What Is 2016 National Football League Draft

Overview

The 2016 National Football League Draft was a landmark event in NFL history, taking place from April 28 to April 30 in Chicago, Illinois. It was the first time the draft was held outdoors, with the main stage set up at the Auditorium Theatre and the Draft Theater in Grant Park, drawing record crowds.

This draft was notable for its high-profile quarterback selections at the top and significant trades that reshaped team rosters. The event combined fan engagement, live performances, and on-stage player reveals, setting a new standard for future drafts.

• Jared Goff was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the first quarterback taken in the draft.
• Carson Wentz was chosen second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up from sixth to secure him.
• The draft included 253 total selections, with each of the 32 NFL teams making at least one pick across seven rounds.
• Chicago became the first city to host the draft in an outdoor setting, enhancing fan accessibility and media coverage.
• Round 1 was held on April 28, Rounds 2–3 on April 29, and Rounds 4–7 on April 30, following the NFL’s standard draft format.

How It Works

The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college football players to join the league. The order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with non-playoff teams picking first.

• First Overall Pick: Awarded to the team with the worst record from the prior season. In 2016, the Rams held this pick after finishing 7–9 in 2015.
• Trade Value: Teams often trade picks to move up or down. The Eagles traded with the Browns to move from 8th to 2nd for Carson Wentz.
• Eligibility: Players must be at least three years removed from high school. Most draftees are college seniors, though underclassmen may declare early.
• Scouting Combine: Held annually in February, it features player evaluations, including 40-yard dash times, strength tests, and medical exams.
• Position Value: Quarterbacks and pass rushers are typically selected early. In 2016, six QBs were taken in the first round.
• Undrafted Free Agents: Players not selected can sign with teams post-draft. Some, like Tony Romo, have had successful careers without being drafted.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2016 NFL Draft compares to previous years in key metrics:

The 2016 draft stood out for the unusually high number of quarterbacks selected in the first round, reflecting a league-wide shift toward pass-heavy offenses. It also continued the NFL’s strategy of rotating draft locations to boost fan engagement and tourism.

Why It Matters

The 2016 NFL Draft had long-term implications for team building and league dynamics. Several first-round picks became franchise cornerstones, while the event itself redefined how the draft could be presented.

• Jared Goff went on to lead the Rams to Super Bowl LIII and sign a $134 million contract extension by 2019.
• Carson Wentz won NFL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII victory.
• The outdoor format in Chicago increased attendance to over 250,000 fans, prompting future host cities to consider public spaces.
• Trading strategy became more aggressive, with teams valuing draft capital less than immediate talent upgrades.
• The draft highlighted quarterback market inflation, with top QBs receiving higher draft positions and larger contracts.
• Media coverage expanded globally, with live streams and social media engagement reaching over 20 million viewers online.

Overall, the 2016 NFL Draft was a turning point in both player acquisition and event production, influencing how teams evaluate talent and how fans experience the draft.