2016’s draft is an interesting one. While the first two picks were QBs, the arguably best one was taken during round four. Or when looking at RB, the first selection was at fourth overall, but one of the best ever at his position was picked one round later. Each round had its highs and lows as per usual, as such, today we’ll be looking at those highs, seeing who was the best each round had to offer. Positional value will be taken into account.
Round 1: CB Jalen Ramsey
The best pick of the first round has to be Jalen Ramsey. A very close second would be DeForest Buckner, who is still dominant to this day. However, what puts Ramsey at the top is that he is perhaps the best shutdown corner of his era. From his rookie year till 2022, his PFF grade, PFF coverage grade and PFF run-defense grade were each the highest among all cornerbacks. He’s made the pro bowl seven times and named a first team all-pro three times. He will now play for the Steelers after allowing just 59.1 completion percentage when targeted in his two years with the Dolphins.
Honorable Mention: DT DeForest Buckner
Round 2: DT Chris Jones
Two future hall of famers (perhaps even first ballot) heard their name called on the first round of day 2. Those two, Chris Jones and Derrick Henry, are continually among the absolute best at their positions. However, while Henry’s career accolades are legendary, and his longevity for an RB is marvelous, Jones’ positional value along with his impact on the KC defense gives him the slight edge. The Chiefs would not be the perennial contenders they are without Chris Jones. He’s racked up 80.5 sacks, six pro bowls and three all pros in his career. He’s a catalyst for Spagnuolo’s defense, and is looking to add more rings on his fingers before Canton.
Honorable Mention: RB Derrick Henry
Round 3: G Joe Thuney
Round three in particular was teeming with high-end talent. The list of draftees includes but is not limited to, Javon Hargrave, Justin Simmons, Graham Glasgow and more. As such, it becomes all the more impressive that Joe Thuney takes the title of best selection for round three. Thuney still to this day is one of the best interior protectors in the game. In the past four years, the QB he’s protected has met the ground just 8.5 times. Furthermore, despite playing left tackle last year, he surrendered not a single sack on 1115 snaps, even with Myles Garret, TJ Watt, and Danielle Hunter lined up against him.
Honorable Mention: DT Javon Hargrave
Round 4: QB Dak Prescott
Round four is headlined by 2016’s offensive rookie of the year, Dak Prescott. Despite the lack of playoff success, Dallas is counting their lucky stars they selected Prescott. The Mississippi state product has 31437 yards in 122 games. He is especially efficient at finding the end zone, logging 213 TDs since he made the league. Dak’s status as the man under center for America’s team means he faces plenty of scrutiny. However, he brings stability to the Cowboys, and is the main cog that keeps their offensive machine chugging.
Honorable Mention: DT David Onyemata
Round 5: WR Tyreek Hill
The options for the fifth round are run-stuffer DJ Reader, pass rusher Matthew Judon, and the playmaker Tyreek Hill. While Reader and Judon are great players in their own right, Hill’s dominance at receiver far outclasses them. Hill has 8 pro bowl nods and five all pro selections through nine years. Of those nine years, in six of them he amassed more than 1000 yards. Most notably, in his first two seasons with Miami, he eclipsed the 1700 mark, and had a league leading 112.4 yards per game in 2023.
Honorable Mention: OLB Matt Judon
Round 6: LB Elandon Roberts
Round six is the first on this list without a clear and immediate answer. While the previous rounds had superstars, round six provides Elandon Roberts, a solid and reliable run stopping linebacker. A career total of 54 tackles for loss is nothing to scoff at, and he brings value to every team he’s with. Most recently, PFF ranked him fifth among all linebackers in the game at stopping the rushing attack, with a 90.4 run defense grade.
Honorable Mention: C Ted Karras
Round 7: S Jalen Mills
Similar to the previous one, the final round of this draft did not produce a superstar. However, with productive starters like Jalen Mills and Jayron Kearse, it still has its highlights. Mills in particular is the best out of the bunch, with him playing at multiple positions in the secondary throughout his career. He’s never allowed a completion percentage higher than 60.9 in a year. Furthermore, he helped solidify Philly’s DB room during their super bowl run, logging three interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 2017.
Honorable Mention: DB Jayron Kearse or P Riley Dixon
UDFA: CB Jonathan Jones
2016’s undrafted rookie class was a strong one. Michael Pierce, Will Lutz, Robbie Anderson and Mike Hilton have all been starters who’ve made an impact on their teams. But the title of best UDFA of this year goes to Jonathan Jones. Jones was molded by Bill Belichick and became a versatile piece on New England’s defense. He’s racked up 436 tackles and 11 interceptions, and allowed a career completion percentage of 60.9 percent when targeted.
Honorable Mention: CB Mike Hilton
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