Fansided
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next
Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) blocks during the second half of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Jaguars won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) blocks during the second half of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Jaguars won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Picks

  • 8 – Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St.
  • 33 – Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
  • 43 – Austin Johnson, DT, Penn St.
  • 45 – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
  • 64 – Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee
  • 140 – Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
  • 157 – LaShaun Sims, DB, Southern Utah
  • 193 – Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas
  • 222 – Aaron Wallace, LB, UCLA
  • 253 – Kalan Reed, DB, Southern Mississippi

This draft was about finding an identity for the future of the Tennessee Titans. It started in 2015 when the Titans selected QB Marcus Mariota and the goal became clear to build around him. Entering the off-season, it was clear the Titans wanted to establish a powerful offense that could carry them through games. They traded for DeMarco Murray, who immediately became the lead dog in the backfield.

The next step, was solidifying the offensive line and with Jack Conklin, they did just that. Despite the fact that Conklin would likely start at left tackle for the majority of the league, he solidified the right side of the line while Taylor Lewan continued on the left. It’s fair to say Conklin was one of the best right tackles in the league and demonstrated a punishing ability in both pass protection and run blocking. A very impressive season for the rookie tackle.

It continued with the addition of Derrick Henry, who’s selection maintained the ground-and-pound vision. His skill-set complimented Murray well and together they formed a powerful two-headed monster in the backfield. Tajae Sharpe was a nice piece in the receiving game while LaShaun Sims exceeded expectations as the season wore on. All-in-all this draft was a huge success for the Titans.

Home/NFL Draft