The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many franchises, with several top picks going on to have significant impacts on their respective teams. The draft is remembered for its star-studded quarterback class, featuring names like EJ Manuel, Geno Smith, and the highly anticipated, eventual number one pick, Eric Fisher.
The Impact of the Top Five Picks
The top five picks in the 2013 draft were:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was tasked with protecting the franchise quarterback, Alex Smith, and he did so admirably. Fisher quickly developed into a reliable left tackle, starting 110 games in his eight seasons with the Chiefs. He was a key piece of their offensive line that helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2020.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was expected to be a cornerstone of their offensive line, but unfortunately, injuries plagued his career. He played five seasons in Jacksonville before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. He never reached his full potential, but he still managed to start 63 games in his NFL career.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins: Jordan was drafted third overall by the Miami Dolphins. He had a promising start to his career, but off-field issues and injuries derailed his progress. He was suspended for a year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and never fully recovered. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting only 14 games.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson was drafted fourth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been a dominant force on their offensive line since his arrival. He has been named to three Pro Bowls and was a key part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory. He is considered one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns: Mingo was drafted fifth overall by the Cleveland Browns. He showed flashes of brilliance, but he never lived up to the hype. He struggled with consistency and injuries, and he was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016. He played six seasons in the NFL, starting only 20 games.
Notable Picks and Their Impact on the NFL: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event, shaping the league’s landscape for years to come. It produced a wave of talented players who would go on to achieve greatness, while others failed to live up to their draft position. This section will delve into the stories of some of the most notable picks and their impact on the NFL.
Players Who Exceeded Expectations, 2013 nfl draft
Several players drafted in later rounds surpassed expectations and became valuable assets to their teams. These players defied the odds and carved out successful careers in the NFL, proving that talent can emerge from unexpected places.
- Richard Sherman (5th Round, Seattle Seahawks): Drafted in the fifth round, Sherman quickly became one of the league’s most dominant cornerbacks. His aggressive style and knack for making big plays made him a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense. Sherman’s impact extended beyond the field, as he became a vocal advocate for social justice and a popular figure in the NFL.
- T.Y. Hilton (3rd Round, Indianapolis Colts): Hilton’s blazing speed and exceptional route-running made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He developed into a consistent threat in the Colts’ offense, becoming a reliable target for quarterbacks like Andrew Luck. Hilton’s speed and agility made him a highlight reel waiting to happen, captivating fans with his electrifying plays.
- Travis Kelce (3rd Round, Kansas City Chiefs): Kelce’s athleticism and versatility transformed him into one of the most dynamic tight ends in the league. He was a valuable weapon in the Chiefs’ offense, showcasing his ability to both catch passes and block effectively. Kelce’s consistent production and clutch performances made him a key contributor to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in 2020.
Players Who Fell Short of Their Draft Position
The 2013 draft also saw its share of players who failed to meet expectations based on their draft position. These players faced challenges in their NFL careers, either due to injuries, lack of development, or other factors.
- Barkevious Mingo (6th Overall, Cleveland Browns): Mingo was a highly touted pass rusher coming out of LSU, but he never lived up to his potential in the NFL. Despite his athleticism and physical tools, Mingo struggled to consistently generate pressure on quarterbacks. Injuries also hampered his progress, leading to a disappointing career.
- E.J. Manuel (16th Overall, Buffalo Bills): Manuel was expected to be a franchise quarterback for the Bills, but he failed to establish himself as a consistent starter. He struggled with accuracy and decision-making, and injuries limited his playing time. Manuel’s career never reached the heights anticipated, as he was unable to overcome his limitations.
- Jonathan Cooper (7th Overall, Arizona Cardinals): Cooper was considered a top offensive line prospect, but his career was derailed by injuries. He suffered a broken leg in his rookie season, which hampered his development and ultimately led to his departure from the Cardinals. Cooper’s injury woes prevented him from reaching his full potential, leaving many to wonder what could have been.
The 2013 Draft in Historical Context
The 2013 NFL Draft stands as a significant event in league history, not only for the players selected but also for the trends and strategies that defined the draft landscape. This draft class is often compared to other notable drafts, showcasing the impact it had on the NFL and its lasting legacy.
The 2013 Draft’s Place Among Notable Drafts
The 2013 draft class is frequently compared to other notable drafts, particularly the 1983 and 1990 drafts. The 1983 draft is often hailed as one of the greatest drafts in NFL history, producing numerous Hall of Famers like Eric Dickerson, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino. Similarly, the 1990 draft featured a plethora of stars like Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, and Deion Sanders. While the 2013 draft may not have produced as many immediate superstars as those two drafts, it has proven to be a deep and impactful class, with several players establishing themselves as key contributors to their respective teams.
Trends and Strategies of the 2013 Draft
The 2013 draft saw several trends and strategies that influenced team selections. One notable trend was the emphasis on offensive skill positions, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers. The rise of the passing game and the need for dynamic playmakers at the skill positions led teams to prioritize these players in the early rounds. Another significant trend was the increasing value placed on defensive versatility. Teams sought players who could excel in multiple roles, capable of covering both the run and the pass. This trend reflected the evolving nature of NFL offenses, which increasingly relied on spread formations and the use of multiple offensive weapons.
Top Ten Picks and Their Current Status
The top ten picks of the 2013 draft represent a diverse group of players, some of whom have achieved significant success while others have struggled to live up to their potential. The following table showcases the top ten picks and their current status:
| Pick | Player | Team | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Retired |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Retired |
| 3 | Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | Retired |
| 4 | Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Active |
| 5 | Dee Milliner | New York Jets | Retired |
| 6 | Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Retired |
| 7 | Sheldon Richardson | New York Jets | Active |
| 8 | Star Lotulelei | Carolina Panthers | Active |
| 9 | Ezekiel Ansah | Detroit Lions | Retired |
| 10 | Kenny Vaccaro | New Orleans Saints | Active |
The 2013 NFL Draft saw some exciting prospects come into the league, including Tavon Austin, who was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. While his career didn’t quite live up to the hype, he still managed to have a solid NFL career.
You can find out more about his earnings throughout his time in the league by checking out tavon austin salary. The 2013 draft class was a memorable one, full of talent and potential that unfolded in different ways for each player.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, with several talented players entering the league. One such player was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist who was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. Austin’s explosive playmaking ability made him a fan favorite, and you can check out his career statistics tavon austin nfl stats to see his impact on the league.
Despite facing some challenges, Austin’s talent was undeniable, and he remains a fascinating figure from that draft class.
