Draft Overview
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the league’s history, marked by a wave of talented prospects and significant trades that reshaped several teams’ futures. The draft was filled with anticipation as teams sought to fill roster holes and build for the future.
Top Prospects and Their Impact
The 2013 draft class boasted a remarkable array of talent, featuring future stars who would make an immediate impact on the league.
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs to protect their franchise quarterback, Alex Smith. Fisher quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, playing a crucial role in their rise to prominence.
- Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars to solidify their offensive line. Joeckel faced challenges early in his career but ultimately developed into a reliable player for the Jaguars.
- Lane Johnson, the fourth overall pick, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles to provide protection for their young quarterback, Nick Foles. Johnson quickly emerged as a dominant right tackle, becoming a key piece of the Eagles’ offensive success.
- Dee Milliner, the ninth overall pick, was drafted by the New York Jets to bolster their secondary. Milliner struggled to live up to his high draft status, but he did show flashes of potential during his time with the Jets.
- Giovani Bernard, the 36th overall pick, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense. Bernard quickly became a fan favorite in Cincinnati, known for his speed, agility, and receiving skills.
Significant Trades
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several notable trades that significantly altered the landscape of the league.
- The Cleveland Browns traded the sixth overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the 23rd and 79th overall picks, as well as a 2014 first-round pick. The Vikings used the sixth pick to select defensive end, Sharrif Floyd, who went on to have a solid career with the team. The Browns, on the other hand, used the 23rd pick to select quarterback, Brandon Weeden, who did not live up to expectations.
- The Philadelphia Eagles traded the 13th overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the 23rd and 91st overall picks, as well as a 2014 second-round pick. The Chiefs used the 13th pick to select cornerback, Travis Kelce, who went on to become a dominant tight end for the Chiefs.
- The Atlanta Falcons traded the 30th overall pick to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for the 41st and 78th overall picks, as well as a 2014 third-round pick. The Rams used the 30th pick to select defensive tackle, Michael Brockers, who became a key piece of the Rams’ defensive line.
Comparison to Other Recent Drafts
The 2013 draft class is often compared to other recent drafts, with some analysts arguing that it was one of the most talented in recent memory.
- The 2011 NFL Draft, known for its star quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Andrew Luck, is often cited as a benchmark for comparison. While the 2013 draft did not have the same caliber of quarterbacks, it did produce a significant number of impact players at other positions.
- The 2017 NFL Draft, which featured a deep pool of talent at various positions, is another draft class often compared to 2013. Both drafts produced several players who made an immediate impact on the league, with the 2017 draft class boasting a strong core of quarterbacks.
Notable Selections
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with intriguing prospects who promised to make an immediate impact on their respective teams. Let’s delve into some of the notable selections and examine their career trajectories.
First Overall Pick: Eric Fisher
Eric Fisher, a towering offensive tackle from Central Michigan, was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. Fisher was projected to be a cornerstone for the Chiefs’ offensive line, tasked with protecting their franchise quarterback, Alex Smith. However, his career was marked by inconsistency and injuries. He struggled to live up to the expectations of a first overall pick, failing to make multiple Pro Bowls. Despite his inconsistent performance, Fisher played a significant role in the Chiefs’ offensive line for seven seasons, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2020. He was released in 2020, and although he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, he retired shortly after.
Impact of Players Like Luke Joeckel, Geno Smith, and Ezekiel Ansah
Several other players selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft had varying degrees of success in their careers. Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars to anchor their offensive line. He had a turbulent career with the Jaguars, struggling with injuries and inconsistency, before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. Joeckel retired from the NFL in 2019.
Geno Smith, selected by the New York Jets with the 39th pick, was a highly touted quarterback prospect. However, he struggled to find consistency in the NFL, bouncing around different teams. Smith had a breakout season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, proving his worth as a starting quarterback.
Ezekiel Ansah, the fifth overall pick, was selected by the Detroit Lions. Ansah was a dominant force on the Lions’ defense, showcasing impressive athleticism and pass-rushing skills. He was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and was a consistent threat for opposing quarterbacks. However, injuries hampered his career, and he was released by the Lions in 2019.
Long-Term Success of Later Round Picks
While the first round often attracts the most attention, the 2013 NFL Draft also produced several notable players selected in the later rounds. Tyrann Mathieu, a dynamic defensive back, was selected in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals. Mathieu, known as “The Honey Badger,” became a fan favorite for his aggressive style of play and his ability to make game-changing plays. He was a key contributor to the Cardinals’ defense and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
Zach Ertz, a tight end selected in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles, established himself as a reliable target for the Eagles’ quarterbacks. He quickly became a vital part of the Eagles’ offense, earning Pro Bowl selections and helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LII in 2018.
Top 10 Picks and Their Current Status
| Pick | Player | Team | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Retired | Retired |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Retired | Retired |
| 3 | Dion Jordan | Retired | Retired |
| 4 | Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Active |
| 5 | Ezekiel Ansah | Free Agent | Free Agent |
| 6 | Barkevious Mingo | Retired | Retired |
| 7 | Sharrif Floyd | Retired | Retired |
| 8 | Dee Milliner | Retired | Retired |
| 9 | Tyler Eifert | Retired | Retired |
| 10 | David Wilson | Retired | Retired |
Draft Legacy: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft, like any other, left its mark on the league’s landscape, shaping rosters and defining careers. From surprise selections to unforeseen disappointments, the draft’s impact reverberated through the years, leaving behind a legacy of both triumph and tribulation.
Biggest Surprises and Disappointments
The 2013 draft presented a mixed bag of outcomes, with some picks exceeding expectations while others fell short of their projected potential.
- Surprise Picks:
- Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals, 21st overall): Eifert, a tight end from Notre Dame, was initially seen as a potential top-10 pick. However, concerns about his injury history led to his slide down the board. Eifert proved to be a valuable asset for the Bengals, showcasing his ability to be a reliable target in the passing game and a force in the red zone. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and was a key part of the Bengals’ offensive success during his time in Cincinnati.
- DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans, 27th overall): Hopkins, a wide receiver from Clemson, was initially projected to be a mid-round pick. However, his impressive athleticism and route-running skills caught the attention of the Texans, who took a chance on him. Hopkins quickly established himself as one of the league’s best receivers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor. His consistent production and ability to make big plays made him a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense.
- Disappointments:
- Barkevious Mingo (Cleveland Browns, 6th overall): Mingo, a defensive end from LSU, was considered a top prospect with immense potential. However, he failed to live up to expectations, struggling with consistency and injuries throughout his career. Mingo was traded to the New England Patriots in 2015 and eventually released in 2017.
- E.J. Manuel (Buffalo Bills, 16th overall): Manuel, a quarterback from Florida State, was expected to be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Bills. However, he struggled with accuracy and decision-making, leading to his eventual departure from the team. Manuel was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2015 and was released in 2017.
Long-Term Impact on the NFL Landscape
The 2013 draft significantly impacted the NFL landscape, influencing team dynamics and shaping competitive balance.
- Rise of Offensive Talent: The draft saw a surge in offensive talent, particularly at the wide receiver position. Players like DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Jarvis Landry quickly established themselves as stars, elevating the offensive firepower of their respective teams.
- Defensive Struggles: While the offensive side of the ball saw a rise in talent, the defensive side of the ball struggled to produce consistent impact players. The lack of standout defensive players in this draft contributed to the overall decline in defensive quality across the league.
- Shifting Power Dynamics: The draft’s impact on team dynamics was evident in the rise of certain franchises. Teams like the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs, who made strong selections in this draft, saw a surge in their competitive standing.
Most Impactful Players, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft produced a number of impactful players who made significant contributions to the NFL.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Houston Texans): Hopkins emerged as one of the league’s best wide receivers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor.
- Keenan Allen (WR, Los Angeles Chargers): Allen has consistently been a reliable target for the Chargers, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a Second-Team All-Pro honor.
- Jarvis Landry (WR, New Orleans Saints): Landry has been a prolific receiver throughout his career, earning five Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in receptions in 2017.
- Eric Reid (S, Carolina Panthers): Reid was a key member of the Carolina Panthers’ defense that reached the Super Bowl in 2015.
- Alec Ogletree (LB, New York Giants): Ogletree was a reliable linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2016.
Career Timeline of Notable Players
| Player | Team | Draft Position | Notable Achievements | Career Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals | 27th Overall | 5x Pro Bowl, 1x First-Team All-Pro | 2013-2022: Established himself as one of the league’s best receivers, earning numerous accolades and consistently producing at a high level. |
| Keenan Allen | Los Angeles Chargers | 39th Overall | 3x Pro Bowl, 1x Second-Team All-Pro | 2013-present: Became a consistent and reliable target for the Chargers, earning Pro Bowl recognition and consistently contributing to the team’s offensive success. |
| Jarvis Landry | Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints | 63rd Overall | 5x Pro Bowl | 2013-present: Has been a prolific receiver throughout his career, leading the league in receptions in 2017 and earning numerous Pro Bowl selections. |
| Eric Reid | San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals | 18th Overall | 1x Pro Bowl | 2013-2018: Played a key role in the Carolina Panthers’ Super Bowl run in 2015 and earned a Pro Bowl selection. |
| Alec Ogletree | St. Louis Rams, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants | 30th Overall | 1x Pro Bowl | 2013-2019: Established himself as a reliable linebacker for the Rams and Giants, earning a Pro Bowl selection and consistently contributing to their defensive efforts. |
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, as teams sought to bolster their rosters with the next generation of talent. One of the most memorable moments of the draft was the selection of Luke Joeckel by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall pick, a move that signaled the team’s commitment to rebuilding their offensive line.
To see how the 2013 draft shaped the future of football, check out this article: 2013 NFL Draft. This draft saw several other high-profile picks, including Eric Fisher, Geno Smith, and Dion Jordan, all of whom went on to have varying degrees of success in the NFL.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with exciting prospects and surprising picks. One such surprise was the selection of Tavon Austin by the St. Louis Rams, a player known for his electrifying speed and agility. However, after a few years in St.
Louis, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he sought to reignite his career. Tavon Austin’s Dallas Cowboys journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL, and a reminder that even the most talented players can face challenges in their quest for success.
Despite his time with the Cowboys, the 2013 draft remains a significant event in the history of the league, shaping the rosters and fortunes of teams for years to come.
