In review of the 2013 NFL Draft, I’d like to share my opinion on it.
I’d say the San Francisco 49ers finished with the best draft in the NFC, because they filled the holes in their defense.
Although they had a dominant defense last season, they still needed to fill some big shoes. In free-agency the 49ers lost safety Dashon Goldson, tight end Delanie Walker and the heart and soul of the 49ers receiving core in veteran Randy Moss.
The 49ers filled each of those holes drafting hard-hitting safety Eric Reid from LSU, Rice tight end Vance McDonald and an anxious Louisiana Tech wide receiver in Quinton Patton. After appearing in two consecutive NFC Championships, the 49ers didn’t need to build on an already stacked roster for next season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff knew coming into the draft they didn’t need to panic with any of their picks. They were thinking long term in hopes of building a dynasty.
Another pick made late in the fourth round was Marcus Lattimore, a junior running back from South Carolina. Lattimore suffered a torn ACL last October against the Tennessee Volunteers, possibly ending his career, but Harbaugh believed with his work ethic and attitude that he’d be a great addition to the team.
The defending champion Baltimore Ravens finished with the best draft class in the AFC. With a veteran safety, Ed Reed headed to the Houston Texans, Ray Lewis headed to retirement and a banged up defensive line, the Ravens needed to immediately replace some big names on the defensive front.
Their number one pick (Matt Elam) was direct in replacing safety Ed Reed. Elam, from Florida, ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which amongst his hard hitting ability and evident speed adds a boost to his healthy draft stock.
They hope to replace the infamous Ray Lewis as well with their second round pick in Arthur Brown from Kansas State. Brown was known for his involvement in every play.He plays downhill and hits the lanes hard.
For you Houston Texans fans, you’ll be happy with the recent draft selection in D.J. Swearinger from South Carolina.
Swearinger and Reed will make offensive coordinators work more of their quick game due to their physical presence on the field. Swearinger was also known for his leadership skills as well, which compliments Reed.
The Cowboys staff made some interesting picks as usual, which further explains their past few seasons.
Their first pick in center Travis Frederick, who was expected to leave the draft board late in the third round, was questionable. The biggest question Cowboys fans are asking is why not draft any defensive linemen? With a 3-4 defense banged up from last year you’d think dictator Jerry Jones would have some sense in drafting where he was hurt most last year. He depends on Romo entirely too much.
In light of both teams I selected from each division being the teams who met in last year’s Super Bowl, we may have another Harbaugh Bowl with Jim Harbaugh seeking revenge on his brother John.
