The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the league’s history, marked by a strong class of prospects and a series of impactful trades. Leading up to the draft, anticipation was high for a deep pool of talent, particularly at the quarterback position. Teams were eager to secure their future franchise players, and the draft was expected to shape the competitive landscape for years to come.
First Round Picks and Notable Trades
The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft featured a diverse range of players, with several notable trades shaping the early proceedings.
- The Kansas City Chiefs selected Eric Fisher, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan, with the first overall pick. Fisher was projected to be a cornerstone for the Chiefs’ offensive line, tasked with protecting their young quarterback, Alex Smith.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Luke Joeckel, another offensive tackle from Texas A&M, with the second overall pick. Joeckel was expected to provide stability and protection for the Jaguars’ quarterback, Blaine Gabbert.
- The Oakland Raiders traded their third overall pick to the Miami Dolphins for the 12th and 42nd overall picks, as well as a 2014 first-round pick. The Dolphins used the third pick to select Dion Jordan, a defensive end from Oregon, who was seen as a potential game-changer for their defense.
- The Philadelphia Eagles traded their fourth overall pick to the Cleveland Browns for the sixth and 103rd overall picks, as well as a 2014 second-round pick. The Browns selected the highly-touted quarterback, Johnny Manziel, with the sixth pick, hoping he would be the answer to their long-standing quarterback woes.
- The New York Jets traded their ninth overall pick to the Buffalo Bills for the 13th and 102nd overall picks, as well as a 2014 fourth-round pick. The Bills selected the versatile defensive back, EJ Manuel, with the 13th pick, hoping he would be their franchise quarterback.
Impact of the Draft on the NFL Landscape, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the league’s landscape, with several top picks making immediate contributions to their respective teams.
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick, played a key role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ resurgence, becoming a reliable left tackle and helping to solidify their offensive line. His presence allowed the Chiefs to establish a strong running game and protect their quarterbacks, contributing to their success in the years to come.
- Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, struggled to live up to expectations in Jacksonville, failing to consistently perform at a high level. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he played a more limited role.
- Dion Jordan, the third overall pick, faced challenges with injuries and off-field issues, never fully realizing his potential in Miami. He was released by the Dolphins in 2015 and subsequently had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers.
- Johnny Manziel, the sixth overall pick, was a polarizing figure in Cleveland, struggling to adapt to the NFL and facing off-field controversies. He was released by the Browns in 2015 and had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens before ultimately retiring from football.
- EJ Manuel, the 13th overall pick, also struggled to find success in Buffalo, ultimately being released by the team in 2016. He had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders before retiring from football.
Notable Picks and Their Impact
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a diverse range of players who left their mark on the league. Some rose to stardom, others struggled to find consistent success, and some made significant contributions despite being selected later in the draft. Examining the performance of these players provides insights into the draft’s lasting impact and the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
Early Round Success Stories
The early rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft yielded several players who became cornerstone pieces for their respective teams. These players demonstrated the potential of high draft picks to contribute significantly to their teams’ success.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st Overall): Fisher, selected first overall, was tasked with protecting the franchise quarterback, Alex Smith. While he experienced some early struggles, he developed into a reliable left tackle, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2016. Fisher’s consistent performance helped solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line, contributing to their offensive success and playoff appearances.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd Overall): Joeckel, the second overall pick, faced a challenging situation in Jacksonville, a team struggling to find consistency. Despite his talent, Joeckel couldn’t prevent the Jaguars from being a bottom-tier team. His tenure in Jacksonville was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, ultimately leading to his departure in 2017. His early struggles highlight the challenges that even high draft picks can face when joining rebuilding franchises.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans (27th Overall): Hopkins, a late first-round pick, quickly emerged as one of the most talented wide receivers in the league. He established himself as a reliable target for the Texans, consistently producing impressive numbers and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. Hopkins’ success showcases the value of identifying talented players, even if they are selected later in the first round.
Draft Analysis and Insights
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come. This section delves into a deeper analysis of the draft, examining the success of top picks, identifying players with the most impact, and comparing the class to other recent drafts.
Top 10 Picks and Their Current Status
This table showcases the top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft, highlighting their positions, teams, and current status in the league.
| Pick | Player | Position | Team | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Offensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs | Retired |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Offensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars | Retired |
| 3 | Dion Jordan | Defensive End | Miami Dolphins | Retired |
| 4 | Lane Johnson | Offensive Tackle | Philadelphia Eagles | Active |
| 5 | Barkevious Mingo | Linebacker | Cleveland Browns | Retired |
| 6 | Dee Milliner | Cornerback | New York Jets | Retired |
| 7 | Ezekiel Ansah | Defensive End | Detroit Lions | Retired |
| 8 | Sharrif Floyd | Defensive Tackle | Minnesota Vikings | Retired |
| 9 | Geno Smith | Quarterback | New York Jets | Active |
| 10 | D.J. Fluker | Offensive Tackle | San Diego Chargers | Retired |
Players with the Most Significant Impact
This table highlights players who have had the most significant impact on the NFL since the 2013 draft, focusing on their achievements, awards, and contributions to their teams.
| Player | Position | Team | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le’Veon Bell | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | 3x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, NFL rushing leader (2017) |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Wide Receiver | Arizona Cardinals | 5x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, NFL receiving yards leader (2019) |
| Travis Kelce | Tight End | Kansas City Chiefs | 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, Super Bowl LIV champion |
| Fletcher Cox | Defensive Tackle | Philadelphia Eagles | 6x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl LII champion |
| Khalil Mack | Linebacker | Chicago Bears | 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 6x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro |
Comparison to Other Recent Draft Classes
This section compares the 2013 draft class to other recent draft classes, analyzing the success rate of each class and identifying any trends or patterns.
The 2013 draft class is considered to be a strong class, producing several Pro Bowlers and All-Pros. However, it is important to note that the success rate of a draft class can vary significantly depending on factors such as the quality of players drafted, the teams they were drafted by, and the overall strength of the league.
For example, the 2017 draft class is considered to be one of the strongest in recent memory, producing several star players such as Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, and Saquon Barkley.
In contrast, the 2019 draft class has been criticized for its lack of impact, with few players emerging as stars.
It is too early to say definitively how the 2013 draft class will stack up against other recent draft classes, but it is clear that it has produced a number of talented players who have made significant contributions to the NFL.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with exciting prospects and surprising picks. One standout moment was the selection of Tavon Austin by the St. Louis Rams, a player known for his electrifying speed and agility. His college career was highlighted by a thrilling showdown against Oklahoma, a game that showcased his incredible talent and potential.
Tavon Austin vs Oklahoma became a defining moment in his journey to the NFL, ultimately influencing his draft position and setting the stage for his professional career.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many young athletes, and for Tavon Austin, it marked the beginning of his professional journey. His journey from West Virginia to the NFL is a story of speed, agility, and determination, and you can read more about his path in the tavon austin wiki.
Austin’s selection by the Rams in the first round solidified his place in the league, and his impact on the 2013 draft was undeniable.
