2013 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Sep 22, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

16) St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) – OT Lane Johnson (Oklahoma) – Senior

Expect the Rams to add some help on the offensive line to help out Sam Bradford. Eric Fisher would be an ideal player for the Rams, but should not be around by the 16th selection. That’s why Jeff Fisher will look for the next best lineman and that is Lane Johnson. Johnson and Bradford were on the same Oklahoma team in 2009, but that won’t play an effect here. Johnson could provide the Rams with the pass blocking needed to help Sam Bradford.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers – S Kenny Vaccaro (Texas) – Senior

Pittsburgh could use a lot of pieces to help out their aging defense, but Kenny Vaccaro seems to be the logical choice. Vaccaro has good strength and athleticism and could show to be a nice eventual replacement for Tory Polamalu.

18) Dallas Cowboys – DE/LB Ezekiel Ansah (BYU) – Senior

Ansah will be a fun player to watch come draft day. I have him going to the Cowboys at this point in time, but his stock could rise. One player that he is being compared to is Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants. Dallas could use a defensive player like Ansah to help out new DC Monte Kiffin. Plus, why wouldn’t Dallas want to steal this type of prospect away from New York right before they pick?

19) New York Giants – OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama) – Senior

The Giants have an effective passing game even though it was less than stellar this past season. However, their run game could use some help. D.J. Fluker has pure size that helps his run block ability. He has the power to create running lanes and that is something New York could use to their advantage. New York needs to work on the run to help Eli Manning and their pass game.

20) Chicago Bears – LB Manti Te’o (Notre Dame) – Senior

The Manti Te’o saga… Enough said right? The fake girlfriend could hurt the Notre Dame linebacker and make his stock fall, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Chicago had one of (if not the best) defenses this past season. Their linebacker core is getting old and will need to be replaced soon. Te’o was the spoken leader of the ND defense. That might not change in Chicago because their spoken leader, Brian Urlacher, is close to retirement. Plus, Notre Dame seems to be the adopted college team in Chicago. The city would erupt if Te’o goes to Chicago.