REDRAFTING THE 2016 NFL DRAFT
1. Los Angeles Rams: Dak Prescott, QB
Original Pick: Jared Goff, QB
The debate in 2016 was all about which quarterback should go first overall, Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. Five seasons later, it's the eighth quarterback off the board, a fourth round steal, who should have been in the conversation. Dak Prescott has compiled the best career of any quarterback in the class, thus far.
The aforementioned three quarterbacks have comparable numbers and accolades, but Prescott has done more in a shorter amount of time. While the other two were destined to start right away, Prescott was drafted to be a backup to Tony Romo, at best. Prescott took an opportunity and turned it into a Pro Bowl career. His best days are still ahead of him, and he would have been a fantastic fit for the Rams and that vaunted Sean McVay offense.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Goff, QB
Original Pick: Carson Wentz, QB
Jared Goff takes a lot of heat, but he is a franchise quarterback in the NFL. After a slow rookie season, his career has taken off and he is well above a .500 record as a starter. He is a two-time Pro Bowler, he's posted two 4,000-plus yard seasons and his toughness is massively underrated. He could just as adroitly run the Eagles system as he has the Rams system.
Philadelphia made the right choice by taking a quarterback, and the consensus was they would take whichever guy--Goff or Wentz--that the Rams passed on. The debate about which is better is still going on years later, but Goff's more recent success earns him the spot here.
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3. San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa, DE
Original Pick: Joey Bosa, DE
Joey Bosa was widely considered the best defensive prospect in 2016, and the Chargers made a slam dunk with this pick. Bosa leads a pretty stout class in career sacks with 47.5; that includes missing nearly an entire season. Those injury troubles are concerning, but when Bosa is healthy he is almost guaranteed for at least a dozen sacks each season. His pairing with Melvin Ingram is one of the most feared pass rushing duos in recent history.
Bosa is a three-time Pro Bowler and the most sensible choice for the Chargers.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
4. Dallas Cowboys: Derrick Henry, RB
Original Pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
No matter who it is, the top ten always feels like a bit of a stretch for a running back, but if anyone in the game today deserves to go this high, it is Derrick Henry. Despite a great college career at Alabama, scouts seemed to be lukewarm on Henry at draft time. He slid to the second round and had a slow start to his career in Nashville. However, he erupted during his third season and has only improved with age. He has now joined the illustrious "2,000 rushing yards in a season" club and is the best running back in the game.
Ezekiel Elliott still boasts a slightly better resume than Henry, but Henry feels like he has the brighter future and his best days are still ahead of him.
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5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, CB
Original Pick: Jalen Ramsey, CB
The top end of this secondary class may be the best in recent history, and Jalen Ramsey is the stud of the bunch. Coming out of Florida State, the brash Ramsey felt like he was channeling Deion Sanders. He is loud, cocky, flashy and backs it all up. Ramsey can go toe-to-toe with any top wideout in the game, and his weekly battles are always a treat, no matter which star receiver he is locked on. He is a one-time AP First Team All-Pro and his four Pro Bowls are second in the class.
This was a brilliant pick by the Jaguars, and they go back to the same well here. However, in this alternate universe they manage his career better and keep him happy in Florida.
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6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, OL
Original Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OL
2016 was not a tremendously deep offensive line class, but the top tier of players is dynamite. Chief among this crop is Ronnie Stanley, the Notre Dame alum with flawless technique. Stanley's footwork and agility has been crucial to the success of Lamar Jackson; guarding the blindside of a mobile quarterback presents unique challenges, but Stanley has mastered the role. Injuries have hampered him somewhat, but he has earned an All-Pro and Pro Bowl nod thus far in his career.
There are several possible solutions here for the Ravens, but Stanley has shown himself to be great fit and there is no reason for Baltimore to look elsewhere.
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7. San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DL
Original Pick: DeForest Buckner, DL
Teams really got it right in 2016. If there are three perfect picks in this redraft total, it is an accomplishment, but here we have three in a row. This was the second year of San Francisco's "draft defensive lineman every time" plan, with DeForest Buckner joining Arik Armstead to form the foundation of the vaunted defensive line. Buckner sports the versatility to play defensive end or tackle, and no matter where he is, he's been a wrecking ball; his 38 sacks are fourth in the class, and he's the most sure-tackler of the elite edge rushers.
This was the perfect selection by the 49ers, and much like the Jalen Ramsey pick to the Jaguars, in the redraft universe the 49ers work out a way to keep Buckner in the Bay Area longer.
8. Cleveland Browns: Michael Thomas, WR
Original Pick: Jack Conklin (to Titans)
Michael Thomas is one of those players where pundits can look back with hindsight and wonder, "how did everybody miss on this guy?" Thomas went in the second round and was the sixth wide receiver taken. He is now definitively in the conversation for "best in the class," and the only candidates are he and Tyreek Hill. Despite missing most of 2020, Thomas leads the class in yards and receptions, and trails only Hill in touchdowns. The two wideouts are also the only two multi-time All-Pros in the class.
Cleveland went wide receiver in the first round, and as the Browns do, didn't pick the best option. Michael Thomas could have been a fortune changer for the Browns.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
9. Chicago Bears: Jack Conklin, OL
Original Pick: Leonard Floyd, LB
How does a guy make an AP All-Pro First Team but never a Pro Bowl? That doesn't make sense, but such is the resume of Jack Conklin. If somebody were to build a prototypical offensive lineman, they would build Jack Conklin. His size, look and playing style are all textbook. Conklin has been tremendously durable for the Browns and Titans, playing nearly every snap since his first day in the league, save for one shortened season.
This is a major departure from the Bears who were seeking some help in the front seven of their defense. However, Conklin's pure ability makes him a fantastic asset for any franchise.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
10. New York Giants: Tyreek Hill, WR
Original Pick: Eli Apple, CB
Who wouldn't love to see an offense featuring Odell Beckham, Jr., Victor Cruz and Tyreek Hill? It would have been electric, unmatched and chaotic all at the same time. In spite of being a playoff team in 2016, the Giants offense was surprisingly anemic; "The Cheetah" would have undoubtedly changed that with his explosive speed and game breaking ability.
Hill is the most acclaimed player in this class, so far. He has five Pro Bowl games and two All-Pro honors to his name. His 47 touchdowns are comfortably in the lead among 2016 draftees, and he trails only Michael Thomas is yards and receptions.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavien Howard, CB
Original Pick: Vernon Hargraves III, CB
While Jalen Ramsey was considered a "can't miss," Xavien Howard was much more of a pleasant surprise. Howard had some hype, as he was selected 38th overall, but five cornerbacks and two safeties went before him. As of the conclusion of the 2020 season, Howard has outshone nearly all of them, and he has a credible argument that he's been better than Jalen Ramsey. He leads the class in interceptions with 22 and he's been named to two Pro Bowls.
The 2016 Buccaneers had one fantastic cornerback in Brent Grimes, but they needed more help on the back end of that defense. An energetic, smart ballhawk like Howard would have been the future of that secondary.
Photo Credit: USA Today
12. New Orleans Saints: Chris Jones, DT
Original Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT
Chris Jones feels like he came out of nowhere in 2018. He was a high second round pick in 2016, so there were some expectations, but he largely flew under the radar during his first two campaigns. However, since he erupted for a 15-sack season in 2018, Jones has been a force on the Kansas City defensive line; he's been imperative in keeping that defense on par with the Chiefs potent offense.
His 40 sacks are third best in the class, an even more impressive feat since Jones has worked primarily inside in recent years, rather than coming off the edge. As for the Saints, this is another basic match game: give the best defensive tackle to a team in desperate need of one.
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13. Miami Dolphins: Cody Whitehair, OL
Original Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OL
People knew Cody Whitehair would be good, but as an offensive guard, he was deemed less valuable than the tackles. However, five years on and now the primary center for the Bears, Whitehair has outplayed nearly every lineman, regardless of position. Whitehair is a one-time Pro Bowl player and has started nearly every game since being drafted. He has played in 78 of 80 possible regular season games, a feat only matched or bested by one other lineman.
This pick change is not as much a referendum on Laremy Tunsil, the original pick, as it is simply trying something different with Whitehair. Both players are equally matched, but a 10-year starting center is a rare commodity worth a high investment.
Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune
14. Oakland Raiders: Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Original Pick: Karl Joseph, S
One of the biggest steals in this class, Yannick Ngakoue was a pleasant surprise for the Jaguars. The 69th overall pick, Ngakoue had to be considered a role player, at best, during the start of his career. However, he exploded onto the scene and started all but two games during his four-year stint in Jacksonville. He has since moved on to the Vikings and Ravens, leaving decimated quarterbacks in his wake each step of the way. Ngakoue's 45 sacks are second best in the class and he has a Pro Bowl under his belt.
So why send a defensive end to Oakland instead of a safety? Khalil Mack. Imagine that edge rushing duo--Mack and Ngakoue. The Raiders would be unparalleled in that aspect.
Photo Credit: USA Today
15. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OL
Original Pick: Corey Coleman, WR (to Browns)
Laremy Tunsil slides down here to the Titans, who miss out on Jack Conklin in the redraft. Tennessee made the wise move picking an offensive lineman, and here they go back to the well to pick the best available. Tunsil is a two-time Pro Bowler and has been a stalwart starter for the Dolphins and Texans.
Back in 2016, Tunsil's draft stock slipped for the somewhat silly reason that a picture surfaced on him smoking pot. Tunsil was absolutely worthy of a first-round selection and has continued to excel every year. The 50 career penalties is ludicrous, but the talent outweighs the negatives.
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16. Detroit Lions: Kenny Clark, DT
Original Pick: Taylor Decker, OT
The Lions dedicated their 2016 draft to reinforcing the trenches, with their top three picks going to two offensive lineman and one to the defensive front. In the redraft, they make the defensive line the top priority and opt for Kenny Clark. Clark was one of the highest touted defensive tackles in the class, and after one year learning the ropes in Green Bay, Clark established himself as a premiere nose tackle. He's been to a Pro Bowl and has a respectable 18 sacks.
Clark would become the heir-apparent for Haloti Ngata in Detroit. The all-time great defensive tackle was nearing the end of his career, and Detroit needed some new blood to complement Ziggy Ansah on the edge.
Photo Credit: ESPN
17. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Judon, DE
Original Pick: Keanu Neal, S
Perhaps the steal of all steals in this draft, Matt Judon fell all the way to pick 146 in the fifth round. Proving that the rich get richer, it was the Ravens who snapped him up and added him to their perennially loaded arsenal. Judon has been to two Pro Bowls and is fifth in the class in sacks. From an unheralded rookie who barely saw playing time to the fiercest pass-rusher on one of league's best defenses, Judon is a classic feelgood story.
The record is on repeat for the Falcons--pick the best defensive player available. This team has underachieved on defense for a decade; Judon is the best all-around defensive player in the class at this point, so it's the most logical move to take him.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
18. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly, OL
Original Pick: Ryan Kelly, OL
After a few new faces in new places, this draft is back to its unusually high volume of perfect picks. The Colts have built one of the league's elite offensive lines, and they've done so by investing high draft picks. Lining up Ryan Kelly and Mike McGlinchey together has created the most impenetrable interior walls in the NFL. Ryan Kelly was far and away the best center on the draft board, and had the aforementioned Cody Whitehair not slid in from guard, Kelly would still hold that mantle.
Kelly has been to a pair of Pro Bowls and except for one injury-plagued season has played nearly every offensive snap for the Colts. Indianapolis made a fantastic pick in 2016 and Kelly stays in town in the redraft.
Photo Credit: USA Today
19. Buffalo Bills: Joe Schobert, OLB
Original Pick: Shaq Lawson, DE
Joe Schobert is the best player from this class that not enough people have heard of. The classic tackling machine linebacker, Schobert is third in the class with 336 solo tackles; he's also athletic enough to snag nine picks and 11 sacks. Schobert can do anything on defense, and thus far he has been rewarded with one Pro Bowl selection.
The Bills were in a curious spot in 2016. They invested heavily on rebuilding the defense, which each of their top three picks going to the defensive front. Schobert has outplayed each of those draftees and could have been a key cog for the newly invigorated Bills.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
20. New York Jets: Jaylon Smith, OLB
Original Pick: Darron Lee, OLB
Jaylon Smith suffered one of the most gruesome injuries in recent college football history, so his draft stock taking a bit of a hit is understandable. However, falling all the way to the second round was too far; had he not suffered that knee injury, he would likely have been at the top of the linebacker crop. Five years in and Smith is in rarified air amongst all defensive players.
He is sixth in tackles and is a one-time Pro Bowler. Moreso than most, Smith feels like his best days are still on the horizon. He has improved every season and his numbers keep getting better. The Jets also flirt with the "best player available" conversation every year, and Smith is a combination of best available while also fitting the team's highest demand.
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21. Houston Texans: Justin Simmons, S
Original Pick: Will Fuller V, WR
The ultimate Swiss army knife of the class, Justin Simmons does everything from his safety position. He is eighth in the class in tackles and boasts the third most interceptions with 16. He finally got his overdue inaugural Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Simmons is the kind of supreme athlete with the competitive nature that could adapt to any system.
The Texans had a much different plan in 2016, as they were focused on restocking the offense. However, Simmons has been better than them all. Houston's defense was very good, so Simmons could have had time to sit and learn; when his number was called, he would have shut down plenty of opposing offenses.
Photo Credit: ESPN
22. Washington Football Team: Deion Jones, LB
Original Pick: Josh Doctson, WR
Deion Jones feels like a player before his time. Smaller than the traditional linebacker but bigger than the traditional safety, Jones is the type of hybrid player that is becoming increasingly more in vogue. His versatility is what makes him so valuable on the football field. Jones is fourth in the class in interceptions and second in tackles; he's earned one Pro Bowl bid in this career.
Jones is the exact type of defensive weapon Washington could use for years. In this era, the team had some talent at every level, particularly at cornerback and defensive end. Deion Jones is the type of athletic, middle-field rover who would patrol the middle of the field.
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23. Minnesota Vikings: James Bradberry, CB
Original Pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR
The Vikings have been very good at picking defensive backs in recent years, and they get another winner here in James Bradberry. After a relatively consistent yet quiet career with the Panthers, Bradberry moved to New York in 2020 and had his first Pro Bowl season with the Giants; he produced a career high in passes defended and tied his career high in interceptions. His 11 picks rank fourth in the class. Bradberry is a prototypical shutdown corner who looks to be heading into his prime.
The Vikings found a great cornerback in the second round of 2020 with Mackensie Alexander. While Alexander has had a wonderful career, Bradberry is a notch better, and he's several notches better than any receiver available at this stage.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Fuller, CB
Original Pick: William Jackson III, CB
The mini-run on secondary playmakers continues with Kendall Fuller. The Virginia Tech alum and younger brother of fellow stud cornerback Kyle Fuller, Kendall Fuller is here for one reason--he's great at breaking up passes. He is another talent who looks like his best days are still ahead of him; now in his second stint with Washington after an up-and-down sojourn to Kansas City, Fuller has 10 careers INTs and is a regular starter after serving in a rotational role for years.
Cincinnati made the right choice by taking a cornerback in 2016. There is no reason to change the position group, they just slightly upgrade with Kendall Fuller.
Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun
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25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Byard, S
Original Pick: Artie Burns, CB
Kevin Byard should be a much bigger deal in the NFL. From playing at Middle Teneessee State to being drafted in the third round to being overlooked as a member of the Titans secondary that never gets any attention, Byard's whole football career has been underappreciated. Nonetheless, all he has done is perform. He is second in the class with 18 interceptions and is second among all defensive backs in tackles with 308. Byard earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl accolades following his sophomore season.
For all their talents at linebacker and along the defensive line, the Steelers have been spotty in the secondary. A consistent starter like Byard, a man who hasn't missed a start since joining the league, would give Pittsburgh a focal point to build around in the densive backfield.
Photo Credit: ESPN
26. Denver Broncos: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Original Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB
Here's one of the names most fans expected to see much earlier. Ezekiel Elliott is an All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, so why is he so far down the board? Answer: supply and demand. He may lead the class in rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns, and is the best receiving back from 2016, but running backs just aren't as in-demand as other positions.
The Broncos have had a revolving door at running back for years, but Elliott would have solved those issues. Back in 2016, Denver had built a stout defense, but the offense needed a spark in the post-Manning era. Ezekiel Elliott would have been the dual-threat talent to motor a new-look offense. The option of putting Carson Wentz here is also intriguing, but Elliott has been more consistent at his job throughout his career.
27. Green Bay Packers: Blake Martinez, LB
Original Pick: Kenny Clark, DT
Blake Martinez has more tackles than any player drafted since 2016. For whatever reason, tackles don't excite people as much as sacks or interceptions, which hurts Martinez's appeal with mainstream audiences. Upon review of the numbers, however, Martinez belongs comfortably among the best players in his class. In addition to his tackling prowess, he has started every game of the last four seasons, splitting time between the Packers and Giants. Martinez should have more accolades by now, as he is just as good as any pure linebacker in the draft.
The Packers got Martinez in the fourth round of the 2016 draft; a steal by any measure, the Packers give him the proper respect here by investing a first round pick in the Stanford alum.
Photo Credit: New York Post
28. San Francisco 49ers: Austin Hooper, TE
Original Pick: Joshua Garnett, OL
The 2016 tight end crop was awfully thin; only three of the draftees have eclipsed 1,000 yards after five years in the league. The top two--Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry--have separated from the pack and it is really a coin flip between them. Hooper has more yards and receptions but Henry has a narrow advantage in touchdowns. The main differentiator is consistency; Hooper has played in 72 games while Henry only has 55 appearances. Hooper has also earned two trips to the Pro Bowl.
Tight ends tend to thrive in San Francisco, evidenced by Vernon Davis and George Kittle. Those are both exceptional talents, but the current system also makes excellent use of athletic, pass-catching tight ends; Austin Hooper fits that mold.
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29. New England Patriots: Joe Thuney, OL
Original Pick: No pick
Only four men have played in every regular season game since the 2016 draft but only one has started every game, Joe Thuney. As a left guard, Thuney doesn't garner much attention or cause much excitement on the field, but there is no substitution for a reliable, high-caliber offensive lineman. For the complex Patriots system to function, it requires very smart players who can adapt on the fly; Thuney exemplifies that style. In 2020 he even showcased his versatility by jumping out to offensive tackle.
New England had no pick in the 2016 first round, due to punishment for the franchise's latest transgression. The redraft is more forgiving and sends Thuney to the Patriots in the first round rather than the third round where he was originally drafted.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
32. Seattle Seahawks: Taylor Decker, OL
Original Pick: Germain Ifedi, OL
Taylor Decker was one of the mostly highly touted offensive linemen in the draft. He came in with all the expectations imaginable after a sterling collegiate career at Ohio State. He may not have earned the Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades, yet, but there is still time, and his steady play means anything is possible. Save for a short a sabbatical during his sophomore campaign, Decker has starterd nearly every game in his career and rarely misses a snap. That kind of reliability is coveted by any team.
The Seahawks have been abyssmal along the offensive line for a long time, dating as far back as 2016; a guy who can suit up every week and go toe-to-toe with any defensive linemen in the league is something Seattle has rarely seen in recent years. Decker at left tackle would save Russell Wilson a lot of effort and give the Seahawks a true cornerstone of the offensive line.