The 2016 NFL draft will always be memorable for Dallas Cowboy fans. It was the first time the Cowboys picked in the top five since 2003, and Dallas was able to acquire two franchise cornerstones in running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott, as well as a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker in Jaylon Smith.
In one of the best drafts in recent history, the Cowboys certainly fared well. So much so, that their talent has been distributed elsewhere in a new redraft. If it was all done over again with hindsight, the new landing spots for the Dallas stars would be elsewhere. Bleacher Report ‘s Brad Gagnon authored the exercise that moved Prescott up to first overall.
It’s mind blowing that Prescott fell all the way to No. 135 in the original draft, but in the redraft the mistake was not repeated. Arguments can be made for division rival Carson Wentz to be taken first overall, but ultimately Prescott has been just as good as Wentz and much more durable.
Prescott hasn’t missed a game in his four-year career, and is coming off his best season through the air yet, with over 4,900 passing yards.
Elliott was originally selected fourth however the redraft wasn’t as kind as it was to Prescott. The former Buckeye All-American slid to the Falcons at selection no. 17.
That spot feels entirely too low for a player of Elliott’s caliber, when considering some of the skill position players taken ahead of Elliott in the redraft. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd was four spots ahead at no. 13.
The do-it-all running back has lead the league in rushing in two of his three full seasons, and is as solid out of the backfield and in pass protection as nearly every back in the game. Gagnon is likely speaking to the value of the running back position in today’s game, but Elliott’s elite skill set and talent aren’t up for debate.
So if Prescott is off the board, and Elliott wouldn’t go until later, who did the Cowboys end up with in the fourth slot of the redraft?
They were able to pick up the original first pick, quarterback Jared Goff. Goff had his ups and downs but has led a team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Later in the draft, Smith ended up being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 28. The marriage makes sense, considering Andy Reid’s team has snatched up former Cowboys linebackers Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson in back-to-back free agent classes.
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