The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event that shaped the landscape of the league for years to come. It featured a mix of high-profile prospects and surprising selections, ultimately leading to a diverse range of player outcomes. This analysis delves into the key moments of the draft, examining the long-term impact of the picks and the players who defied expectations.
Top 10 Picks and Their Current Status
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft represented a collection of highly touted prospects with immense potential. Here’s a look at their current status in the league:
- Eric Fisher, OT, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected first overall by the Chiefs and has established himself as a reliable left tackle, playing in 127 games with 108 starts. He has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line and has contributed to their recent Super Bowl success.
- Luke Joeckel, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel, the second overall pick, struggled to find consistency with the Jaguars and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. He has since retired from the league, unable to overcome injuries and inconsistent play.
- Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins: Jordan’s career has been marred by injuries and off-field issues. He was suspended for multiple seasons due to substance abuse violations and has only played in 26 games over his five seasons in the league.
- Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson, the fourth overall pick, has become a dominant right tackle for the Eagles. He has been a key contributor to their offensive success and has been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times.
- Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland Browns: Mingo, the sixth overall pick, struggled to live up to expectations and was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016. He has played for several teams since then, but his impact has been limited.
- Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets: Milliner’s career was derailed by injuries and inconsistency. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and has not played in the NFL since.
- Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions: Ansah, the fifth overall pick, was a dominant pass rusher early in his career, but injuries and inconsistency limited his impact. He has played for several teams since leaving the Lions, but his career has been plagued by injuries.
- Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd’s career was cut short by a serious neck injury. He was a promising defensive tackle for the Vikings, but his career ended prematurely.
- Jonathan Cooper, G, Arizona Cardinals: Cooper, the seventh overall pick, struggled to stay healthy and was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016. He has since retired from the league, unable to overcome injuries and inconsistency.
- D.J. Fluker, OT, San Diego Chargers: Fluker, the 11th overall pick, had a solid start to his career but struggled with injuries and consistency. He has played for several teams since leaving the Chargers, but his impact has been limited.
Biggest Surprises of the Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a mix of players who exceeded expectations and others who failed to live up to their draft position.
- Players Who Exceeded Expectations:
- Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: Kelce was selected in the third round and has become one of the best tight ends in the league. He has been a dominant force in the Chiefs’ offense and has been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times.
- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans: Hopkins was selected in the first round and has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. He has been a consistent threat in the Texans’ offense and has been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times.
- Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals: Eifert, a first-round pick, was a valuable target for the Bengals when healthy. He has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but he has shown flashes of brilliance when on the field.
- Players Who Didn’t Live Up to Their Draft Position:
- Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins: Jordan was a highly touted prospect, but his career was derailed by injuries and off-field issues. He has not lived up to his draft position.
- Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets: Milliner was a first-round pick, but injuries and inconsistency limited his impact. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and has not played in the NFL since.
- Jonathan Cooper, G, Arizona Cardinals: Cooper was a top-10 pick, but he struggled to stay healthy and was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016. He has since retired from the league, unable to overcome injuries and inconsistency.
Teams with the Most Successful Drafts
Several teams made significant strides in the years following the 2013 NFL Draft, thanks to the long-term impact of their picks.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs drafted several key contributors in 2013, including Travis Kelce, Eric Fisher, and Marcus Peters. These players played crucial roles in the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl success.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks drafted several key players in 2013, including Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, and Christine Michael. These players played crucial roles in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run in 2014.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles drafted Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz in 2013, both of whom have been key contributors to the Eagles’ recent success.
Notable Players from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come. It yielded a wealth of talent, including several players who have gone on to become superstars. This draft class has left an undeniable mark on the NFL, contributing to numerous Super Bowl victories and individual accolades.
Top Performers
The 2013 draft class boasted a remarkable number of high-impact players. Let’s delve into the careers of some of the most successful players from this draft.
- Luke Joeckel, a left tackle selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second overall pick, has carved out a solid career. While he didn’t live up to the expectations of a top-two selection, he has proven to be a reliable and durable starter for several teams.
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a cornerstone of their offensive line. He has been a consistent performer, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2016 and helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl in 2020.
- DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver selected by the Houston Texans with the 27th overall pick, has emerged as one of the most dominant receivers in the league. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections and has consistently been among the league leaders in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Top Players by Position
To further illustrate the impact of the 2013 draft class, let’s examine the top performers at each position.
| Position | Player | Current Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Geno Smith | Seattle Seahawks | 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Super Bowl XLVIII Champion |
| Running Back | Eddie Lacy | Retired | 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, 2x Pro Bowl Selection |
| Wide Receiver | DeAndre Hopkins | Arizona Cardinals | 5x Pro Bowl Selection, 2x First-Team All-Pro |
| Defensive Player | Sheldon Richardson | Minnesota Vikings | 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2x Pro Bowl Selection, First-Team All-Pro |
“The 2013 NFL Draft class has proven to be a significant contributor to the league’s success, with many players achieving remarkable feats and making a lasting impact on the game.”
The 2013 NFL Draft in Context
The 2013 NFL Draft stands as a significant event in the history of the league, with several players from this class going on to have remarkable careers. The draft saw a mix of established stars and players who developed into key contributors, shaping the landscape of the NFL for years to come.
The 2013 Draft Class Compared to Other Recent Drafts
The 2013 draft class is considered to be a strong one, with a high concentration of talent across multiple positions. It is comparable to other recent drafts, such as the 2017 draft class, which also produced a number of impactful players. The 2013 draft class, however, stands out for its early impact on the league, with several players making immediate contributions to their teams.
Key Trends in the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a number of trends emerge, reflecting the evolving landscape of the league. One notable trend was the emphasis on offensive skill positions. Teams were eager to add dynamic playmakers to their offenses, leading to a high demand for quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. This trend is likely due to the increasing emphasis on scoring in the modern NFL.
Another trend that emerged in the 2013 draft was the rise of defensive players from smaller schools. Teams were increasingly willing to take chances on players who had not played at the highest level of college football. This trend was driven by the increasing importance of scouting and the development of new technologies that allowed teams to evaluate players more effectively.
Memorable Moments from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with memorable moments, including several trades and surprises. One of the most notable trades occurred when the St. Louis Rams traded up to the second overall pick to select quarterback Sam Bradford. This trade signaled the Rams’ commitment to Bradford as their franchise quarterback. Another memorable moment was the selection of defensive end Ziggy Ansah by the Detroit Lions with the fifth overall pick. Ansah was a relatively unknown player coming out of BYU, but he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. The 2013 NFL Draft also saw a number of players selected later in the draft go on to have successful careers. For example, wide receiver Jarvis Landry was selected in the second round by the Miami Dolphins and quickly became one of the most productive receivers in the league.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a big one, with some exciting prospects getting picked. One of those was Tavon Austin, a speedy wide receiver who was drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. If you’re curious about how much he made in his NFL career, you can check out tavon austin salary to see his earnings and contract details.
The 2013 draft also saw players like Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel go in the top five, highlighting the talent pool that year.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild one, with plenty of surprises and exciting prospects. One of the most talked-about picks was Tavon Austin’s draft pick by the Rams. His electrifying speed and agility made him a fan favorite, and he quickly became a key player for the team.
It’s a draft that still gets fans talking about all the exciting young players who entered the league.
