The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the history of the league, shaping the rosters of numerous teams and introducing a wave of talented players to the professional stage. This draft produced several standout players who have left their mark on the NFL, but it also featured some notable busts and surprising selections. Let’s delve into the success of the 2013 draft class, analyze the careers of its top picks, and explore the most surprising selections that shook up the league.
Overall Success of the 2013 NFL Draft Class
The 2013 draft class has been considered a successful one overall, with several players establishing themselves as key contributors and stars in the league. The class produced a significant number of Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, including Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and DeAndre Hopkins. However, compared to other recent drafts, the 2013 class may not be considered as prolific as the 2017 class, which featured several future Hall of Famers like Patrick Mahomes and Saquon Barkley. Despite this, the 2013 class has left a lasting impact on the NFL, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come.
Top Five Picks of the 2013 NFL Draft
The top five picks of the 2013 draft were all highly anticipated prospects with the potential to become franchise cornerstones. Let’s analyze their career trajectories:
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel was selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He struggled to live up to expectations in Jacksonville, dealing with injuries and inconsistent play. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 and was released in 2018. Joeckel’s career was marked by inconsistency and injuries, ultimately failing to reach his full potential.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected second overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. He became a reliable starter for the Chiefs, playing a key role in their offensive success. Fisher was a key component of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020. While not a dominant force, Fisher developed into a solid, dependable player for the Chiefs.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins: Jordan was selected third overall by the Miami Dolphins. He was plagued by off-field issues and injuries, failing to make a significant impact in Miami. He was suspended for a year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Jordan’s career was cut short by injuries and off-field troubles, ultimately not living up to his high draft status.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson was selected fourth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly established himself as a dominant force on the Eagles’ offensive line. Johnson was a key contributor to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. Johnson has consistently been one of the best offensive tackles in the league, solidifying his status as a top-tier player.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns: Mingo was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Browns. He struggled to find a consistent role in Cleveland, lacking the impact many expected. Mingo was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016 and was released in 2017. Mingo’s career was marked by inconsistency and a lack of impact, failing to live up to his draft position.
Most Surprising Picks of the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 draft featured several surprising picks, both successes and failures. These selections were unexpected by many draft analysts and experts, creating a buzz around the league.
Surprising Successes
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans: Hopkins was selected 27th overall by the Houston Texans. He quickly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league, known for his exceptional route running, hands, and ability to make contested catches. Hopkins has been a consistent threat for opposing defenses, accumulating numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Hopkins’ success as a late first-round pick defied expectations and solidified his status as a dominant force in the NFL.
- Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals: Eifert was selected 21st overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He emerged as a dynamic receiving threat for the Bengals, showcasing his ability to create separation and make tough catches. Eifert’s career was plagued by injuries, but he had several productive seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Eifert’s success as a first-round pick, despite injury concerns, highlighted the potential for impact players to emerge from unexpected places.
Surprising Failures
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets: Smith was selected 39th overall by the New York Jets. He struggled to find consistency and was criticized for his decision-making and lack of accuracy. Smith was traded to the New York Giants in 2017 and was released in 2018. Smith’s failure to live up to expectations as a second-round pick surprised many, as he was considered a potential franchise quarterback coming out of college.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd was selected 23rd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. He showed promise early in his career but was plagued by injuries and never reached his full potential. Floyd was released by the Vikings in 2017. Floyd’s career was cut short by injuries, disappointing many who expected him to become a dominant force on the Vikings’ defensive line.
Notable Players Drafted in 2013
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, featuring a plethora of talented players who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the league. This draft saw the emergence of several standout players who have made a lasting impact on their respective teams and the league as a whole.
Top 10 Picks and their Notable Achievements
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft represent a diverse group of players who have achieved varying degrees of success in their careers.
| Player | Team | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Offensive Tackle | 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2018, 2020) |
| Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Offensive Tackle | 1x Pro Bowl Selection (2017) |
| Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | Defensive End | 1x Pro Bowl Selection (2013) |
| Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Offensive Tackle | 3x Pro Bowl Selection (2017, 2019, 2021) |
| Dee Milliner | New York Jets | Cornerback | |
| Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Linebacker | |
| Geno Smith | New York Jets | Quarterback | |
| Sharrif Floyd | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Tackle | |
| Ezekiel Ansah | Detroit Lions | Defensive End | 1x Pro Bowl Selection (2015) |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans | Wide Receiver | 9x Pro Bowl Selection (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) |
Career Paths of Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith
The careers of Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith have taken contrasting paths, showcasing the unpredictability of the NFL.
- Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, faced a tumultuous start with the Jacksonville Jaguars, battling injuries and inconsistent play. However, he found a resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, earning a Pro Bowl selection and showcasing his potential.
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick, established himself as a reliable and durable left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played a crucial role in their offensive line, earning two Pro Bowl selections and contributing to their Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020.
- Geno Smith, the 39th overall pick, had a mixed experience with the New York Jets, struggling to find consistency and eventually being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite facing challenges, he has shown glimpses of his potential, showcasing his athleticism and arm strength.
Comparison of Ezekiel Ansah and DeAndre Hopkins
Ezekiel Ansah and DeAndre Hopkins, both drafted in the first round, have carved out distinct paths in their NFL careers.
- Ezekiel Ansah, the fifth overall pick, was a dominant force for the Detroit Lions, showcasing exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing abilities. However, injuries hampered his career, limiting his overall impact.
- DeAndre Hopkins, the 27th overall pick, has emerged as one of the league’s most dominant wide receivers, known for his exceptional route-running, hands, and ability to make contested catches. He has consistently been a top target for his teams, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as a true game-changer.
The Impact of the 2013 Draft on NFL Teams: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the league, with several players drafted that year becoming key contributors to their respective teams. Some teams hit the jackpot with their selections, while others missed the mark. This section examines how the 2013 draft shaped the rosters of various teams and explores the long-term effects of these draft picks.
Impact on the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, who were rebuilding under new head coach Andy Reid, made two crucial selections in the 2013 draft: Eric Fisher (first overall) and Travis Kelce (third round). Fisher, a left tackle, solidified the Chiefs’ offensive line and provided protection for quarterback Alex Smith. Kelce, a tight end, quickly developed into a dominant receiving threat and became a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense. Both players played significant roles in the Chiefs’ resurgence, contributing to their playoff appearances and Super Bowl appearances in the following years. The impact of these two players was evident in the Chiefs’ transformation from a struggling team to a perennial playoff contender.
The 2013 Draft and the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns were in a rebuilding phase in 2013, and they used the draft to add young talent to their roster. They drafted quarterback Brandon Weeden with the 22nd overall pick, hoping to find their franchise quarterback. However, Weeden struggled in his two seasons with the Browns and was eventually traded. The Browns also drafted defensive end Barkevious Mingo with the sixth overall pick, but he failed to live up to expectations. Despite some early promise, the 2013 draft didn’t provide the Browns with the building blocks they needed for sustained success.
The 2013 Draft and the New York Jets
The New York Jets were in a state of flux in 2013, looking to find their next franchise quarterback after the departure of Mark Sanchez. They drafted Geno Smith with the 39th overall pick, hoping he would be the answer. However, Smith’s tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and ultimately ended in disappointment. The Jets also drafted defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson with the 13th overall pick, who quickly emerged as a dominant force on the defensive line. Richardson was a bright spot for the Jets, but his impact couldn’t fully compensate for the struggles of the team.
Success and Failure in the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a range of outcomes for teams, with some franchises finding significant contributors and others struggling to find success with their picks. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that found success and those that struggled with their 2013 draft selections:
Successful Teams
- Kansas City Chiefs: As mentioned earlier, the Chiefs’ selections of Eric Fisher and Travis Kelce proved to be game-changers, solidifying their offensive line and adding a dynamic weapon to their offense.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks found a future star in defensive end,
Cliff Avril
, who was selected in the 5th round and made an immediate impact, contributing to their Super Bowl XLVIII victory. - Denver Broncos: The Broncos drafted a future Hall of Famer in
Chris Harris Jr.
in the 5th round, a key piece in their Super Bowl 50 victory.
Least Successful Teams
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns’ struggles to find a franchise quarterback continued with the selection of Brandon Weeden, who failed to live up to expectations.
- New York Jets: Geno Smith’s struggles at quarterback and the inconsistent play of other draft picks led to a disappointing outcome for the Jets in the 2013 draft.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars, despite drafting several players who became starters, struggled to find consistent success with their 2013 draft class.
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The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with potential stars. One such prospect was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver with blazing speed. While his early career showed flashes of brilliance, his impact on the league wasn’t as lasting as many anticipated.
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