Looking back at the 2016 Draft

The 2016 NFL Draft was jam-packed with stars, many of whom weren’t even drafted in the first round. Though only taking place a year ago, some of the draftees have already made a name for themselves in the NFL, such as Ezekiel Elliot, Dak Prescott, Jordan Howard, etc. So without further ado, let’s look back at the top 7 picks of last year’s draft.

1st Pick (Rams from Titans): Jared Goff, California.

Stats: 54.6% completion percentage, 1,089 yds, 5 TDs, 7 INTs, 63.6 passer rating.

Record: 0–7

Goff, who was sat by then-coach Jeff Fisher until Week 11 (the 7th game was a kneeldown vs. the Seahawks), had a disappointing first year after being picked #1 last April. The Rams’ QB had a passer rating of 63.6, of which was bested by RGIII, Ryan Fitzpatrick (who threw 6 interceptions in a game), and Brock Osweiler. Needless to say, Goff needs to massively improve over the offseason to keep the starting job.

2nd Pick (Eagles from Browns): Carson Wentz, North Dakota St.

Stats: 62.4% completion percentage, 3782 yds, 16 TDs, 14 INTs, 79.3 passer rating.

Record: 7–9

The Eagles traded a boatload to get the #2 pick, and as of right now, it seems to be worth it. Carson Wentz played all 16 games and led the Eagles to one game under .500 while facing a surprisingly strong NFC East. Though Wentz had his struggles over the ’16 season, the Eagles might’ve found themselves a new franchise QB in the kid from North Dakota.

3rd Pick (Chargers): Joey Bosa, Ohio St.

Stats: 10.5 sacks and 29 tackles.

Record: 4–8

Bosa’s rookie year was eventful, to say the least, from holding out of a contract, winning Defensive Rookie Of The Year, and having his team move to Los Angeles. Joey also managed to finish 13th in the league in sacks, the most of any rookie in 2016. It appears that Bosa has a bright future in SoCal for years to come.

4th Pick (Cowboys): Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio St.

Stats: 322 rushes, 1631 yds, 5.1 yards/attempt, 15 TDs.

Record: 13–2

Elliott, known better as “Zeke”, led the league in rushing in his first year behind the Cowboys’ impressive offensive line. The Cowboys RB became notable for the famous “FEED ZEKE” chants throughout the season. Through the combined efforts of Dak Prescott and Elliott, the Cowboys went 13–3 until being knocked out in the Divisional Round.

5th Pick (Jaguars): Jalen Ramsey, Florida St.

Stats: 2 INTs, 1 TD, 1 Forced Fumble, 55 tackles.

Record: 3–13

Jalen Ramsey, a cornerback from FSU, was actually projected to be picked by the Cowboys with Pick #4, but as Dallas took Zeke, the Jags scooped up Ramsey. Ramsey helped the Jaguars become the 6th best team in the league in terms of total yards given up and 5th in the NFL vs. the pass. Though Jacksonville suffered mightily last year, Jalen Ramsey appears to be a bright spot in a (perpetually) rebuilding franchise.

6th Pick (Ravens): Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame.

Record: 8–4

Ronnie Stanley, the 6th pick in the draft, helped provide Joe Flacco with the necessary pass protection the Ravens needed in 2016. With Stanley’s talent, Joe Flacco threw for 4,317 yards, 7th in the league in 2016, and Flacco’s career high. Obviously, Stanley still has room to improve his game, but the Notre Dame product has a bright road ahead of him.

7th Pick (49ers): DeForest Buckner, Oregon.

Stats: 6.0 sacks, 43 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries.

Record: 2–13

The 49ers, who took Buckner with the 7th pick, still lacked in defense, giving up the most total yards and the most rushing yards in the league, but the rookie from Oregon showed promise, being 4th on the team in tackles and tied for first on the 49ers in sacks. DeForest Buckner, while not the next J.J. Watt, still provided a big boost for a lacking 49ers’ defense in 2016.

Other Notable Draftees

QBs: Cody Kessler, Browns, Rd. 3, Pick 93.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys, Rd. 4, Pick 135.

RBs: Derrick Henry, Titans, Rd. 2, Pick 45.

Devontae Booker, Broncos, Rd. 4, Pick 136.

Jordan Howard, Bears, Rd. 5, Pick 150.

WRs: Will Fuller V, Texans, Rd. 1 Pick 21.

Sterling Shepard, Giants, Rd. 2, Pick 40.

Michael Thomas, Saints, Rd. 2, Pick 47.

LBs: Deion Jones, Falcons, Rd. 2 Pick 52.

CB/FS/SS: Vernon Hargreaves, Buccaneers, Rd. 1 Pick 11

Keanu Neal, Falcons, Rd. 1 Pick 17