2013 NFL Mock Draft (2 Full Rounds, Projected Trades)
Round 2 Cont.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Hunter WR (Tennessee)
What Pittsburgh’s wide receiver corps truly lacks is size and a large play-maker at the position. Sure, Plaxico Burress is on the roster right now, but I have a hard time believing that he will stick and stay after this season. If Pittsburgh wants to add another dimension to their passing game and make Big Ben happy, they might look at Justin Hunter of Tennessee. Hunter was primed for a breakout season in 2011 until a knee injury derailed him three games into the year. I guess the injury did not faze the former Volunteer too much, because the 6’4″ 196 lb. pass-catcher recorded 73 catches for 1,083 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2012. Hunter’s overall stock could rise in the coming weeks, especially after he ran a 4.44 40 yard dash at The Combine.
49. New York Giants: Kevin Minter ILB (Louisiana State)
Chase Blackburn is now a member of the Panthers, and the team might want to bring in some competition for Mark Herzlich. Minter was a force in the middle for the Tigers over the last two seasons, and registered 130 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks in 2012. The squat-framed, yet athletic former Bayou Bengal (6′ 246 lbs.) packs a wallop as a tackler, has enough agility to potentially hold his own in pass-coverage, and projects well to develop into an inside linebacker in New York’s 4-3 scheme.
50. Chicago Bears: Larry Warford OG (Kentucky)
The combination of James Brown, Lance Louis, Gabe Carimi, and Chilo Rachal did not cut the mustard this year, plus center Roberto Garza will be a Free Agent in 2014. Chicago’s pass-protectors gave up 44.0 sacks last year, and it would be wise to protect their franchise quarterback in the form of Jay Cutler. Warford, a 6’3″ 332 lb. road-grader, was a three-year starter with the Wildcats and emerged as one of the S.E.C.’s best interior offensive linemen in addition to Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack, and Dallas Thomas.
51. Washington Redskins: David Amerson CB/FS (North Carolina State)
Washington’s pass defense ranked 30th overall last year in passing yards allowed per game, and they should probably try to shore up their secondary early on Day 2. I like David Amerson as a physical specimen (6’1″ 205 lbs.), a ball-hawk (13 interceptions over last two seasons), and as someone who is unafraid to mix it up in the run game (50+ tackles from 2010-2012). Yet Amerson’s ability to cover of quicker and more fleet-footed pass-catchers leaves much to be desired, and a transition to free safety would be beneficial to him at the next level.
52. Minnesota Vikings: Manti Te’o ILB (Notre Dame)
Minnesota must find some sort of competent answer at the middle linebacker position, and Manti Te’o’s would be a solid value pick in the middle of the 2nd Round. Imaginary girlfriend and speed questions aside, Manti (6’1″ 241 lbs.) did log over 100 tackles in each of his final three years in South Bend, and improved his skills in pass coverage last year to boot. Selecting Te’o near the end of Round 2 would be a “low-risk/high-reward” move for a team like the Vikings.
53. Cincinnati Bengals: Johnathan Franklin RB (UCLA)
Cincinnati’s offense could stand to use a multi-purpose back to compliment BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and the team is apparently interested in Johnathan Franklin. I’ve talked at length about Johnathan Franklin (5’10” 205 lbs.) since the offseason began (here), and I believe he could be a solid “sleeper” prospect. The former Bruin set career highs in carries (282), rushing yards (1,734 yards), rushing touchdowns (15), catches (33), receiving yards (323 yards), and touchdown catches (2). While Franklin is not “elite” in any facet of the game, he does a solid job on the ground, as a pass-catcher, and should fit well in a zone-blocking scheme with his solid field-vision.
54. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Long OG/OT (Oregon)
The Dolphins need help at right tackle and guard, and they might be interested in acquiring a versatile player like Kyle Long on Day 2 of the draft. Long (6’6″ 304 lbs.) should be able to transition well as a right tackle at the pro level. Like most Oregon offensive linemen, Kyle possesses quick feet, and is already a solid down-field blocker. Although he only started 1 season with the Ducks, his athleticism and upside should make him a mid-Day 2 pick, regardless of his past issues when he attended Florida State. Long should be able to provide Miami with depth at left guard, right guard, and right tackle, and will be a valuable “swing tackle” on game-days.
55. Green Bay Packers: Justin Pugh OG/OT (Syracuse)
If Justin Pugh did not have “T-Rex” arms (32″), he likely would have been a Top 40 pick. The 6’4″ 307 lb. tackle started for three years for the Orange in college, and was named 1st team All-Big East during his final two years at Syracuse. While Pugh’s arms and frame project him to be a better fit at the guard position at the pro-level. Regardless of whether or not he switches positions, Pugh has the athletic ability and the foot speed of a pro-caliber tackle, and he would definitely provide value as a “swing guy” on game-days if he needs to kick to the outside from his guard spot.
56. Seattle Seahawks: Terron Armstead OT (Arkansas Pine Bluff)
Breno Giocamini will be a UFA in 2014, so the Seahawks might be in the market for a developmental upgrade at Right Tackle if they elect not to sign him. Armstead (6’5″ 306 lbs.) had an amazing workout session at The Combine (4.71 40 yard dash, 34.5 vertical jump, 31 bench press reps), and put his athleticism on full display. Pete Carroll is no stranger to taking raw players with fantastic upside, and a player like Armstead could be a terrific selection from a value standpoint at the end of Round 2.
57. Houston Texans: Robert Woods WR (Southern Cal)
The Texans could definitely use another play-making threat opposite Andre Johnson, and Robert Woods might be just the player Houston needs to make their offense and even more formidable force. The 6′ 201 lb. Woods was assumed to have a monster 2012 season after he caught 111 passes for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011. Unfortunately for Woods, the Trojans were inconsistent this past year, and Woods was relegated to the #2 wide receiver role behind the explosive Marqise Lee. Down year aside, Woods still caught 76 balls for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012, and he could be a real steal in Round 2 if he can recover from his ankle injury.
58. Denver Broncos: Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB (Connecticut)
Denver might have acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Philadelphia this offseason, but the Broncos are thin at cornerback. Wreh-Wilson (2012: 47 tackles, 1 interception, 9 passes defended) is similar to Johnthan Banks from a frame-perspective (6’1″ 195 lbs.), but possesses a surprising amount of speed for a taller player at his position. If the former Husky cornerback can prove that his 40 time at his Pro Day was no fluke, he could have a shot to be taken in the early to middle part of Day 2 by a team intrigued by his size/speed combination.
59. New England Patriots: Johnathan Hankins DT (Ohio State)
The Patriots have to wonder how much longer Vince Wilfork can play. 2013 will be the Nose Tackle’s 10th season, and New England might want some insurance in case Tommy Kelly does not pan out for them. A wide-bodied gap-clogger, Hankins (6’3″ 320 lbs.) shined during his Junior season with the Buckeyes as he logged 55 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and earned All-Big 10 honors. The former Buckeye’s stock could slip due to issues regarding his weight and his “motor,” but it is unlikely he will fall any lower than the middle of the 2nd Round.
60. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Ertz TE (Stanford)
Tony Gonzalez might be coming back next year for Atlanta, which is a huge win for the franchise. Yet one must question how long the future Hall of Fame tight end can continue to play. After he played second-fiddle to Coby Fleener, Ertz stepped up huge in 2012 as he racked up 69 catches for 898 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Cardinal. Ertz (6’5″ 249 lbs.) is a versatile prospect who has the potential to line up along the line of scrimmage, in the slot, or even in an h-back role. If the former Cardinal tight end can improve his blocking, he should be a terrific all-around player at the professional level.
61. Carolina Panthers: Robert Alford CB (Southeastern Louisiana)
(Trade w/ San Francisco: Swap 1st Round picks (#31 overall and #15 overall), San Francisco sends 2nd Round pick (#61 overall) and 3rd Round pick (#74 overall) to Carolina to complete deal)
An underrated prospect who has been flying up draft boards recently is Robert Alford of Southeastern Louisiana. Alford enjoyed a terrific career at the FCS level and notched. Although Alford is a bit small (5’10” 188 lbs.), he is a tough defender who at the very least should become a solid performer as a nickelback at the professional level. With Chris Gamble out of town, the Panthers really need someone to step up as a starting cornerback.
62. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyler Wilson QB (Arkansas)
(Trade w/ Baltimore: Swap 2nd Round picks (#43 overall and #62 overall), Baltimore sends 3rd Round pick (#94 overall), 4th Round pick (#129 overall), and 6th Round pick (#199 overall) to Tampa Bay to complete deal)
Tampa Bay’s head coach Greg Schiano is apparently unimpressed with Josh Freeman. Thus, it would not shock me at all to see Tampa Bay decide to take a quarterback at some point on Day 2. One quarterback who could intrigue the Buccaneers is Tyler Wilson of Arkansas. After a terrific Junior campaign under his then-head coach Bobby Petrino (3,638 passing yards and 24 to 6 TD/INT ratio), Wilson (6’2″ 218 lbs.) struggled last year (3,387 passing yards and 21 to 13 TD/INT ratio) after Petrino was fired and the signal-caller sustained a concussion early in the regular season. Wilson should garner 2nd Round consideration however as he possesses adequate arm strength, a good deal of accuracy, and a knowledge of a pro-style passing game from his time with the Razorbacks.
2013 will be one of Colbert’s most important drafts. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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