The Justin Bales 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Nov 10, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) tries to move past Washington Huskies offensive linesman Micah Hatchie (72) during the game at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Utah 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

11. Cleveland Browns – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

TRADE. The Browns will want to trade out of their current sixth overall pick because they can acquire more picks and still be able to get one of the players they will look for in the draft. The new coaching staff is implementing a new 3-4 defense, which the Browns don’t particularly have the players for. Star Lotulelei brings a huge run stopping presence. Some question his ability to get to the quarterback, but as a 3-4 end as long as he can blow up the run, his job is complete. A couple added sacks would just be extra for this brick wall of a player. I like this pick because of the need for a true 3-4 defensive end and this allows the Browns to trade current DE Rubin for more picks.

Other Option: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

12. Miami Dolphins – Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

Many think this is too high for Carradine because of his ACL tear, but I believe this is a slight steal for the Miami Dolphins. Carradine was playing like a top 10 pick before he got injured. Players are starting to come back much better from these kind of injuries, as opposed to years ago. His 40 time also shows that he’s on a good pace to come back completely healthy. Carradine will become a dominant player in the NFL with a great skill set. I love this pick.

Other Option: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama (No Brandon Albert Trade)
D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston (Brandon Albert Trade)

13. New York Jets – D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

The Jets secondary did fairly well without Revis last year, but can Kyle Wilson really be counted on as a consistent number two corner? They will look to fill the hole that appeared when Revis was traded and D.J. Hayden is the perfect player to do this. He has fallen a little bit because of his heart, but his stock is now on the rise because his issues have checked out okay. He will turn into a great corner at some point in his career and deserves to be taken this high.

Other Option: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

The Panthers passed up on a defensive tackle last year in the draft and it didn’t quite pan out for them. Defensive tackle is a huge need for them and Richardson is a big boy who can help from day one. They need a few more pieces before becoming a playoff team. Their division is filled with offensive fire power and the Panthers need to shape up the defense before thinking about becoming NFC South champs. Richardson is a man that will stuff the run and may get a few sacks on the season. I believe he has a lot of potential.

Other Option: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

15. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jones provides an instant pass rush for the Saints terrible defense. He was the most feared pass rusher in the SEC, but because of a spinal issue and a slow 40 time, his draft stock has dropped. He is certainly one of the most talented players in the draft. I believe he is a steal because although he is not the most athletic player in the draft, he gets the job done. He was a sack machine in college, basing his game off of angles and pursuit. He has a high motor and should continue a good career in the NFL. He will be a day one starter for the Saints and make the offensive minded Saints have a little spark on their defense still.

Other Option: Tank Carradine, OLB, Florida State

16. Saint Louis Rams – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Although I don’t believe a true slot receiver should be taken this high in the draft, I’m not going to mark Austin as a reach because of everything he brings to the game. He can play in the slot, be a lethal return man, or even come out of the backfield. There are so many things that the Rams will be able to do with this kid that I believe he will have a good career. They are going to have to find ways to get him the ball though, because he isn’t an outside receiver that will win a jump ball. He needs to use his quickness and get the ball in his hands as soon as he’s out of his breaks.

Other Option: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

17. Pittsburg Steelers – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Steelers just let go of Mike Wallace and almost lost Emmanuel Sanders to the Patriots, but signed his one-year offer sheet. Who knows if he’ll be back next season? The only receiver they have locked up is Antonio Brown. Patterson is a very raw JUCO transfer that doesn’t know routes very well. He has a large amount of talent that I believe the Steelers can bring out. He will fit well for them and get crucial experience early in his career in Pittsburg.

Other Option: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

18. Dallas Cowboys – Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

Cooper is a very good pass protector and will be able to help in the run game for the Cowboys. They just signed Tony Romo to a huge deal, so they will need to protect him the best they can. Cooper will fill a hole on their line and is the best available player at this pick. DeMarco Murray is injury prone and Cooper will improve the blocking for him as well. I believe this pick is very obvious. The only reason I don’t have him going higher is because guards tend to fall on draft day.

Other Option: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

19. New York Giants – Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

The Giants tend to go with the best available player. I narrowed down their options to Chance Warmack and teammate D.J. Fluker, but I believe Warmack is the better player out of those two, so he’s now mocked here. He also fills a need for the Giants, so it works out. Eli Manning needs to stay healthy for the Giants to have a chance to win the NFC East, so adding another pass blocker is never a bad idea. Also, he is a big guard that is a great run blocker, which helps the backfield since losing Ahmad Bradshaw. This is another player that should go higher, but will probably drop because of his position.

Other Option: D.J. Fluker, OT, Albama

20. Chicago Bears – Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Chicago has a huge need at linebacker and Arthur Brown has to potential to fill that hole. He is an athletic beast and I see Chicago scooping him up. He is a solid tackler and plays from sideline to sideline. He has a very high motor and attacks the play very hard. He will take on blockers and has good handles to shed them. Brown is a great prospect that has unlimited potential. He is a great pick in this situation.

Other Option: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame