Who was drafted 13 in 2020?

Tristan Wirfs: The Buck Stops Here at No. 13

Back in April 2020, the NFL Draft took on a surreal, virtual vibe due to the pandemic—but for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the moment was anything but quiet. With the 13th overall pick, acquired in a trade-up with the San Francisco 49ers, they made a move that would fortify their offensive line for years to come: selecting Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa.

At just 21 years old, Wirfs was already turning heads. A dominant force on the Hawkeyes’ offensive line, he combined rare athleticism with textbook technique—making him a near-perfect fit for the NFL grind. The Buccaneers, fresh off a Super Bowl run the following season, knew they needed to protect Tom Brady’s blind side. Wirfs, with his quick feet and powerful run blocking, was the answer.

And thrive he did. Wirfs started all 16 games as a rookie, helping anchor the line during Tampa’s championship run in 2020. His performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, and he hasn’t looked back since—earning Pro Bowl honors multiple times and becoming one of the league’s premier right tackles.

What made the pick even more impressive? The Buccaneers pulled off the trade to move up, showing just how high they ranked Wirfs on their board. In hindsight, it was a masterstroke—one that helped solidify a Super Bowl-caliber offensive line.

Today, Wirfs isn’t just a key piece of the Bucs’ present; he’s a cornerstone of their future. And it all started with a phone call on draft night at No. 13.