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The Panthers had just rescinded the franchise tag for cornerback Josh Norman and were left with Bene Benwikere as their top option at the position.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