Throughout the seven rounds and 254 picks of the 2013 NFL draft, there were a lot of players with very impressive college careers welcomed into the professional ranks. And as I review all of the selections now, I'm reminded of one very important fact: All of those college titles, stats and accolades mean precisely zero in terms of their future in the NFL. The slate is wiped clean. From now on, the success of every player in this draft, be it No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher or Mr. Irrelevant Justice Cunningham, will be determined by how hard they work and apply themselves on the pro playing fields.
As we reflect on the draft, we have a tendency to weight the higher picks more than players selected in later rounds. It's a natural inclination, but it's a faulty one. While they may not have stood out as much as their top-round counterparts in college, they have the same opportunity to succeed in the NFL. Just ask Joe Montana. Just ask Tom Brady. Just ask Alfred Morris.
In reviewing my favorite picks from the 2013 draft, that's a factor I keep at the top of my mind. And it's a big reason I think that the New York Giants landed a tremendous asset by taking Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib.
As I mentioned before the draft, there were no quarterbacks that I believed warranted an early selection. But that doesn't mean the position is devoid of talent. Just that these prospects need time to develop and make use of some of their tools and ability. With Nassib, he's going to get precisely that.
Playing behind Eli Manning, there will be no rush in his development. He can sit back, watch and learn, all while providing the Giants with a terrific safety net in the event of an injury to Eli and perhaps even proving to be Manning's successor.
By Nassib's third year in the pros, Manning will be 35, an age at which statistics have shown QBs usually start to break down physically. Their skills may not have diminished, but the accumulation of the punishment they've endured starts to take its toll and injury becomes far more common. By the time that starts to impact Eli, Nassib should be experienced to the point where the Giants will feel comfortable inserting him into a game and still feeling they have better than a 50-percent chance to win.
It may have seemed like a strange pick because quarterback isn't an immediate need for the Giants. But this pick was made with the long view in mind. And I think it was a very savvy selection.
Here are 12 more that stood out to me as particularly strong choices based on the information we have on these prospects right now.
No. 2 Luke Joeckel and No. 33 Johnathan Cyprien, Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming into the draft, I thought Jacksonville needed to add impact players. Both Joeckel and Cyprien give them that, but they also give them something more. The Jaguars needed a culture change after several down seasons. Both Joeckel and Cyprien can foster that change by being leaders on either side of the ball.
No. 3 Dion Jordan, Miami Dolphins
Miami stunned some by moving up and taking a defensive end over an offensive tackle, but I like what Jordan provides them. He'll be able to provide a pass-rush on Day 1 and will be a great complement to Cameron Wake. It's clear the Dolphins feel they can compete right now, and Jordan can be a part of that win-now equation.
No. 7 Jonathan Cooper, Arizona Cardinals
No. 10 Chance Warmack, Tennessee Titans
Guard is not a sexy position when it comes to the draft, but both of these teams added terrific guards that will significantly shore up their offensive lines. The Cardinals suffered from a porous line, but showed some signs of improvement at tackle towards the end of the season. Cooper will help establish the run game, which will keep defenses from pinning back their ears and charging after new QB Carson Palmer. Likewise, RB Chris Johnson should be reinvigorated with the arrival of Warmack in Tennessee, particularly with free agent Andy Levitre also on board.
No. 9 Dee Milliner and No. 13 Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets
These two players were at the top of GM John Idzik's board when these picks rolled around and he took them. In Rex Ryan's defensive scheme, they'll pay dividends. Of course, this draft will be defined by the performance of second-round pick Geno Smith. Still, I like what the Jets did in Round 1.
No. 18 Eric Reid, San Francisco 49ers
The Niners had a great draft overall, and I really liked Reid. In this defensive scheme, Reid fills a critical position. That said, there will be a learning curve and it may take the rookie some time to get his bearings. He may start slowly, but I bet he makes larger contributions as the season goes on.
No. 21 Tyler Eifert, No. 37 Giovani Bernard, No. 53 Margus Hunt, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals got a big boost with Eifert falling to them at 21. Tight end wasn't a glaring need with Jermaine Gresham already in the fold, but it was the right move to draft Eifert. Along with Bernard, who will be a versatile, pass-catching option out of the backfield, the Bengals really improved their offense for the coming season. And I expect Hunt to further bolster an already impressive Bengals defensive line.
No. 58 Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning got a lot of help this offseason and I see Ball as being one of the few missing components for this offense. A top-notch RB like Ball solves a real problem for them and will be a reliable back. He catches the ball well enough, but Peyton seldom checks down to his running backs, preferring to use the slot or tight end instead as his safety valve. Ball's value in the passing game will come as an additional pass protector, something he can do very well.
