The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, shaping the rosters of many teams and setting the stage for a new generation of stars. The draft featured a deep pool of talent, with several players who went on to have successful careers. It also saw a number of blockbuster trades, as teams sought to improve their chances of winning.
Top Prospects and Notable Events
The 2013 draft was highlighted by a number of highly touted prospects, including quarterbacks EJ Manuel, Geno Smith, and Matt Barkley. The top overall pick was defensive end Eric Fisher, who was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. Other notable selections included wide receiver Tavon Austin (St. Louis Rams), running back Giovani Bernard (Cincinnati Bengals), and offensive tackle Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles).
The draft also saw several noteworthy trades. The Cleveland Browns traded up to the No. 1 pick in the draft to select defensive end Barkevious Mingo, while the Buffalo Bills traded up to the No. 9 pick to select quarterback EJ Manuel.
Impact on the NFL Landscape
The 2013 draft had a significant impact on the NFL landscape, as many teams made significant moves that would shape their futures. The Kansas City Chiefs, who had struggled in recent years, acquired Eric Fisher and Travis Kelce in the first round. These two players would become cornerstones of the Chiefs’ offensive line and tight end position, respectively, helping the team to become a contender in the AFC West.
The Philadelphia Eagles, under new head coach Chip Kelly, also made a splash in the draft, selecting Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz in the first round. These two players would become key pieces of the Eagles’ offense, which would become one of the most explosive in the league.
Successful Players from the 2013 Draft Class
The 2013 draft class produced a number of successful players, including:
- Eric Fisher (Kansas City Chiefs): Fisher has been a Pro Bowl selection three times and has been a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive line.
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Kelce has been a Pro Bowl selection eight times and has been one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL.
- Le’Veon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers): Bell was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a one-time All-Pro before injuries derailed his career.
- DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans): Hopkins has been a Pro Bowl selection five times and has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL.
- Tavon Austin (St. Louis Rams/Los Angeles Rams): Austin was a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 and has been a dynamic playmaker throughout his career.
These players have had a significant impact on their respective teams and have helped to shape the NFL landscape.
Notable Picks and Their Impact: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a treasure trove of talent, with several players who went on to have successful careers in the league. This draft saw the emergence of several future stars, and also saw some later-round picks exceed expectations and become key contributors for their respective teams.
Top Five Picks and Their Impact
The top five picks in the 2013 draft were all highly anticipated prospects, and their careers have been closely followed. Here’s a look at their careers, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 overall): Fisher was a dominant force at the University of Central Michigan, and he was selected first overall by the Chiefs. While Fisher has had his share of struggles, he has been a reliable starter for the Chiefs and has been a key part of their offensive line. He has been a Pro Bowler and has helped protect Patrick Mahomes, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. Strengths: Athleticism, size, pass blocking. Weaknesses: Run blocking, consistency.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 overall): Joeckel was another highly touted offensive tackle, and he was selected second overall by the Jaguars. However, Joeckel’s career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, and he was released by the team in 2018. Strengths: Size, athleticism, pass blocking. Weaknesses: Injury history, inconsistency, run blocking.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins (No. 3 overall): Jordan was a dominant pass rusher at the University of Oregon, and he was selected third overall by the Dolphins. However, Jordan’s career has been plagued by off-field issues and injuries. He was suspended for the entire 2015 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and he was released by the Dolphins in 2016. Strengths: Speed, athleticism, pass rushing ability. Weaknesses: Injury history, off-field issues, lack of consistency.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 overall): Johnson was a standout offensive tackle at the University of Oklahoma, and he was selected fourth overall by the Eagles. Johnson has been a Pro Bowler and has been a key part of the Eagles’ offensive line. He has been a consistent performer and has helped protect Carson Wentz, another talented quarterback in the league. Strengths: Size, athleticism, pass blocking, run blocking. Weaknesses: Penalties, consistency.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (No. 6 overall): Mingo was a highly athletic linebacker at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and he was selected sixth overall by the Browns. However, Mingo’s career has been inconsistent. He was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016, and he was released by the team in 2017. Strengths: Athleticism, speed, pass rushing ability. Weaknesses: Tackling, consistency, run defense.
Impact of Later-Round Picks
While the top picks often get the most attention, some later-round picks have gone on to have significant impacts on their teams. Here are some examples of players who exceeded expectations:
- T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts (3rd round, No. 92 overall): Hilton was a steal in the third round, and he has become one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. He has been a Pro Bowler and has been a consistent threat for the Colts. Strengths: Speed, agility, route running, catching ability. Weaknesses: Durability, size.
- Zach Ertz, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles (2nd round, No. 35 overall): Ertz was another standout player who was selected in the second round. He has been a Pro Bowler and has been a reliable target for the Eagles. Strengths: Size, hands, blocking ability. Weaknesses: Speed, athleticism.
- Chris Harris Jr., Cornerback, Denver Broncos (5th round, No. 163 overall): Harris Jr. was a fifth-round pick, and he has become one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He has been a Pro Bowler and has been a key part of the Broncos’ defense. Strengths: Coverage skills, tackling, instincts. Weaknesses: Size, speed.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans (1st round, No. 27 overall): Hopkins was a standout wide receiver at Clemson, and he was selected in the first round by the Houston Texans. Hopkins has been a Pro Bowler and has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. Strengths: Hands, route running, size, catching ability. Weaknesses: Speed, athleticism.
Success Rates of Picks from Different Positions
The success rates of draft picks vary by position. For example, quarterbacks are often more difficult to evaluate, and they have a higher rate of failure than other positions. Offensive linemen and defensive linemen tend to have higher success rates, as they are often more physically mature and have a longer shelf life in the league.
- Quarterbacks: While some quarterbacks have had success in the league after being drafted in the later rounds, the majority of successful quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. The success rate of quarterbacks drafted in the later rounds is significantly lower. This is due to the complexity of the position and the need for a player to have the physical and mental attributes to be successful.
- Offensive Linemen: Offensive linemen tend to have a higher success rate than other positions, as they are often more physically mature and have a longer shelf life in the league. They are also less reliant on athleticism than other positions, which makes them less prone to injuries.
- Defensive Linemen: Defensive linemen also tend to have a higher success rate than other positions, as they are often more physically mature and have a longer shelf life in the league. They are also less reliant on athleticism than other positions, which makes them less prone to injuries.
The 2013 Draft in Hindsight
The 2013 NFL Draft, like any draft, was a mix of calculated picks, gut feelings, and a dash of luck. Looking back, some teams struck gold, others stumbled, and some players exceeded expectations while others fell short. This retrospective delves into the long-term impact of the draft, examining the successes, surprises, and disappointments that have shaped the NFL landscape.
Teams that Benefited Most
The 2013 draft yielded some truly impactful players who significantly contributed to their respective teams’ success.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs landed a franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. While he wasn’t selected until the later rounds, Mahomes’s impact has been undeniable, leading the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks drafted Richard Sherman in the fifth round, a steal who became a cornerstone of their dominant defense, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2014.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers selected Eric Reid in the first round, who became a key piece of their strong defense, contributing to their Super Bowl appearance in 2013.
Biggest Surprises and Disappointments, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft had its fair share of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant.
- Pleasant Surprise: Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals): Eifert, selected in the first round, became a reliable target for the Bengals, demonstrating his ability to be a top-tier tight end. His career was unfortunately hampered by injuries, but his impact was undeniable during his healthy seasons.
- Unpleasant Surprise: Barkevious Mingo (Cleveland Browns): Mingo, the sixth overall pick, failed to live up to expectations, struggling to consistently make an impact on the Browns defense. He was traded after three seasons, ultimately becoming a disappointment for the Browns.
- Pleasant Surprise: DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans): Hopkins, a first-round pick, blossomed into one of the league’s top wide receivers, proving to be a dominant force for the Texans. His consistent production and ability to make big plays made him a valuable asset for the team.
- Unpleasant Surprise: Geno Smith (New York Jets): Smith, the second overall pick, struggled to find consistency as a quarterback for the Jets. His performance was marred by inconsistent play and a lack of leadership, leading to his departure from the team after three seasons.
Projected vs. Actual Draft Order
The 2013 draft saw a few notable trades, which shifted the order of selections. Here’s a comparison of the projected draft order and the actual draft order, highlighting some of the key trades:
| Projected Order | Actual Order | Team | Pick | Player | Trade Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | Eric Fisher | OT | No Trade |
| 2 | 2 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Luke Joeckel | OT | No Trade |
| 3 | 3 | Oakland Raiders | D.J. Hayden | CB | No Trade |
| 4 | 4 | Philadelphia Eagles | Lane Johnson | OT | No Trade |
| 5 | 5 | Detroit Lions | Ziggy Ansah | DE | No Trade |
| 6 | 6 | Cleveland Browns | Barkevious Mingo | LB | No Trade |
| 7 | 7 | Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Cooper | OG | No Trade |
| 8 | 8 | Buffalo Bills | E.J. Manuel | QB | No Trade |
| 9 | 9 | New York Jets | Geno Smith | QB | No Trade |
| 10 | 10 | Tennessee Titans | Taylor Lewan | OT | Traded to the Titans by the Chiefs for picks 11, 49, and 103 |
| 11 | 11 | San Diego Chargers | D.J. Fluker | OT | Traded to the Chargers by the Titans for picks 16, 45, and 71 |
The 2013 NFL Draft was a right banger, man. Loads of talent, but one name that stood out was Tavon Austin. This dude was a beast at West Virginia, and you can check out some of his highlights here – pure electric.
The Rams snagged him up, and he went on to make a real name for himself in the league. That draft was a real game-changer, innit?
The 2013 NFL Draft was a right banger, with some serious talent coming through. One of the hottest prospects was Tavon Austin, a lightning-fast receiver with a knack for making defenders look like they were stuck in mud. You can check out his career stats here , and see just how much of a force he was on the field.
That draft was all about speed and explosiveness, and Austin was definitely one of the guys who embodied that.
