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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 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Picks

  • 2 – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
  • 79 – Isaac Seumalo, OG, Oregon St.
  • 153 – Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
  • 164 – Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
  • 196 – Blake Countess, DB, Auburn
  • 233 – Jalen Mills, S, LSU
  • 240 – Alex McCalister, DE, Florida
  • 251 – Joe Walker, ILB, Oregon

Whenever you find your future franchise quarterback (or current in the Eagles’ case), it can be considered a successful draft. When the Eagles entered last off-season, they signed Sam Bradford to a 2-year extension and added former Chiefs backup QB Chase Daniel, spending a total of nearly $56 million. While many believed the quarterback position was set, the Eagles then sent five draft picks, including three in the 1st round and one in the 2nd, to move up to the 2nd overall pick. You don’t move that high unless you’re targeting a quarterback. That quarterback came to be Carson Wentz, North Dakota’s finest, after the Rams selected Cal QB Jared Goff.

Wentz started off hot, starting the season 3-0 and passing for 769 yards and five touchdowns to zero interceptions. While things fizzled out over the remainder of the season, finishing 7-9, Wentz showed the poise, potential, and traits to be the Eagles’ guy moving forward.

While the rest of the class is fairly undetermined, 7th round defensive back Jalen Mills had a strong showing his rookie season. He was a regular contributor for the Eagles’ secondary and while he has yet to record his first interception, he finished with 61 tackles and seven pass deflections. Mills is trending in the right direction and may push for a starting spot in 2017.

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