The 2016 NFL draft is nearly here. A lot of teams will be looking to replace lost or fading veterans, while many will already be looking to upgrade at positions which they’ve failed to upgrade on in recent years. The reality in a league like this is that a lot of teams are already giving up on primo 2013 and 2014 draft picks.
But what about 2015 picks which have yet to pan out? Here’s a look at five elite draft picks from 2015 who have to prove themselves in 2016 or risk becoming potential busts.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler: The No. 3 overall pick has yet to play an NFL snap, but he has recovered from the torn ACL he suffered last May and will look to prove that he can hold up physically while also delivering on his hefty draft position in 2016. Remember: Fowler was the first non-quarterback chosen last year.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White: The No. 7 overall pick also missed his entire rookie season with a stress fracture in his shin. It takes balls to select a receiver in the top 10, which means there’s a ton of pressure on White to stay healthy and produce opposite Alshon Jeffery in 2016.
New York Giants offensive tackle Ereck Flowers: Sure, the Miami product started basically the entire season, but Flowers was penalized 10 times while receiving the worst PFF grade in football at that position. A No. 9 overall pick has to be much better than that.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes: The No. 11 overall pick didn’t see the field much as a rookie, which is fine when you’re a corner. Still, with Terence Newman about to turn 38, the Vikings need Waynes to start making an impact opposite Xavier Rhodes early in 2016.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor: The No. 20 overall pick wasn’t exactly a centerpiece of the offense, but he caught only 52.2 percent of the passes thrown his way, settling for 283 yards and just one touchdown despite starting 12 games. With Chip Kelly gone, there’s no allegiance to Agholor, which means he’ll have to earn every snap he gets in 2016.
