Offensive Linemen Go 1-2 In 2013 NFL Draft
Usually, when you see players from the same position go first and second overall in the NFL Draft, they play what are called "skill positions" on the offensive side of the football. However, this year is a special exception, as there weren't very many super elite offensive talents in this year's class. Therefore, the first 2 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft focused on the position of Offensive Tackle for the first time in history, as the Kansas City Chiefs selected Eric Fisher with their #1 pick and the Jacksonville Jaguars chose Luke Joeckel with their #2 overall pick.
Fisher was a relatively unknown commodity to NFL fans, but zoomed up the draft boards throughout the last few months and grabbed the brass ring in New York City, in the form of a red Chiefs jersey and a hug with commissioner Roger Goodell. It marked the 4th time an offensive lineman was selected 1st overall and Fisher is the 1st player from the MAC in the common draft era to be selected #1 (Fisher played his college ball at Central Michigan).
Following the Jaguars' selection of Joeckel, things got a little crazy, as the Dolphins traded up for the 3rd overall pick, held by the Oakland Raiders. Miami would use that pick on defensive end / linebacker Dion Jordan from Oregon. As compensation, the Raiders received Miami's first- and second-round picks in this year's draft (12th and 42nd overall).
The top five picks were rounded out by Lane Johnson - another offensive tackle - going to the Philadelphia Eagles, and defensive end Ziggy Ansah going to the Detroit Lions. This is the first time since 1997 that an offensive "skill position" player (QB-RB-WR-TE) was not selected in the Top Five.