What Happened to the Top 10 picks of the 2016 NFL Draft?
The 2016 NFL Draft’s top picks had some stars and champions. However some players could not make it big due to their struggles with inconsistency and injuries.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 4 min read
The 2016 NFL Draft’s top 10 picks had different journeys of success and setbacks. Jared Goff and Carson Wentz began as franchise quarterbacks, but only Goff was able to maintain his position. Stars like Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey and DeForest Buckner became dominant defenders, while Ezekiel Elliott shined early on in his career at running back. Offensive linemen like Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley showed longevity in their career. And Leonard Floyd was an exception, as he performed later on his career.
10. Leonard Floyd - Chicago Bears
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Leonard Floyd entered the league as a talented pass rusher and took time to settle in the league. After leaving Chicago, he performed well with the Rams, becoming a key defensive playmaker and Super Bowl champion. His athleticism and persistence have kept him productive as a veteran. Floyd’s career is a beautiful story of a consistent and valuable defender after early ups and downs.
9. Jack Conklin - Tennessee Titans
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Jack Conklin started his career strongly, performing well as a rookie in Tennessee. He proved to be a steady right tackle, with his toughness and blocking ability in both pass protection and the run game. However, Injuries slowed his progress over the years, but he still remained a valuable starter with Cleveland. Conklin was gritty and reliable whenever he has been healthy and on the field.
8. DeForest Buckner - San Francisco 49ers
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DeForest Buckner has been one of the NFL’s most consistent interior defenders. Drafted by San Francisco, he later became a star with the Colts, anchoring their defensive line. His size, strength and leadership qualities helped him to earn multiple Pro Bowl Call ups. Buckner’s ability to stuff the run and pressure quarterbacks makes him one of the best in the league over the last decade.
7. Ronnie Stanley - Baltimore Ravens
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Ronnie Stanley was drafted as a franchise left tackle and lived up to expectations with solid play for Baltimore. His protection skills made him one of the most reliable linemen in the league. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his consistency in recent years. Still, when healthy, Stanley remains a useful for the Ravens’ offensive line, being a respected veteran leader.
6. Laremy Tunsil - Miami Dolphins
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Laremy Tunsil’s draft night was troublesome due to a leaked video, but he overcame that incident to become one of the NFL’s best tackles. He has signed record breaking contracts for offensive linemen in the league. Tunsil’s career proves resilience and professionalism can change early controversy into a successful legacy. Now with Washington, he continues to protect quarterbacks year after year.
5. Jalen Ramsey - Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jalen Ramsey has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners. Her is blessed with size, speed and swagger. Drafted by Jacksonville, he later became a key defensive player for the Rams, helping them win a Super Bowl. Ramsey’s ability to tackle top receivers earned him much appreciation. His competitiveness and consistent excellence have built a resume worthy of a superstar.
4. Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys
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Ezekiel Elliott came into the NFL as one of the league’s best running backs. He lead the charts in rushing twice. His powerful style and ability to carry the Cowboys’ offense made him a star. Over time, injuries have slowed him. Still, Elliott’s peak years left a major mark in NFL. He remains as a respected veteran, maintaining his presence in the league.
3. Joey Bosa - Los Angeles Chargers
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Joey Bosa became one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers from the start, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. His relentless pressure and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Though injuries sometimes impacted him, he is amongst the league’s top defenders. Bosa has consistently been a Pro Bowl player and a franchise star for the Chargers’ defense throughout his career.
2. Carson Wentz - Philadelphia Eagles
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Carson Wentz looked like a future superstar in 2017, nearly winning MVP before injuries cut his season short. Though the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl, Wentz never regained that form consistently. After stints with the Colts and Commanders, he is now a backup. Wentz’s story reflects how injuries and inconsistency destroyed what once looked like a brilliant career.
1. Jared Goff - Los Angeles Rams
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Jared Goff started his career as the Rams’ top pick and quickly developed into a solid quarterback. He led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 before being traded to Detroit. With the Lions, he revived his career, showing resilience and consistency. While not a superstar, Goff remains a reliable starter, who has shown that he can lead teams deep into the playoffs.