Ranking The Top Cleveland Browns 2013 Draft Busts

Ranking The Top Cleveland Browns 2013 Draft Busts

What was the Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft strategy, and how did it impact the team's future?

The Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. After a disappointing 5-11 season in 2012, the Browns were looking to make a splash in the draft in order to improve their roster and compete for a playoff spot.

The Browns had the sixth overall pick in the draft, and they used it to select quarterback Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State. Weeden was a highly touted prospect, but he struggled in his first two seasons with the Browns, and he was eventually replaced by Brian Hoyer. In addition to Weeden, the Browns also drafted cornerback Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick and wide receiver Josh Gordon with the 21st overall pick.

The 2013 NFL Draft was a disappointment for the Browns, as none of their first-round picks became long-term starters for the team. However, the draft did produce some key contributors, such as linebacker Barkevious Mingo and defensive end Armonty Bryant.

The Browns' 2013 NFL Draft class is a reminder of the challenges that the team has faced in recent years. The Browns have not had a winning season since 2007, and they have not made the playoffs since 2002. However, the Browns are hoping that their recent draft classes will help them turn things around and return to contention.

Cleveland Browns 2013 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. After a disappointing 5-11 season in 2012, the Browns were looking to make a splash in the draft in order to improve their roster and compete for a playoff spot.

  • Quarterback: The Browns used their first-round pick to select quarterback Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State.
  • Cornerback: The Browns also drafted cornerback Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick.
  • Wide receiver: The Browns selected wide receiver Josh Gordon with the 21st overall pick.
  • Linebacker: The Browns drafted linebacker Barkevious Mingo in the fourth round.
  • Defensive end: The Browns drafted defensive end Armonty Bryant in the fifth round.
  • Running back: The Browns drafted running back Isaiah Crowell in the fourth round.
  • Tight end: The Browns drafted tight end Jordan Cameron in the fifth round.

The Browns' 2013 NFL Draft class was a mixed bag. Weeden, Gilbert, and Gordon were all first-round picks, but none of them became long-term starters for the team. However, Mingo, Bryant, Crowell, and Cameron all made significant contributions to the Browns during their time with the team.

The 2013 NFL Draft was a turning point for the Browns. The team has not had a winning season since 2007, but the 2013 draft class helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success. The Browns are hoping that their recent draft classes will help them turn things around and return to contention.

1. Quarterback

The selection of Brandon Weeden with the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns. Weeden was a highly touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the franchise quarterback they had been searching for.

However, Weeden's tenure with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with accuracy and decision-making, and he was eventually replaced by Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback.

Despite Weeden's struggles, his selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

The Browns have not had a winning season since 2007, but they have made significant progress in recent years. The team has a young and talented roster, and they are hoping to compete for a playoff spot in the near future.

2. Cornerback

The selection of Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant moment for the Cleveland Browns. Gilbert was a highly touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the shutdown cornerback they had been searching for.

  • Athleticism and Versatility

    Gilbert was a gifted athlete with great speed and agility. He was also versatile, able to play both man-to-man and zone coverage. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' defense.

  • Instincts and Ball Skills

    Gilbert had a knack for making big plays. He was instinctive and had great ball skills, which allowed him to intercept passes and break up plays.

  • Size and Physicality

    Gilbert was a big cornerback with a physical presence. He was able to use his size and strength to his advantage, making him a difficult matchup for opposing receivers.

Despite his potential, Gilbert's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with consistency and was often injured. He was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016.

However, Gilbert's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

3. Wide receiver

The selection of Josh Gordon with the 21st overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant moment for the Cleveland Browns. Gordon was a highly touted prospect coming out of Baylor, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the star wide receiver they had been searching for.

  • Athleticism and Playmaking Ability

    Gordon was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and leaping ability. He was also a natural playmaker, with a knack for making big plays and scoring touchdowns.

  • Size and Physicality

    Gordon was a big wide receiver with a physical presence. He was able to use his size and strength to his advantage, making him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks.

  • Versatility

    Gordon was a versatile wide receiver who could line up all over the field. He was able to play outside, in the slot, and even as a running back. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' offense.

Gordon's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with substance abuse and was suspended multiple times by the NFL. He was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in 2018.

However, Gordon's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

4. Linebacker

The selection of Barkevious Mingo in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant moment for the Cleveland Browns. Mingo was a highly touted prospect coming out of LSU, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the pass-rusher they had been searching for.

  • Athleticism and Versatility

    Mingo was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and strength. He was also versatile, able to play both outside and inside linebacker. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' defense.

  • Pass-Rushing Ability

    Mingo was a natural pass-rusher with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He had a variety of pass-rushing moves, and he was able to generate pressure from both the outside and the inside.

  • Instincts and Playmaking Ability

    Mingo had a high football IQ and was always around the ball. He was instinctive and had a knack for making big plays, including sacks, tackles for loss, and interceptions.

Mingo's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with injuries and was never able to live up to his potential. He was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in 2016.

However, Mingo's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

5. Defensive end

The selection of Armonty Bryant in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant moment for the Cleveland Browns. Bryant was a highly touted prospect coming out of East Central Oklahoma State, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the pass-rusher they had been searching for.

  • Athleticism and Versatility

    Bryant was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and strength. He was also versatile, able to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' defense.

  • Pass-Rushing Ability

    Bryant was a natural pass-rusher with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He had a variety of pass-rushing moves, and he was able to generate pressure from both the outside and the inside.

  • Instincts and Playmaking Ability

    Bryant had a high football IQ and was always around the ball. He was instinctive and had a knack for making big plays, including sacks, tackles for loss, and interceptions.

Bryant's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with injuries and was never able to live up to his potential. He was eventually traded to the Detroit Lions in 2016.

However, Bryant's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

6. Running back

Isaiah Crowell was a highly touted running back coming out of Alabama State, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the workhorse running back they had been searching for. Crowell was a physical runner with good speed and agility, and he was also a capable receiver out of the backfield.

  • Athleticism and Versatility

    Crowell was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and strength. He was also versatile, able to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and even line up as a wide receiver. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' offense.

  • Physicality and Toughness

    Crowell was a physical runner who was not afraid to lower his shoulder and run through tackles. He was also tough and durable, able to withstand the rigors of a long NFL season.

  • Instincts and Playmaking Ability

    Crowell had a high football IQ and was always around the ball. He was instinctive and had a knack for making big plays, including long runs, touchdowns, and key receptions.

Crowell's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with injuries and was never able to live up to his potential. He was eventually traded to the New York Jets in 2018.

However, Crowell's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

7. Tight end

Jordan Cameron was a highly touted tight end coming out of USC, and the Browns were hoping that he would be the pass-catching tight end they had been searching for. Cameron was a big and athletic tight end with good speed and agility, and he was also a capable blocker.

  • Athleticism and Versatility

    Cameron was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and strength. He was also versatile, able to line up as a traditional tight end, a wide receiver, or even as an H-back. This made him a valuable asset to the Browns' offense.

  • Pass-Catching Ability

    Cameron was a natural pass-catcher with soft hands and a knack for making big plays. He was also a good blocker, which made him a complete tight end.

  • Instincts and Playmaking Ability

    Cameron had a high football IQ and was always around the ball. He was instinctive and had a knack for making big plays, including touchdowns and key receptions.

  • Leadership and Character

    Cameron was a leader on and off the field. He was a hard worker and a team player, and he was always willing to do whatever it took to help the Browns win.

Cameron's career with the Browns was ultimately a disappointment. He struggled with injuries and was never able to live up to his potential. He was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2015.

However, Cameron's selection in the 2013 NFL Draft is still an important part of the Browns' history. It was a sign that the Browns were trying to turn things around, and it helped to lay the foundation for the team's future success.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. The Browns had the sixth overall pick in the draft, and they used it to select quarterback Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State. They also drafted cornerback Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick and wide receiver Josh Gordon with the 21st overall pick.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Browns' 2013 NFL Draft:

Question 1: Was the Browns' 2013 NFL Draft a success?

Answer: The Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a mixed bag. Quarterback Brandon Weeden and cornerback Justin Gilbert, the Browns' first two picks, were both major disappointments. However, wide receiver Josh Gordon and linebacker Barkevious Mingo both made significant contributions to the Browns during their time with the team.

Question 2: Who was the Browns' best pick in the 2013 NFL Draft?

Answer: Wide receiver Josh Gordon was the Browns' best pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Gordon was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013, and he led the NFL in receiving yards in 2014. He was a key part of the Browns' offense during his time with the team.

Question 3: Who was the Browns' biggest bust in the 2013 NFL Draft?

Answer: Quarterback Brandon Weeden was the Browns' biggest bust in the 2013 NFL Draft. Weeden was a major disappointment during his time with the Browns, and he was eventually replaced by Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback.

Question 4: What impact did the Browns' 2013 NFL Draft have on the team's future?

Answer: The Browns' 2013 NFL Draft had a mixed impact on the team's future. Quarterback Brandon Weeden and cornerback Justin Gilbert, the Browns' first two picks, were both major disappointments. However, wide receiver Josh Gordon and linebacker Barkevious Mingo both made significant contributions to the Browns during their time with the team. Overall, the Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a mixed bag.

Question 5: What lessons can the Browns learn from their 2013 NFL Draft?

Answer: The Browns can learn several lessons from their 2013 NFL Draft. First, they need to be more careful when selecting quarterbacks in the first round. Second, they need to do a better job of evaluating cornerback prospects. Third, they need to be more patient with their young players.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a turning point in the franchise's history. The Browns had the opportunity to select some of the best players in the draft, but they ultimately made some poor decisions that set the team back for several years.

The Browns' biggest mistake was drafting quarterback Brandon Weeden with the sixth overall pick. Weeden was a major disappointment during his time with the Browns, and he was eventually replaced by Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback. The Browns also made a mistake by drafting cornerback Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick. Gilbert was a talented player, but he never lived up to his potential in Cleveland.

However, the Browns did make some good picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Josh Gordon was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013, and he led the NFL in receiving yards in 2014. Linebacker Barkevious Mingo was also a solid contributor to the Browns' defense during his time with the team.Overall, the Browns' 2013 NFL Draft was a mixed bag. The Browns made some good picks, but they also made some poor picks that set the team back for several years.. However, the Browns' recent draft classes have been much more successful, and the team is finally starting to turn things around.

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