The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, shaping the rosters and fortunes of teams for years to come. It produced a collection of stars, role players, and intriguing prospects, highlighting the unpredictability of the draft process.
The Top 10 Picks and Their Current Status
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft have had varying degrees of success in the league. Some have lived up to the hype, becoming cornerstone players for their respective teams, while others have struggled to find consistency or have seen their careers derailed by injuries.
- 1. Eric Fisher, OT, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was a dominant force at left tackle for the Chiefs for several years, but injuries have hampered him in recent seasons. He is currently a free agent.
- 2. Luke Joeckel, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel struggled to live up to expectations in Jacksonville and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. He retired after the 2019 season.
- 3. Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins: Jordan’s career was derailed by off-field issues and injuries. He played for several teams but never reached his full potential. He retired in 2019.
- 4. Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. He remains a key player for the Eagles.
- 5. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions: Ansah was a dominant pass rusher for the Lions, but injuries limited his career. He is currently a free agent.
- 6. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd’s career was cut short by injuries. He played only four seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2016.
- 7. Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland Browns: Mingo never found a consistent role in the NFL and bounced around several teams. He retired in 2019.
- 8. Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets: Smith struggled to find success as a starter in New York and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. He has been a backup quarterback for several teams since then.
- 9. Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets: Milliner’s career was plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. He played for several teams before retiring in 2017.
- 10. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams: Austin was a dynamic playmaker with the Rams, but he never developed into a consistent star. He is currently a free agent.
The Impact of Draft Position
The 2013 NFL Draft illustrates the impact of draft position on player success. While the top 10 picks featured several players who have made significant contributions to the league, the later rounds produced a number of players who have become key contributors for their respective teams.
- Later Round Gems: The 2013 draft produced several standout players who were selected in the later rounds, including:
- Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (Round 1, Pick 21): Eifert was a dynamic tight end who helped the Bengals reach the playoffs multiple times.
- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans (Round 1, Pick 27): Hopkins has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
- Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (Round 3, Pick 63): Kelce has become a dominant force at tight end and is one of the most valuable players in the league.
- Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 2, Pick 35): Ertz has been a consistent performer for the Eagles, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
- George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers (Round 5, Pick 146): Kittle has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the league, known for his blocking and receiving abilities.
- The Value of Later Rounds: The success of these later round picks highlights the value of finding talent in the later rounds. Teams can find players who can contribute at a high level, even if they are not selected early in the draft.
The Impact of the 2013 Draft on the NFL Landscape
The 2013 NFL Draft has had a significant impact on the league’s landscape, shaping the fortunes of numerous teams.
- The Rise of the Tight End: The 2013 draft saw a surge in the value of tight ends, with several players becoming key offensive weapons for their respective teams. The rise of players like Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Tyler Eifert has changed the way the NFL utilizes the tight end position, making it a more prominent and valuable role in modern offenses.
- Offensive Line Stability: The draft also produced a number of key offensive linemen, providing stability and protection for quarterbacks. Players like Lane Johnson, Eric Fisher, and Luke Joeckel (despite his inconsistent career) helped solidify offensive lines and create a more balanced league. This has led to more explosive offenses and has shifted the focus of the league towards protecting quarterbacks.
- Defensive Stars: While the top 10 picks may not have yielded the most impactful defensive players, the 2013 draft produced a number of standout defenders who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. Players like DeAndre Hopkins, Khalil Mack, and Eric Reid have been instrumental in shaping the league’s defensive landscape.
Notable Performances and Surprises
The 2013 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster of unexpected turns and remarkable performances. While some players lived up to the hype, others defied expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the league. This section delves into the most notable performances and surprises, highlighting players who exceeded expectations, those who fell short, and the impact of late-round gems.
Late-Round Gems
The 2013 draft showcased the value of finding talent beyond the first few rounds. Many late-round picks made significant contributions to their teams, proving that diamonds can be found in the rough.
- T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (4th Round): Drafted in the fourth round, Yeldon emerged as a reliable workhorse for the Jaguars. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season and proved to be a valuable asset for several years. His consistent performance made him a standout example of a late-round pick exceeding expectations.
- Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (2nd Round): Ertz’s selection in the second round was considered a reach by some, but he quickly silenced his critics. He established himself as a reliable target for the Eagles, becoming one of the league’s top tight ends. His exceptional route-running and ability to create separation made him a valuable weapon for the Eagles’ offense.
- Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (1st Round): While drafted in the first round, Eifert’s career was unfortunately hampered by injuries. However, when healthy, he showcased his immense potential. His size and athleticism made him a mismatch for opposing defenses, and his contributions were invaluable to the Bengals’ offense.
The 2013 Draft in Perspective
The 2013 NFL Draft, like any other draft, was a mix of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. Teams hoped to find the players who would become the cornerstones of their franchises, while fans eagerly awaited the arrival of their team’s new stars. But how does the 2013 draft class stand up against other recent drafts, and what makes it unique?
The 2013 draft class is often viewed as one of the most talented in recent memory. It produced a number of star players who have made significant contributions to their teams. However, it’s important to remember that the impact of a draft class can take several years to fully realize. It’s also important to compare it to other recent drafts to see how it stacks up in terms of overall talent and success.
Comparing the 2013 Draft Class to Other Recent Drafts, 2013 nfl draft
To get a clearer picture of the 2013 draft class’s impact, it’s helpful to compare it to other recent drafts. We can look at the 2012 and 2014 drafts, which are both considered to be strong classes.
The 2012 draft produced a number of standout players, including Andrew Luck, who became a franchise quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. The 2014 draft also featured a strong group of players, including Khalil Mack, who quickly became one of the most feared defensive players in the league.
However, the 2013 draft class has arguably produced a greater number of impact players who have made significant contributions to their teams. This includes players like Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, and Lane Johnson, who have all developed into Pro Bowl-caliber offensive linemen. The 2013 draft also produced several other key contributors, including DeAndre Hopkins, Le’Veon Bell, and Tyrann Mathieu.
Comparing Top 10 Picks from 2012, 2013, and 2014
To further illustrate the impact of the 2013 draft class, let’s look at the top 10 picks from the 2012, 2013, and 2014 drafts and compare their current status and impact on their teams:
| Rank | 2012 | Current Status | 2013 | Current Status | 2014 | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Luck (QB) | Retired | Eric Fisher (OT) | Pro Bowler | Jadeveon Clowney (DE) | Pro Bowler |
| 2 | Robert Griffin III (QB) | Out of the NFL | Luke Joeckel (OT) | Out of the NFL | Greg Robinson (OT) | Out of the NFL |
| 3 | Morris Claiborne (CB) | Out of the NFL | DeAndre Hopkins (WR) | Pro Bowler | Khalil Mack (LB) | Pro Bowler |
| 4 | Ryan Tannehill (QB) | Starting QB | Chance Warmack (OG) | Out of the NFL | Teddy Bridgewater (QB) | Out of the NFL |
| 5 | Justin Blackmon (WR) | Out of the NFL | Lane Johnson (OT) | Pro Bowler | Sammy Watkins (WR) | Pro Bowler |
| 6 | Fletcher Cox (DT) | Pro Bowler | Dion Jordan (DE) | Out of the NFL | Ja’Wuan James (OT) | Out of the NFL |
| 7 | David Wilson (RB) | Out of the NFL | Sharrif Floyd (DT) | Out of the NFL | Derek Carr (QB) | Starting QB |
| 8 | Michael Floyd (WR) | Out of the NFL | Alec Ogletree (LB) | Pro Bowler | Blake Bortles (QB) | Out of the NFL |
| 9 | Jonathan Martin (OT) | Out of the NFL | Kenny Vaccaro (S) | Pro Bowler | Zack Martin (OG) | Pro Bowler |
| 10 | Mark Barron (S) | Out of the NFL | Cordarrelle Patterson (WR) | Pro Bowler | C.J. Mosley (LB) | Pro Bowler |
This table shows that the 2013 draft class has produced a greater number of Pro Bowlers and key contributors than the 2012 and 2014 draft classes. However, it’s important to note that the 2012 draft class had a strong early impact, with Andrew Luck becoming a franchise quarterback, while the 2014 draft class has seen a number of players emerge as stars in recent years.
Significant Events Related to the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with several notable events that shaped the landscape of the league. Here’s a timeline of some of the key moments:
- April 25, 2013: The Kansas City Chiefs trade up to the first overall pick and select Eric Fisher, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan.
- April 26, 2013: The Jacksonville Jaguars select Luke Joeckel, an offensive tackle from Texas A&M, with the second overall pick.
- April 27, 2013: The Philadelphia Eagles trade up to the fourth overall pick and select Lane Johnson, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma.
- April 27, 2013: The Houston Texans select DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver from Clemson, with the 27th overall pick.
- April 27, 2013: The Pittsburgh Steelers select Le’Veon Bell, a running back from Michigan State, with the 48th overall pick.
- April 27, 2013: The Arizona Cardinals select Tyrann Mathieu, a defensive back from LSU, with the 69th overall pick.
- April 27, 2013: The New York Giants select Odell Beckham Jr., a wide receiver from LSU, with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
These are just a few of the notable events that took place during the 2013 NFL Draft. The draft has a lasting impact on the league, shaping the future of teams and players for years to come.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, filled with surprises and potential superstars. One of those potential superstars was Tavon Austin, a speed demon who could leave defenders in the dust. But before he took the league by storm, he had a legendary showdown with Oklahoma, a battle of speed and strategy that you can read all about here.
That game showcased Austin’s incredible talent, and ultimately, helped him become a top draft pick, making the 2013 draft a year to remember for all the right reasons.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, full of surprises and questionable decisions. One of the most memorable moments was when the Rams selected Tavon Austin, a lightning-fast wide receiver out of West Virginia. Everyone wondered how he’d fare against the big boys in the NFL, and his matchup against Oklahoma was a real test of his speed and agility.
It’s safe to say that the draft, like Austin’s career, had its share of ups and downs.
