The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, shaping the rosters and fortunes of teams for years to come. This draft featured a diverse range of talented players who would go on to have varying levels of success in the NFL.
Overall Success Rate
The 2013 NFL Draft is generally considered to be a successful one, with a number of players becoming key contributors to their teams. The success rate of a draft class can be evaluated by examining the number of players who achieve Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, or significant playing time.
The 2013 draft class has produced 13 Pro Bowlers and 5 All-Pro selections.
While it is too early to definitively assess the long-term impact of the draft, it is clear that many players from this class have made a meaningful impact on the league.
Top Picks and Their Impact
The top picks in the 2013 NFL Draft were highly anticipated, with teams hoping to find franchise cornerstones.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 overall): Fisher was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs and was expected to solidify their offensive line. He went on to have a solid career, starting 111 games over eight seasons and earning one Pro Bowl selection. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 overall): Joeckel was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his career was marred by injuries and inconsistency. He played for the Jaguars for four seasons before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. He retired from the NFL in 2018.
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins (No. 3 overall): Jordan was selected third overall by the Miami Dolphins, but his career was plagued by off-field issues and injuries. He was suspended multiple times for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was released by the Dolphins in 2016.
Surprise Picks and Players Who Exceeded Expectations
The 2013 NFL Draft also featured several surprise picks and players who exceeded expectations.
- Travis Kelce, Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 3rd Round, 63rd overall): Kelce was a late-round pick who has become one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. He has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams, and is a key piece of the Chiefs’ offensive success.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans (No. 1st Round, 27th overall): Hopkins was a standout receiver at Clemson University and was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round. He quickly established himself as a top receiver in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro teams. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
- Zach Ertz, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 2nd Round, 35th overall): Ertz was selected in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles and became a reliable target for the team’s quarterbacks. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro in 2017. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
Notable Players from the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft yielded a diverse group of players who made significant contributions to the league. From top picks to later-round selections, these individuals showcased their talent and left their mark on the gridiron.
Top 10 Players and Their Career Highlights
The 2013 draft produced several standout players who went on to have successful careers. The following table highlights the top 10 players from the draft and their career achievements:
| Rank | Player | Team | Position | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars | Offensive Tackle | Started 60 games in five seasons with the Jaguars, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017 |
| 2 | Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | Offensive Tackle | Started 115 games in 10 seasons with the Chiefs, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2020, won Super Bowl LIV |
| 3 | Geno Smith | New York Jets | Quarterback | Started 50 games in five seasons with the Jets, led the Jets to the playoffs in 2013, won Super Bowl LVIII with the Seattle Seahawks |
| 4 | DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans | Wide Receiver | Started 146 games in 10 seasons with the Texans, Cardinals, and Browns, was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, was named a first-team All-Pro twice |
| 5 | Sharrif Floyd | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Tackle | Started 39 games in four seasons with the Vikings, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014 |
| 6 | Alec Ogletree | St. Louis Rams | Linebacker | Started 96 games in seven seasons with the Rams and Giants, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016 |
| 7 | Sheldon Richardson | New York Jets | Defensive Tackle | Started 83 games in seven seasons with the Jets, Seahawks, and Browns, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014, was named a first-team All-Pro in 2013 |
| 8 | Kenny Vaccaro | New Orleans Saints | Safety | Started 84 games in seven seasons with the Saints and Titans, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017 |
| 9 | Jonathan Cooper | Arizona Cardinals | Guard | Started 34 games in five seasons with the Cardinals and Patriots |
| 10 | Barkevious Mingo | Cleveland Browns | Linebacker | Started 57 games in six seasons with the Browns, Colts, and Patriots |
Impact of Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith
Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Geno Smith were the top three picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. Joeckel and Fisher were selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, to protect their franchise quarterbacks. Smith was drafted by the New York Jets with hopes of being their long-term solution at quarterback.
Joeckel and Fisher both had mixed results in their careers. Joeckel struggled with injuries and consistency with the Jaguars, eventually being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. Fisher, on the other hand, developed into a reliable and consistent left tackle for the Chiefs, playing a key role in their Super Bowl LIV victory.
Smith had a tumultuous start to his career with the Jets. He struggled with consistency and accuracy, leading to his release in 2016. He later had a brief stint with the New York Giants before finding success as a backup quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks. He became a starter in 2022 and led the Seahawks to the playoffs, ultimately winning Super Bowl LVIII.
Contributions of Later-Round Picks
While the top picks often receive the most attention, several later-round selections in the 2013 draft made significant contributions to their teams.
“It’s not always about the round you’re drafted in, it’s about the impact you make on the field.”
For example, DeAndre Hopkins, a first-round pick by the Houston Texans, quickly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and was named a first-team All-Pro twice.
Other later-round picks who made notable contributions include:
* Tyler Eifert (Round 1, Pick 21): Eifert was a key target for the Cincinnati Bengals, showcasing his talent as a tight end. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
* Zach Ertz (Round 2, Pick 35): Ertz became a Pro Bowl tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, known for his reliable hands and ability to make tough catches.
* Kyle Fuller (Round 1, Pick 14): Fuller developed into a lockdown cornerback for the Chicago Bears, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.
* Terrance Williams (Round 3, Pick 74): Williams was a valuable wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, known for his deep-threat ability.
These later-round picks demonstrate that talent can be found throughout the draft, and it’s not always about where you’re selected but how you perform on the field.
The 2013 NFL Draft in Context
The 2013 NFL Draft marked a significant turning point for several teams, injecting young talent into rosters and shaping the league’s competitive landscape for years to come. It also served as a platform for emerging trends in scouting and player evaluation, influencing the draft process for future years.
The Draft’s Impact on the League Landscape, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 draft witnessed several teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters, particularly in areas of need. The Kansas City Chiefs, who had struggled for several years, selected Eric Fisher with the first overall pick, addressing their need for a franchise left tackle. The Jacksonville Jaguars, looking to rebuild their offense, selected quarterback Blake Bortles third overall, hoping to find their next franchise quarterback. The impact of these selections was immediate, with both Fisher and Bortles becoming key contributors for their respective teams.
Comparing Draft Success to Team Performance
The 2013 draft was a mixed bag for the teams that selected the top picks. While the Chiefs found success with Eric Fisher, who played a pivotal role in their offensive line, the Jaguars’ selection of Blake Bortles was more controversial. Bortles’s inconsistent performance throughout his career led to questions about the Jaguars’ draft strategy. However, the draft also produced several notable players who went on to have successful careers, including Luke Joeckel, who was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Geno Smith, who was selected ninth overall by the New York Jets.
The Long-Term Impact of the Draft on the NFL
The 2013 draft’s impact on the NFL extended beyond the immediate success or failure of individual picks. The draft served as a catalyst for a shift in scouting philosophy, with teams increasingly relying on analytics and advanced metrics to evaluate players. This trend continued in subsequent drafts, leading to a more data-driven approach to player selection. The 2013 draft also highlighted the importance of identifying and developing talent at key positions, such as quarterback and offensive line, as these players often have a significant impact on a team’s success.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw a flurry of talent enter the league, and among them was Tavon Austin, a dynamic wide receiver known for his blazing speed. His journey from the draft to the NFL is documented through his social media presence, with tavon austin instagram providing a glimpse into his life as a professional athlete.
Austin’s draft selection marked a new chapter in his career, one that fans could follow closely through his online platforms, witnessing his growth and the challenges he faced as he transitioned from college star to NFL player.
The 2013 NFL Draft was a momentous occasion, filled with anticipation and excitement as teams sought to build their rosters. Among the players selected was tayvon austin , a blazing-fast wide receiver known for his electrifying speed. His selection marked a turning point for the Washington Redskins, who hoped his agility and explosiveness would revitalize their offense.
The draft, however, was also a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing young athletes, as they navigate the pressures of professional sports.
