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The Top Ten 2016 NFL Draft Classes

By Brady Lunt

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Picks

  • 4 – Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
  • 34 – Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
  • 67 – Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
  • 101 – Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
  • 134 – Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi St.
  • 189 – Anthony Brown, DB, Purdue
  • 212 – Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan
  • 216 – Darius Jackson, RB, Eastern Michigan
  • 217 – Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor

It’s hard to put anybody over the Dallas Cowboys in terms of 2016 draft success. The league has been fascinated with a number of their selections and for good reason.

Ezekiel Elliott, the fourth overall pick, has taken over the league and broken multiple records along the way. He concluded the season as the league’s leading rusher (1,631 yards) despite not playing the final six quarters. His presence has catapulted the Cowboys offense and become a major factor in the Cowboys NFC-leading record at 13-3. His talent and competitiveness are on display each and every night. He was voted to his first pro-bowl and honored as first-team All-Pro.

As if things couldn’t get any better, fourth-round pick Dak Prescott took over as starter when Romo when down in the pre-season. It seemed all hope was lost, until Prescott took the field for the first time. His mental toughness was definitely present, but impressive accuracy and smart decision-making highlighted his rookie success. Prescott has become the leader of America’s team and was also voted to his first pro-bowl. Behind Prescott and Elliott, the Cowboys figure to be in contention for quite some time.

Maliek Collins became an early starter and quietly finished with an impressive five sacks. Anthony Brown also filled in as a starter due to injury, showing outstanding burst and athleticism while recording his first career interception. The x-factor in such an impressive class is second-round pick Jaylon Smith. Coming out of Notre Dame, Smith tore his ACL in the final game of the year, negatively affecting his draft stock and plummeting him down draft boards when he was once a sure-fire top 10 selection. His rehab has been followed closely and recent news suggests the Cowboys’ fortunes just got a lot brighter, as reported by Jon Machota of Dallas Morning News:

Things just got a little bit scarier for anyone looking to play the Cowboys in 2017.

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