More than 20 million people tuned in their televisions to watch the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. But more than 25 million tuned in for the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Draft is a chance for struggling teams to rebuild, and for successful teams to solidify their future in years to come. What makes the NFL Draft such a highly anticipated event is the unknown and the resulting hope that coincides. Just a year ago, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were drafted to teams that finished last in their respective divisions the previous season. Yet in their first year in the league, the two rookies were able to lead their teams to the NFL's coveted postseason and re-energize two struggling franchises. But not all draft day stories turn into fairy tales, as clearly evidenced by the epic letdowns from high draft picks such as Jamarcus Russel, Ryan Leaf, and Tony Mandarich (let's not forget to mention Curtis Enis and Cade McNown for all our fellow Chicago Bears fans out there).
Forecasting the future of a player is no easy task for any NFL team, and it makes the job of draft analysts even more difficult. Every year these NFL experts will use countless pieces of information to try and predict the actions of each team and compile it all within their mock drafts. Wonderlic IQ test results, 40 times, bench press reps, off-field behavior, fictitious girlfriends ... it will all be considered. These mock draft results can vary, but one thing is certain, its never a guarantee until you hear a player's name announced on Draft Day. But following the mock drafts can be a great deal of fun for NFL fans, and steer your hopes in new directions. To help you stay on top of all the 2013 Draft Day possibilities we've created a list of popular mock drafts for your reading and learning pleasure. So take a minute to click through, read, and dream of your team finding a diamond in the rough to help bring you a Super Bowl title (just like the 6th round future Hall of Fame QB from the University of Michigan).
Popular Mock Drafts
- Walter Football
- CBS Sports (Pete Prisco, Pat Kirwan, Dane Brugler, Rob Rang)
- NFL.com (Charley Casserly, Matt Smith, Charles Davis, Daniel Jeremiah)
- Sports Illustrated (Don Banks)
- NBC Sports (Mike Florio)
- Rotoworld (Josh Norris)
- Fox Sports (Peter Schrager)
- Bleacher Report (Matt Miller)
- The Sporting News
- SB Nation
