The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event that shaped the rosters of numerous teams for years to come. It featured a plethora of talented prospects who went on to achieve varying degrees of success in the league. Examining the draft’s impact, both positive and negative, provides valuable insights into the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the challenges of scouting and evaluating young talent.
Top Picks and Their Impact
The top picks of the 2013 draft were expected to be franchise cornerstones for their respective teams.
- Eric Fisher, the first overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, was selected to be their franchise left tackle. While he did provide stability at the position, his career was marred by injuries and inconsistency. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 after a disappointing five-year stint with the Chiefs.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Luke Joeckel, a talented offensive tackle from Texas A&M, with the second overall pick. Unfortunately, Joeckel’s career was also hampered by injuries and he was eventually released by the Jaguars in 2017.
- The third overall pick, Dion Jordan, a defensive end from Oregon, was a disappointment from the start. His career was plagued by off-field issues and injuries, and he was suspended for multiple seasons. He was eventually released by the Miami Dolphins in 2017.
- The fourth overall pick, Lane Johnson, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma, proved to be a valuable asset for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been a consistent performer for the Eagles and has been selected to three Pro Bowls.
- The fifth overall pick, Dee Milliner, a cornerback from Alabama, was a disappointment for the New York Jets. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency and was released by the Jets in 2016.
Key Storylines and Surprises
The 2013 draft was filled with intriguing storylines and unexpected twists.
- The biggest trade of the draft involved the Cleveland Browns, who traded the fourth overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 13th overall pick, the 49th overall pick, a second-round pick in the 2014 draft, and a first-round pick in the 2014 draft. The Browns used the 13th overall pick to select quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was a highly controversial player. He was eventually released by the Browns in 2015.
- Another notable trade involved the St. Louis Rams, who traded the second overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fourth overall pick, the 39th overall pick, and a second-round pick in the 2014 draft. The Rams used the fourth overall pick to select defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who has been a solid contributor for the Rams.
- One of the biggest surprises of the draft was the selection of Geno Smith by the New York Jets with the 39th overall pick. Smith was considered a late first-round prospect by many scouts, but the Jets decided to take a chance on him. Smith’s career with the Jets was a mixed bag, and he was eventually traded to the New York Giants in 2017.
Biggest Successes and Disappointments
The 2013 draft class produced several notable successes and disappointments.
- One of the biggest successes of the draft was Le’Veon Bell, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round. Bell quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league and was a key piece of the Steelers’ offense for several years.
- Another notable success was DeAndre Hopkins, who was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round. Hopkins has developed into one of the best wide receivers in the league and has been a consistent threat for the Texans.
- On the other hand, the 2013 draft class also produced several disappointments. One of the biggest was E.J. Manuel, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round. Manuel never lived up to expectations and was released by the Bills in 2016.
- Another disappointment was Matt Barkley, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round. Barkley struggled in the NFL and was released by the Eagles in 2015.
Notable Players from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, producing several players who have gone on to have successful careers in the league. From star quarterbacks to dominant defensive players, this draft class has left a lasting impact on the NFL.
Top 10 Players from the 2013 Draft
This table showcases the top 10 players from the 2013 draft based on their career performance and accolades. It is important to note that this list is subjective and based on a combination of individual achievements, team success, and overall impact on the league.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Kuechly | Linebacker | Carolina Panthers | 7x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012), Defensive Player of the Year (2013) |
| 2 | Le’Veon Bell | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | 3x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro |
| 3 | Eric Ebron | Tight End | Detroit Lions | 1x Pro Bowl |
| 4 | DeAndre Hopkins | Wide Receiver | Houston Texans | 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro |
| 5 | Sheldon Richardson | Defensive Tackle | New York Jets | 1x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, Defensive Rookie of the Year (2013) |
| 6 | Travis Kelce | Tight End | Kansas City Chiefs | 8x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro |
| 7 | Alec Ogletree | Linebacker | St. Louis Rams | 2x Pro Bowl |
| 8 | Kenny Vaccaro | Safety | New Orleans Saints | 1x Pro Bowl |
| 9 | Tyrann Mathieu | Safety | Arizona Cardinals | 3x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro |
| 10 | Cordarrelle Patterson | Wide Receiver/Return Specialist | Minnesota Vikings | 1x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro |
Players with Significant Impact on the NFL
The 2013 draft produced a number of players who have had a significant impact on the NFL. Beyond those listed in the top 10, some notable players include:
- J.C. Jackson (Cornerback, New England Patriots): Jackson has emerged as one of the league’s best cornerbacks, earning 2 Pro Bowl selections and 1 All-Pro selection. He has been a key contributor to the Patriots’ defensive success.
- Chandler Jones (Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals): Jones has consistently been one of the league’s most productive pass rushers, earning 5 Pro Bowl selections and 2 All-Pro selections.
- Zach Ertz (Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles): Ertz has become one of the league’s most reliable tight ends, earning 4 Pro Bowl selections and 1 All-Pro selection. He has been a key target for the Eagles’ offense.
- T.J. Watt (Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers): Watt has emerged as one of the league’s most dominant defensive players, earning 4 Pro Bowl selections, 3 All-Pro selections, and 1 Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been a key contributor to the Steelers’ defense.
Careers of the Top 5 Quarterbacks Drafted in 2013, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft featured a number of talented quarterbacks, but none have achieved the level of success that was initially anticipated. Here is a look at the careers of the top 5 quarterbacks drafted in 2013:
- E.J. Manuel (Buffalo Bills): Manuel’s career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He never lived up to the expectations that came with being a first-round pick, and he was out of the league by 2017.
- Geno Smith (New York Jets): Smith showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency and accuracy. He was traded to the Giants in 2017 and has since bounced around the league.
- Mike Glennon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Glennon was a starter for the Buccaneers in 2013 but was inconsistent and ultimately replaced by Jameis Winston. He has since been a backup quarterback for several teams.
- Matt Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles): Barkley’s career has been a journeyman one, with stints on several teams. He has mostly served as a backup quarterback.
- Ryan Nassib (New York Giants): Nassib was drafted in the fourth round and spent several years as a backup quarterback for the Giants. He is currently out of the league.
The 2013 Draft in Perspective
The 2013 NFL Draft is often remembered for its abundance of talent, particularly at the quarterback position. However, the draft class as a whole has produced a diverse range of impact players across different positions, leaving a lasting mark on the league. Examining the 2013 draft in perspective allows for a deeper understanding of its impact on the NFL landscape and how it compares to other recent draft classes.
Comparing the 2013 Draft Class to Other Recent Classes
The 2013 draft class stands out for its depth and the number of players who have achieved significant success in the NFL. It is considered one of the stronger draft classes in recent memory, rivaling the 2011 and 2017 drafts in terms of overall talent and impact.
- The 2011 draft class featured future Hall of Famers like J.J. Watt and Von Miller, as well as numerous Pro Bowl players. This class had a strong foundation, but the 2013 class has arguably produced more impact players across different positions.
- The 2017 draft class was notable for its impressive quarterback talent, with players like Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson leading the way. However, the 2013 class boasts a wider range of impactful players, including stars at positions like wide receiver, running back, and defensive back.
Tiering the 2013 Draft Class Based on Success
To assess the long-term impact of the 2013 draft class, it is helpful to categorize players into tiers based on their overall success and contribution to the NFL.
- Tier 1: Elite Players: This tier includes players who have consistently performed at a Pro Bowl level and have had a significant impact on their respective teams. Examples include Luke Joeckel (OT), Eric Fisher (OT), Le’Veon Bell (RB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), and Tyrann Mathieu (DB).
- Tier 2: Above Average Players: This tier includes players who have established themselves as solid starters and have contributed to their teams’ success. Examples include Kenny Vaccaro (S), Sheldon Richardson (DT), Cordarrelle Patterson (WR), and T.J. McDonald (S).
- Tier 3: Role Players: This tier includes players who have provided valuable depth and have contributed in a supporting role. Examples include Manti Te’o (LB), David Amerson (CB), and Kiko Alonso (LB).
- Tier 4: Short-Lived Careers: This tier includes players who did not have a lasting impact in the NFL and had their careers cut short due to injuries, lack of opportunity, or other factors. Examples include Geno Smith (QB), Barkevious Mingo (LB), and Jonathan Cooper (G).
The Long-Term Impact of the 2013 Draft
The 2013 draft class has left a lasting impact on the NFL landscape. The presence of multiple Pro Bowl players and key contributors across various positions has shaped the competitive landscape of the league.
- The draft class has produced several foundational players who have anchored their respective teams’ offensive and defensive lines. Players like Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher have been key pieces in their respective teams’ offensive schemes, while players like Sheldon Richardson and Tyrann Mathieu have anchored their teams’ defensive units.
- The 2013 draft class has also provided a significant boost to the offensive skill positions. The presence of players like Le’Veon Bell, DeAndre Hopkins, and Cordarrelle Patterson has injected a high level of talent and dynamism into the league’s offensive landscape.
- The 2013 draft class has been a significant contributor to the league’s overall competitive balance. The presence of numerous impactful players across various teams has made it more challenging for any single team to dominate the league, fostering a more competitive and unpredictable landscape.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a number of talented players selected, including wide receiver Tavon Austin, who was drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. Austin’s speed and agility were on full display during his time at West Virginia, notably in his electrifying performance against Oklahoma in 2012, a game that showcased his potential as a game-changer.
tavon austin vs oklahoma This standout performance, along with his impressive college career, helped propel him into the first round of the draft and set the stage for his professional journey.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a plethora of talented wide receivers enter the league, and among them was Stedman Bailey, a player known for his exceptional route running and hands. Bailey, who went on to have a promising career with the St.
Louis Rams, was a key contributor in their offensive scheme. Stedman Bailey ’s presence in the draft highlighted the depth and skill of that year’s wide receiver class, and his journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape.
