The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, shaping the rosters and fortunes of teams for years to come. This draft produced a number of stars and impact players, and its lasting effects are still being felt today.
The Overall Impact of the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was notable for its depth and talent across various positions. Several players selected in this draft quickly established themselves as key contributors to their respective teams, contributing to the overall competitiveness and excitement of the league. This draft class helped to usher in a new era of talent and skill across the NFL, with players like Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith becoming instant starters and key figures for their franchises.
The Top 10 Picks and Their Subsequent Careers
The top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft have had varying levels of success in their professional careers. Here is a look at their subsequent careers:
- Eric Fisher (OT, Kansas City Chiefs): Fisher was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs and became a key piece of their offensive line. He played a significant role in the Chiefs’ success in recent years, including their Super Bowl victory in 2020.
- Luke Joeckel (OT, Jacksonville Jaguars): Joeckel was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He struggled with injuries early in his career and never quite lived up to his potential. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 and retired after the 2019 season.
- Geno Smith (QB, New York Jets): Smith was selected third overall by the New York Jets. He had a tumultuous start to his career, but eventually found success with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
- Dion Jordan (DE, Miami Dolphins): Jordan was selected fourth overall by the Miami Dolphins. He was plagued by injuries and off-field issues throughout his career, and was eventually suspended for multiple seasons for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
- Barkevious Mingo (OLB, Cleveland Browns): Mingo was selected sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns. He failed to live up to his draft position and was traded to the New England Patriots in 2015. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2019.
- Dee Milliner (CB, New York Jets): Milliner was selected ninth overall by the New York Jets. He was a disappointment in New York and was released after just three seasons. He played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 and the New Orleans Saints in 2017 before retiring.
- Ezekiel Ansah (DE, Detroit Lions): Ansah was selected fifth overall by the Detroit Lions. He was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and 2017, but struggled with injuries throughout his career. He was released by the Lions in 2019 and played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 and 2020 before retiring.
- Sharrif Floyd (DT, Minnesota Vikings): Floyd was selected eighth overall by the Minnesota Vikings. He was a promising young player but suffered a career-ending injury in 2016.
- Chance Warmack (OG, Tennessee Titans): Warmack was selected tenth overall by the Tennessee Titans. He was a solid player early in his career but was released by the Titans in 2017. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 before retiring.
- Lane Johnson (OT, Philadelphia Eagles): Johnson was selected fourth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly became a dominant force on the Eagles’ offensive line, playing a key role in their Super Bowl victory in 2018.
Significant Trades During the Draft
Several notable trades occurred during the 2013 NFL Draft, shaping the landscape of the league. One of the most significant trades involved the St. Louis Rams trading up to the second overall pick to select quarterback Sam Bradford. This trade demonstrated the Rams’ commitment to finding a franchise quarterback and marked a turning point in their franchise history.
Comparison of the 2013 Draft Class to Previous and Subsequent Years
The 2013 NFL Draft class was considered to be a strong class, producing several impact players and contributing to the league’s overall talent pool. Compared to previous years, this draft class was notable for its depth at the offensive line position, with several players becoming key starters and contributing to their teams’ success. Compared to subsequent years, this draft class is considered to be a solid class, but not as strong as some of the more recent drafts that have produced a higher number of star players and franchise cornerstones.
Top 5 Picks and Career Statistics
| Pick | Player | Team | Position | Career Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | OT | 107 games, 85 starts |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | OT | 64 games, 58 starts |
| 3 | Geno Smith | New York Jets | QB | 99 games, 86 starts |
| 4 | Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | DE | 26 games, 15 starts |
| 5 | Ezekiel Ansah | Detroit Lions | DE | 71 games, 68 starts |
Notable Players from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a star-studded event, featuring several players who went on to have successful careers in the league. This draft produced a mix of players who lived up to their draft position and those who fell short of expectations. We’ll explore some of the notable players from the 2013 draft and their impact on their respective teams.
Standout Players
The 2013 draft class featured several players who quickly became key contributors to their teams. Some of these players have gone on to have Pro Bowl careers, while others have made a significant impact despite not achieving the same level of individual recognition.
Eric Fisher
Eric Fisher, selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, was expected to be a franchise left tackle for years to come. He did live up to the hype, becoming a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line and playing in two Pro Bowls. Fisher was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, where he continued to be a reliable starter before retiring in 2022.
Luke Joeckel
Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, was another highly touted offensive tackle. However, Joeckel struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, leading to his departure from Jacksonville after four seasons. He played one more season with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring.
Geno Smith
Geno Smith, the second quarterback selected in the 2013 draft, was taken by the New York Jets with the 39th pick. Smith struggled in his first two seasons in New York, but he later found success as a backup with the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. Smith’s career took a turn in 2022 when he became the starting quarterback for the Seahawks and led them to a surprise playoff berth.
Impact Players, 2013 nfl draft
Several players from the 2013 draft class made a significant impact on their teams, even if they didn’t become superstars. These players were often key contributors to their teams’ success, and they helped to shape the landscape of the NFL.
DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins, selected 27th overall by the Houston Texans, quickly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Hopkins was a dominant force for the Texans, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods. In 2023, Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he continued to be a productive receiver.
Tyrann Mathieu
Tyrann Mathieu, the 69th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals, was a versatile defensive back who quickly became a fan favorite in Arizona. Mathieu was a key contributor to the Cardinals’ defense, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods. He was traded to the Houston Texans in 2018 and later played for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl.
Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell, the 48th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, was a dynamic running back who quickly became a key part of the Steelers’ offense. Bell was a two-time Pro Bowler and was one of the best running backs in the league during his time in Pittsburgh. Bell’s career was impacted by contract disputes and injuries, but he still had a successful career in the NFL.
Exceeding Expectations
Some players from the 2013 draft class exceeded expectations, making a bigger impact than their draft position suggested.
Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz, the 35th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, became a key target for quarterback Nick Foles. Ertz had a successful career with the Eagles, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles again before retiring.
T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt, the 30th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, became one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Watt was a key part of the Steelers’ defense, earning four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods. He also won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.
Falling Short of Expectations
Unfortunately, not every player drafted in 2013 lived up to their draft position. Several players struggled to find success in the NFL, or their careers were cut short due to injuries or other factors.
Barkevious Mingo
Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, was expected to be a dominant pass rusher. However, Mingo struggled to find consistency in the NFL, and he was released by the Browns after three seasons. He played for several other teams before retiring in 2019.
Jonathan Cooper
Jonathan Cooper, the seventh overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals, was a highly touted offensive guard. However, Cooper was plagued by injuries throughout his career, and he was released by the Cardinals after four seasons. He played for the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns before retiring in 2017.
Notable Players from the 2013 Draft
| Player | Team | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs (2013-2020), Indianapolis Colts (2021-2022) | 2x Pro Bowl |
| Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars (2013-2016), Seattle Seahawks (2017) | |
| Geno Smith | New York Jets (2013-2016), New York Giants (2017), Seattle Seahawks (2019-2022) | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans (2013-2022), Arizona Cardinals (2023-present) | 5x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro |
| Tyrann Mathieu | Arizona Cardinals (2013-2017), Houston Texans (2018-2018), Kansas City Chiefs (2019-2021) | 3x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro |
| Le’Veon Bell | Pittsburgh Steelers (2013-2017), New York Jets (2019-2020), Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) | 2x Pro Bowl |
| Zach Ertz | Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2021), Arizona Cardinals (2021-2022), Philadelphia Eagles (2022) | 3x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro |
| T.J. Watt | Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-present) | 4x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2021) |
| Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns (2013-2015), New England Patriots (2016), Indianapolis Colts (2016), Seattle Seahawks (2017), New York Giants (2017) | |
| Jonathan Cooper | Arizona Cardinals (2013-2016), New England Patriots (2017), Cleveland Browns (2017) |
The 2013 Draft: A Historical Context: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, marked by a mix of high-profile prospects, unexpected twists, and significant trades. It was a draft that shaped the future of many franchises and set the stage for years to come.
Pre-Draft Landscape and Key Storylines
The 2012 NFL season had left a lasting impact on the draft landscape, with several teams vying for top picks. The Kansas City Chiefs, with a 2-14 record, secured the first overall selection, while the Jacksonville Jaguars, who finished 2-14 as well, held the second pick. The Cleveland Browns, with a 5-11 record, were in line for the third pick, highlighting the need for significant talent infusion among these struggling teams.
The pre-draft buzz centered around a few key storylines:
- The emergence of Eric Fisher, a towering offensive tackle from Central Michigan, as a potential franchise cornerstone for the Chiefs.
- The uncertainty surrounding Geno Smith, a talented quarterback from West Virginia, who was projected to be a top-five pick but faced questions about his readiness for the NFL.
- The potential for a quarterback-heavy draft, with several promising signal-callers vying for a chance to lead their teams to success.
Impact of the 2012 Season on Draft Order and Team Needs
The 2012 season significantly influenced the draft order and team needs. The Chiefs, Jaguars, and Browns, all struggling teams, were in desperate need of talent, particularly at key positions like quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line. Teams like the New York Jets, who had a disappointing season, also found themselves in a position to rebuild, making them active players in the draft.
- The Chiefs, with the first overall pick, were in a prime position to address their long-standing need for a franchise quarterback, but ultimately decided to go with Fisher, opting to build their offensive line first.
- The Jaguars, with the second pick, opted for Luke Joeckel, another offensive tackle, reflecting their commitment to protecting their young quarterback, Blaine Gabbert.
- The Browns, with the third pick, selected defensive end Barkevious Mingo, hoping to bolster their defensive line and create a formidable pass rush.
Significant Draft-Day Surprises and Unexpected Picks
The 2013 NFL Draft was full of surprises and unexpected picks that left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
- The New York Jets traded up to the ninth overall pick to select Geno Smith, a move that raised eyebrows considering their need for a defensive playmaker.
- The Oakland Raiders, with the third overall pick, surprised everyone by selecting Khalil Mack, a linebacker from Buffalo, over a quarterback, a move that proved to be a shrewd decision in the long run.
- The Minnesota Vikings, with the 23rd overall pick, selected Cordarrelle Patterson, a dynamic wide receiver from Tennessee, a pick that many considered a reach at the time, but Patterson went on to become a valuable offensive weapon for the Vikings.
Timeline of Key Events Leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft
- February 2013: The NFL Combine takes place in Indianapolis, where top prospects showcase their skills and undergo physical and mental testing.
- March 2013: Pro days are held at various colleges and universities, allowing scouts to evaluate prospects in a more controlled environment.
- April 2013: The NFL Draft is held in New York City, with the first round taking place on Thursday, followed by rounds two through seven on Friday and Saturday.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, full of surprises and high hopes. One of the more intriguing picks was the selection of Tavon Austin by the St. Louis Rams, a speedster who promised to electrify the league.
But, you know how it goes, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and he ended up taking his talents to Green Bay, where he spent a brief but memorable time. Tavon Austin Packers was a curious chapter in the story of the 2013 draft, a reminder that even the fastest players can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, full of surprises and potential. One of the biggest head-scratchers was the St. Louis Rams selecting Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick. His blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability had everyone buzzing, but his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the hype.
To see how much he actually earned in his time on the gridiron, check out tavon austin career earnings. Whatever the total, it’s a reminder that the NFL is a fickle mistress, and even the most promising players can fall short of expectations.
But hey, at least the 2013 draft gave us some memorable moments, even if they weren’t always the ones we predicted.
