By midseason, Joeckel was projected as a Top 10 selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by "Sports Illustrated". Ranking him #1 on their "Big Board", "CBS Sports" projected Joeckel as the first offensive tackle to be selected with the first overall draft pick since Jake Long in 2008. On January 8, 2013, Joeckel announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility. According to "CBS Sports", Joeckel lacks the "natural tools" of the 2012 fourth overall pick Matt Kalil, but "is considered the more polished lineman out of the college ranks." NFL.com analysts Gil Brandt, Brian Billick, Scott Pioli, and Charles Davis predicted that Joeckel would be the No. 1 pick. In late January, "Sports Illustrated" also projected Joeckel to be the No. 1 selection.