The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the league’s history. It marked the beginning of a new era for several teams, with the emergence of young stars and the development of exciting new strategies. The draft was also notable for its unexpected twists and turns, as well as the emergence of several players who exceeded expectations.
Top Picks and Their Impact
The top picks of the 2013 NFL Draft have had a significant impact on their respective teams. Here’s a look at some of the most notable selections and their contributions:
- Eric Fisher, OT, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 Overall): Fisher was a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line for several years, helping to pave the way for a successful running game and protect quarterback Alex Smith. While he didn’t make a Pro Bowl, Fisher was a solid starter for a team that made it to the Super Bowl.
- Luke Joeckel, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 Overall): Joeckel’s career in Jacksonville was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He was eventually traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he played a more limited role.
- Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins (No. 3 Overall): Jordan’s career was derailed by off-field issues and injuries. He showed flashes of potential but never lived up to his draft position.
- Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 Overall): Johnson quickly became a key piece of the Eagles’ offensive line, helping to protect quarterback Nick Foles and paving the way for a strong running game. He has been a Pro Bowler and a key contributor to the Eagles’ success.
- Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets (No. 9 Overall): Milliner’s career was plagued by injuries, and he never lived up to the hype. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.
Draft’s Lasting Impact, 2013 nfl draft
The 2013 NFL Draft had a lasting impact on the league. Several players drafted in 2013 went on to have successful careers, while others fell short of expectations. The draft also marked the beginning of a new era for several teams, with the emergence of young stars and the development of exciting new strategies. Overall, the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event that helped to shape the future of the league.
Notable Players Selected in the 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, full of surprises and exciting picks. It brought in a ton of players who’ve gone on to have big impacts on the league. Let’s dive into some of the most notable players from this draft class.
Notable Players
The 2013 NFL Draft produced a bunch of stars who made their mark on the league. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most impactful players:
| Player | Position | Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Fisher | Offensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs | Fisher was the #1 overall pick in the draft, and he’s lived up to the hype. He’s been a consistent starter for the Chiefs and has been a key part of their offensive line. |
| Luke Joeckel | Offensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars | Joeckel was the #2 overall pick, and he had a rough start to his career. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Wide Receiver | Houston Texans | Hopkins has been one of the best receivers in the league since he entered the NFL. He’s a reliable target with incredible hands and a knack for making big plays. |
| Le’Veon Bell | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | Bell is a dominant running back with great vision and a powerful running style. He’s been a consistent threat for the Steelers, but his career has been hampered by injuries and off-field issues. |
| Giovani Bernard | Running Back | Cincinnati Bengals | Bernard is a shifty, elusive running back who can make defenders miss in the open field. He’s been a valuable asset to the Bengals’ offense. |
| Alec Ogletree | Linebacker | St. Louis Rams | Ogletree is a hard-hitting linebacker who can make plays all over the field. He’s been a key part of the Rams’ defense. |
| Kenny Vaccaro | Safety | New Orleans Saints | Vaccaro is a physical safety who can lay the wood on opposing receivers. He’s been a valuable member of the Saints’ defense. |
| Sheldon Richardson | Defensive Tackle | New York Jets | Richardson is a dominant defensive tackle who can disrupt offenses with his size and strength. He’s been a force in the middle of the Jets’ defense. |
Career Trajectories
These players have all had different career paths, with some facing more challenges than others. Some, like DeAndre Hopkins, have been consistently successful, while others have had to overcome injuries or inconsistency. The 2013 draft class has produced a diverse group of players with varying levels of success.
The 2013 Draft’s Impact on Specific Teams
The 2013 NFL Draft saw several teams make impactful selections that contributed to their immediate or future success. Conversely, some teams struggled to find success with their picks, leading to struggles and a lack of long-term impact. This section explores the impact of the 2013 draft on various teams, highlighting both the successes and failures.
Teams that Benefited from the 2013 Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft yielded several successful players who contributed significantly to their respective teams’ success. These players helped their teams achieve winning records, playoff appearances, and even Super Bowl victories.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs selected Eric Fisher, a talented offensive tackle, with the first overall pick. Fisher’s presence on the offensive line provided stability and protection for quarterback Alex Smith, allowing him to thrive and lead the team to a playoff appearance in 2013. Fisher’s contributions continued throughout his career, helping the Chiefs establish a consistent winning culture.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks made a wise selection in the first round, taking defensive end, Bruce Irvin. Irvin, known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, played a key role in the Seahawks’ dominant defense, contributing to their Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014. He was a key component in a defensive unit that was one of the most feared in the league.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears selected Kyle Long, a versatile offensive lineman, in the first round. Long’s ability to play multiple positions proved valuable to the Bears, providing much-needed stability on the offensive line. Long’s impact was evident in the team’s improved rushing attack, making him a key contributor to their success.
Teams that Struggled with Their Draft Picks
While some teams found success in the 2013 draft, others struggled to find impactful players, leading to inconsistent performances and struggles.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars’ decision to select Luke Joeckel with the second overall pick proved to be a disappointment. Joeckel struggled to live up to expectations, failing to provide the stability and protection needed for their quarterbacks. His inconsistent performance contributed to the Jaguars’ continued struggles and inability to build a winning team.
- Oakland Raiders: The Raiders’ selection of D.J. Hayden with the 12th overall pick was another example of a disappointing draft pick. Hayden’s injury history and lack of consistency hindered his development and impact on the team. He failed to live up to his draft position and struggled to contribute significantly to the Raiders’ defense.
