The 2016 NFL draft was. . . well it happened. The top of the draft featured some promising prospects, but overall the first round just did not produce many great players.
The Carolina Panthers certainly can attest to that given the disappointing results they got from their first-round pick, defensive tackle Vernon Butler (taken at No. 30 overall). In fact, not only is Butler not with the team anymore, neither is the rest of the draft class. James Bradberry was the last player remaining, but he will be playing for Dave Gettleman’s New York Giants this year.
So, what could have happened if the Panthers were given a mulligan for their draft following their Super Bowl appearance? Here are the results of our 2016 do-over draft.
No. 30 – Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
The Panthers had just rescinded the franchise tag for cornerback Josh Norman and were left with Bene Benwikere as their top option at the position. By picking Howard instead of Butler, they would have gotten a defender who has become one of the top corners in the league and is now among the three highest-paid players at the position.
Original pick: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
No. 62 – Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Maryland
Ngakoue was considered an intriguing pick when he was originally selected in the third round by the Jaguars. Here, the Panthers grab the former Terrapin to add to their pass-rush, getting a major upgrade over 2014 second-round pick Kony Ealy. Imagine what could have been with Ngakoue, Mario Addison, Charles Johnson and Julius Peppers all lining up together.
Original pick: James Bradberry, CB, Samford
No. 77 – Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Panthers grabbed three cornerbacks in the 2016 draft and it certainly still makes sense for the team to grab at least two here. Even with Josh Norman, the secondary was still a bit leaky. Fuller is now a Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs and secured the victory with an interception. Taking him here would have given the Panthers a strong starting outside duo of Howard and Fuller – a lot better than James Bradberry and Daryl Worley.
Original pick: Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
No. 141 – Tyreek Hill, WR, West Alabama
Oh what might have been if Cam Newton had ever been given a weapon at wide receiver like Tyreek Hill. Obviously, looking back, it was quite the steal for Kansas City getting Hill in round five. In a do-over draft he wouldn’t last this long of course but we’re rolling as if the players that were still available at the time would still be available here. Add Hill to the current group of receivers and it would unquestionably be the best corps in the league.
Original pick: Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
No. 252 – Michael Pierce, DT, Samford
The Panthers do end up with a former Samford player in this do-over draft, but instead of Bradberry it’s Michael Pierce, who would give Gettleman his hog-molly fix at a much greater value than Butler. Pierce was a solid force for the Baltimore Ravens defense over the last four years after being an undrafted free agent and he just signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Original pick: Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State
