The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft, held on April 25-27, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the league. It was a draft that produced a wave of talented players who went on to have significant impacts on their respective teams and the league as a whole. The draft was also notable for its unexpected twists and turns, creating storylines that captivated fans and analysts alike.
Top Picks and Their Impact
The top picks of the 2013 NFL Draft were widely anticipated, and many of them lived up to the hype. Here’s a look at the top five picks and their subsequent impact on the league:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 Overall): Fisher was selected by the Chiefs to protect their franchise quarterback, Alex Smith. While he experienced some early struggles, Fisher eventually developed into a reliable and consistent left tackle, helping to stabilize the Chiefs’ offensive line and pave the way for a successful run in the latter half of the decade.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 Overall): Joeckel was drafted by the Jaguars to anchor their offensive line, but his career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he continued to struggle before being released in 2018.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins (No. 3 Overall): Jordan was a highly-touted prospect with immense potential, but his NFL career was marred by off-field issues and a series of injuries. He was suspended multiple times for substance abuse violations and never lived up to the expectations that surrounded him.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 Overall): Johnson quickly established himself as a dominant right tackle for the Eagles. He played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl LII victory in 2018 and has been a cornerstone of their offensive line for years.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (No. 6 Overall): Mingo was a highly athletic pass rusher, but he never consistently found his footing in the NFL. He was traded to the New England Patriots in 2015 and was released by the team in 2016.
Impactful Players from the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a wave of talent that significantly shaped the league for years to come. This class saw a plethora of stars emerge, contributing to their respective teams’ successes and leaving an indelible mark on the NFL landscape.
Notable Players from the 2013 Draft
The 2013 draft was a treasure trove of talent, with several players making an immediate impact and establishing themselves as future Hall of Famers.
| Draft Position | Player | Current Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Overall | Eric Fisher, OT | Retired | 2x Pro Bowl (2015, 2016), Super Bowl LIV Champion (2019) |
| 2nd Overall | Luke Joeckel, OT | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2017) |
| 3rd Overall | Dion Jordan, DE | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2013) |
| 4th Overall | Lane Johnson, OT | Philadelphia Eagles | 3x Pro Bowl (2017, 2019, 2021), Super Bowl LII Champion (2018) |
| 5th Overall | Dee Milliner, CB | Retired | – |
| 6th Overall | Ezekiel Ansah, DE | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2015) |
| 7th Overall | Barkevious Mingo, LB | Retired | – |
| 8th Overall | Sharrif Floyd, DT | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2013) |
| 9th Overall | Chance Warmack, OG | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2013) |
| 10th Overall | D.J. Fluker, OT | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2013) |
| 11th Overall | Kenny Vaccaro, S | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2015) |
| 12th Overall | Alec Ogletree, LB | Retired | 1x Pro Bowl (2016) |
| 13th Overall | Star Lotulelei, DT | Buffalo Bills | 2x Pro Bowl (2015, 2017) |
| 14th Overall | Jonathan Cooper, OG | Retired | – |
| 15th Overall | Cordarrelle Patterson, WR | Atlanta Falcons | 1x Pro Bowl (2013) |
| 16th Overall | Xavier Rhodes, CB | Retired | 5x Pro Bowl (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) |
| 17th Overall | Datone Jones, DE | Retired | – |
| 18th Overall | Travis Frederick, C | Retired | 5x Pro Bowl (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) |
| 19th Overall | Sheldon Richardson, DT | Minnesota Vikings | 1x Pro Bowl (2013), 1x Defensive Player of the Year (2013) |
| 20th Overall | Manti Te’o, LB | Retired | – |
Impact on the NFL
The players drafted in 2013 had a significant impact on the NFL. They helped their teams achieve success, and their contributions helped shape the league’s competitive landscape. For example, Lane Johnson’s consistent performance as a franchise left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles has been instrumental in their recent success, including their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018.
The 2013 draft class also featured several players who became household names, such as Sheldon Richardson, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. These players not only contributed to their teams’ success but also elevated the level of play in the NFL, making the league more competitive and exciting for fans.
Notable Draft Moments and Surprises
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with unexpected trades, surprising selections, and late-round steals that shaped the league for years to come. From the first pick to the final selection, the draft provided a mix of excitement and intrigue, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating on the future impact of these young players.
Unexpected Trades
The 2013 NFL Draft witnessed a flurry of trades that reshaped the landscape of the league. These trades, often driven by teams seeking immediate solutions or future assets, created a dynamic environment that made the draft even more unpredictable.
- The Cleveland Browns traded the No. 6 overall pick to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 12 pick and two future first-round selections. This move allowed the Dolphins to select the highly touted offensive tackle, Lane Johnson, while the Browns used their additional picks to build their roster.
- The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move by trading up to the No. 1 overall pick to select Eric Fisher, a left tackle from Central Michigan. This trade demonstrated their commitment to protecting quarterback Alex Smith and setting the foundation for a successful offensive line.
Late-Round Steals, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 NFL Draft featured several late-round picks who exceeded expectations and became key contributors to their respective teams. These undrafted players demonstrated that talent can be found in every round, and their success stories highlighted the importance of scouting and development.
- Tyler Eifert, a tight end from Notre Dame, was selected in the first round (21st overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals. While he faced injuries throughout his career, he established himself as a reliable target and a valuable piece of the Bengals’ offense.
- Zach Ertz, a tight end from Stanford, was selected in the second round (35th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles. He became a Pro Bowl selection and a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense, proving his worth as a dynamic receiving threat.
- Travis Kelce, a tight end from Cincinnati, was selected in the third round (63rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. He quickly developed into one of the most dominant tight ends in the league, known for his athleticism, receiving skills, and blocking ability.
Surprising Selections
The 2013 NFL Draft was not without its share of surprises, with teams making unconventional selections that raised eyebrows and sparked debate. These surprising picks, often defying conventional wisdom, demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the draft and the inherent risk associated with selecting young players.
- The New York Jets selected Geno Smith, a quarterback from West Virginia, with the 39th overall pick in the second round. Smith’s selection was considered a surprise, as many analysts believed he was not ready for the NFL. He struggled to find consistent success in the league, eventually becoming a journeyman quarterback.
- The Oakland Raiders selected D.J. Hayden, a cornerback from Houston, with the 12th overall pick in the first round. Hayden, who had suffered a serious injury in his final college season, was a risky pick. He battled injuries throughout his career, failing to live up to his draft position.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several exciting prospects enter the league, and among them was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver from West Virginia. His electrifying speed and agility were on full display during his college career, and fans can relive those thrilling moments by watching tavon austin wvu highlights.
Austin’s explosiveness ultimately led him to be drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams, marking the start of his professional journey in the NFL.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, with several talented players finding new homes. One of those players was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist who was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon on the field, and his impact on the league can be seen by looking at his career statistics, which you can find on tavon austin nfl stats.
While Austin’s career didn’t reach the heights some expected, his presence in the 2013 draft added another layer of excitement to an already eventful event.
