As of today, the 2013 NFL draft is exactly three weeks away. So let's double down. Below you'll see my projections not just for Round 1, but for Round 2 as well.
The draft is never just about adding the maximum value or filling the most significant need with every pick. It's also about setting up your draft board so you can knock out multiple needs depending on where you see the most positional depth. So with that in mind, let's go two rounds, which this year is particularly fun, because the quarterback class lacks elite value early, but could certainly be the story of Day 2.
As always, make sure you also check the Big Board and positional rankings to get a better idea of the overall grades and depth at each position.
MORE KIPER CONTENT:
Two-round mock draft | Big Board | Top 5 at each position Risers, fallers since January
1
Luke JoeckelKansas City Chiefs (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT
Analysis: Placing the franchise tag on Branden Albert left the Chiefs with three options that factor into this pick. They could play Joeckel at right tackle in 2013 with the goal of moving him to the left side next year; they could start Joeckel on the left side immediately to reduce the adjustment pains he could experience in shifting next year and have Albert hold down right tackle; or they could continue to entertain trade offers for Albert and try to recoup some value they traded away in the deal for Alex Smith. In any event, given the way the board sets up, my belief is they'll take the top tackle in the draft because it fills a current hole for 2013, and could fill a significant roster void in 2014. Given that their second-biggest need is an interior linebacker, they'll go with a tackle here and deal with that later.
2
Ezekiel AnsahJacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
COLLEGE: BYU
AGE: 23
HT: 6-5
WT: 271
POS: DE
Analysis: The Jaguars have been saddled with a deficient pass rush for years now, and I think they will take advantage of the opportunity to take a high-ceiling 4-3 defensive end who, yes, needs some development, but should still give them impact in 2013. Cornerback is another need, and the question at quarterback persists, but the Jags can't afford to draft a quarterback at this draft slot who might be behind Blaine Gabbert on the developmental curve. They need a player that can fill an immediate void.
3
Sharrif Floyd *Oakland Raiders (4-12)
COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 20
HT: 6-3
WT: 297
POS: DT
Pick analysis: The Raiders are in desperate need of young talent on the defensive line after a season in which they were far too often gashed by the run. Floyd is a dynamic young player, has played inside and on the edge and uses great leverage and power to drive blockers back and blow up plays. Given that it's not set exactly which base defense the Raiders will operate out of primarily in 2013, adding versatile defensive line talent also adds scheme flexibility. Floyd is young, and while very good already, provides a high-ceiling building block for a team in need of those types of players.
Second Round
Note: Cleveland Browns (2012 supplemental draft) and New Orleans Saints (forfeited due to bounty penalties) do not own 2013 second-round picks.
33. Jacksonville Jaguars
Matt Barkley, QB, USC
A player who can push the incumbent starter, but with less risk at this slot.
34. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City)
Matt Elam *, S, Florida
They added Craig Dahl, but safety is still a need. A deep class offers options.
35. Philadelphia Eagles
Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.
With the talent and upside of a first-round pick, Watson fills another big need.
36. Detroit Lions
Bjoern Werner *, DE, Florida St.
They got a corner in Round 1. Now they look to upgrade the pass rush.
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse
Physically gifted, Thomas upgrades team speed in the secondary.
38. Arizona Cardinals
Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
A perfect fit in their scheme, Jones is an interior penetrator at defensive end.
39. New York Jets
Zach Ertz *, TE, Stanford
A reliable intermediate target, Ertz will take pressure off the quarterback.
40. Tennessee Titans
Keenan Allen *, WR, Cal
Great hands, route-running skills and a threat with the ball in his hands.
41. Buffalo Bills
Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
They added Kevin Kolb, but Nassib could be the quarterback of the future.
42. Miami Dolphins
Tank Carradine, DE, Florida St.
They fill the void at tackle in Round 1 and target a needed pass-rusher in Round 2.
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St.
Cornerback is the biggest need for the Bucs, and Taylor can help early.
44. Carolina Panthers
D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina
They hit a need up front in Round 1 and take advantage of a deep safety class here.
45. San Diego Chargers
Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas St.
Brown could be off the board in Round 1, but fills a need at linebacker if available.
46. St. Louis Rams
Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Minus Steven Jackson, their depth chart at running back is set with this addition.
47. Dallas Cowboys
Justin Pugh, OL, Syracuse
Pugh has the versatility to help inside or at right tackle for a line in need of help.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia
A physical freak, Washington could become a star under Dick LeBeau's tutelage.
49. New York Giants
Sio Moore, LB, Connecticut
They take care of cornerback in Round 1 and fill a void at linebacker here.
50. Chicago Bears
Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
Want to help your linebackers? Add a block-eater like Williams.
51. Washington Redskins
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
If he's around this late, the Redskins can add help at a major area of need.
52. Minnesota Vikings
Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
The defensive tackles in Minnesota are an aging group. Short jumps into the rotation.
53. Cincinnati Bengals
Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.
Still developing his coverage skills, Banks offers upside in Round 2.
54. Miami Dolphins (from Indianapolis)
Robert Alford, CB, S.E. Louisiana
One of the top sleepers on my board, Alford hits an area of need at cornerback.
55. Green Bay Packers
J.J. Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern
The Packers are set at cornerback, but need to add a safety in the first three rounds.
56. Seattle Seahawks
Johnathan Hankins *, DT, Ohio St.
He's fallen due to draft depth at the position, but Hankins helps at a need position.
57. Houston Texans
John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
He moves incredibly well at 348 pounds and will help solidify the middle of that line.
58. Denver Broncos
Damontre Moore *, DE, Texas A&M
He's fallen during the postseason evaluation process, but was extremly productive.
59. New England Patriots
Tyrann Mathieu *, CB, LSU
A perfect fit in New England, the Patriots might want to wait and hope he's there later.
60. Atlanta Falcons
Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
Ready to play now, Greene pursues quickly but under control, and simply makes plays.
61. San Francisco 49ers
Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego St.
A huge target for Colin Kaepernick, Escobar can keep the two-tight end look intact.
62. Baltimore Ravens
Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
A great physical talent, Armstead is a steal this far down the board.