Updated 2013 Mock NFL Draft

#17) Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Montgomery (DE/OLB LSU)
For years it was the Steelers dominant defense which led them to victory, now it almost seems they are winning in spite of the defense. They're pass rush is sluggish, while they have also seen drop-offs in play from James Harrison and Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh loves to draft linebackers in the early rounds, and this year could be no different. Sam Montgomery perfectly fits what the Steelers look for in their outside linebackers. A 6'5" 260 lbs frame is ideal, Montgomery is a very physical player, versatile, and actually compares very favorably to Lamarr Woodley. Montgomery is coming from a 4-3 front at LSU, where he was very strong against the run, but also was an explosive edge rusher.

#17) Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Montgomery (DE/OLB LSU)

For years it was the Steelers dominant defense which led them to victory, now it almost seems they are winning in spite of the defense. They're pass rush is sluggish, while they have also seen drop-offs in play from James Harrison and Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh loves to draft linebackers in the early rounds, and this year could be no different. Sam Montgomery perfectly fits what the Steelers look for in their outside linebackers. A 6'5" 260 lbs frame is ideal, Montgomery is a very physical player, versatile, and actually compares very favorably to Lamarr Woodley. Montgomery is coming from a 4-3 front at LSU, where he was very strong against the run, but also was an explosive edge rusher.

#18) Dallas Cowboys- John Jenkins (DT Georgia)
Dallas has two main areas of need, both happen to deal with the lines. They'd love to be able to get an offensive lineman like Chance Warmack, but that likely won't happen without trading up. Barrett Jones could be an option too, but he's not available in this scenario either. Instead, the Cowboys will have to address the defensive side of the line, and bring in some young talent. Dallas is moving to a 4-3 defense with Monte Kiffin as the new DC, and will need to add some pieces to fit the new scheme. John Jenkins would be a great pick. He has the size and strength to anchor the middle, but is still a good athlete and can make plays in the backfield. Jenkins could effectively play nose tackle in the 4-3 next to a more athletic Jay Ratliff, similar to what the Giants do.

#18) Dallas Cowboys- John Jenkins (DT Georgia)

Dallas has two main areas of need, both happen to deal with the lines. They'd love to be able to get an offensive lineman like Chance Warmack, but that likely won't happen without trading up. Barrett Jones could be an option too, but he's not available in this scenario either. Instead, the Cowboys will have to address the defensive side of the line, and bring in some young talent. Dallas is moving to a 4-3 defense with Monte Kiffin as the new DC, and will need to add some pieces to fit the new scheme. John Jenkins would be a great pick. He has the size and strength to anchor the middle, but is still a good athlete and can make plays in the backfield. Jenkins could effectively play nose tackle in the 4-3 next to a more athletic Jay Ratliff, similar to what the Giants do.

#19) New York Giants- Manti Te'o (LB Notre Dame)
As the Manti Te'o saga unfolds, I don't think we will be able to make any definitive projections on his draft status until two things happen. First, Manti Te'o must speak in public and answers all our questions. If he can somehow come off to the media, and everybody, not looking like a total simpleton, then his draft stock will maintain. Then secondarily is the NFL Combine. No matter what my opinion is, what the public perception is, or even what the truth is, the only thing that matters is what NFL higher-ups think. As he goes through the vigorous interviews, background checks, and every conceivable grilling possible, how he comes out the other side will leave us with a much clearer view on his draft stock.

#19) New York Giants- Manti Te'o (LB Notre Dame)

As the Manti Te'o saga unfolds, I don't think we will be able to make any definitive projections on his draft status until two things happen. First, Manti Te'o must speak in public and answers all our questions. If he can somehow come off to the media, and everybody, not looking like a total simpleton, then his draft stock will maintain. Then secondarily is the NFL Combine. No matter what my opinion is, what the public perception is, or even what the truth is, the only thing that matters is what NFL higher-ups think. As he goes through the vigorous interviews, background checks, and every conceivable grilling possible, how he comes out the other side will leave us with a much clearer view on his draft stock.

#20) Chicago Bears- Jonathan Cooper (Guard North Carolina)
Lovie Smith got fired for basically not doing enough to get the offense going. When you look at the offense they have talent at WR (Brandon Marshall), RB (Matt Forte), and QB (Jay Cutler). As everyone knows though, it was offensive line which held them back. Cutler has to constantly be on the move just to be able to get passes off. There can be no more excuses, GM Phil Emery must spend this offseason improving that unit, or they'll miss the playoffs again. The problem is that they can't get a LT here because Eric Fisher went earlier. That doesn't mean they can't stick with the offensive line, and go to the interior. Jon Cooper is a prospect that a lot of teams covet, as a powerful, mauling road grader who can play guard or center.

#20) Chicago Bears- Jonathan Cooper (Guard North Carolina)

Lovie Smith got fired for basically not doing enough to get the offense going. When you look at the offense they have talent at WR (Brandon Marshall), RB (Matt Forte), and QB (Jay Cutler). As everyone knows though, it was offensive line which held them back. Cutler has to constantly be on the move just to be able to get passes off. There can be no more excuses, GM Phil Emery must spend this offseason improving that unit, or they'll miss the playoffs again. The problem is that they can't get a LT here because Eric Fisher went earlier. That doesn't mean they can't stick with the offensive line, and go to the interior. Jon Cooper is a prospect that a lot of teams covet, as a powerful, mauling road grader who can play guard or center.

#21) Cincinnati Bengals- Ezekiel Ansah (DE BYU)
Cincinnati has one of the best DT tandems in the NFL, but they could really use some help at the defensive end position. Carlos Dunlap is up and down, and so is Michael Johnson, who happens to be a free agent this off season. Regardless of how those two players turn out, you can never have too many pass rushers. Ezekiel Ansah is one of the more intriguing players in the 2013 NFL Draft. He's only been playing football for a handful of years since coming over from Ghana, but since he's stepped on the field, he looks like a natural. He's an extremely versatile athlete who can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4, showing excellent size and power to go along with elite athleticism. Since Ansah is a bit raw, he would benefit as being the 3rd down rusher lined up in different spots which would allow him be the specialist while developing.

#21) Cincinnati Bengals- Ezekiel Ansah (DE BYU)

Cincinnati has one of the best DT tandems in the NFL, but they could really use some help at the defensive end position. Carlos Dunlap is up and down, and so is Michael Johnson, who happens to be a free agent this off season. Regardless of how those two players turn out, you can never have too many pass rushers. Ezekiel Ansah is one of the more intriguing players in the 2013 NFL Draft. He's only been playing football for a handful of years since coming over from Ghana, but since he's stepped on the field, he looks like a natural. He's an extremely versatile athlete who can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4, showing excellent size and power to go along with elite athleticism. Since Ansah is a bit raw, he would benefit as being the 3rd down rusher lined up in different spots which would allow him be the specialist while developing.

#22) St Louis Rams (From Washington)- Bennie Logan (DT LSU)
When Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan started side-by-side as Sophomores last year, they comprised one of the best defensive lines you will see in college football. This isn't just a clever bit for a silly Mock Draft, it's a realistic proposition. St Louis took defensive tackle Michael Brockers last year, but he is really the only player they have at the position. We know how highly Jeff Fisher values defensive line play, and how often he chooses D-Lineman early on in the draft. Bennie Logan showed at LSU why he is such a perfect compliment to Brockers, as Logan is more of a penetrator, while Brockers is the run-plugger. While they may consider doubling up on offensive lineman and take OT DJ Fluker, but Bennie Logan might just be too good for them to pass up.

#22) St Louis Rams (From Washington)- Bennie Logan (DT LSU)

When Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan started side-by-side as Sophomores last year, they comprised one of the best defensive lines you will see in college football. This isn't just a clever bit for a silly Mock Draft, it's a realistic proposition. St Louis took defensive tackle Michael Brockers last year, but he is really the only player they have at the position. We know how highly Jeff Fisher values defensive line play, and how often he chooses D-Lineman early on in the draft. Bennie Logan showed at LSU why he is such a perfect compliment to Brockers, as Logan is more of a penetrator, while Brockers is the run-plugger. While they may consider doubling up on offensive lineman and take OT DJ Fluker, but Bennie Logan might just be too good for them to pass up.

#23) Minnesota Vikings- Kawann Short (DT Purdue)

We've had Kawann Short pegged to the Vikings for a long time, and as the draft landscape becomes even clearer, we still think this pick looks very likely. With the Vikings still looking to build up their defense, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get another stud DT in the 2013 draft to pair up with Kevin Williams. Short has a very good combination of speed and power, which makes it extremely tough to deal with him. Short can play both DT spots in the 4-3 which will really help him with the Vikings. He fills a need, is a great value, and is the type of players the Vikings look to add. A wide receiver opposite Percy Harvin isn't out of the question here, but with the depth of receivers this year, they can get a great value on one in round two.

#24) Indianapolis Colts- Margus Hunt (3-4 DE SMU)
It's incredible just how quickly Andrew Luck was able to turn things around in Indy, as even the most optimistic Luck supporters, have to be a bit surprised that the Colts are poised to make the playoffs. New Colts GM Ryan Grigson did an outstanding job in the off season getting Luck the necessary pieces on offense, and they now have a nice young nucleus around him. This year, it's the defense which needs attention. Looking at the pieces they had in place on defense this year it's really amazing how far they went, especially in the 1st year of their transition to a 3-4. Margus Hunt would be an excellent addition as he is the perfect 5 Technique defensive end. At 6-7 285, and long arms, he's a load to handle. So when you pair that up with his outstanding athleticism, you've got a rare prospect who many say can be the next Justin Smith.

#24) Indianapolis Colts- Margus Hunt (3-4 DE SMU)

It's incredible just how quickly Andrew Luck was able to turn things around in Indy, as even the most optimistic Luck supporters, have to be a bit surprised that the Colts are poised to make the playoffs. New Colts GM Ryan Grigson did an outstanding job in the off season getting Luck the necessary pieces on offense, and they now have a nice young nucleus around him. This year, it's the defense which needs attention. Looking at the pieces they had in place on defense this year it's really amazing how far they went, especially in the 1st year of their transition to a 3-4. Margus Hunt would be an excellent addition as he is the perfect 5 Technique defensive end. At 6-7 285, and long arms, he's a load to handle. So when you pair that up with his outstanding athleticism, you've got a rare prospect who many say can be the next Justin Smith.

#25) Seattle Seahawks- DJ Fluker (OT Alabama)
This is a tough pick to project, as Seattle is a very well rounded team, with no real glaring weaknesses. One spot they certainly could upgrade though, is at right tackle. Breno Giacomini is not a starting caliber offensive tackle in this league, and desperately needs to be upgraded. Although the Seahawks have spent a ton of early round picks on offensive lineman lately, they haven't all worked out as expected, and they have nobody on the roster who they could rely on to be their right tackle next year. DJ Fluker is a massive, mauling offensive tackle, who would plug in perfect opposite Russell Okung for the 'Hawks. Even at 6'6" 330, many feel Fluker is athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Right tackle however, would be his ideal spot.

#25) Seattle Seahawks- DJ Fluker (OT Alabama)

This is a tough pick to project, as Seattle is a very well rounded team, with no real glaring weaknesses. One spot they certainly could upgrade though, is at right tackle. Breno Giacomini is not a starting caliber offensive tackle in this league, and desperately needs to be upgraded. Although the Seahawks have spent a ton of early round picks on offensive lineman lately, they haven't all worked out as expected, and they have nobody on the roster who they could rely on to be their right tackle next year. DJ Fluker is a massive, mauling offensive tackle, who would plug in perfect opposite Russell Okung for the 'Hawks. Even at 6'6" 330, many feel Fluker is athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Right tackle however, would be his ideal spot.

#26) Green Bay Packers- Giovani Bernard (RB North Carolina)
It's safe to say that the Packers haven't had a consistent presence at RB since Ahman Green. Sure they've had guys come in and have good seasons (Ryan Grant, James Starks), but nobody that they have been able to count on year after year. They've been able to cover up for their lack of rushing, with the passing attack, but it's starting to catch up with them. Maybe it's time to invest a high pick in somebody they won't have to worry about. Giovani Bernard has quietly become the #1 Running Back prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, and is looking like a 1st round prospect. Bernard is only Redshirt Sophomore, but in his time at UNC, he has shown off his gamebreaking speed, ability to break tackles, run up the middle, and also be a reliable receiver. Bernard is an explosive, well rounded running back who the Packers will love to use out of their shotgun offense.

#26) Green Bay Packers- Giovani Bernard (RB North Carolina)

It's safe to say that the Packers haven't had a consistent presence at RB since Ahman Green. Sure they've had guys come in and have good seasons (Ryan Grant, James Starks), but nobody that they have been able to count on year after year. They've been able to cover up for their lack of rushing, with the passing attack, but it's starting to catch up with them. Maybe it's time to invest a high pick in somebody they won't have to worry about. Giovani Bernard has quietly become the #1 Running Back prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, and is looking like a 1st round prospect. Bernard is only Redshirt Sophomore, but in his time at UNC, he has shown off his gamebreaking speed, ability to break tackles, run up the middle, and also be a reliable receiver. Bernard is an explosive, well rounded running back who the Packers will love to use out of their shotgun offense.

#27) Houston Texans- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR Tennessee)
Next year will be Andre Johnson's 11th year in the league, and never at any time did the Texans get him a legitimate receiver opposite him. Last year they took Devier Posey in the 3rd which was an awful decision, and even if he turns out to be decent, he's a slot guy. It's about time they get a big time #2 option, like what the Falcons did with Julio Jones. Also it would be good to groom an eventual replacement for A.J who is going on 33. The 2013 NFL Draft doesn't have great receivers at the top, but late in round one, Cordarrelle Patterson could be an excellent pickup. He's got the ideal size at 6-3 205, while also possessing elite speed and explosion. Patterson has the athleticism to create separation off the line, and ability to break off big plays with the ball in his hands.

#27) Houston Texans- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR Tennessee)

Next year will be Andre Johnson's 11th year in the league, and never at any time did the Texans get him a legitimate receiver opposite him. Last year they took Devier Posey in the 3rd which was an awful decision, and even if he turns out to be decent, he's a slot guy. It's about time they get a big time #2 option, like what the Falcons did with Julio Jones. Also it would be good to groom an eventual replacement for A.J who is going on 33. The 2013 NFL Draft doesn't have great receivers at the top, but late in round one, Cordarrelle Patterson could be an excellent pickup. He's got the ideal size at 6-3 205, while also possessing elite speed and explosion. Patterson has the athleticism to create separation off the line, and ability to break off big plays with the ball in his hands.

#28) Denver Broncos- Sharrif Floyd (DT Florida)
The addition of Peyton Manning has done wonders for the Broncos, and has the offense running on all cylinders. That should allow the Broncos to focus on improving their defense, which already has a lot of good players, but they still could shore up some holes. One specific area they could really stand to improve is their defensive tackles. They did draft Derek Wolfe last year, but they've been playing him at DE. Denver could really use somebody to play DT on early downs to help stop the run, and also get into the backfield, and draw some attention away from Von Miller. Sharrif Floyd is a versatile tackle that can play both the three technique and the NT spot in the 4-3 which will help the Broncos out immediately.

#28) Denver Broncos- Sharrif Floyd (DT Florida)

The addition of Peyton Manning has done wonders for the Broncos, and has the offense running on all cylinders. That should allow the Broncos to focus on improving their defense, which already has a lot of good players, but they still could shore up some holes. One specific area they could really stand to improve is their defensive tackles. They did draft Derek Wolfe last year, but they've been playing him at DE. Denver could really use somebody to play DT on early downs to help stop the run, and also get into the backfield, and draw some attention away from Von Miller. Sharrif Floyd is a versatile tackle that can play both the three technique and the NT spot in the 4-3 which will help the Broncos out immediately.

#29) Atlanta Falcons- Alec Ogletree (LB Georgia)
I'm not a big Alec Ogletree supporter. He seems to shy away from physicality, and whether or not he will hold up in run support at the next level is a big question mark. If there was a perfect place for him to succeed though, Atlanta would be that spot. There's no questioning Ogletree's outstanding athleticism, which is the main thing the Falcons look for in their linebackers. They run a lot of Nickel sets, rotate different linebackers in and out, line them up all over the field in coverage, and run exotic blitz packages. It would be a place where his positives would be accentuated, and his weaknesses masked to some extent.

#29) Atlanta Falcons- Alec Ogletree (LB Georgia)

I'm not a big Alec Ogletree supporter. He seems to shy away from physicality, and whether or not he will hold up in run support at the next level is a big question mark. If there was a perfect place for him to succeed though, Atlanta would be that spot. There's no questioning Ogletree's outstanding athleticism, which is the main thing the Falcons look for in their linebackers. They run a lot of Nickel sets, rotate different linebackers in and out, line them up all over the field in coverage, and run exotic blitz packages. It would be a place where his positives would be accentuated, and his weaknesses masked to some extent.

#30) New England Patriots- Kenny Vaccaro (Safety Texas)
New England did a tremendous job in last year's draft bolstering up their defense with Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower, but they shouldn't stop there. During this 2012 season, the Patriots have had a number of different players rotating in and out at safety, including moving Devin McCourty over from cornerback. Taking Vaccaro here would allow the Pats to slide McCourty back over to corner, and pair Vaccaro up with Tavon Wilson who they took early in the draft last year. Vaccaro has some of the best coverage skills we have seen from any safety to come out in recent years, possessing the speed and fluidity to hang with the NFL's elite athletes. At 6'1" 215, he also has the size to matchup with taller guys, and step up in run support, giving the Patriots a lot of versatility.

#30) New England Patriots- Kenny Vaccaro (Safety Texas)

New England did a tremendous job in last year's draft bolstering up their defense with Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower, but they shouldn't stop there. During this 2012 season, the Patriots have had a number of different players rotating in and out at safety, including moving Devin McCourty over from cornerback. Taking Vaccaro here would allow the Pats to slide McCourty back over to corner, and pair Vaccaro up with Tavon Wilson who they took early in the draft last year. Vaccaro has some of the best coverage skills we have seen from any safety to come out in recent years, possessing the speed and fluidity to hang with the NFL's elite athletes. At 6'1" 215, he also has the size to matchup with taller guys, and step up in run support, giving the Patriots a lot of versatility.

#31) San Francisco 49ers- Jesse Williams (DT Alabama)
San Francisco has arguably the best defensive line in the league, but after their top four guys, they don't have a whole lot of depth. If they decide to add depth early in the draft, Jesse Williams is a player who fits perfectly into the 49ers scheme. He just finished anchoring an unbelievably good Alabama 3-4 defense as the nose tackle, and could effectively do so at the next level too. Williams has outstanding brute strength, plays with great leverage, and does a wonderful job as a space eater, occupying blockers. Williams also is an underrated athlete with good quickness, so he could play some defensive end, and depending on the situation and rotation, could be used in a number of different ways by Jim Harbaugh.

#31) San Francisco 49ers- Jesse Williams (DT Alabama)

San Francisco has arguably the best defensive line in the league, but after their top four guys, they don't have a whole lot of depth. If they decide to add depth early in the draft, Jesse Williams is a player who fits perfectly into the 49ers scheme. He just finished anchoring an unbelievably good Alabama 3-4 defense as the nose tackle, and could effectively do so at the next level too. Williams has outstanding brute strength, plays with great leverage, and does a wonderful job as a space eater, occupying blockers. Williams also is an underrated athlete with good quickness, so he could play some defensive end, and depending on the situation and rotation, could be used in a number of different ways by Jim Harbaugh.

#32) Baltimore Ravens- Matt Elam (Safety Florida)
With the Ravens headed to the Super Bowl, and Ray Lewis already announcing his retirement, it may just seal the deal for Ed Reed as well. Baltimore will need to replace him, and get someone to play next to Bernard Pollard who played surprisingly well this year. If there's any player in this draft that fits the Baltimore Ravens profile to a "T", it's Matt Elam. Elam is one of the hardest hitters you will see, is fearless, and plays the game at 100 MPH. Not only does he love to hit, but he's a very fluid athlete who does a great job in coverage as well. In our opinion, Elam is the best safety in the draft, and couldn't find himself a better landing spot than Baltimore.

#32) Baltimore Ravens- Matt Elam (Safety Florida)

With the Ravens headed to the Super Bowl, and Ray Lewis already announcing his retirement, it may just seal the deal for Ed Reed as well. Baltimore will need to replace him, and get someone to play next to Bernard Pollard who played surprisingly well this year. If there's any player in this draft that fits the Baltimore Ravens profile to a "T", it's Matt Elam. Elam is one of the hardest hitters you will see, is fearless, and plays the game at 100 MPH. Not only does he love to hit, but he's a very fluid athlete who does a great job in coverage as well. In our opinion, Elam is the best safety in the draft, and couldn't find himself a better landing spot than Baltimore.

As always if you got a problem with our draft, or analysis feel free to contact us at NolanVasan@NFLDraftGeek.com or join the **Forums to comment. Or even better, Create your Own Mock Draft here!**

2013 NFL Mock Draft

Picks 1-16

Picks 1-16

Round Two

Round Three

As always if you got a problem with our draft, or analysis feel free to contact us at NolanVasan@NFLDraftGeek.com or join the **Forums to comment. Or even better, Create your Own Mock Draft here!**

2013 NFL Mock Draft

Picks 1-16

Picks 1-16

Round Two

Round Three

As always if you got a problem with our draft, or analysis feel free to contact us at NolanVasan@NFLDraftGeek.com or join the Forums to comment. Or even better, Create your Own Mock Draft here!

As always if you got a problem with our draft, or analysis feel free to contact us at NolanVasan@NFLDraftGeek.com or join the **Forums to comment. Or even better, Create your Own Mock Draft here!**