The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft, held on April 25-27 in New York City, was a pivotal event in the league’s history. It featured a number of high-profile selections and trades that reshaped the landscape of the NFL for years to come.
Notable Selections
The 2013 draft was notable for the selection of several players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL.
- The Kansas City Chiefs selected quarterback Alex Smith with the first overall pick. Smith would go on to lead the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2015 and 2016 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017. He played a key role in the team’s resurgence and became a fan favorite in Kansas City.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars selected defensive end Luke Joeckel with the second overall pick. Joeckel struggled to live up to his draft position and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. He has since become a valuable backup lineman for the Seahawks.
- The Oakland Raiders selected defensive end Khalil Mack with the fifth overall pick. Mack would go on to become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. He was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2018, but continues to be a force on the field.
- The Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Johnny Manziel with the 22nd overall pick. Manziel’s career was plagued by off-field issues and he was released by the Browns in 2015. He has not played in the NFL since.
- The Philadelphia Eagles selected wide receiver DeSean Jackson with the 13th overall pick. Jackson had a successful career with the Eagles, but was released in 2014. He has since played for the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams.
Impact on the League
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the league, as several teams made moves that reshaped their franchises.
- The Kansas City Chiefs, who had been struggling for several years, were able to rebuild their team with the selection of Alex Smith and other key players in the draft. They went on to become a perennial playoff contender and reached the Super Bowl in 2020.
- The Oakland Raiders, who were also struggling, were able to draft Khalil Mack and other key players who helped them to become a more competitive team. They reached the playoffs in 2016 and 2019.
- The Cleveland Browns, who had been one of the worst teams in the NFL for several years, were unable to find a franchise quarterback in the 2013 draft. They continued to struggle for several years, but eventually found success with the selection of Baker Mayfield in the 2018 draft.
Significant Trades
The 2013 NFL Draft was also notable for several significant trades that reshaped the league.
- The Minnesota Vikings traded the 23rd overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the 35th and 63rd picks, along with a 2014 first-round pick. The Vikings used the 23rd pick to select quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who would go on to become a successful starter for the Vikings before suffering a season-ending injury in 2016. The Browns used the 35th pick to select wide receiver Josh Gordon, who would go on to become one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, but struggled with substance abuse issues.
- The St. Louis Rams traded the 22nd overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the 23rd pick, the 59th pick, and a 2014 second-round pick. The Rams used the 22nd pick to select defensive end Michael Brockers, who has become a solid player for the Rams. The Browns used the 23rd pick to select quarterback Johnny Manziel, who had a tumultuous career in the NFL.
- The New York Jets traded the 13th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the 13th and 49th picks. The Jets used the 13th pick to select defensive end Quinton Coples, who had a disappointing career with the Jets. The Eagles used the 13th pick to select wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who would go on to become a successful player for the Eagles and other teams.
Analyzing the Top Picks
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, featuring a plethora of talented players who went on to have successful careers in the league. This section will examine the top 10 picks of the draft, analyzing their individual performances and their impact on their respective teams. We will explore the career trajectories of these players, highlighting their overall success and contributions to the NFL.
Career Trajectories of the Top 10 Picks
The top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft represent a diverse group of players, each with their own unique strengths and challenges. Some have enjoyed stellar careers, while others have faced obstacles and setbacks.
The following table showcases the top 10 picks, their current teams, and their career statistics:
| Pick | Player | Current Team | Career Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher (OT) | Retired | 9 seasons, 102 games played |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel (OT) | Retired | 6 seasons, 70 games played |
| 3 | Dion Jordan (DE) | Retired | 5 seasons, 26 games played |
| 4 | Lane Johnson (OT) | Philadelphia Eagles | 10 seasons, 142 games played, 3 Pro Bowls |
| 5 | Dee Milliner (CB) | Retired | 4 seasons, 39 games played |
| 6 | Barkevious Mingo (LB) | Retired | 6 seasons, 63 games played |
| 7 | Sheldon Richardson (DT) | Retired | 9 seasons, 116 games played, 1 Pro Bowl |
| 8 | Ezekiel Ansah (DE) | Retired | 7 seasons, 95 games played, 1 Pro Bowl |
| 9 | Star Lotulelei (DT) | Philadelphia Eagles | 10 seasons, 150 games played |
| 10 | Kenny Vaccaro (S) | Retired | 7 seasons, 92 games played |
Notable Players from the Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal year for many franchises, producing a wealth of talent that has shaped the league’s landscape. This draft class has delivered some of the most impactful players of this generation, including superstars who have redefined their positions and contributed to their teams’ success.
Players Who Exceeded Expectations
This draft class produced several players who exceeded expectations and became key contributors to their teams. These players, often selected in the later rounds, defied pre-draft assessments and made significant contributions to their teams.
- T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1st round, 30th overall): Watt, a standout pass rusher, was selected in the first round and has consistently been one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. He has earned numerous accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. His impact on the Steelers’ defense has been significant, contributing to their success in recent years.
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs, 3rd round, 63rd overall): Kelce was a late-round selection who has blossomed into one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. His exceptional receiving skills and athleticism have made him a consistent offensive threat for the Chiefs, earning him numerous Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship.
- Chris Harris Jr. (Denver Broncos, 2nd round, 64th overall): Harris Jr., a versatile defensive back, was a key piece of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory. He was a lockdown corner known for his physicality and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His impact on the Broncos’ defense was significant, earning him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.
Players Who Fell Short of Their Potential
While the 2013 draft class yielded several stars, there were also players who fell short of their pre-draft expectations. Some of these players struggled to adapt to the NFL level or faced injuries that hampered their development.
- E.J. Manuel (Buffalo Bills, 1st round, 16th overall): Manuel, a quarterback with impressive physical tools, was expected to be a franchise cornerstone for the Bills. However, he struggled to maintain consistency and was ultimately unable to live up to his draft status.
- Barkevious Mingo (Cleveland Browns, 1st round, 6th overall): Mingo, a talented pass rusher, was selected with a high pick but failed to translate his athleticism into consistent production in the NFL. He bounced around several teams before ultimately retiring in 2019.
- Jonathan Cooper (Arizona Cardinals, 1st round, 7th overall): Cooper, an offensive lineman with immense potential, was plagued by injuries throughout his career. He never fully recovered from a broken leg sustained during his rookie season, limiting his impact on the Cardinals’ offense.
Contributions of Later-Round Players, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft class also featured several late-round picks who made significant contributions to their teams. These players, often overlooked in the draft, demonstrated their talent and determination, earning valuable roles and exceeding expectations.
- Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles, 2nd round, 35th overall): Ertz, a tight end, was selected in the second round and became a vital part of the Eagles’ offense. His reliable hands and ability to create mismatches made him a consistent target for quarterbacks, earning him numerous Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring.
- Anthony Barr (Minnesota Vikings, 1st round, 9th overall): Barr, a linebacker, was selected in the first round and became a dominant force on the Vikings’ defense. His speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, earning him numerous Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.
- Alec Ogletree (St. Louis Rams, 2nd round, 30th overall): Ogletree, a linebacker, was selected in the second round and became a key contributor to the Rams’ defense. His athleticism and instincts made him a valuable asset, earning him multiple Pro Bowl selections.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several notable players selected, including the speedy wide receiver Tayvon Austin , who was drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. Austin’s electrifying speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the return game and a potential offensive threat.
The draft that year was a pivotal moment for many franchises, setting the stage for the next generation of NFL talent.
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Austin’s arrival in the NFL marked the beginning of a new era for the St. Louis Rams, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his electrifying playmaking ability.
