2023 NFL Draft produces circumstance not seen since 2012

The Browns moved up in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings to select running back Trent Richardson third overall. The former Alabama standout played only 17 games in Cleveland before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts two games into the 2013 season. When all was said and done, Richardson rushed for 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Browns, but his career took a nosedive in Indianapolis, and he was out of the NFL after the 2014 season. 

Two picks later, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, selecting wideout Justin Blackmon with the fifth-overall pick. Like Richardson, Blackmon's NFL career was unfortunately short. Blackmon flashed lots of ability, recording 93 receptions for 1,280 yards and six touchdowns, playing 20 games over two seasons for the Jaguars. However, after multiple violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league suspended Blackmon indefinitely in 2014.  

Meanwhile, the Cowboys moved to No. 6, trading with the then-St. Louis Rams to select defensive back Morris Claiborne. Clairborne had arguably the best career out of the trio, but he never reached the heights expected from a top 10 pick. Claiborne started 43 games for Dallas over five seasons, recording 151 tackles, four interceptions and 27 pass defenses. The former LSU Tiger finished his career by playing two seasons with the New York Jets before playing his final year in the NFL in 2019 with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The NFL Draft is full of gambles. No matter how much time teams invest in scouting and gathering information, none can truly predict the future. For now, the Texans, Cardinals and Eagles are pleased with their moves, but only time will tell how each player turns out.