The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, shaping the rosters of teams for years to come. It featured a diverse range of talented prospects, with several players going on to have successful careers. This retrospective examines the draft’s impact, analyzing the top picks, surprising selections, and the overall success of different draft rounds.
Top 10 Picks and Their Current Status
The top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft are a testament to the talent pool available. Here’s a look at their current status:
- Eric Fisher (OT) – Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher, selected by the Chiefs, has established himself as a solid left tackle, playing for the team throughout his career. He is currently with the Indianapolis Colts.
- Luke Joeckel (OT) – Jacksonville Jaguars: Joeckel’s career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. He played for the Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2019.
- Dion Jordan (DE) – Miami Dolphins: Jordan, a highly touted prospect, struggled with off-field issues and injuries, limiting his impact. He is currently out of the NFL.
- Lane Johnson (OT) – Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson has emerged as a dominant right tackle, playing a crucial role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory in 2018. He remains a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line.
- Dee Milliner (CB) – New York Jets: Milliner’s career was plagued by injuries, and he failed to live up to expectations. He played for the Jets and the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 2017.
- Ezekiel Ansah (DE) – Detroit Lions: Ansah, a powerful pass rusher, had a successful career with the Lions. He played for the Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2020.
- Sharrif Floyd (DT) – Minnesota Vikings: Floyd’s career was cut short due to injuries, limiting his potential. He played for the Vikings before retiring in 2017.
- Barkevious Mingo (LB) – Cleveland Browns: Mingo’s career was inconsistent, with multiple team changes. He played for the Browns, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts before retiring in 2019.
- Kenny Vaccaro (S) – New Orleans Saints: Vaccaro had a solid career with the Saints, playing a key role in their defense. He currently plays for the Tennessee Titans.
- Chance Warmack (G) – Tennessee Titans: Warmack, a dominant guard in college, struggled to translate his success to the NFL. He played for the Titans and Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 2018.
Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft had its fair share of surprises and disappointments. Some players exceeded expectations, while others fell short of their projected potential.
Surprises
- Tyler Eifert (TE) – Cincinnati Bengals: Eifert, selected in the first round, had a promising career, showcasing his talent as a receiving tight end. He played for the Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2021.
- Travis Kelce (TE) – Kansas City Chiefs: Kelce, a third-round pick, has become one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. He is a key weapon in the Chiefs’ offense and has consistently been a Pro Bowl selection.
- Zach Ertz (TE) – Philadelphia Eagles: Ertz, a second-round pick, developed into a reliable target for the Eagles, becoming one of the league’s most productive tight ends. He currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals.
Disappointments
- Dee Milliner (CB) – New York Jets: Milliner, a first-round pick, failed to live up to expectations due to injuries and inconsistency. He played for the Jets and the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 2017.
- Dion Jordan (DE) – Miami Dolphins: Jordan, a first-round pick, struggled with off-field issues and injuries, limiting his impact. He is currently out of the NFL.
- Barkevious Mingo (LB) – Cleveland Browns: Mingo, a first-round pick, had an inconsistent career, with multiple team changes. He played for the Browns, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts before retiring in 2019.
Success of Top Picks vs. Later Rounds
The 2013 NFL Draft highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft process. While the top picks often generate the most hype, players selected in later rounds can also make significant contributions.
Top Picks
The top picks in the 2013 NFL Draft were a mixed bag. Some, like Lane Johnson and Travis Kelce, have become stars, while others have been disappointments. The success of the top picks was influenced by factors such as injuries, off-field issues, and team fit.
Later Rounds
Players selected in later rounds often provide value and contribute significantly to their teams. In the 2013 draft, several later-round picks became key contributors, demonstrating the importance of scouting and development.
Draft Order, Player Selected, and Current Team
| Draft Pick | Player | Current Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher (OT) | Indianapolis Colts |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel (OT) | Retired |
| 3 | Dion Jordan (DE) | Out of NFL |
| 4 | Lane Johnson (OT) | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 5 | Dee Milliner (CB) | Retired |
| 6 | Ezekiel Ansah (DE) | Retired |
| 7 | Sharrif Floyd (DT) | Retired |
| 8 | Barkevious Mingo (LB) | Retired |
| 9 | Kenny Vaccaro (S) | Tennessee Titans |
| 10 | Chance Warmack (G) | Retired |
Notable Players from the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a landmark event that brought a wave of talented players into the league. Some of these players have gone on to have illustrious careers, becoming cornerstone players for their respective teams. This section will explore the careers of some of the most impactful players from the 2013 draft class, highlighting their contributions and the impact they’ve had on the league.
Top Performers from the 2013 Draft
The 2013 draft class has produced a number of standout players who have made significant contributions to their teams. Here’s a look at some of the top performers, categorized by position:
| Position | Player | Team | Notable Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | Super Bowl XLVIII Champion, 9 Pro Bowls, 1 Super Bowl MVP, 1 NFL Offensive Player of the Year |
| Running Back | Le’Veon Bell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 3x Pro Bowl, 2x NFL rushing yards leader, 1x NFL rushing touchdowns leader |
| Wide Receiver | DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans/Arizona Cardinals | 8x Pro Bowl, 1x NFL receiving yards leader, 1x NFL receiving touchdowns leader |
| Tight End | Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs | 8x Pro Bowl, 1x Super Bowl Champion, 2x NFL receiving yards leader, 2x NFL receiving touchdowns leader |
| Offensive Tackle | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | 1x Super Bowl Champion, 3x Pro Bowl |
| Defensive End | Ezekiel Ansah | Detroit Lions | 2x Pro Bowl, 1x NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
| Linebacker | Luke Kuechly | Carolina Panthers | 7x Pro Bowl, 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1x NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
| Cornerback | Richard Sherman | Seattle Seahawks | 5x Pro Bowl, 1x Super Bowl Champion, 1x NFL Defensive Player of the Year |
| Safety | Eric Reid | San Francisco 49ers/Carolina Panthers | 2x Pro Bowl |
Notable Careers of Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith
These three players were among the top picks in the 2013 draft, and their careers have taken different paths.
Luke Joeckel
Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars to be their franchise left tackle. While he showed flashes of potential, Joeckel struggled with injuries and consistency. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he played for two seasons before retiring in 2019. Joeckel’s career was ultimately a disappointment, as he was unable to live up to the expectations placed on him as a high draft pick.
Eric Fisher
Eric Fisher, the first overall pick, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ offensive line, helping to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and pave the way for a potent running game. Fisher was a key contributor to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, and he earned three Pro Bowl selections during his career. While he suffered a significant injury in 2021, he returned to play in 2022 before announcing his retirement.
Geno Smith
Geno Smith, the 39th overall pick, was selected by the New York Jets. He struggled to establish himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL, bouncing between several teams before landing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Smith had a career resurgence in 2022, leading the Seahawks to a playoff berth and earning Pro Bowl honors. He proved to be a capable starting quarterback, showing a strong arm and improved decision-making.
The 2013 Draft’s Legacy
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history, producing a wave of talent that reshaped the landscape of the game. From franchise quarterbacks to dominant defenders, this draft class has left an enduring mark on the NFL.
The Impact of the 2013 Draft Class
The 2013 draft class has had a profound impact on the NFL, shaping the fortunes of several franchises and defining the careers of numerous players. The class features several players who have become superstars, earning Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and even a Super Bowl title. Their impact can be seen in the number of teams that have been built around players from this draft class, with teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Carolina Panthers finding success with their 2013 selections.
Comparing the 2013 Draft Class to Other Recent Drafts
The 2013 draft class stands out among recent drafts for its depth and the number of impact players it produced. Compared to the 2012 draft class, which featured a dominant quarterback in Andrew Luck but lacked overall depth, the 2013 class boasts a wider range of talent across different positions. Similarly, the 2014 draft class, while strong in certain areas, lacks the sheer number of stars that the 2013 class has produced.
A Timeline of the 2013 Draft Class’s Achievements, 2013 nfl draft
- 2013: Several players from the 2013 draft class make immediate impacts on their respective teams. Notable examples include Luke Joeckel, who starts at left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Eric Fisher, who starts at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- 2014: The 2013 draft class continues to develop, with several players emerging as key contributors. The Seattle Seahawks, featuring their 2013 draft picks, make it to Super Bowl XLVIII, with Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas playing pivotal roles in their defense.
- 2015: The 2013 draft class reaches new heights, with players like Khalil Mack, DeAndre Hopkins, and Le’Veon Bell establishing themselves as elite players in the league.
- 2016: The Carolina Panthers, led by 2013 draft pick Luke Kuechly, reach Super Bowl 50. The class’s impact on the NFL is undeniable.
- 2017-Present: The 2013 draft class continues to make its mark on the league, with several players remaining key contributors and leaders for their respective teams. The impact of this draft class is expected to be felt for years to come.
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The 2013 NFL Draft was a whirlwind of excitement, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it brought a spark of speed with the selection of Tavon Austin. While his time with the Cowboys was brief, it showcased his electrifying potential. To learn more about his journey with the team, check out this article: tavon austin dallas cowboys.
The draft remains a crucial moment for any team, and the Cowboys’ gamble on Austin was a bold move that continues to be debated amongst fans.
