The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the history of the league, featuring a collection of talented prospects who promised to shape the future of their respective teams. From the first pick to the final selection, the draft showcased a diverse array of skills and potential, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see how these players would perform at the professional level.
The Top 10 Picks and Their Early Career Performance
The top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft were highly anticipated, with each player carrying the weight of expectations and the hopes of their respective franchises. Here’s a closer look at their pre-draft rankings, team selections, and early career performance:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st overall): Fisher was widely considered the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft, and the Chiefs, in need of protection for their young quarterback, Alex Smith, selected him with the first overall pick. Fisher’s early career was marked by inconsistency, but he eventually developed into a reliable starter, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd overall): Joeckel, a highly touted prospect from Texas A&M, was drafted by the Jaguars to solidify their offensive line. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout his time in Jacksonville, eventually being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins (3rd overall): Jordan, a talented pass rusher from Oregon, was selected by the Dolphins with the third overall pick. He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with off-field issues and injuries, leading to his release from the Dolphins in 2015.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (4th overall): Johnson, a standout from Oklahoma, was drafted by the Eagles to protect their franchise quarterback, Nick Foles. He quickly emerged as a dominant force on the offensive line, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 and helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LII in 2018.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (6th overall): Mingo, a pass rusher from LSU, was selected by the Browns with the sixth overall pick. He struggled to live up to the hype, recording just 7.5 sacks in four seasons with the Browns.
- Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, Detroit Lions (5th overall): Ansah, a versatile defensive lineman from BYU, was drafted by the Lions with the fifth overall pick. He quickly established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings (8th overall): Floyd, a powerful defensive tackle from Florida, was drafted by the Vikings with the eighth overall pick. He showed promise in his early years, but injuries plagued his career, leading to his retirement in 2017.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets (9th overall): Milliner, a talented cornerback from Alabama, was drafted by the Jets with the ninth overall pick. He struggled to stay healthy and consistent throughout his time in New York, being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets (10th overall): Smith, a dual-threat quarterback from West Virginia, was drafted by the Jets with the tenth overall pick. He struggled with consistency and accuracy throughout his time in New York, eventually being traded to the Giants in 2017.
- Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings (29th overall): Patterson, a dynamic playmaker from Tennessee, was drafted by the Vikings in the first round. He has had a long and successful career, playing for multiple teams as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist.
Notable Players and Surprises from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a wealth of talent, with several players selected outside of the first round going on to have impactful careers. Beyond the high-profile selections, this draft yielded some hidden gems who defied expectations and made significant contributions to their teams. Additionally, some surprising picks and trades made headlines during the draft, highlighting the strategic maneuvering and calculated risks involved in this annual event.
Notable Players Drafted Outside the First Round
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several players selected outside the first round who went on to have impressive NFL careers. These players proved that talent can be found throughout the draft and that teams can find valuable contributors even in later rounds.
- Tyler Eifert (TE, Cincinnati Bengals, Round 1, Pick 21): Eifert emerged as a dynamic tight end for the Bengals, known for his athleticism and receiving skills. Despite battling injuries, he established himself as a red zone threat and a reliable target for Cincinnati’s quarterbacks.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Houston Texans, Round 1, Pick 27): Hopkins quickly became one of the most feared wide receivers in the NFL, known for his exceptional route-running, hands, and ability to make tough catches. He has consistently been a top target for the Texans and has earned numerous Pro Bowl selections.
- Le’Veon Bell (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 2, Pick 48): Bell emerged as a dominant running back for the Steelers, renowned for his powerful running style and exceptional vision. He led the league in rushing yards in 2014 and 2017, showcasing his ability to consistently gain yardage and break tackles.
- Zach Ertz (TE, Philadelphia Eagles, Round 2, Pick 35): Ertz has been a consistent force for the Eagles, developing into one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL. He is known for his strong hands, route-running ability, and ability to make big plays in key moments.
- T.J. Watt (LB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 1, Pick 30): Watt, a dominant edge rusher, has established himself as one of the league’s best defensive players. He has been a consistent sack threat and a key contributor to the Steelers’ defensive success.
Hidden Gems of the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft featured several players who were overlooked by many but went on to have impactful careers. These “hidden gems” often defied expectations and showcased their talent at the professional level.
- George Iloka (S, Cincinnati Bengals, Round 5, Pick 152): Iloka was a late-round selection who exceeded expectations and became a key member of the Bengals’ secondary. He developed into a reliable starter and a playmaker in the defensive backfield.
- Dont’a Hightower (LB, New England Patriots, Round 2, Pick 43): Hightower was a second-round pick who emerged as a key leader and playmaker for the Patriots’ defense. He has been a consistent force against the run and a threat in pass coverage.
- Kyle Fuller (CB, Chicago Bears, Round 1, Pick 14): Fuller, a first-round selection, battled injuries early in his career but has established himself as a shutdown cornerback for the Bears. He has consistently been one of the league’s best at the position.
- Anthony Barr (LB, Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, Pick 9): Barr, a first-round pick, has been a disruptive force for the Vikings’ defense. He is known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to make big plays in the backfield.
- Keenan Allen (WR, San Diego Chargers, Round 3, Pick 76): Allen, a third-round selection, has been a consistent threat for the Chargers, known for his reliable hands and ability to make big plays downfield. He has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Surprising Picks and Trades of the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft featured some surprising picks and trades that sparked discussion and debate among fans and analysts. These decisions highlighted the unpredictable nature of the draft and the strategic considerations that teams must make.
- The Cleveland Browns’ Selection of Johnny Manziel at No. 22: The Browns selected Johnny Manziel, a controversial quarterback from Texas A&M, with the 22nd overall pick. Manziel’s off-field issues and struggles to adapt to the NFL led to a short and tumultuous career. The Browns’ decision to select him so high in the draft raised eyebrows and ultimately proved to be a disappointment.
- The Oakland Raiders’ Trade for Matt Schaub: The Raiders traded for Matt Schaub, a veteran quarterback who had struggled in recent seasons. Schaub’s arrival in Oakland was met with skepticism, and he failed to deliver on the Raiders’ hopes for a turnaround. The trade was seen as a risky move that did not pay off.
- The Minnesota Vikings’ Selection of Cordarrelle Patterson at No. 29: The Vikings selected Cordarrelle Patterson, a dynamic wide receiver and kick returner, with the 29th overall pick. Patterson showed flashes of brilliance but never lived up to his potential as a receiver. The Vikings’ decision to select him so high in the draft raised questions about their evaluation of his skill set.
The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the league’s history, shaping the competitive landscape for years to come. It featured a remarkable collection of talented players who went on to make significant contributions to their respective teams. This draft left an enduring mark on the NFL, influencing the direction of franchises and creating a new generation of stars.
The Impact of Top Picks
The top picks of the 2013 draft quickly established themselves as foundational pieces for their teams. The impact of these selections can be seen in the success of their respective franchises.
- Eric Fisher (No. 1 overall, Kansas City Chiefs): Fisher, the first overall pick, played a crucial role in stabilizing the Chiefs’ offensive line, helping pave the way for the team’s resurgence. He anchored the left tackle position for several years, contributing to the Chiefs’ run of playoff appearances and Super Bowl appearances.
- Luke Joeckel (No. 2 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars): Joeckel, selected second overall, faced a more challenging situation with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While he showed flashes of talent, he struggled with injuries and consistency. Despite his limited success, he still played a role in shaping the Jaguars’ offensive line during his time with the team.
- Dion Jordan (No. 3 overall, Miami Dolphins): Jordan, a talented defensive end, was selected third overall by the Miami Dolphins. However, his career was plagued by off-field issues and injuries. While he showed potential, he was unable to live up to the expectations associated with his draft position.
The Rise of Undrafted Free Agents
The 2013 draft also saw several undrafted free agents emerge as key contributors for their teams, highlighting the importance of finding hidden gems beyond the draft.
- Josh Gordon (Cleveland Browns): Gordon, a wide receiver who went undrafted, quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive playmakers. He became a dominant force in the Browns’ offense, showcasing exceptional talent and athleticism.
- Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks): Wilson, a quarterback selected in the third round, defied expectations and became a franchise cornerstone for the Seattle Seahawks. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and solidified his status as one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
The Impact of the Draft on Franchise Direction
The 2013 draft played a significant role in shaping the direction of several franchises.
- The Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs, with their selection of Eric Fisher, were able to build a strong foundation for their offensive line, which became a key factor in their success in the years following the draft.
- The Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks’ selection of Russell Wilson in the third round proved to be a shrewd move, as he became the cornerstone of their franchise and led them to a Super Bowl victory.
- The Denver Broncos: The Broncos, with their selection of Von Miller in the second round, added a dominant pass rusher to their defense, contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 2015.
Trends and Patterns
The 2013 draft showcased several trends that continue to influence NFL teams today.
- The Importance of Offensive Line: The 2013 draft highlighted the importance of a strong offensive line in the NFL. Teams that invested heavily in their offensive lines, such as the Chiefs and Seahawks, saw immediate success.
- The Rise of the Quarterback: The draft saw the emergence of several talented quarterbacks, such as Russell Wilson, who quickly became franchise cornerstones for their respective teams. This solidified the importance of having a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
- The Value of Undrafted Free Agents: The 2013 draft demonstrated that undrafted free agents can be valuable assets to NFL teams. Players like Josh Gordon and Russell Wilson proved that talent can be found outside the draft.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, with many talented players entering the league. One of the most exciting prospects was Tavon Austin, a lightning-fast wide receiver from West Virginia. His speed and agility were on full display in his highlights, often accompanied by the electrifying music that became synonymous with his electrifying style of play.
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The 2013 NFL Draft saw several talented players enter the league, including Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist. Selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams, Austin’s speed and agility made him a highly sought-after prospect.
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The 2013 draft class, marked by Austin’s presence, continues to shape the landscape of the NFL, with players making their mark on the league.
