NFL Mock Draft 2013: San Diego Chargers select…
By Matt Welch
17. Pittsburgh (8-8)
Player: Alec Ogletree, LB
School: Georgia
Ogletree is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of any defense. The Stleers are known for their physical linebackers and while most of those on their roster are physical, they’re getting old. It makes sense for the Steelers to take Ogletree here.
18. Dallas (8-8)
Player: Star Lotuleli, DT
School: Utah
Loutuleli is being talked about as going first overall possibily but I think he’ll fall nicely into the Cowboys lap here. The Cowboys are in the midst of swithcing their schemes and who better to build around on the front seven than a “Star”?
19. New York Giants (9-7)
Player: Shelton Richardson, DT
School: Missouri
After releasing Chris Canty, the Giants are in desperate need for a run stopper. Richardson has great size and speed and can bolster a front seven in the pass rushing and run stopping departments.
20. Chicago (10-6)
Sep 22, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te
Player: Manti Te’o, LB
School: ND
Even though Te’o’s name has been drug through the mud for quite some time now, the Bears will take him here. His skills on the field haven’t been diminished because of
his off-the-field decision in his love life. Te’o will fit in perfectly, learning behind a guy like Brian Urlacher who is likely on the way to retirement soon.
21. Cincinnati (10-6)
Player: Xavier Rhodes, CB
School: FSU
Rhodes is a big physical corner. After losing Leon Hall, the Bengals have been lacking in the secondary. While they still need a safety, they can’t afford to pass up Rhodes here.
22. St. Louis – from Washington (10-6)
Player: Keenan Allen, WR
School: CAL
Allen has tremendous size coming into the draft and he has great speed to go along with that. The Rams have a couple of young guys at the receiver position already but it could never hurt to take a guy like Allen here with basically a free pick.
23. Minnesota (10-6)
Player: Cordarelle Patterson, WR
School: Tennessee
Patterson is one of the top receivers in a draft that doesn’t have much depth at that position. With Adrian Peterson in the backfield, teams are going to think that the Vikings are one-dimensional, which they have been. The Vikings need another target on the outside and Patterson could add that threat.
24. Indianapolis (11-5)
Player: DJ Fluker, OT
School: Alabama
Fluker can essentially play just about any position on the offensive line. The Colts could use a starter at just about any position on their offensive line. It fits.
25. Seattle (11-5)
Player: Shariff Floyd, DT
School: Florida
Floyd could add a big body on the interior defensive line for the Seahawks who showed glimpses of a greaat pass rush all season. To accompony young pass rusher Bruce Irvin and young linebacker Bobby Wagner, it only makes sense to take Floyd here.
26. Green Bay (11-5)
Player: Jonathan Jenkins, DT
School: Georgia
The Packers are looking to add depth with this pick. With their interior defensive line getting older and older, Jenkins provides a spark for the upcoming years.
27. Houston (12-4)
Player: Kevin Minter, LB
School: LSU
Minter provides Houston with insurance. Their linebackers are sketchy at best and if one goes down or leaves in the off-season, Minter should be a solid pick here.
28. Denver (13-3)
Player: Desmond Trufant, CB
School: Washington
Trufant has been making a name all season long with his work ethic. Denver could use another hard worker, especially in the secondary. With Champ Bailey nearing the end, he could turn Trufant into one of the greats.
29. New England (12-4)
Player: Tavon Austin, WR
School: WVU
Speed kills. With Wes Welker’s contract situation up in the air, Tavon Austin could be the heir to throne in New England. People can down him for his size all they want but Austin is a game changer if I’ve ever seen one. He can fill the slot position nicely and provide a quick target for Tom Brady.
30. Atlanta (13-3)
Player: Tyler Eifert, TE
School: ND
Atlanta needs a replacement for Tony Gonzalez eventually. He hasn’t made his decision but it’s evident that he’ll retire. Matt Ryan has shown that if he has a tight end on the field, he’ll get him the ball. Eifert is reliable and will be a good fit in Atlanta.
31. San Francisco (11-4-1)
Player: Matt Elam, S
School: Florida
The 49ers couldn’t keep up with the Ravens’ receivers in the Super Bowl. And it’s only going to get worse as both of their safeties are likely on the way out. Elam will fill a much needed hole for San Francisco here.
32. Baltimore (10-6)
Player: Justin Hunter, WR
Oct 12, 2012; Starkville, MS, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) runs with the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Johnthan Banks (13) defends during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports
School: Tennessee
The Ravens have a lot of needs here but noone looks appetizing. I think the Super Bowl champs will take a big receiver here in case Anquan Boldin is let go.