2013 NFL Draft Results and Analysis: Looking at the First Round
2013 NFL Draft Results and Analysis For First Round
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with plenty of surprises as the Kansas City Chiefs pulled the unexpected by selecting Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan with the No. 1 overall pick instead of Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel—who seemed to be a lock for the top spot for a few weeks.
From Geno Smith falling out of the first round to the amount of offensive lineman selected, there are plenty of great topics to discuss in this year’s draft heading into the weekend and it will be interesting to see where some of the remaining players end up. Everybody knew this year’s draft class lacked the standout quarterback guaranteed to go in the first round like previous years, but nobody could have expected E.J. Manuel being the only quarterback selected in the first round (Buffalo Bills).
Sure, the potential is there for Manuel, but this was a very surprising move as Smith has been praised for weeks and seemed like he would be the first quarterback selected this year. It will be interesting to see whether or not Manuel can manage to work his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and could be one of those under the radar players to keep an eye on.
Speaking of under the radar, give the Houston Texans credit for taking a risk on an effective No. 2 wideout in Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins. This year’s draft is filled with plenty of great headlines heading into the weekend, but here’s a look at first round results and analysis for all 32 picks.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher, Central Michigan OT
A great move by the Chiefs as they select Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan. The offensive line needed to be addressed and Fisher has great athleticism to make an immediate impact as a rookie.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Joeckel Texas A&M, OT
The Jaguars could have gone with a defensive player, but it's difficult to turn down the best player available at No. 2. Luke Joeckel has impressive fundamentals and is a great addition to the offensive line.
3. Miami Dolphins: Dion Jordan, Oregon OLB
After trading up, the Dolphins added a great defensive player in Jordan to help improve a defense that ranked 21st overall last season. Jordan is great with jumping off that first step and has great athleticism--so a solid move by Miami.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson, Oklahoma OT
It was clear the Eagles needed help on the offensive line and Johnson is a great addition. Expect Johnson to start as a rookie as he looks to protect Michael Vick in Chip Kelly's offense.
5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE BYU
The Lions may have been hoping for an offensive lineman, but Ansah is one of the top defensive prospects in this year's draft. A great athlete with outstanding size, but he needs to work on his technique at the pro level.
6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo, LSU OLB Crystal Logludice
The Browns needed to go with defense and Mingo is one of the most effective pass rushers from this year's class. Defense is key if Cleveland is going to compete in the AFC North--so a great addition with Mingo.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina OG
It's no secret the Cardinals needed help with the offensive line after last season and Cooper was one of the best picks available. They need to do whatever it takes to protect Carson Palmer, but Cooper needs to bulk up a bit to compete at the NFL level.
8. St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin, West Virginia WR
Just the type of explosive playmaker the Rams need, Austin was the best wide receiver from this year's draft class and expect him to make an immediate impact as a rookie. A player with great speed that can be used in multiple positions, St. Louis made the right move by trading up to acquire Austin.
9. New York Jets: Dee Milliner, Alabama CB
This was a huge steal for the Jets considering Milliner was considered one of the best defensive players in this year's class. Milliner has been praised for his coverage ability and tackling skills--so New York came up big with this pick.
10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, Alabama OG
The Titans needed help with the offensive line and opening up holes for Chris Johnson--which is exactly what Warmack does best. Warmack has been praised for the way he attacks defenders and don't be surprised if he works his way into the starting role as a rookie.
11. San Diego Chargers: D.J. Fluker, Alabama OT
This year's class has been filled with plenty of great offensive lineman and Fluker is a great addition for the Chargers when it comes to protecting Philip Rivers. A very physical lineman that's received plenty of praise for his ability as a run blocker, expect Fluker to waste no time adjusting to the NFL level.
12. Oakland Raiders: D.J. Hayden, Houston CB
The Raiders certainly needed a cornerback, but there's plenty of concerns surrounding Hayden since he played at Houston. He may have solid ball skills, but Hayden needs to work on his tackling skills if he's going to have any chance of making it in the NFL.
13. New York Jets: Sheldon Richardson, DT Missouri
There's no question the Jets needed help with defense, but Richardson is a questionable move at No. 13. A player with large frame, the potential is certainly there for Richardson, but he needs to work on his ability with stopping the run.
14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, Utah DT
There's no question the Panthers needed help on defense and Lotulelei is a great addition considering he has great strength for a defensive player. However, Lotulelei needs to work on his pass rushing skills--which is a huge deal in the pros.
15. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Vaccaro, FS Texas
The Saints' defense ranked near the bottom of the league last season and there's a good chance Vaccaro will start right away as a rookie. Vaccaro is very physical and has been praised for his coverage skills, but the tackling is still an issue.
16. Buffalo Bills: E.J. Manuel, Florida State QB
A surprise to see Manuel be the first quarterback selected, but the potential is certainly there. He's very athletic and great in the shotgun when it comes to finding his receivers--so it will be interesting to see how he makes out in Buffalo.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones, Georgia OLB
The Steelers have always been a team known for defense and Jones has plenty of potential at the NFL level. However, he needs to work on speed and ability to stop the run if he's going to have any impact as a rookie.
18. San Francisco 49ers: Eric Reid, LSU FS
Despite having one of the league's top defenses last year, the 49ers need help at the safety position. There's a reason why Reid was considered one of the top safeties in college football last season and could have a bright future in the NFL.
19. New York Giants: Justin Pugh, G Syracuse
Protecting Eli Manning is very important and Pugh has great speed and athleticism when it comes to offensive lineman. However, he does need to work on the usage of his hands and frame--so it will be interesting to see how he makes the adjustment to the NFL level.
20. Chicago Bears: Kyle Long, OG Oregon
Jay Cutler has to love this pick considering all of the problems with the offensive line last season. Long has a large frame and solid flexibility, but he needs to work on his blocking skills.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame TE
A surprise move by the Bengals considering how many different areas they could have focused on, it looks like they hope the addition of Eifert will pay off playing alongside Jermaine Gresham. Eifert is arguably the best pass-catching tight end from this year's class, but he certainly needs to work on his blocking skills.
22. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Trufant, Washington CB
A great move by the Falcons as Trufant is one of the top cornerbacks from this year's draft class. Trufant is great with his coverage skills as he can play both man and zone coverage, but he does need to work on his speed.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Sharrif Floyd, Florida DT
Floyd fell late in the first round, but certainly worth the risk for the Vikings. Here's a player that can play numerous positions and has great explosion off the snap--so the potential is certainly there.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Bjoern Werner, Florida State DE
Werner is considered one of the top defensive players in this year's draft class as he's been praised for his quickness. There was a reason why Florida State contained one of the top defenses in college football last season and he could be a nice fill-in now that Dwight Freeney is no longer around.
25. Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes, CB Florida State
There's a reason why Rhodes is seen as one of the top cornerbacks from this year's class as he has solid frame and isn't afraid to get physical with his opponents. He does need to work on his tackling skills though if he's going to make it in the NFL.
26. Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones, UCLA DE
When it comes to under the radar players, Jones is one to keep an eye on as he possesses great strength and explosion. He needs to work on his speed, but Jones is certainly a great addition for the Packers' defense this late in the first round.
27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson WR
The Texans certainly needed help at finding an effective No. 2 wideout and they may have found one in Hopkins. The Clemson star is a great route runner capable of putting up yards after the catch, but he will need to bulk up a little bit before his rookie season.
28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams, North Carolina DT
The Broncos already contained one of the league's top defenses last season and they certainly made a great addition with a player like Williams. He has been praised for his quickness and how effective he is as a pass rusher, but his consistency is an issue heading into his rookie season.
29. Minnesota Vikings: Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee WR
The Vikings needed another wide receiver after losing Percy Harvin and the potential is certainly there for Patterson. Here's a player with a great work ethic and quickness, but his route running is a reason for concern heading into his rookie season.
30. St. Louis Rams: Alec Ogletree, Georgia OLB
One of the most athletic linebackers from this year's draft class, Ogletree has great speed for a player his size and could make an immediate impact as a rookie. However, St. Louis should be cautious considering all of the off the field issues Ogletree dealt with during his time at Georgia.
31. Dallas Cowboys: Travis Frederick, Wisconsin C
The Cowboys clearly wanted an offensive lineman, but selecting Frederick this early is a questionable move. Frederick isn't nearly as athletic as some of the other players at his position in this year's class--so it will be interesting to see how this move turns out.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Elam, Florida S
They may be defending Super Bowl champions, but the Ravens have plenty of holes to fill on defense and Elam is a great replacement for Ed Reed. There's a reason why Elam was considered one of the top safeties in this year's draft and this was a great way to end the first round.
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