Looking back at history of the 16th overall pick

[Sir Purr]

The Carolina Panthers have never selected 16th in the NFL Draft, but it was a sweet 16 for one team in the past.


Any discussion of the history of the 16th pick must begin with Jerry Rice. Considered one of the best players ever to lace ‘em up, Rice was an unproven wide receiver out of Mississippi Valley State in 1985 who was viewed as a draft-day reach by some when the 49ers selected him. The Panthers should be so lucky in the 2019 NFL Draft.


Rice is the most famous 16th pick but not the only one. Before a longer trip into the wayback machine, here’s a look at the last five No. 16 selections.


2018: Bills choose LB Tremaine Edmunds


The Virginia Tech product recorded 121 tackles as a rookie and finished particularly strong to earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for December.


2017: Ravens choose CB Marlon Humphrey


Part-time starter each of his first two NFL seasons who was trending up late in 2018, when the former Alabama standout paced Baltimore with 15 passes defensed.


2016: Lions choose OT Taylor Decker


The Ohio State product has started 40 games at left tackle – all but the first eight of his second NFL season (shoulder injury). He caught a touchdown pass to boot in 2018.


2015: Texans choose CB Kevin Johnson


Recorded one interception as a rookie, but the Wake Forest product has struggled to find his footing. Released by Houston last month and signed by the Bills.


2014: Cowboys choose OT Zack Martin


A standout from Day One, the Notre Dame product converted to right guard before his first game and has been a Pro Bowler each of his five seasons, seeing a streak of 78 consecutive starts end late in 2019.