The 2013 NFL Draft, held April 25-27 at Radio City Music
Hall in New York City, lacked the same brilliant prospects at skill positions
as last year -- but it offered a lot potential for teams looking to bolster
their offensive and defensive lines. Here's a look at how AFC teams drafted:
The Kansas City Chiefs held the 1st overall pick and took
offensive tackle Eric Fisher from Central Michigan. Fisher was viewed as the
top tackle prospect and should have a very long career in the NFL. The Chiefs
other draft picks were Travis Kelce, Knile Davis, Nico Johnson, Sanders
Commings, Eric Kush, Braden Wilson, and Mike Catapano.
The Jacksonville Jaguars held the 2nd overall pick in the
draft and took offensive tackle Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M. At 6’6” and
306 pounds, Joeckel should be able to provide great protection for quarterback
Blaine Gabbert. The Jaguars other draft picks were John Cyprien, Dwayne Gratz,
Ace Sanders, Denard Robinson, Josh Evans, Jeremy Harris, and Demetrius McCray.
The Miami Dolphins traded up in the draft and selected defensive
end Dion Jordan from Oregon with the 3rd overall pick. Jordan has a rare
combination of size and speed, and should be able to provide a consistent edge
rush for the Dolphins. Miami's other draft picks were Jamar Taylor, Dallas
Thomas, Will Davis, Jelani Jenkins, Dion Sims, Mike Gillislee, Caleb Sturgis,
and Don Jones.
The Cleveland Browns held the 6th overall pick and took
defensive end Barkevious Mingo from LSU. Mingo should be able to immediately
pressure the quarterback and provide a spark for the team. The Browns other
draft selections were Leon McFadden, Jamoris Slaughter, Armonty Bryant, and
Garrett Gilkey.
The New York Jets held the 9th and 13th overall picks. They
took cornerback Dee Milliner from Alabama and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson
from Missouri in the first round. These picks were somewhat surprising because
of the lack of offensive threats that the Jets currently have on their roster.
The Jets other picks were Geno Smith, Brian Winters, Oday Aboushi, William
Campbell, and Tommy Bohanon.
The Tennessee Titans took offensive guard Chance Warmack
from Alabama with the 10th overall pick. Warmack should be able to open up
running lanes for the Titans running backs. The Titans other draft picks were
Justin Hunter, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Zaviar Gooden, Brian Schwenke, Lavar Edwards,
Khalid Wooten, and Daimion Stafford.
The San Diego Chargers held the 11th overall pick and they
took offensive tackle D.J. Fluker from Alabama. Fluker should be able to
provide protection for Philip Rivers immediately. The Chargers other draft
picks were Manti Te’o, Keenan Allen, Steve Williams, Tourek Williams, and Brad
Sorensen.
The Oakland Raiders -- who have had some of the worst drafts
imaginable during the past two decades -- took cornerback D.J. Hayden from the
University of Houston with the 12th overall pick. This pick was somewhat
surprising because many experts considered other cornerbacks to be better than
Hayden. (Then again, it's the Raiders so we sort of expect these type of
mind-boggling moves.) Hayden had a medical issue last November but managed to
make a full recovery. The Raiders other draft picks were Menelik Watson, Sio
Moore, Tyler Wilson, Nick Kasa, Latavius Murray, Mychal Rivera, Stacy McGee,
Brian Butler, and David Bass.
The Buffalo Bills selected quarterback EJ Manuel with the
16th overall pick in the draft. Manuel played at Florida State and is a great
athlete but some question his accuracy. This pick was seen by many experts as
being a reach. The Bills other draft picks were Robert Woods, Kiko Alonso,
Marquise Goodwin, Duke Williams, Jonathan Meeks, Dustin Hopkins, and Chris
Gragg.
The Pittsburgh Steelers held the 17th overall pick and took
outside linebacker Jarvis Jones from Georgia. Jones was drafted to eventually
replace James Harrison in the Steelers 3-4 defense. The Steelers also drafted
Le’Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton, Shamarko Thomas, Landry Jones, Terry Hawthorne,
Justin Brown, Vince Williams, and Nick Williams.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected tight end Tyler Eifert from
Notre Dame with the 21st overall pick. Eifert was a standout at Notre Dame and
should fit in well with the Bengals other offensive weapons. The Bengals also
drafted Giovani Bernard, Margus Hunt, Shawn Williams, Sean Porter, Tanner
Hawkinson, Rex Burkhead, Cobi Hamilton, Reid Fragel, and T.J. Johnson.
