Dorf’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 1-11

Dorf’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft 3-18-13

I’m Adam Waltersdorf (Dorf) and this is my first mock draft as a part of The Majors writing team. I will frequently be doing similar articles all the way up till draft day. There were be hyper detailed ones like this and less detailed one that will stretch up to 5 rounds as we get closer to the big day. This entry will be split into three parts because of its massive length.

Round 1

1.         Kansas City (2-14)

Joeckel is no bones about it the best player available in this draft, meaning that the Chiefs should take him. Current Chief’s Left Tackle Brandon Albert is playing under the franchise tag for the 2013 season, and is better off as a Guard or Right Tackle anyway. The Chiefs just made a major investment in acquiring Alex Smith from the 49ers, and it’s about time that he was protected properly. Think Joe Staley of the 49ers.

2.         Jacksonville (2-14)

The Jaguars really could use a Quarterback, just there isn’t one worth taking this early in the draft, or at least one that is better than current QB Blaine Gabbert. Offensive Line could be another area that but the current LT Eugene Monroe is serviceable, and you don’t take a RT or C with the second overall pick, you just don’t. Cornerback is another position of need and Millner fits the Jaguars needs. Think Champ Bailey of the Broncos.

3.         Oakland (4-12)

The Raiders still haven’t made it back to the playoffs since they last appeared in the Super Bowl a decade ago. There has been so many changes in direction and many erratic personnel decisions made by a crazy owner/GM Al Davis. Now that Davis has passed on, the Raiders brass might have a chance to put something together. Sharrif Floyd has been the God’s blessing to the defensive line since early in his high school days, and should make the Raiders instantly better up front. Think Chris Canty of the Ravens.

4.         Philadelphia (4-12)

Michael Vick is a dead man walking in Philadelphia. If new Head Coach Chip Kelly wants to run any sort of offense like he did at Oregon he is going to need to find a running QB who isn’t going to be 33 years old at the beginning of the season. Geno Smith has the NFL arm and the running ability that Kelly will covet. The major question is will he grasp advanced passing concepts. Think of a younger, slightly slower, better throwing, and right handed Mike Vick.

5.         Detroit (4-12)

With the recent retirement of LT Jeff Backus and failure to re-sign RT Gosder Cherilus and 2012 1^st Round Pick Riley Rieff can only play one position at a time, the Detroit Lions have to address the Offensive Tackle position. This draft happens to be very well stocked at the top with Left Tackle candidates, and the Lions should take one. Fisher is a local kid, who is the physical specimen the NFL covets. The last time they drafted a local prospect at Tackle, they got Jeff Backus who wasn’t a fan favorite, but provided an adequate job for 13 seasons, missing 1 game in total. Think Jared Veldheer of the Raiders.

6.         Cleveland (5-11)

Dion Jordan is one of those rare athletes who might not pan out as a football player. (See: Maybin, Aaron) If he does, he could be a menace to opposing offenses for over a decade. He is an amazing athlete but is still raw as a defensive player. He started his college career as a Tight End, and still has some room to grow when it comes to his pass rushing technique. Think Brian Orakpo of the Redskins.

7.         Arizona (5-11)

*Major trade down candidate* Gun shy from taking another highly thought of USC QB (See: Lienart: Matt) the Cardinals will go take the best player available, because they need help everywhere but Offensive Tackle. Jones is a stellar athlete, and without the neck injury concerns might have gone number one overall. Think Von Miller of the Broncos.

8.         Buffalo (6-10)

Buffalo isn’t going to screw it up yet again and not take a QB in the first round, or will they because it’s essentially the same clowns running the show. After spending heavily and devoting a large portion of draft recourses to try to fix their defense, the Bills ended up with a defense who couldn’t stop anyone and an offense who couldn’t score. Taking a QB will hopefully aid the offense’s recovery. My concern is a SoCal kid going to the a city that could play 4 home game in the snow each and every season and how well will that work out? Think of Matt Schaub of the Texans.

9.         New York Jets (6-10)

The Jets are a bad team, period. They have lots of good pieces, but mixed in with that are many less than NFL caliber players in key roles. They have a good chance at losing both of 2012’s starting guards to free agency, and Cooper is really that good that you can consider taking him this early in the draft. This way you only have to resign either Matt Slausen or Brandon Moore and you probably end up with a better player anyway.

10.       Tennessee (6-10)

The Titans desperately need to get Chris Johnson going again. They are paying him way to much money not to be a dominate force. I cannot entirely blame him, because the jokes that they have been trotting out there on the interior offensive line are the cause off a significant portion of his loss in production. Warmack comes from the power run scheme at Bama, which should help Johnson in between the tackles, where his lighting quickness will take care of the outside run. Also, Jake Locker thanks you for helping protect him with this pick. Think of Carl Nicks of the Buccaneers.

11.       San Diego (7-9)

Phillip Rivers isn’t going to be getting any younger or more mobile for the matter, so it is about time that the Chargers address the giant hole at left tackle. Johnson is the last of the sure thing Left Tackle prospects in this draft, so the Chargers have to jump on him while they can. Johnson is a super athlete, who is still raw and has tons of room for improvement. The guy runs a 4.7 forty yard dash and is over 300 pounds. Incredible! Think of Michael Roos of the Titans.

Link to Part 2 (Picks 12-22)

Link to Part 3 (Picks 23-32)