middle, and could look to fix that with a defensive tackle like Williams

31. Houston Texans- WR Terrance Williams, Baylor

-One thing the Texans are lacking is a quality receiver to complement Andre Johnson. Williams could be that guy as he has a nice combination of size and speed to become a major weapon in the Texans offense.

32. San Francisco 49ers- OG Jonathan Cooper, UNC

-Right guard is still a trouble area for the 49ers and they should take this opportunity to fill that need with a stud like Cooper. Cooper is very technically sound and looks to be ready to start now in the league. He may never be elite like Iupati, but he should be very good.