NFL Draft Grades 2016: Final Results and Team-by-Team Letter Chart

While it’s a time of strong optimism for each of the NFL’s 32 franchises, not every team can emerge from the draft a winner. 

Sometimes, the draft plan just falls apart (Atlanta Falcons). Other times, a team cannot or won’t strike a deal and misses on prospects by a few picks round after round (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Regardless, the aftermath of the 2016 class is a strong case study in how the draft can play out and where the league is headed. With teams like the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars emerging as big winners, a review of the entire event is in order.

Here’s a look at every pick and grades for each class before zooming on a trio of classes to know—good and bad.

2016 NFL Draft Grades

Best Class: Minnesota Vikings

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The Minnesota Vikings put on a clinic over three days, hitting major needs and grabbing ridiculous value. 

Head coach Mike Zimmer and the front office got young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater some serious help in the form of Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell at No. 23. He’s a big-bodied target who can help move the chains and take pressure off Stefon Diggs, so the days of worrying about whether Cordarrelle Patterson will pan out are over.

Many like the fit, including Michael Irvin, as captured by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Michael Irvin believes his former OC and Minnesota’s OC, Norv Turner, will turn WR Laquan Treadwell into Vikings’ version of Michael Irvin.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2016

It got even better in the second round, with the Vikings grabbing Clemson corner Mackensie Alexander at No. 54. Viewed as a first-round pick by some, Alexander enters the league with a chip on his shoulder and joins an already-stout secondary featuring young guns such as Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Captain Munnerlyn.

The rest of the class followed the same trends. Willie Beavers might have a future as a starter at offensive tackle, linebacker Kentrell Brothers can contribute …

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