The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft, held from April 25 to 27 in New York City, was a pivotal event in the league’s history. This draft marked the beginning of a new era for several franchises, as teams sought to rebuild their rosters with young, talented players.
Top Picks and Initial Expectations
The top picks of the 2013 NFL Draft were highly anticipated, with each player carrying significant expectations.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st Overall): Fisher, a standout from Central Michigan, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, providing protection for quarterback Alex Smith. He was projected to be a dominant force, capable of anchoring the left tackle position for years to come.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd Overall): Joeckel, a former standout at Texas A&M, was drafted to solidify the Jaguars’ offensive line and provide protection for quarterback Blaine Gabbert. He was seen as a player with the potential to be a Pro Bowler and a key part of the Jaguars’ future.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins (3rd Overall): Jordan, a highly-touted prospect from Oregon, was expected to be a game-changer for the Dolphins’ defense. His athleticism and pass-rushing ability made him a coveted pick, and he was projected to be a disruptive force on the defensive line.
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets (39th Overall): Smith, a West Virginia product, was selected by the Jets in the second round. He was expected to compete for the starting quarterback position and eventually lead the Jets to success. He was known for his strong arm and athleticism, but some questioned his ability to succeed in the NFL.
Notable Players from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a diverse range of players who made significant contributions to the league. From standout quarterbacks to dominant defensive players, this draft class left an indelible mark on the NFL landscape.
Impactful Players and Their Contributions
This section highlights some of the most impactful players from the 2013 draft and their contributions to their respective teams.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Fisher was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their offensive line. He provided consistent protection for quarterback Alex Smith, helping the Chiefs achieve a level of offensive stability they had not seen in years. Fisher’s durability and athleticism allowed him to consistently excel in pass protection and run blocking, making him a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars: Selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Joeckel’s career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled to stay healthy and never quite lived up to his draft status.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets: Milliner was a highly touted prospect who was selected ninth overall by the New York Jets. However, his NFL career was cut short due to injuries and a lack of consistent performance.
- Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings: Selected with the 23rd pick by the Minnesota Vikings, Floyd was a dominant force in the middle of the Vikings’ defensive line. He was a disruptive presence against the run and a capable pass rusher, quickly becoming a key piece of their defensive scheme. Floyd’s career was tragically cut short by injuries, but his impact on the Vikings’ defense was undeniable.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans: Hopkins was selected 27th overall by the Houston Texans and immediately became a top target for quarterback Matt Schaub. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented receivers in the league, known for his exceptional route running, strong hands, and ability to make contested catches. Hopkins’ consistent production and reliable presence made him a valuable asset to the Texans’ offense.
- Tyrann Mathieu, Defensive Back, Arizona Cardinals: Selected in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals, Mathieu quickly became a fan favorite and a key player in their defensive scheme. He was a versatile player who could play both safety and cornerback, excelling in both coverage and run support. Mathieu’s playmaking ability and infectious energy made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ defense.
- Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers: Bell was selected in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly emerged as one of the most dominant running backs in the league. He was a powerful runner with exceptional vision and agility, capable of breaking tackles and gaining yards in a variety of ways. Bell’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield also made him a valuable asset in the Steelers’ offensive scheme.
Comparison of Top Draft Picks
This section compares and contrasts the careers of several top draft picks from the 2013 NFL Draft, analyzing their successes and challenges.
- Eric Fisher vs. Luke Joeckel: Fisher and Joeckel were the first two picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. While Fisher enjoyed a successful career, Joeckel struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Fisher’s durability and consistent performance allowed him to become a key player for the Chiefs, while Joeckel’s struggles led to a relatively short and disappointing career.
- Dee Milliner vs. Tyrann Mathieu: Milliner and Mathieu were both selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Milliner’s career was cut short by injuries and a lack of consistent performance, while Mathieu quickly became a key player for the Cardinals and established himself as one of the most versatile and impactful defensive players in the league. Mathieu’s versatility, playmaking ability, and durability made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ defense, while Milliner’s struggles highlighted the importance of staying healthy and performing consistently in the NFL.
The 2013 Draft in Hindsight: 2013 Nfl Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft, like any draft, has its share of successes and failures. Looking back, it’s fascinating to analyze how the draft’s selections have impacted the teams and the players themselves. Examining the long-term performance of players and their impact on their respective teams reveals the draft’s overall success rate.
The Draft’s Success Rate
The 2013 draft produced a number of notable players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL. However, as with any draft, some selections were more successful than others. To evaluate the draft’s success rate, it’s important to consider the performance of players relative to their draft position.
For example, several first-round picks, such as Eric Fisher (1st overall), Luke Joeckel (2nd overall), and Dion Jordan (3rd overall), did not live up to expectations. Conversely, some later-round picks, such as Tyler Eifert (21st overall) and DeAndre Hopkins (26th overall), exceeded expectations and became valuable contributors to their teams.
The Draft’s Impact on Teams, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft had a significant impact on the teams that made the selections. Some teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, used the draft to rebuild their rosters and eventually achieved significant success. The Chiefs selected Eric Fisher, Travis Kelce, and Knile Davis in the first three rounds. This draft class, along with other strategic moves, helped transform the Chiefs into a competitive team, culminating in their Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020.
Other teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, saw their draft selections contribute to their struggles. The Jaguars selected Luke Joeckel, and Jonathan Cyprien in the first round. These players did not live up to expectations, and the Jaguars continued to struggle in the years following the draft.
Factors Contributing to Draft Pick Success
Several factors can influence the success or failure of a draft pick. These factors include:
- Player Talent: This is the most obvious factor, but it’s not always easy to assess. Some players, such as DeAndre Hopkins, possessed exceptional talent that was evident even before the draft. Others, like Tyler Eifert, developed their skills and became successful after being drafted.
- Team Fit: A player’s success can be influenced by how well they fit into their team’s scheme and culture. For example, Travis Kelce thrived in the Chiefs’ offensive system, which utilized his athleticism and receiving skills.
- Coaching and Development: Coaches and coaching staffs play a crucial role in developing players and maximizing their potential. Some teams have a better track record of developing players than others.
- Injuries: Injuries can derail a player’s career, regardless of their talent or draft position. Dion Jordan, for example, was hampered by injuries throughout his career, which limited his impact.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a plethora of talented players selected, including Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver with blazing speed. While Austin was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, his journey took him to Green Bay in 2018, where he joined the Packers.
Tavon Austin’s time with the Packers was brief, but it provided a glimpse into his potential to contribute in a new environment. The draft’s impact on various teams, including the Packers, continued to unfold in the years following the event.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event for many franchises, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come. One notable selection was the Tavon Austin draft pick , a move that aimed to inject explosiveness into the Rams offense.
Austin’s electrifying speed and agility, coupled with his versatility as a receiver and returner, made him a coveted prospect, and his selection exemplifies the emphasis on dynamic playmakers in the 2013 draft.
