The Bengals used their third round pick to select Georgia safety Shawn Williams at No. 84, the Redskins selected Florida tight end Jordan Reed at No. 85 and the Colts used the No. 86 pick on Illinois guard Hugh Thornton.
NFL Draft results 2013: Bengals, Redskins and Colts make 3rd round selections
The Bengals grabbed a safety, the Redskins selected a tight end and the Colts selected a guard in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Sam Greenwood
The Bengals’ third-round pick, Williams, saw action immediately in his first season with the Bulldogs. He played in 13 games as a freshman, and began seeing a little action in the starting lineup the following year. He served as a full-time starter at safety in 2011 and 2012.
The Redskins’ new tight end, Reed, came to Florida as a dual-threat quarterback, but it quickly became clear he wouldn’t have many opportunities under center for the Gators. But the player with the 6’3 frame, decent size, and speed was too good to keep off the field. After redshirting, he was used more in the running game than passing game, gaining 328 yards on 77 carries with five touchdowns as some sort of H-back as a freshman. After that, he would switch over to tight end, and although he’d take a little while to figure it out, he’d turn into the Gators’ best receiving option. He had 559 yards on 45 receptions with three touchdowns on a rush-heavy Florida team in 2012.
The Colts’ third round pick, Thornton, was a very reliable lineman for the Illini, starting seven games as a freshman and playing multiple positions up front. He played guard for most of his career, but was moved to left tackle last season in an effort by Illinois to get their best five linemen on the field. Thornton has tremendous upper body strength and quick feet. His background as a star high school wrestler certainly doesn’t hurt in the trenches.
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