The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, shaping the rosters and fortunes of numerous teams for years to come. It featured a mix of high-profile selections, unexpected trades, and surprising outcomes, making it a draft that continues to be analyzed and debated among fans and analysts alike.
Top Picks and Notable Trades
The draft’s top picks set the stage for the future of several franchises. Eric Fisher, a talented offensive tackle from Central Michigan, was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jacksonville Jaguars, seeking to bolster their offense, chose quarterback Blake Bortles with the third overall pick. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, surprised many by trading up to the second overall pick to select Lane Johnson, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma.
These picks, along with other notable selections like Luke Joeckel (second overall, Jacksonville Jaguars), Dion Jordan (third overall, Miami Dolphins), and Geno Smith (39th overall, New York Jets), had a profound impact on the league’s landscape.
The draft also saw several noteworthy trades, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ move to acquire the second overall pick. The Eagles, under new head coach Chip Kelly, were eager to rebuild their roster and saw Johnson as a key piece of their offensive line. The trade with the St. Louis Rams, who ultimately selected defensive end Michael Brockers, was a significant moment in the draft, demonstrating the Eagles’ aggressive approach to building their team.
Key Trends and Surprises
The 2013 draft was characterized by a few key trends. One noticeable trend was the emphasis on offensive line talent, with several teams prioritizing protection for their quarterbacks. This trend was reflected in the selection of Fisher, Johnson, Joeckel, and other offensive linemen in the early rounds. Another trend was the increasing importance of athleticism and versatility, with teams seeking players who could contribute in multiple ways. This was evident in the selection of players like Jordan, a versatile defensive end, and Jarvis Landry, a dynamic wide receiver.
Despite these trends, the draft also had its share of surprises. One surprise was the selection of Bortles with the third overall pick. While Bortles was a highly touted prospect, many analysts believed that the Jaguars would select a different quarterback, such as Teddy Bridgewater or EJ Manuel. Another surprise was the fall of Bridgewater, who was projected to be a top-five pick but ended up being selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 32nd overall pick.
Impact on the League, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft had a lasting impact on the NFL. Several of the top picks, such as Fisher, Johnson, and Joeckel, became key contributors for their respective teams, while others, like Bortles, faced challenges but ultimately found success. The draft also saw the emergence of several impactful players who were selected later in the draft, such as Landry, who quickly became a star receiver for the Miami Dolphins.
In the years since the draft, many of the players selected in 2013 have become key figures in the league, demonstrating the impact that a single draft can have on the NFL’s landscape.
Notable Players Drafted in 2013
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a plethora of talented players enter the league, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers. From dynamic quarterbacks to dominant defensive linemen, this draft class has left its mark on the NFL.
Top 10 Players Drafted in 2013
The following table highlights the top 10 players drafted in 2013, based on their overall impact on the league.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Significant Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Offensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs | 3x Pro Bowl Selection, 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Offensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars | 2x Pro Bowl Selection |
| 3 | Sharrif Floyd | Defensive Tackle | Minnesota Vikings | 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
| 4 | DeAndre Hopkins | Wide Receiver | Houston Texans | 8x Pro Bowl Selection, 4x First-Team All-Pro, NFL Receiving Yards Leader (2019) |
| 5 | Alec Ogletree | Linebacker | St. Louis Rams | 2x Pro Bowl Selection |
| 6 | Barkevious Mingo | Linebacker | Cleveland Browns | 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
| 7 | Kenny Vaccaro | Safety | New Orleans Saints | 2x Pro Bowl Selection |
| 8 | Sheldon Richardson | Defensive Tackle | New York Jets | 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2014 NFL Defensive Player of the Year |
| 9 | Cordarrelle Patterson | Wide Receiver | Minnesota Vikings | 2x Pro Bowl Selection |
| 10 | Tavon Austin | Wide Receiver | St. Louis Rams | 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
Players Who Exceeded Expectations
Several players from the 2013 draft class exceeded expectations, becoming key contributors and stars for their respective teams.
* DeAndre Hopkins has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s most elite wide receivers, consistently putting up impressive numbers and earning numerous accolades. His ability to make contested catches and dominate in the red zone has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
* Sheldon Richardson’s impact on the field was immediate, earning him the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He quickly became a dominant force on the defensive line, known for his explosive power and relentless pursuit of the quarterback.
* Eric Fisher has anchored the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line for years, protecting Patrick Mahomes and helping the team achieve significant success. His consistent performance and ability to dominate in pass protection have made him a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense.
Players Who Didn’t Live Up to Expectations
While the 2013 draft class produced several stars, some players failed to live up to the hype surrounding them.
* Luke Joeckel was the second overall pick, but his career was plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. He never quite lived up to his potential as a franchise left tackle, and his career ultimately fell short of expectations.
* Barkevious Mingo was selected sixth overall, but he struggled to find consistency throughout his career. Despite flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t establish himself as a reliable force on defense, leading to a disappointing career trajectory.
* Sharrif Floyd was another highly touted prospect who didn’t live up to the hype. He showed promise in his rookie season, but injuries and a decline in performance hampered his career.
The 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event for several teams, shaping their futures and altering the league’s landscape in the years that followed. Some teams made astute selections that formed the core of successful franchises, while others struggled to find long-term contributors. This draft’s impact extended beyond the immediate season, demonstrating how a single draft can profoundly influence a team’s trajectory.
Teams with Successful Drafts
The 2013 draft saw several teams make strategic selections that yielded significant returns. These teams built strong foundations for the future, laying the groundwork for successful seasons to come.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs, under new head coach Andy Reid, made several shrewd picks in the 2013 draft, including selecting Travis Kelce in the third round. Kelce quickly emerged as a dominant tight end, becoming a key piece of the Chiefs’ offensive success in the years that followed. The Chiefs also selected Eric Fisher with the first overall pick, who developed into a reliable left tackle, providing protection for the team’s quarterbacks. The Chiefs’ draft haul in 2013 helped them transition from a struggling team to a perennial playoff contender.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks, already a rising force in the league, made several impactful selections in the 2013 draft, including selecting defensive end, Michael Bennett in the third round. Bennett became a disruptive force on the Seahawks’ dominant defense, helping the team reach Super Bowl XLVIII. They also selected offensive tackle, Justin Britt, in the second round, who developed into a consistent starter for the Seahawks. These picks, combined with their existing core, solidified the Seahawks’ status as a Super Bowl contender.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers, already a formidable team, further strengthened their roster in the 2013 draft, selecting defensive tackle, Tank Carradine, in the second round. Carradine developed into a valuable contributor on the 49ers’ defensive line, playing a key role in their continued playoff success. The 49ers also selected linebacker, Chris Borland, in the third round, who became a standout player during his short career, before retiring due to concerns about long-term health. These selections contributed to the 49ers’ consistent playoff runs in the early 2010s.
Teams with Unsuccessful Drafts
While some teams reaped the benefits of their 2013 draft choices, others struggled to find long-term contributors. These teams saw their draft selections fail to meet expectations, hindering their progress and ultimately impacting their future.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars, entering a rebuilding phase, had high hopes for the 2013 draft, selecting quarterback, Blake Bortles, with the third overall pick. Bortles struggled to find consistency during his tenure with the Jaguars, leading to their continued struggles and ultimately failing to live up to expectations. The Jaguars’ failure to find a franchise quarterback in the 2013 draft set them back several years, delaying their return to contention.
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns, a team in perpetual rebuilding mode, hoped the 2013 draft would bring about a turnaround. However, their selections, including quarterback, Brandon Weeden, with the 22nd overall pick, and running back, Trent Richardson, who was traded from the Indianapolis Colts, failed to deliver the desired results. The Browns’ struggles to find a consistent quarterback and establish a stable offensive identity continued, leading to further frustration for their fans.
- Oakland Raiders: The Raiders, under new management, hoped the 2013 draft would mark a new era of success. However, their selections, including quarterback, Tyler Wilson, in the fourth round, and wide receiver, D.J. Hayden, with the 12th overall pick, failed to make a significant impact. The Raiders’ struggles continued, with their draft picks failing to provide the necessary talent and stability to turn the franchise around.
Impact on the League’s Landscape
The 2013 draft had a significant impact on the league’s landscape, shaping the competitive balance and influencing the trajectory of various franchises. The teams that made successful selections in the draft established themselves as contenders, while those that struggled to find talent faced prolonged periods of mediocrity.
- Rise of the Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs’ success in the 2013 draft played a crucial role in their transformation into a dominant force in the AFC. The emergence of Travis Kelce and the development of Eric Fisher solidified their offensive foundation, allowing them to compete consistently for playoff berths and Super Bowl appearances.
- Solidification of the Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks’ draft picks in 2013 further strengthened their already formidable roster, contributing to their Super Bowl XLVIII victory. Michael Bennett’s impact on their defense and Justin Britt’s development as a starter solidified their position as a top contender in the NFC.
- Continued struggles for the Jaguars, Browns, and Raiders: The Jaguars, Browns, and Raiders all failed to find impactful players in the 2013 draft, leading to continued struggles and hindering their progress. Their inability to establish a solid foundation through the draft contributed to their prolonged periods of mediocrity, delaying their return to contention.
The 2013 NFL Draft was lit, man! Lots of big names got picked, but one dude who really stood out was Tavon Austin. Check out his draft story here , it’s wild! That draft was full of surprises, and Austin’s pick was definitely one of them.
I remember everyone being hyped about him, and he ended up having a pretty solid career.
The 2013 NFL Draft was all about those big names, but you know what, some guys slipped through the cracks. One of those dudes was Stedman Bailey , who was a beast at West Virginia. He got picked up by the Rams and, even though he didn’t make it big in the league, his story is pretty dope.
It’s a reminder that the NFL Draft isn’t always about the hype, sometimes it’s about finding those hidden gems.
