The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft took place on April 25-27 in New York City. The event was a significant one, featuring a number of highly-touted prospects and several trades that shook up the league landscape. The draft saw the Kansas City Chiefs select Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel, with the 22nd overall pick, marking a turning point for the franchise. The draft was also notable for the emergence of a new generation of quarterbacks, with players like Geno Smith, EJ Manuel, and Matt Barkley all being selected in the first round.
Notable Picks, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a number of players who would go on to have successful careers in the league.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 overall): Fisher was selected first overall by the Chiefs, and he quickly became a cornerstone of their offensive line. He played eight seasons with the Chiefs and was a key part of their Super Bowl LIV victory.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 overall): Joeckel was the second overall pick, but he struggled to live up to expectations in Jacksonville. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 and was released in 2018.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets (No. 9 overall): Milliner was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Alabama, but he struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the NFL. He was released by the Jets in 2015.
- Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets (No. 13 overall): Richardson was a dominant force on the Jets’ defensive line. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014, and he was a key part of the Jets’ defensive success. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
- Giovani Bernard, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 36 overall): Bernard was a versatile running back who had a successful career with the Bengals. He was a key part of their offense for several years, and he was known for his ability to both run and catch the ball.
- Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 21 overall): Eifert was a highly-touted tight end prospect coming out of Notre Dame, but he struggled with injuries throughout his career. He was a key part of the Bengals’ offense when healthy, and he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.
- Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 48 overall): Bell was a dominant running back who was one of the best players in the league during his time with the Steelers. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2019.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans (No. 27 overall): Hopkins was a star wide receiver for the Texans, and he is considered one of the best players at his position in the league. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
- Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers (No. 37 overall): Allen was a highly-touted wide receiver prospect coming out of California, and he quickly became a star for the Chargers. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro.
Impact on the League
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the league in the years following. The draft saw the emergence of a number of stars, including DeAndre Hopkins, Le’Veon Bell, and Keenan Allen, who would go on to become some of the best players in the league. The draft also saw the emergence of a new generation of quarterbacks, with players like Johnny Manziel, Geno Smith, and EJ Manuel all being selected in the first round. While not all of these quarterbacks went on to have successful careers, their presence in the league had a significant impact on the game.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event that shaped the league for years to come. It was a draft that was full of talented players, and it was a draft that had a lasting impact on the NFL.
Top Picks and Their Impact
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event for many teams, with several top picks going on to have a major impact on their respective franchises. The draft saw the selection of some of the most talented players in recent years, who have since become stars in the NFL.
The Top 10 Picks and Their Impact
The top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft have had varying degrees of success, with some becoming key players for their teams while others have struggled to live up to expectations.
| Pick | Player | Team | Current Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Retired | Fisher was a solid, but not spectacular, left tackle for the Chiefs. He played eight seasons in the NFL, starting 98 games. |
| 2 | Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Retired | Joeckel was a disappointment, struggling to stay healthy and never becoming a dominant force at left tackle. He played six seasons in the NFL, starting 55 games. |
| 3 | Dion Jordan | Miami Dolphins | Retired | Jordan’s career was plagued by off-field issues and injuries. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting 11 games. |
| 4 | Lane Johnson | Philadelphia Eagles | Active | Johnson has become one of the best right tackles in the NFL. He has been selected to three Pro Bowls and has been named a first-team All-Pro twice. |
| 5 | Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Retired | Mingo never lived up to his potential as a pass rusher. He played six seasons in the NFL, starting 29 games. |
| 6 | Dee Milliner | New York Jets | Retired | Milliner was a bust, struggling with injuries and never becoming a reliable cornerback. He played four seasons in the NFL, starting 23 games. |
| 7 | Tyler Eifert | Cincinnati Bengals | Retired | Eifert was a talented tight end who was hampered by injuries throughout his career. He played six seasons in the NFL, starting 51 games. |
| 8 | Geno Smith | New York Jets | Active | Smith has had a turbulent career, bouncing around the league and never establishing himself as a starting quarterback. He has played nine seasons in the NFL, starting 64 games. |
| 9 | Sharrif Floyd | Minnesota Vikings | Retired | Floyd showed promise early in his career but was derailed by injuries. He played four seasons in the NFL, starting 24 games. |
| 10 | Ezekiel Ansah | Detroit Lions | Retired | Ansah was a dominant pass rusher early in his career, but injuries and inconsistent play limited his effectiveness. He played six seasons in the NFL, starting 69 games. |
Late-Round Picks Who Exceeded Expectations
While the top picks in the 2013 NFL Draft have had varying degrees of success, some late-round picks have exceeded expectations. These players have proven that talent can be found throughout the draft, and they have made a significant impact on their respective teams.
- Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks, 3rd round, 75th overall): Wilson was a late-round pick who has become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and has been selected to nine Pro Bowls. He has also won a Super Bowl MVP award.
- T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1st round, 30th overall): Watt was a later pick in the first round, but he has become one of the best defensive players in the NFL. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and has been named a first-team All-Pro twice. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.
- Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles, 2nd round, 35th overall): Ertz was a second-round pick who has become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and has been named a first-team All-Pro once. He also won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018.
The 2013 Draft Class
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a collection of talented players enter the league, many of whom have gone on to carve out successful careers. A decade later, it’s fascinating to look back and see how these players have shaped the league and what factors contributed to their success or struggles.
The Most Successful Players
The 2013 draft class produced a number of stars, many of whom have left their mark on the league. Here are some of the most successful players from this class, along with their key accomplishments:
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd Overall): While Joeckel’s career was marred by injuries, he still managed to be a solid starter for several seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017. He started 73 games over his six seasons in the NFL.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st Overall): Fisher was a consistent and reliable presence on the Chiefs’ offensive line for eight seasons, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2020. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016 and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2018.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals (27th Overall): Hopkins is widely considered one of the best wide receivers in the league, having earned five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. He is known for his incredible hands, route-running ability, and physicality.
- Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, New York Jets (48th Overall): Bell was a dominant force in the NFL, racking up over 6,000 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in his first six seasons. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Tyrann Mathieu, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs (69th Overall): Mathieu has established himself as one of the most versatile and impactful defensive backs in the league, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. He is known for his playmaking ability and leadership.
- Travis Kelce, Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs (63rd Overall): Kelce has become one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and six first-team All-Pro honors. He is known for his incredible athleticism, route-running ability, and touchdown-scoring prowess.
- Chandler Jones, Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals (21st Overall): Jones has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. He has also recorded a league-leading 19 sacks in a single season.
- Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, New Orleans Saints (15th Overall): Vaccaro was a key piece of the Saints’ defense for five seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. He started 71 games over his seven seasons in the NFL.
Factors Contributing to Success
Several factors have contributed to the success of players from the 2013 draft class. These include:
- Talent and Skill: The 2013 draft class was loaded with talented players who possessed the natural ability to succeed at the NFL level. Many of these players had already proven themselves at the college level, showing off their skills and potential.
- Opportunity: Landing on the right team with the right coaching staff can make a big difference for a young player. Some players in this class were fortunate to find themselves in situations where they could thrive, while others were not so lucky.
- Work Ethic and Development: Beyond natural talent, players need to be dedicated to their craft and willing to put in the work to improve. Many of the successful players from this class have shown a strong work ethic and a commitment to getting better, which has helped them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
- Durability and Health: Injuries can derail a player’s career, and this is something that has affected a number of players from the 2013 draft class. Those who have been able to stay healthy have had a better chance to establish themselves and achieve success.
- Adaptability and Versatility: The NFL is a constantly evolving league, and players who are able to adapt to new schemes and situations are more likely to succeed. Some players from this class have shown an ability to play multiple positions or adjust to different offensive and defensive styles, which has helped them stay relevant.
Impactful Moments and Stories
The 2013 draft class has been a part of some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Here are some of the most impactful moments and stories from the careers of players from this class:
- DeAndre Hopkins’ Incredible Catch Against the Buffalo Bills (2014): Hopkins made one of the most iconic catches in NFL history when he somehow managed to haul in a pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick despite being covered by two defenders. The catch was a testament to Hopkins’ incredible hands and ability to make plays in tight coverage.
- Le’Veon Bell’s 2017 Season: Bell had a dominant season in 2017, rushing for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns. He was also a threat in the passing game, catching 85 passes for 655 yards. Bell’s performance helped the Steelers reach the AFC Championship game.
- Tyrann Mathieu’s Interception in Super Bowl LIV: Mathieu made a crucial interception in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIV, helping the Chiefs secure their victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The interception was a testament to Mathieu’s playmaking ability and his ability to make big plays in big moments.
- Travis Kelce’s Rise to Dominance: Kelce has become one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, and his journey to the top has been an inspiring one. He has consistently been one of the best players on the Chiefs, and he has helped them win multiple Super Bowls.
- Chandler Jones’ Record-Breaking Sack Season: Jones had a record-breaking season in 2017, recording 19 sacks, which was the most in the NFL that year. His performance showed off his incredible pass-rushing skills and helped him become one of the most feared defensive players in the league.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a flurry of talent enter the league, with some players quickly establishing themselves as stars. One of those players was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist selected eighth overall by the St.
Louis Rams. His electrifying speed and agility made him a fan favorite, and his success on the field led to a lucrative contract, with his tavon austin salary reflecting his value to the team. While Austin’s career didn’t quite reach the heights many predicted, he remains a memorable figure from that draft class, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event, filled with high-potential prospects. One such player was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver known for his electrifying speed. His college career was marked by a particularly memorable game against Oklahoma, a battle of speed and strategy, which showcased his explosive abilities.
Tavon Austin vs Oklahoma was a highlight of his college career, and it ultimately contributed to his status as a first-round draft pick, a testament to his immense talent.
