The Justin Bales 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman D.J. Fluker (76) celebrates winning the 2012 SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 32-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

21. Cincinnati Bengals – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Most people don’t have Fluker falling this low, but I just couldn’t find a spot that I think he fits in better than another player. Andre Smith is a right tackle for the Bengals, but he wants big money and they haven’t signed him yet. I believe they may let him walk if a good right tackle, like Fluker, falls to them. Fluker is a very powerful run blocker, but may slack a little in pass protection. Overall, he is a good pick at #21 and should start day one if Smith doesn’t get a deal.

Other Option: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

22. Saint Louis Rams – Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The Rams passed up on Vaccaro at pick #16 to take a true game changer, but I don’t see them passing up on him again for anyone. He is the best safety in the draft. He can cover quick slot receivers or match up against big tight ends one on one. He may not do anything great, but he does everything well. He doesn’t slack in any part of his game and is just an all around good player.

Other Option: Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia

23. Minnesota Vikings – Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

The Vikings have a huge hole at CB after Winfield signed with Seattle and Trufant’s stock has been falling since the emergence of D.J. Hayden. Trufant is still a very fast corner that can cover and will start for the Vikings on day one. He may not be as big or physical as the other corners in the draft, but he has good closing speed and can cover. He also has brothers in the NFL, so he should be able to handle the NFL spotlight. He’s a solid pick here.

Other Option: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

24. Indianapolis Colts – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

Jones is a big, physical player that can help the Colts. The have holes on the defensive line that Jones can fill. He is a vocal leader on the field and will keep everyone going. He has a quick step off the line that can surprise offensive linemen and allow him to get passed them. He is good in the run game and can provide a spark in the pass game as well. He keeps his feet moving and can transform into a good pro.

Other Option: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

25. Minnesota Vikings – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

The Vikings just signed Greg Jennings, but they lost Percy Harvin. After having one of the worst receiving corps in the league last year, the Vikings need to upgrade if they want Christian Ponder to become the franchise quarterback they are hoping he will become. DeAndre Hopkins is probably the most NFL ready wide receiver in the draft. He attacks the ball and is a playmaker. He isn’t afraid to take a hit and has strong hands in traffic. He is a very good route runner and understands how to take the tops off of defenses too. I love this pick.

Other Option: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

TRADE. There is no way the new coaching staff is going to allow Blaine Gabbert to start this season. His only competition is Chad Henne, who isn’t much better. They will want to trade up into the first to get Geno, who has fallen on draft day. Geno has a big arm that will be able to hit his receivers at any parts of the field. He also loves to study film and will work harder than other players. He has the drive to be great, which is what will make him a successful NFL quarterback.

27. Houston Texans – Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

Justin Hunter has prototypical size for an outside wide receiver. He can also line up in the slot and take defenses over the middle. His size allows him to win on jump balls. His drops this year (in college) has affected him draft stock, but I don’t believe it will continue to be a problem in the NFL. He will be able to beat corners one on one because of his size and teams may need to put a safety over top. In other words, he will make other players better.

Other Option: Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia

28. Denver Broncos – Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC

The Broncos don’t have many holes on their team, so I see them drafting the best available player. I believe this is Sylvester Williams, and teams can always use more defensive linemen. Williams is very strong and has a high motor. He is a violent tackler and has good vision. He will be a good amount of help in the run game. I think he is a very underrated prospect.

Other Option: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

29. New England Patriots – Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

Jamar Taylor is a very safe pick. He has very good film from Boise State and is a position of need for the Patriots. He isn’t afraid to hit someone, whether it is at the line of scrimmage or helping in the run game. He gets physical and knocks receivers off of their routes. He has very good make up speed as well. This could be one of the safest picks in the draft.

Other Option: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

30. Atlanta Falcons – Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

The Falons released Tyson Clabo and need to find a new starting tackle. Menelik Watson is the next best and buzz around the league is that he will be seleted around his area. He is very athletic and can get down the field and make second level blocks. He is very raw and has a good amount of potential. It is a good selection based on player and need for the Falcons.

Other Option: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

31. San Francisco 49ers – Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
The Niners need someone to take over safety and Cyprien can be the guy to do it. He is a hard hitter and can play a deep zone as well. He is a solid tackler, as well, not just a hard hitter. He likes to play in the box and against the run. He is also a good blitzer.

Other Option: Eric Reid, S, LSU

32. Baltimore Ravens – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

The Ravens have an obvious hole at middle linebacker after losing Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe. They also have been known to take chances on players with off the field issues. Ogletree is a great athlete, but his issues have caused him to fall in the draft. He can start for the Ravens and provide an athletic, young player at the position. They will need to mold him into a great player though because right now he looks like a safety placed at linebacker.