The 2012 NFL draft had six of the top 10 picks change hands. While there wasn’t quite as much trade activity in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft, teams looked to address their biggest needs -- while others were willing to accept less in order to move back.
2013 NFL Draft trade round-up: Dolphins, Vikings make major moves
After the top offensive and defensive players were taken early, the draft’s trades became far less predictable.
Al Bello
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Beginning at the third overall pick, the Miami Dolphins sprung the first trade of the evening, and it was rather surprising. Despite being linked to offensive tackles during much of the pre-draft process, they elected to take the draft's top pass rusher, Dion Jordan from Oregon. The Dolphins spent free agent money to give Ryan Tannehill more weapons, and now help their defense with the versatile pass rusher.
One rumor that wound up being accurate was the St. Louis Rams' affinity for Tavon Austin. They struck a deal with the Buffalo Bills to move up to the eighth overall pick, getting the most dynamic offensive playmaker in the draft. As predictable as Austin's selection was, the Bills' pick was the opposite. They moved back to take a quarterback, but not the one everyone expected, making E.J. Manuel from Florida State the first quarterback taken in the 2013 draft.
St. Louis pulled off another trade later in the round. The Falcons moved up for the 22nd pick, which they used for Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant. That deal moved the Rams down to No. 30, where they picked Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree.
Here’s a full look at all the trades in the first round:
See More:
