NFL Draft Grades 2013: Teams That Landed Most Impressive Day 1 Hauls

The first round of the 2013 NFL draft is in the books, and the Minnesota Vikings led the way with the most impressive haul.

For a full first-round recap, check out NFL.com. Several teams made great impressions, but what the Vikings did was just insane. They added a lot of talent without having to do a lot of moves.

In a draft full of offensive linemen, it was easy to forget that there were players at skill positions available. 

Some teams like the Buffalo Bills raised eyebrows with their picks. Others made smart decisions and put themselves in the conversation for the best first day.

Who drafted the best in the first round?

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings easily had the best first round. They made two great picks, but they weren't done. They made a trade with the New England Patriots (trade details at NFL.com) to get back in the first round and address their biggest need.

Minnesota didn't take a wide receiver with either of its first two picks, but they weren't going to leave the first round without taking one. With Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson still on the board at No. 29, the Vikings pulled the trigger on a deal and got their man.

Not only did they address a need, but they also made two solid additions on the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (No. 23) and safety Xavier Rhodes (No. 25) were steals at that point in the draft. Floyd is great against the run and has good quickness. Rhodes has good size and speed. He can play safety or corner, and he is terrific at covering receivers.

Minnesota made a bold move by dealing four picks to New England to get Patterson. It paid off for them, but it was only one of three great picks made on the day.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This isn't exactly a haul, but they made a tremendous pick. By getting Jarvis Jones at No. 17, they filled a need for a pass-rushing linebacker.

Jones can play any of the linebacker positions, so his versatility will give defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau plenty to work with.

The linebacker has tons of talent. He can get to the quarterback consistently, and Pittsburgh was looking for someone to do exactly that.

He will have a chance to come in and earn a starting spot on this defense. The Steelers are looking to turn it around after missing the playoffs last season, and drafting Jones was a great move.

New England Patriots

For a team that didn't make a pick in the first round, it's tough to impress. The New England Patriots just find ways to outsmart everyone.

Nobody jumped out at the Patriots, so they decided to trade down and get some additional picks in the process. The Patriots now have two second-rounders and two third-round picks, and they also picked up a fourth- and seventh-round pick in the deal. Four picks for a spot they didn't want to be in. Not a bad haul.

The Patriots need to fill in some holes on defense, but there wasn't anyone special available at No. 29. They now have five picks through the early part of the fourth round. 

With all of these picks, the Patriots can draft players who can contribute on defense. They can also use one of their second- or third-round picks on a receiver. 

Trading out of the first round has its advantages. New England will now have more picks to use to fill its shaky defense, which is a huge plus.