Re-Drafting the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft
26. Denver Broncos: Taylor Decker, OT
Original Pick: QB Paxton Lynch
Speaking of busts, there may not be a first-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft more regrettable than the Denver Broncos taking Paxton Lynch at number 26. Lynch never resembled an NFL quarterback and has only played in five games in his career. He has not seen NFL action since 2017.
Instead, the Broncos take Taylor Decker here. Decker could have started and played at a high level for Denver at the right tackle position right away. It’s not saying much, but they certainly would have gotten more out of him than they did Lynch.
27. Green Bay Packers: Kenny Clark, DT
Original Pick: Clark
Kenny Clark has been a solid and dependable starter at defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers over the years. With him still being on the board here, keeping the Packers pick of Clark the same simply makes too much sense.
28. San Francisco 49ers: Cody Whitehair, OL
Original Pick: OG Joshua Garnett
In a move that seemed odd at the time, the San Francisco 49ers traded back into the first round to select offensive guard Joshua Garnett, who has underperformed throughout his NFL career. If the 49ers wanted to trade up for an offensive lineman Cody Whitehair should have been the guy.
Whitehair is a good interior offensive lineman who has had success at both center and guard in the NFL. He is a reliable pass protector and good run blocker who would have found an immediate and long-term home on the 49ers’ offensive line.