Draft Overview: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come. It saw the emergence of future stars and witnessed some surprising selections, leaving a lasting impact on teams and fans alike.
Top 10 Picks, 2013 nfl draft
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft reflected the league’s desire for dynamic playmakers and elite talent.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected first overall and immediately became a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, protecting quarterback Alex Smith for several seasons.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel, the second overall pick, struggled to live up to expectations in Jacksonville, eventually being traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins: Jordan, a highly touted prospect, faced legal issues and never fully realized his potential, leaving the Dolphins after three seasons.
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson became a key piece of the Eagles’ offensive line, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and contributing to their Super Bowl run in 2017.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets: Milliner’s career was plagued by injuries, limiting his impact on the Jets’ defense. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings after three seasons.
- Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, Detroit Lions: Ansah, a dominant force for the Lions, earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors during his time in Detroit. He played seven seasons for the Lions before moving on to the Seattle Seahawks.
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns: Mingo, a versatile defender, never quite found his footing in the NFL, playing for several teams before retiring in 2019.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd showed flashes of brilliance for the Vikings, but injuries hampered his career. He played five seasons in the NFL before retiring due to health concerns.
- Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, New Orleans Saints: Vaccaro became a reliable defensive back for the Saints, starting in over 60 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2017.
- Chance Warmack, Guard, Tennessee Titans: Warmack, a powerful blocker, played four seasons with the Titans before being released. He later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons.
Notable Successes and Disappointments
The 2013 NFL Draft yielded both immediate successes and disappointments.
- Notable Successes:
- Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals (5th overall): Peterson quickly established himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He played 11 seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings.
- Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers (48th overall): Bell became one of the league’s most productive running backs, earning three Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in rushing yards in 2017. He played five seasons with the Steelers before signing with the New York Jets in 2019.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans (27th overall): Hopkins blossomed into one of the league’s elite wide receivers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in receiving yards in 2019. He played seven seasons with the Texans before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
- Notable Disappointments:
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets (39th overall): Smith struggled to find consistency in the NFL, playing for several teams before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
- Matt Barkley, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles (46th overall): Barkley never lived up to expectations, playing for several teams before retiring in 2019.
- Jonathan Cooper, Guard, Arizona Cardinals (7th overall): Cooper’s career was derailed by injuries, limiting his impact on the Cardinals’ offensive line.
Notable Players and Their Impact
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a diverse range of talent that has significantly impacted the league. This section will highlight some of the top performers from this draft class and analyze their contributions to their respective teams. The discussion will explore the long-term impact of these players on the league, including their career trajectories and achievements. Additionally, it will compare and contrast the performance of players drafted in the first round with those drafted later.
First-Round Impact
The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft yielded several players who have made significant contributions to their teams. These players have consistently performed at a high level, establishing themselves as key contributors and leaders within their respective franchises.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Drafted first overall, Fisher has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. He has started in every game since his rookie season and has been a key factor in the Chiefs’ offensive success, including their Super Bowl LIV victory.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Drafted second overall, Joeckel struggled to live up to his draft position, but he has since found success with the Seattle Seahawks. His experience and durability have made him a valuable asset to the Seahawks’ offensive line.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets: Drafted ninth overall, Milliner’s career was cut short due to injuries. However, he did show flashes of brilliance in his early years.
- Chance Warmack, Guard, Tennessee Titans: Drafted tenth overall, Warmack was a key player for the Titans’ offensive line in his early years, but injuries hampered his career. He was released in 2017.
Later-Round Success Stories
While the first round often produces star players, the later rounds can also yield valuable contributors. The 2013 NFL Draft is a prime example of this, as several players drafted outside the first round have gone on to have successful careers.
- Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals: Drafted in the first round, Eifert was a key target for the Bengals, but injuries limited his career. He played for the Bengals from 2013 to 2017.
- Zach Ertz, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles: Drafted in the second round, Ertz has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. He is a consistent target for the Eagles’ offense and has played a crucial role in their success.
- T.J. Watt, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers: Drafted in the first round, Watt has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. He has recorded multiple double-digit sack seasons and has been a key contributor to the Steelers’ defense.
- Anthony Barr, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings: Drafted in the first round, Barr has been a key contributor to the Vikings’ defense, showcasing his athleticism and versatility.
Impact of the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft has had a significant impact on the league. Many of the players drafted that year have gone on to have successful careers, becoming key contributors to their teams and helping shape the landscape of the NFL.
- Increased Emphasis on Tight Ends: The success of tight ends like Zach Ertz and Tyler Eifert has led to an increased emphasis on the position in the league. Teams are now looking for tight ends who can be both reliable receivers and effective blockers.
- The Rise of Defensive Linebackers: The emergence of players like T.J. Watt and Anthony Barr has highlighted the importance of athletic and versatile linebackers in today’s NFL. These players are able to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make plays against the run.
- Shifting Offensive Philosophies: The success of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles has shown the value of utilizing athletic quarterbacks and a strong offensive line. These teams have utilized offensive schemes that emphasize speed and versatility.
Draft Analysis and Trends
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event that shaped the league’s competitive landscape for years to come. It is essential to analyze the draft’s success rate, identify emerging trends, and examine its impact on the league’s competitiveness.
Overall Draft Success Rate
The success rate of an NFL draft is typically measured by the number of players selected who go on to have successful careers in the league. While there is no universally accepted definition of success, it generally includes factors such as Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and significant contributions to their teams.
The 2013 draft featured a number of players who have gone on to achieve significant success in the NFL, including:
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a consistent starter at left tackle and has been selected to the Pro Bowl.
- Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, has also been a consistent starter at left tackle and has been selected to the Pro Bowl.
- Giovani Bernard, the 36th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, has established himself as a valuable running back and has been selected to the Pro Bowl.
- DeAndre Hopkins, the 27th overall pick by the Houston Texans, has become one of the league’s most prolific wide receivers and has been selected to five Pro Bowls.
These are just a few examples of players from the 2013 draft who have achieved significant success. However, it is important to note that not all players drafted in 2013 have been successful. Some players have struggled to find a role in the league, while others have been hampered by injuries or other factors.
Overall, the 2013 draft is considered to be a successful draft class, with a number of players who have made significant contributions to their teams. However, it is still too early to say definitively how successful the class will be in the long run.
Emerging Trends in Player Selection
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several emerging trends in player selection, reflecting changes in team strategies and the evolving landscape of the NFL. These trends included:
- Emphasis on Offensive Line Talent: The first two picks in the draft, Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel, were both offensive tackles, reflecting the increasing importance of protecting quarterbacks and creating running lanes in today’s NFL.
- Value of Versatility: Teams were increasingly seeking players who could play multiple positions, particularly on offense and defense. This trend was driven by the desire for flexibility and adaptability in game plans.
- Rise of the “Hybrid” Player: The 2013 draft saw a rise in the selection of players who did not fit neatly into traditional positional categories, such as “athlete” or “defensive back.” These players were often selected for their unique skill sets and potential to disrupt opposing offenses.
Impact on the Competitive Landscape
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the competitive landscape of the league in the years following the draft. Several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Houston Texans, were able to build strong foundations for future success by selecting key players in the draft.
For example, the Chiefs’ selection of Eric Fisher helped to solidify their offensive line and allowed them to develop a potent offense. The Bengals’ selection of Giovani Bernard gave them a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, and the Texans’ selection of DeAndre Hopkins provided them with a top-tier wide receiver.
These teams, along with others who made successful selections in the 2013 draft, were able to challenge for playoff berths and even Super Bowl titles in the years following the draft. The draft served as a catalyst for change and helped to reshape the league’s competitive balance.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many young athletes, including Tavon Austin, who was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. His electrifying speed and agility made him a fan favorite, and it’s fascinating to look back at his career trajectory, which you can explore further by visiting tavon austin career stats.
While his time in the NFL didn’t quite reach the heights some predicted, his journey through the league is a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by many athletes in the 2013 draft class.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many players, including Tavon Austin, who was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. His potential was undeniable, and the Rams were eager to see him make an impact on the field.
To understand his journey, it’s important to consider his tavon austin salary , which reflects the expectations placed upon him and the challenges he faced in the league. Looking back, the 2013 draft remains a significant event, filled with stories of success and struggle, and the impact of Tavon Austin’s career continues to be debated among fans and analysts alike.