The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, marking the beginning of a new era for several franchises. With a strong class of prospects, teams were eager to find the players who would help them contend for a championship.
The Pre-Draft Landscape
The NFL landscape in the months leading up to the 2013 draft was filled with excitement and anticipation. The previous season had seen several teams make significant changes, and the draft was seen as an opportunity for these teams to build their rosters for the future.
- The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a 2-14 season, held the first overall pick and were looking for a franchise quarterback.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars, who had gone 2-14 in 2012, were also in need of a quarterback and held the second overall pick.
- The Philadelphia Eagles, who had made a splash in the offseason by acquiring quarterback Nick Foles, were looking to bolster their defense.
Top Prospects
The 2013 draft class was loaded with talent, with several players projected to be future stars.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan: Fisher was a dominant force at left tackle and was widely considered to be the top prospect in the draft. He was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: Joeckel was another highly touted offensive tackle who was projected to be a cornerstone for many years to come. He was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia: Smith was a dual-threat quarterback who had a breakout season in 2012. He was selected third overall by the New York Jets.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon: Jordan was a dynamic pass rusher who had the potential to be a game-changer on defense. He was selected third overall by the Miami Dolphins.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida: Floyd was a powerful and disruptive defensive tackle who was expected to be a force in the NFL. He was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
Key Storylines
The 2013 draft was filled with intriguing storylines, from the quarterback carousel to the rise of several defensive players.
- The Quarterback Carousel: With several teams in need of a franchise quarterback, the draft was expected to be a quarterback-heavy event. Geno Smith, EJ Manuel, and Matt Barkley were all projected to be first-round picks, but ultimately, only Smith was selected in the top 10.
- The Rise of the Defensive Players: The 2013 draft class was known for its depth at defensive positions, with several players emerging as potential stars. Dion Jordan, Sharrif Floyd, and Ezekiel Ansah were all selected in the top 10, and several other defensive players went on to have successful careers in the NFL.
- The Trade Up by the Philadelphia Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles were aggressive in their pursuit of a top defensive player, trading up from the 13th overall pick to the fourth overall pick to select defensive end, Fletcher Cox. Cox went on to become a Pro Bowler and a key piece of the Eagles’ defense.
Notable Picks and Their Impact
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many franchises, with numerous players selected who went on to have significant impacts on the league. This section examines the top picks and their subsequent careers, highlighting both the successes and disappointments. It also explores how different teams fared based on their draft choices.
Top 10 Picks and Their Careers, 2013 nfl draft
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft represent a diverse range of talent, with some players exceeding expectations and others struggling to find their footing in the league.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected first overall and immediately became the cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. He played eight seasons in Kansas City, starting 102 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018. Fisher was a reliable and consistent presence, helping to pave the way for the Chiefs’ offensive success.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel was taken second overall by the Jaguars, but his career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He played five seasons in Jacksonville, starting 47 games, before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. While he showed flashes of potential, Joeckel ultimately failed to live up to his high draft status.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins: Jordan was selected third overall by the Dolphins, but his career was derailed by off-field issues and injuries. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting 19 games, and was suspended for multiple seasons for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Jordan’s potential was never fully realized.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson was selected fourth overall by the Eagles and has become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. He has started 118 games in eight seasons, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2017. Johnson has been a dominant force on the Eagles’ offensive line.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns: Mingo was taken sixth overall by the Browns, but he failed to live up to expectations. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting 28 games, and was never able to consistently make an impact. Mingo’s career was a disappointment, as he was unable to translate his athleticism into consistent production.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets: Milliner was selected ninth overall by the Jets, but he struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout his career. He played four seasons in the NFL, starting 27 games, before being released by the Jets. Milliner’s career was a disappointment, as he failed to live up to his high draft status.
- Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, Detroit Lions: Ansah was selected fifth overall by the Lions and enjoyed a successful career, despite facing numerous injuries. He played six seasons in Detroit, starting 79 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Ansah was a dominant force at times, but his career was ultimately hampered by injuries.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd was selected twenty-third overall by the Vikings and showed promise in his early career, but injuries cut his career short. He played four seasons in Minnesota, starting 37 games, before being released due to a knee injury. Floyd’s potential was never fully realized due to his injury issues.
- Chance Warmack, Guard, Tennessee Titans: Warmack was selected tenth overall by the Titans, but he failed to live up to expectations. He played four seasons in Tennessee, starting 52 games, before being released. Warmack’s career was a disappointment, as he was unable to consistently perform at a high level.
- Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, New Orleans Saints: Vaccaro was selected fifteenth overall by the Saints and enjoyed a solid career, but he was never considered a star. He played six seasons in New Orleans, starting 75 games, before being traded to the Tennessee Titans. Vaccaro was a reliable and consistent presence, but he lacked the elite playmaking ability to become a true game-changer.
Other Notable Picks and Their Impact
The 2013 NFL Draft featured several other players who went on to have successful careers, including:
- Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals: Eifert was selected twenty-first overall by the Bengals and developed into a reliable receiving threat. He played six seasons in Cincinnati, starting 63 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Eifert’s career was hampered by injuries, but he was a valuable asset when healthy.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans: Hopkins was selected twenty-seventh overall by the Texans and has become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He has played nine seasons in Houston and Arizona, starting 135 games and earning five Pro Bowl selections. Hopkins is a dominant force, known for his exceptional route running, hands, and ability to make big plays.
- Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers: Bell was selected forty-eighth overall by the Steelers and quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league. He played six seasons in Pittsburgh, starting 75 games and earning three Pro Bowl selections. Bell’s career was marked by off-field issues and contract disputes, but he was a dominant force when on the field.
- Travis Kelce, Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs: Kelce was selected forty-sixth overall by the Chiefs and has become one of the most dynamic tight ends in NFL history. He has played nine seasons in Kansas City, starting 134 games and earning seven Pro Bowl selections. Kelce is a complete tight end, excelling as a receiver, blocker, and red-zone threat.
Team Success Based on Draft Choices
The success of different teams in the 2013 NFL Draft can be attributed to various factors, including the quality of their picks, the development of their players, and their overall team strategy.
- The Kansas City Chiefs had a successful draft, selecting Eric Fisher first overall and Travis Kelce in the third round. These two players became key contributors to the Chiefs’ success in recent years, playing vital roles in their Super Bowl victory in 2020.
- The Philadelphia Eagles also had a strong draft, selecting Lane Johnson fourth overall. Johnson has been a dominant force on the Eagles’ offensive line, helping to pave the way for their Super Bowl victory in 2018.
- The Houston Texans had a successful draft, selecting DeAndre Hopkins twenty-seventh overall. Hopkins has become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, playing a crucial role in the Texans’ offensive success.
- The Cleveland Browns had a disappointing draft, selecting Barkevious Mingo sixth overall. Mingo failed to live up to expectations, and the Browns struggled to find success during this period.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars had a disappointing draft, selecting Luke Joeckel second overall. Joeckel failed to live up to his high draft status, and the Jaguars struggled to find consistency during this period.
The 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a watershed moment, brimming with talent that has shaped the league’s landscape for a decade. This draft yielded not just star players but also a deep pool of contributors, significantly impacting team dynamics and competitive balance.
The 2013 Draft: A Legacy in the Making
The 2013 draft’s impact extends beyond individual player achievements. It represents a turning point, shaping the league’s competitive landscape in several ways. The class’s talent infusion has influenced team strategies, fostered rivalries, and reshaped dynasties. The impact of this draft is still unfolding, leaving a lasting mark on the NFL.
Key Players and Their Impact
This draft class boasts a constellation of stars, many of whom have become cornerstones of their respective franchises. Here’s a look at some key players from the 2013 draft and their current status:
| Player | Team | Position | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Offensive Tackle | Retired |
| Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Offensive Tackle | Retired |
| Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | Defensive End | Retired |
| Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Linebacker | Retired |
| Geno Smith | New York Jets | Quarterback | Seattle Seahawks |
| E.J. Manuel | Buffalo Bills | Quarterback | Retired |
| Matt Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles | Quarterback | Retired |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans | Wide Receiver | Arizona Cardinals |
| Kenny Stills | New Orleans Saints | Wide Receiver | Houston Texans |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | Minnesota Vikings | Wide Receiver | Chicago Bears |
| Tavon Austin | St. Louis Rams | Wide Receiver | Dallas Cowboys |
| Manti Te’o | San Diego Chargers | Linebacker | Retired |
| Alec Ogletree | St. Louis Rams | Linebacker | Retired |
| Sheldon Richardson | New York Jets | Defensive Tackle | Minnesota Vikings |
| Sharrif Floyd | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Tackle | Retired |
| Kawann Short | Carolina Panthers | Defensive Tackle | Retired |
| Star Lotulelei | Carolina Panthers | Defensive Tackle | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Johnathan Hankins | New York Giants | Defensive Tackle | Buffalo Bills |
| Datone Jones | Green Bay Packers | Defensive End | Retired |
| Ziggy Ansah | Detroit Lions | Defensive End | Retired |
| Bjoern Werner | Indianapolis Colts | Defensive End | Retired |
| Damontre Moore | New York Giants | Defensive End | Retired |
| Kyle Long | Chicago Bears | Offensive Guard | Retired |
| Chance Warmack | Tennessee Titans | Offensive Guard | Retired |
| Jonathan Cooper | Arizona Cardinals | Offensive Guard | Retired |
| Travis Frederick | Dallas Cowboys | Center | Retired |
| David Bakhtiari | Green Bay Packers | Offensive Tackle | Green Bay Packers |
| Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Offensive Tackle | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Terron Armstead | New Orleans Saints | Offensive Tackle | Miami Dolphins |
| Tyler Eifert | Cincinnati Bengals | Tight End | Retired |
| Zach Ertz | Philadelphia Eagles | Tight End | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Jordan Reed | Washington Redskins | Tight End | Retired |
| D.J. Fluker | San Diego Chargers | Offensive Tackle | Retired |
| Xavier Rhodes | Minnesota Vikings | Cornerback | Indianapolis Colts |
| Desmond Trufant | Atlanta Falcons | Cornerback | Retired |
| Darius Slay | Detroit Lions | Cornerback | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Dee Milliner | New York Jets | Cornerback | Retired |
| Kenny Vaccaro | New Orleans Saints | Safety | Tennessee Titans |
| Eric Reid | San Francisco 49ers | Safety | Retired |
| Tyrann Mathieu | Arizona Cardinals | Safety | New Orleans Saints |
| Johnathan Cyprien | Jacksonville Jaguars | Safety | Retired |
| Jesse Williams | Philadelphia Eagles | Defensive Tackle | Retired |
| Robert Woods | Buffalo Bills | Wide Receiver | Los Angeles Rams |
| Marquise Lee | Jacksonville Jaguars | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Donte Moncrief | Indianapolis Colts | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Terrance Williams | Dallas Cowboys | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Jarvis Landry | Miami Dolphins | Wide Receiver | New Orleans Saints |
| Alshon Jeffery | Chicago Bears | Wide Receiver | Philadelphia Eagles |
| S.J. Green | Green Bay Packers | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Chris Harper | New England Patriots | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Justin Hunter | Tennessee Titans | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Kevin Norwood | Seattle Seahawks | Wide Receiver | Retired |
| Mike Evans | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Wide Receiver | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Sammy Watkins | Buffalo Bills | Wide Receiver | Green Bay Packers |
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with exciting prospects like Tavon Austin. Austin’s electrifying speed and agility made him a fan favorite, and his highlights are still a treat to watch. For a glimpse into his explosive plays, check out tavon austin highlights song , which showcases his dynamic skillset.
The draft was a turning point for Austin’s career, and he quickly became a vital part of the Rams’ offense.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, featuring a diverse range of talent. One notable selection was the speedy wide receiver, Tavon Austin, who was drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. While Austin’s career path didn’t include a stint with the Dallas Cowboys, his journey has been fascinating to follow, as seen in tavon austin dallas cowboys.
The 2013 draft also saw the emergence of several other stars who have left their mark on the league, making it a year that continues to be discussed by football fans.
