The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a time of great excitement and anticipation for football fans everywhere. With a number of highly touted prospects, teams were eager to add talent to their rosters and build for the future. The draft produced a mix of stars, busts, and players who have carved out solid careers. Let’s take a look back at the top five picks and see how they fared in the NFL.
Top Five Picks
The top five picks in the 2013 NFL Draft were all considered to be potential franchise players. Let’s see how they performed in the NFL.
| Pick Number | Player Name | Team | Notable Accomplishments in the NFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Started 115 games in his 10 seasons with the Chiefs. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020. |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Struggled with injuries and inconsistency, only playing 50 games in his 5 seasons. |
| 3 | Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | His career was derailed by multiple failed drug tests and suspensions. He only played 26 games in his 4 seasons. |
| 4 | Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times and has been named an All-Pro twice. |
| 5 | Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Had a disappointing career, playing for 6 different teams in 6 seasons. He only had 10 sacks in 71 games. |
Performance of the Top Five Picks Compared to the Rest of the First Round
While the top five picks had mixed results, the 2013 NFL Draft was a strong class overall. Many players in the first round went on to have successful careers.
“The 2013 NFL Draft was a success, with many players making significant contributions to their teams.”
The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft produced several Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, including:
* Tyler Eifert (21st pick): Tight end who had a successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals, being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
* DeAndre Hopkins (27th pick): Wide receiver who has established himself as one of the best in the NFL, being selected to the Pro Bowl six times and being named an All-Pro three times.
* Travis Kelce (3rd round pick): Tight end who has become a dominant force for the Kansas City Chiefs, being selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and being named an All-Pro six times.
Key Moments and Surprises: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster ride of trades, unexpected picks, and dramatic player reactions. From the very first pick to the final selection, there were plenty of twists and turns that left fans, analysts, and even the teams themselves scratching their heads.
Notable Trades and Picks
The draft was filled with trades, some big, some small, but all with the potential to change the landscape of the NFL. One of the most significant trades involved the Cleveland Browns, who traded up to the number one spot to select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. The Browns were desperate for a franchise quarterback, and they believed Manziel was the answer. However, this pick was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the Browns for taking a chance on a talented player and others questioning their decision to draft a quarterback with a reputation for off-field issues.
- Another noteworthy trade involved the Kansas City Chiefs, who traded up to the number 10 spot to select Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. The Chiefs were looking for a weapon to help their young quarterback, Alex Smith, and they believed Eifert was the perfect fit. Eifert’s selection was a surprise to many, as he was not considered a top-10 prospect by most draft analysts. However, the Chiefs were confident in their decision, and Eifert went on to have a successful career in the NFL.
Unexpected Picks
The 2013 NFL Draft was also full of unexpected picks, with teams selecting players who were not projected to be taken at their current position. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Lane Johnson, a talented offensive tackle from Oklahoma, with the fourth overall pick. Johnson was not considered a top-four prospect by most draft analysts, but the Eagles were impressed by his size, athleticism, and potential.
- Another unexpected pick was the selection of Ezekiel Ansah, a defensive end from BYU, by the Detroit Lions with the fifth overall pick. Ansah was a raw prospect with limited experience playing American football, but the Lions were intrigued by his physical gifts and potential. Ansah went on to have a successful career in the NFL, becoming a Pro Bowler and a key player on the Lions’ defense.
Impact of the Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the future of the NFL. Many of the players selected in the draft went on to become stars, while others failed to live up to their potential.
- For example, the number one overall pick, Eric Fisher, a left tackle from Central Michigan, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. Fisher went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Chiefs for eight seasons. However, other players selected in the first round, such as Dion Jordan, a defensive end from Oregon, who was selected by the Miami Dolphins, did not have the same level of success. Jordan’s career was plagued by injuries and off-field issues, and he never lived up to his potential.
Impact on Teams and the League
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event that shaped the league’s competitive landscape for years to come. Several teams landed key pieces that propelled them to success, while others made questionable selections that hampered their progress. Let’s dive into the impact of the draft on both individual teams and the league as a whole.
Impact on Teams
The 2013 draft saw some teams hit home runs with their selections, while others struck out. Here’s a look at some of the teams that benefited most from the draft:
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, used their first-round pick to select Eric Fisher, a talented offensive tackle who immediately solidified their offensive line. Fisher helped pave the way for a resurgent Chiefs offense, which propelled them to the playoffs in 2013 and 2014.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks, already a strong team, added another crucial piece to their defense with the selection of defensive end, Bruce Irvin. Irvin, a pass-rushing specialist, formed a formidable duo with fellow defensive end, Cliff Avril. This defensive powerhouse helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears, under head coach Marc Trestman, added a key piece to their offense with the selection of wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery quickly emerged as a star, forming a dynamic duo with Brandon Marshall. This duo helped lead the Bears to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 2013.
Long-Term Impact on the League, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft had a lasting impact on the NFL, shaping the league’s competitive landscape for years to come. Some of the key long-term impacts include:
- Rise of the Defensive Powerhouse: The 2013 draft saw a surge in the selection of defensive players, particularly pass rushers. This trend led to a shift in the league’s focus towards defensive dominance. The Seattle Seahawks, who emphasized defense in the 2013 draft, went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII, proving the value of a strong defensive foundation.
- Impact on Quarterback Development: The 2013 draft saw several quarterbacks selected in the first round, including EJ Manuel, Geno Smith, and Matt Barkley. While these quarterbacks didn’t live up to their draft position expectations, the draft’s emphasis on quarterbacks helped to highlight the importance of finding a franchise quarterback in the modern NFL.
- Shifting Offensive Philosophies: The 2013 draft saw a shift in offensive philosophies, with teams emphasizing the importance of a strong running game. This trend was driven in part by the success of teams like the Seattle Seahawks, who prioritized a balanced offense.
| Team | Key Draft Pick | Impact on Team | Long-Term Impact on the League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Eric Fisher (OT) | Improved offensive line, led to playoff appearances in 2013 and 2014 | Strengthened the importance of offensive line play |
| Seattle Seahawks | Bruce Irvin (DE) | Added pass-rushing depth, key contributor to Super Bowl XLVIII victory | Promoted the value of defensive dominance |
| Chicago Bears | Alshon Jeffery (WR) | Formed a dynamic duo with Brandon Marshall, led to a playoff berth in 2013 | Emphasized the importance of having a strong receiving corps |
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with promise and potential, and one player who stood out was Stedman Bailey. His journey from the draft to facing life’s challenges is a testament to resilience and determination, reminding us that even when faced with adversity, we can overcome and achieve greatness.
The 2013 NFL Draft showcased the raw talent and potential that fuels the game, and Stedman Bailey’s story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many teams, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it brought a dynamic player in the form of Tavon Austin. His electrifying speed and agility made him a force to be reckoned with, and his impact on the Cowboys is still debated today.
Tavon Austin Cowboys As we reflect on that draft, it’s a reminder that even the most unpredictable selections can shape the future of a franchise.
