2016 NFL draft
The 2016 NFL Draft was the annual selection process in which National Football League (NFL) franchises chose eligible college American football players to join their rosters. Held from April 28 to 30 at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, the event marked the second consecutive year the draft took place outside New York City and featured seven rounds with a total of 253 picks due to the New England Patriots' forfeited first-round selection stemming from the Deflategate scandal.[1][2][3] The draft opened with high-profile trades that reshaped the top of the order, including the Los Angeles Rams acquiring the No. 1 overall pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for multiple players and future draft selections, allowing them to select quarterback Jared Goff from the University of California.[4] The Philadelphia Eagles then traded up to the No. 2 spot from the Cleveland Browns to draft quarterback Carson Wentz from North Dakota State, followed by the San Diego Chargers selecting defensive end Joey Bosa from Ohio State at No. 3 and the Dallas Cowboys picking running back Ezekiel Elliott from the same school at No. 4.[5][6] These early choices highlighted a quarterback-heavy focus at the outset, though only two signal-callers were taken in the first round overall.[7] Beyond the top selections, the 2016 class proved remarkably deep and influential, producing multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro talents who contributed to playoff successes and Super Bowl appearances in subsequent years. Standouts included cornerback Jalen Ramsey (selected fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars), wide receiver Michael Thomas (second round, New Orleans Saints), and running back Derrick Henry (second round, Titans), with the group collectively earning recognition for bolstering both offensive and defensive units across the league.[8] The draft featured numerous trades, underscoring its fluid nature, while compensatory picks awarded to teams like the Saints and Ravens added further depth to the proceedings.[9]Background and Eligibility
Draft Dates and Location
The 2016 NFL Draft was held from April 28 to April 30 in Chicago, Illinois, marking the second consecutive year the event took place in the city, the first time in Chicago since 1964 after the draft had been held annually in New York City for the previous 48 years.[1][10] The primary venue for the draft proceedings was the Auditorium Theatre, with fan festivities centered in Grant Park.[11][12] Round 1 commenced on the evening of Thursday, April 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 29, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.[13][11] Rounds 4 through 7 occurred on Saturday, April 30, beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET.[14][11] The draft was broadcast nationally on ESPN and NFL Network, with additional local coverage provided by stations such as ABC 7 in Chicago.[15][11] The event drew an estimated attendance of 225,000 over the three days, surpassing the 2015 figures.[16] Fan events, including the expanded Draft Town festival with interactive exhibits, autograph sessions, and musical performances, were hosted in Grant Park from April 28 to 30, while prospects gathered for photos at Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture.[12][17] Chicago's selection as host built on the success of the 2015 draft, which had revitalized the city's role in NFL history after hosting in 1964.[1] Preparations involved collaboration between the NFL, Choose Chicago, and city officials, including marketing campaigns and infrastructure enhancements to accommodate the influx of visitors.[15][10] The event generated an estimated economic impact of approximately $81 million, driven by hotel bookings, tourism, and local spending.[18]Eligibility Rules
The National Football League requires all draft-eligible players to be at least three years removed from their high school graduation or equivalent, ensuring they have sufficient maturity and development time before entering professional football.[19] College seniors who have exhausted their four years of eligibility are automatically eligible for the draft without further application. Underclassmen, typically juniors or sophomores, must forgo their remaining college eligibility by submitting a formal declaration to the league, renouncing any further NCAA participation.[19] For the 2016 NFL Draft, the deadline for underclassmen to declare early entry was January 18, 2016, after which the league reviewed applications to confirm compliance with the three-year rule and other criteria. A total of 96 underclassmen were granted special eligibility following this process.[20] These declarations allow players to participate in pre-draft activities, such as the NFL Scouting Combine, while permanently ending their college careers.[20] Special provisions apply to certain pathways outside traditional four-year college programs. International players, who may not have attended U.S. colleges, are eligible if they meet the three-year removal from secondary school equivalent and apply through the league's international development programs; in 2016, this enabled selections like German kicker Moritz Böhringer as the first non-college international draftee.[21] Junior college (JUCO) transfers follow the standard three-year rule, with time spent at JUCO counting toward eligibility, allowing them to declare after accumulating the required seasons at a two-year or four-year institution.[19] No hardship waivers for early entry exist under NFL rules, unlike some college eligibility extensions, as determinations rely solely on the objective three-year threshold and application review.[19] The eligibility framework for 2016 remained consistent with prior drafts, with no significant rule alterations since the stabilization of underclassmen declaration processes in the early 2010s, maintaining a balance between player development and professional access.[19]Early Entrants
The National Football League granted special eligibility to 96 underclassmen for the 2016 NFL Draft, enabling juniors and sophomores to declare early and forgo their remaining college seasons after meeting the league's three-year post-high school requirement.[20] This group included several projected top-10 picks, such as Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, who opted to enter based on strong junior-year performances and favorable draft projections that promised high earning potential in the NFL.[20] Other notable entrants like Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Mississippi wide receiver Laquon Treadwell similarly bypassed additional college play to pursue professional opportunities.[20] The full list of early entrants, as announced by the NFL, is grouped below by primary position: Quarterbacks:- Jared Goff, California
- Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
- Cardale Jones, Ohio State
- Paxton Lynch, Memphis[22]
- Peyton Barber, Auburn
- Alex Collins, Arkansas
- Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
- Derrick Henry, Alabama
- Jordan Howard, Indiana
- Paul Perkins, UCLA
- C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame
- Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia
- Kelvin Taylor, Florida
- Dwayne Washington, Washington[22]
- Bralon Addison, Oregon
- Demarcus Ayers, Houston
- Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
- Daniel Braverman, Western Michigan
- Corey Coleman, Baylor
- Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
- Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
- Cayleb Jones, Arizona
- Kenny Lawler, California
- Roger Lewis, Bowling Green
- Jalin Marshall, Ohio State
- Marquez North, Tennessee
- Demarcus Robinson, Florida
- Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi
- De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State[22]
- Thomas Duarte, UCLA
- David Grinnage, North Carolina State
- Hunter Henry, Arkansas
- Austin Hooper, Stanford[22]
- Caleb Benenoch, UCLA
- Dariusz Bladek, Bethune-Cookman
- Jack Conklin, Michigan State
- Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M
- Jerald Hawkins, Louisiana State
- Denver Kirkland, Arkansas
- Alex Redmond, UCLA
- Isaac Seumalo, Oregon State
- Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
- Tyrell Smith, Massachusetts
- Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi
- Avery Young, Auburn[22]
- Andrew Billings, Baylor
- Joey Bosa, Ohio State
- Kenny Clark, UCLA
- Maliek Collins, Nebraska
- Kamalei Correa, Boise State
- Elijah Daniel, Murray State
- Kevin Dodd, Clemson
- Willie Henry, Michigan
- Chris Jones, Mississippi State
- Darius Latham, Indiana
- Shaq Lawson, Clemson
- Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland
- Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi
- Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
- Hassan Ridgeway, Texas
- A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama
- Ron Thompson, Syracuse[22]
- Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma
- Beniquez Brown, Mississippi State
- Su’a Cravens, Southern California
- Terrell Davis, British Columbia
- Leonard Floyd, Georgia
- Myles Jack, UCLA
- Darron Lee, Ohio State
- Steve Longa, Rutgers
- Brett McMakin, Northern Iowa
- Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
- Nick Vigil, Utah State
- Stephen Weatherly, Vanderbilt
- Scooby Wright, Arizona[22]
- Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
- Eli Apple, Ohio State
- Vonn Bell, Ohio State
- Artie Burns, Miami
- Trenton Coles, Duquesne
- Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
- T.J. Green, Clemson
- Xavien Howard, Baylor
- Jayron Kearse, Clemson
- Keanu Neal, Florida
- Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
- Rashard Robinson, Louisiana State
- Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma
- Cleveland Wallace, San Jose State
- Daryl Worley, West Virginia
- Joe Powell, Globe Tech[22]
- Aldrick Rosas, Southern Oregon
- Quinn van Gylswyk, British Columbia[22]
Pre-Draft Preparations
Draft Order and Tiebreakers
The 2016 NFL Draft order was established in reverse order of the 2015 regular season standings, with the 20 non-playoff teams selecting first from picks 1 through 20, followed by the 12 playoff teams in inverse order of their postseason finish, from picks 21 through 32.[19] Ties among teams with identical records were resolved starting with strength of schedule—the combined winning percentage of all opponents faced in the 2015 season—with the team that played the weaker schedule (lowest winning percentage) awarded the earlier pick; subsequent tiebreakers included head-to-head results, best division record, best conference record, strength of victory, and net points in common games if needed.[24] This process ensured a structured allocation reflecting team performance, with the Tennessee Titans securing the No. 1 overall pick via a 3–13 record and .492 strength of schedule, ahead of the Cleveland Browns (also 3–13 but .531 strength of schedule) at No. 2 and the San Diego Chargers (4–12, .528 strength of schedule) at No. 3.[25] Pre-draft trades significantly altered the initial order, as teams could exchange selections from prior transactions; for instance, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired the Browns' No. 2 pick on April 20, 2016, in a deal involving multiple draft selections and players, positioning the Eagles to select second overall at the draft's outset.[26] Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams obtained the Titans' No. 1 pick in an April 14, 2016, trade that sent their 2016 first-rounder and additional assets to Tennessee, reshaping the top of the order before proceedings began.[27] These acquisitions by the Eagles, who amassed 11 total picks through various prior deals, exemplified how traded selections integrated into the standing-based framework without disrupting the overall reverse-order principle.[6] To address free agency imbalances, the NFL awarded 33 compensatory picks to 13 teams on March 11, 2016, calculated by the net loss of unrestricted free agents from the 2015 offseason relative to gains, with selections distributed across Rounds 3 through 7 (four in Round 4, the maximum allowed per team).[28] The Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers each received four such picks, reflecting their significant net losses, while these additions would have extended the draft to 256 total selections but for the four forfeited picks, which reduced the total to 253; the compensatory picks were slotted after standard picks in each round based on the compensatory formula's priority ranking.[28][3]Forfeited Picks
In the 2016 NFL Draft, four teams were compelled to forfeit selections as penalties for rule violations, marking the highest number of such losses since the New Orleans Saints' forfeitures in 2012 related to the BountyGate scandal.[29] These penalties stemmed from issues including tampering, artificial enhancements during games, and participation in the supplemental draft, illustrating the league's strict enforcement of its conduct and operational rules.[30] The forfeited picks were as follows:| Team | Round | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 1 | Deflategate scandal involving underinflated footballs in the 2014 AFC Championship Game.[30] |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 3 | Tampering with free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin prior to the 2015 signing period.[31] |
| Atlanta Falcons | 5 | Piping in artificial crowd noise during home games in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.[32] |
| Los Angeles Rams | 5 | Selection of offensive tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Supplemental Draft.[33] |
Draft Execution
Overview of Proceedings
The 2016 NFL Draft unfolded over three days from April 28 to 30 in Chicago, Illinois, marking the league's return to the city following the successful 2015 event. A total of 253 players were selected across seven rounds, with teams allotted specific time limits per pick to maintain flow—10 minutes for Round 1 selections, for instance.[35][36][37] The proceedings were characterized by a vibrant festival atmosphere, enhanced by Chicago's innovations such as the outdoor "Draft Town" fan zone in Grant Park, which drew large crowds for interactive exhibits and entertainment alongside the main stage at the Auditorium Theatre. Commissioner Roger Goodell faced resounding boos from the audience each time he took the stage to announce picks, a recurring tradition reflecting fan sentiments toward league leadership, though interactions with draftees often included warm embraces and celebratory moments.[1][38][39] Viewership on ESPN averaged more than 3.1 million across the three days, including digital streams, with Round 1 peaking at 6.29 million viewers and a combined total of 8.3 million when including NFL Network coverage. Pacing occasionally faltered due to delays from ongoing trade negotiations and clock management challenges, leading to tense moments as teams navigated the time limits. Notable highlights included emotional on-stage reactions from prospects and audible surprise from the crowd at unexpected selections, contributing to the event's dramatic energy.[40][41][42]Major Trades
The 2016 NFL Draft was marked by extensive trading activity both before and during the event, with teams exchanging a total of 37 draft picks to reposition for key selections, particularly at quarterback. Pre-draft trades set the stage for major shifts in the top of the order, driven by teams' desires to secure franchise-altering talent while others accumulated assets for rebuilding efforts. According to the NFL's official trade value chart, these exchanges often aimed for approximate parity in pick value, with the No. 1 overall pick valued at 3,000 points and subsequent picks decreasing progressively (e.g., No. 15 at 1,050 points, No. 43 at 430 points).[43] One of the draft's most blockbuster pre-draft deals occurred on April 14, 2016, when the Los Angeles Rams traded up to acquire the Tennessee Titans' No. 1 overall pick to address their long-standing need for a starting quarterback. The Titans, in a rebuilding phase, received substantial compensation: the Rams' 2016 first-round pick (No. 15, valued at 1,050 points), two 2016 second-round picks (Nos. 43 and 45, totaling 860 points), a 2016 third-round pick (No. 76, valued at 200 points), a 2017 first-round pick, and a 2017 third-round pick. In addition, the Rams received the Titans' 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 113, valued at 70 points) and sixth-round pick (No. 177, valued at 11.7 points). This swap, roughly equivalent in chart value (Rams outgoing ~2,990 points, incoming ~3,081.7 points), allowed the Titans to stockpile picks for depth across multiple rounds.[27][44] The Philadelphia Eagles conducted an aggressive series of pre-draft trades to climb the board and target a quarterback. On March 9, 2016, they acquired the Miami Dolphins' No. 8 overall pick (valued at 1,600 points) in exchange for cornerback Byron Maxwell, linebacker Kiko Alonso, and their own 2016 first-round pick (No. 13, valued at 1,400 points) and third-round pick (No. 79, valued at 185 points). Building on this, the Eagles traded with the Cleveland Browns on April 20, 2016, to obtain the No. 2 overall pick (valued at 2,600 points), sending back the No. 8 pick, a 2016 third-round pick (No. 77, valued at 195 points), a 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 100, valued at 95 points), a 2017 first-round pick, and a 2018 second-round pick. The Browns, focusing on asset accumulation, gained significant future value (outgoing ~2,600 points, incoming ~3,490 points including future picks) to support their rebuild.[45][46][47]| Date | Teams Involved | Picks Received by First Team | Picks Received by Second Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 9, 2016 | Philadelphia Eagles ← Miami Dolphins | 2016 1st round (No. 8) | CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso, 2016 1st round (No. 13), 2016 3rd round (No. 79) |
| April 14, 2016 | Los Angeles Rams ← Tennessee Titans | 2016 1st round (No. 1), 2016 4th round (No. 113), 2016 6th round (No. 177) | 2016 1st round (No. 15), 2016 2nd round (Nos. 43, 45), 2016 3rd round (No. 76), 2017 1st round, 2017 3rd round |
| April 20, 2016 | Philadelphia Eagles ← Cleveland Browns | 2016 1st round (No. 2) | 2016 1st round (No. 8), 2016 3rd round (No. 77), 2016 4th round (No. 100), 2017 1st round, 2018 2nd round |
Round 1 Selections
The first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, held on April 28 in Chicago, Illinois, featured a quarterback-heavy start followed by a shift toward defensive and offensive line talent, reflecting teams' priorities in addressing roster needs amid several pre-draft and in-round trades. The Los Angeles Rams, having traded with the Tennessee Titans for the top selection, chose quarterback Jared Goff from the University of California, marking the franchise's first first-round pick since 2009 and aiming to revitalize their passing game under new head coach Jeff Fisher.[48][3] The Philadelphia Eagles followed at No. 2, selecting quarterback Carson Wentz from North Dakota State after acquiring the pick in a pre-draft trade with the Cleveland Browns, positioning Wentz as a potential franchise leader for a team seeking stability at the position post-Sam Bradford era.[48][3] The San Diego Chargers then prioritized defense with edge rusher Joey Bosa from Ohio State at No. 3, valued for his pass-rushing prowess despite contract holdout concerns that delayed his rookie debut.[3]
After the initial quarterback selections, the draft emphasized defensive backs and linemen, with Ohio State producing a record-tying five first-rounders, including running back Ezekiel Elliott to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 4—praised for his vision and burst as a complement to quarterback Dak Prescott—and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 5, lauded for his versatility in coverage and run support.[51][3] The Browns' decision to bypass available quarterbacks like Paxton Lynch at No. 15 in favor of wide receiver Corey Coleman from Baylor highlighted their strategy to bolster offensive weapons for incumbent Robert Griffin III, drawing mixed reactions for delaying a QB solution.[3]
On-stage moments captured the excitement, such as Goff's elated embrace with Commissioner Roger Goodell and Wentz's poised demeanor reflecting his small-school background, while team strategies unfolded through trades like the Bears moving up for edge rusher Leonard Floyd at No. 9, a selection some experts viewed as a surprise reach given his inconsistent college production but valued for athletic upside.[52] Overall expert reactions noted high mock draft accuracy for the top two picks but highlighted surprises like Floyd's early selection and the defensive focus post-QBs, with analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. commending the balance of immediate-impact talents across positions.[52][3]
Player Selections
Rounds 2-7 Selections
Rounds 2 through 7 of the 2016 NFL Draft featured 222 selections, providing teams with opportunities to address depth needs following the premium talent acquisition in Round 1.[3] These later rounds emphasized building roster foundations, with teams employing strategies focused on positional versatility and long-term development rather than immediate star power. The draft's structure included 33 compensatory picks distributed primarily in Rounds 3 through 7, awarded to 13 teams based on net losses in unrestricted free agency from the prior year, allowing clubs like the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys to expand their selection volume.[53] A notable trend across these rounds was the emphasis on offensive line depth, with 41 linemen selected overall—representing nearly 16% of the total draft class and reflecting league-wide priorities to bolster protection schemes amid rising quarterback investments.[54] Teams such as the Chicago Bears (Cody Whitehair, Round 2) and Kansas City Chiefs (Joe Thuney, Round 3) targeted versatile interior blockers to enhance run-blocking efficiency and pass protection. In contrast, defensive backs and wide receivers saw moderate volume, with selections like Miami's Xavien Howard (Round 2) highlighting secondary reinforcements. The Browns exemplified volume-based strategy, utilizing 14 picks—including several compensatory selections—to stock multiple positions, such as edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah (Round 2) and tight end Seth DeValve (Round 4).[55] Several late-round selections emerged as exceptional value, outperforming their draft position through immediate contributions and sustained impact. Notable examples include wide receiver Michael Thomas, taken by the New Orleans Saints at 47th overall in Round 2, who quickly became a premier route-runner with over 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season, and quarterback Dak Prescott, selected by the Dallas Cowboys at 135th overall in Round 4, who led the team to a 13-3 record while earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.[56] Other highlights included defensive tackle Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs, Round 2, 37th overall), whose disruptive interior presence anchored a top-ranked defense, and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (Minnesota Vikings, Round 2, 54th overall), adding speed to the secondary. These picks underscored teams' success in identifying overlooked talent via advanced scouting and analytics. International representation was limited but historic in Round 4, with the Saints selecting Canadian defensive lineman David Onyemata (120th overall) from the University of Manitoba—the first from the Manitoba Bisons program.[57] Overall, Rounds 2-7 reinforced team-building philosophies, with compensatory picks enabling aggressive accumulation and value selections proving pivotal for contenders like the Cowboys and Chiefs in subsequent seasons.| Round | Key Highlights and Strategies |
|---|---|
| 2 | Focus on skill-position depth; Browns prioritized edge rush with Ogbah (32nd overall) to pair with existing talent, while Dolphins added CB Howard for man-coverage versatility.[9] |
| 3 | Interior line investments surged; Chiefs selected DT Jones for pass-rush rotation, exemplifying rotational depth strategies. Compensatory picks began appearing, boosting teams like the Bears.[53] |
| 4 | Quarterback and specialist value; Cowboys' Prescott pick highlighted developmental upside, with Onyemata adding unique international athleticism to Saints' front.[56] |
| 5-7 | Depth and special teams emphasis; Browns used multiple late picks for trenches, like OL Spencer Drango (Round 5), maximizing volume amid rebuild. Total compensatory usage peaked here, with 20+ extra selections.[55][53] |
Supplemental Draft Results
The 2016 NFL Supplemental Draft was conducted on July 14, 2016, providing an opportunity for college athletes who had become ineligible for NCAA competition after the main draft to enter the professional ranks.[58] Eligibility typically stems from issues such as academic deficiencies, failed drug tests, or other NCAA sanctions that prevent further college participation, with selected players causing their drafting team to forfeit a pick in the subsequent year's draft at the corresponding round.[59] Six players declared for the draft, representing a range of positions and institutions, but none received a bid from any of the 32 teams.[58] The eligible prospects were:| Player | Position | College/University |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie D'Antuono | LS | Virginia Tech |
| Ra'Zahn Howard | DL | Purdue |
| Jalen Overstreet | RB | Sam Houston State |
| Tee Shepard | CB | Ole Miss |
| Rashaun Simonise | WR | Calgary (Canada) |
| Cameron Walton | DE | Concordia (Ala.) |
Post-Draft Outcomes
Notable Undrafted Players
The 2016 NFL draft's conclusion sparked an intense undrafted free agent (UDFA) signing period, with teams prioritizing players based on internal grades and offering guaranteed money—sometimes up to $75,000 or more—to secure top talents overlooked by all 32 franchises.[62] This frenzy resulted in over 500 signings across the league, many of whom earned spots on practice squads or active rosters during training camp.[63] Among those who transitioned from UDFAs to impactful contributors were kicker Wil Lutz, cornerback Brian Poole, and center Matt Skura, each forging multi-year careers through perseverance and opportunity. Wil Lutz, a kicker from Georgia State University, initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens on May 5, 2016, but was waived during preseason and claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints on August 30, 2016.[64] Lutz quickly established himself as the Saints' reliable placekicker, converting 85.3% of his field goal attempts over seven seasons (2016–2022) and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019 after a 32-of-36 performance that included a game-winning 50-yard field goal against the Buccaneers.[65] His consistency helped power New Orleans' offense during multiple playoff appearances, including NFC Championship runs in 2018 and 2020, before he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2023.[65] As of 2025, Lutz continues with the Broncos, having amassed 1,114 career points and ranking among the league's top active kickers in longevity from UDFA status.[64] Brian Poole, a versatile defensive back from the University of Florida, signed with the Oakland Raiders immediately after the draft but was traded to the Atlanta Falcons on August 30, 2016, for a conditional seventh-round pick.[66] Poole thrived in Atlanta's secondary, primarily as a slot corner, recording 4 interceptions and 5 sacks across three seasons (2016–2018) while starting 21 games and contributing to the Falcons' 2016 NFC Championship victory. His performance in Super Bowl LI, where he helped limit New England to 34 points in regulation despite the overtime loss, underscored his value as an undrafted gem. Poole later signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2019, adding 2 more interceptions over two seasons before stints with the Saints and Browns, last playing in 2020 after 70 career games.[66] Matt Skura, an offensive lineman from Duke University, joined the Baltimore Ravens as a UDFA on May 2, 2016, spending his rookie year on the practice squad before earning a roster spot in 2017. Skura broke out as Baltimore's starting center in 2018, anchoring an offensive line that supported a league-leading rushing attack and earning a three-year contract extension worth up to $14.25 million. Over five seasons with the Ravens (2017–2020), he started 51 of 54 games, providing stability for quarterback Lamar Jackson during two 14-win campaigns and AFC North titles in 2019 and 2020. After brief stops with the Dolphins, Chargers, and Giants, Skura retired in 2024 following an eight-year career that highlighted the potential of overlooked interior linemen.Immediate Signings and Impacts
Following the 2016 NFL Draft, most rookies signed their rookie contracts promptly, adhering to the league's wage scale established after the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, which capped earnings based on draft position to control costs.[67] The No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams, signed a four-year deal worth $27.9 million on June 9, 2016, including a $17.2 million signing bonus, reflecting the premium for top selections.[68] Later-round picks received significantly scaled compensation, with second-rounders averaging around $6-7 million over four years and seventh-rounders earning base salaries near the league minimum of approximately $450,000, allowing teams to allocate resources efficiently.[69] One notable exception was defensive end Joey Bosa, selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers, who held out for over a month due to disputes over contract language, including offset provisions and guaranteed money, missing the entire preseason.[70] Bosa resolved the standoff on August 29, 2016, signing a four-year, $26 million contract with a $17 million signing bonus, but his absence delayed his integration into the team's defensive line.[71] No other significant holdouts emerged among the 253 drafted players, underscoring the wage scale's role in minimizing disputes.[69] Rookie minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs) in May and June provided early glimpses of the class's potential, with several draftees generating buzz through standout performances. In Dallas, running back Ezekiel Elliott, the fourth overall pick, impressed at the Cowboys' minicamp with his burst and vision, fueling expectations for him to revitalize the backfield alongside veteran Darren McFadden.[72] However, training camp brought challenges, including a mild hamstring strain for Elliott that limited his preseason reps and raised minor concerns about his workload management.[73] Injuries also sidelined others early; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the fifth overall selection, missed OTAs due to a meniscus tear requiring surgery, delaying his transition to the secondary.[74] Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson, a first-rounder, dealt with an Achilles injury that hampered his offseason participation.[75] Teams leveraged the draft to address critical needs, often integrating rookies immediately into rebuilding efforts. The Rams, relocating to Los Angeles and seeking a franchise quarterback after trading Nick Foles, aggressively traded up to the top spot for Goff and surrounded him with offensive weapons like wide receiver Pharoh Cooper in the fourth round, aiming to accelerate their rebuild under coach Jeff Fisher.[76] Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles targeted quarterback Carson Wentz second overall to stabilize the position post-Sam Bradford trade, pairing him with defensive reinforcements to support a young core.[77] These moves aligned with broader strategies, as 28 of 32 teams used at least one pick on offensive skill positions or the lines to counter aging rosters or free-agency losses.[78] Several undrafted free agents, such as quarterback Dak Prescott signed by the Cowboys, secured priority contracts immediately after the draft, providing depth and competition in training camps.[79]Statistical Summary
Selections by Position
The 2016 NFL Draft consisted of 253 picks, with selections distributed across positions reflecting teams' strategic priorities to reinforce offensive and defensive lines amid evolving league dynamics. Offensive linemen led with 41 total selections, underscoring a league-wide investment in protecting emerging quarterback talent and bolstering run-blocking units. Defensive linemen were nearly as prominent at 49 picks, emphasizing the need for interior and edge disruption against increasingly mobile offenses.[51]| Position | Total Selections | First-Round Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback (QB) | 12 | 3 |
| Running Back (RB) | 19 | 1 |
| Wide Receiver (WR) | 33 | 4 |
| Tight End (TE) | 11 | 0 |
| Offensive Line (OL) | 41 | 8 |
| Defensive Line/Edge (DL/EDGE) | 49 | 9 |
| Linebacker (LB) | 28 | 4 |
| Cornerback (CB) | 31 | 5 |
| Safety (S) | 16 | 2 |
| Kicker (K) | 1 | 1 |
| Punter (P) | 3 | 0 |
| Other (FB, LS) | 1 | 0 |