Since the year 2000, the Washington Commanders picked at No. 16 overall on three occasions: 2011, 2022 and the upcoming 2023 NFL draft.
Looking back at the last 23 years, there have been some excellent players to go at No. 16, including a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2003 [Troy Polamalu]. If you go back 38 years, arguably the greatest offensive player in history — Jerry Rice – went No. 16 to the San Francisco 49ers in 1985.
In 2011, Washington picked one of the greatest players in franchise history, Ryan Kerrigan. Last year, the Commanders selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson in a trade-down. Dotson looked like a future star in 2022.
There’s also another player on this list who was drafted by another team and ended up being one of the best offensive players in Washington’s franchise history. Do you remember who that player is? You’ll find out soon.
Here is a look at every player selected No. 16 overall in the NFL draft since 2000.
2022: Washington selects Penn State WR Jahan Dotson
2021: Cardinals select Tulsa LB Zaven Collins
2020: Falcons select Clemson CB A.J. Terrell
2019: Panthers select Florida State DE Brian Burns
2018: Bills select Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds
2017: Ravens select Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey
2016: Lions select Ohio State OT Taylor Decker
2015: Texans select Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
2014: Cowboys select Notre Dame G Zack Martin
2013: Bills select Florida State QB E.J. Manuel
2012: Jets select North Carolina DE Quinton Coples
2011: Washington selects Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
2010: Titans select Georgia Tech DE/OLB Derrick Morgan
2009: Chargers select Northern Illinois DE/OLB Larry English
2008: Cardinals select Tennessee State CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
2007: Packers select Tennessee DT Justin Harrell
2006: Dolphins select Tennessee CB Jason Allen
2005: Texans select Florida State DT Travis Johnson
2004: Eagles select Arkansas OT/G Shawn Andrews
2003: Steelers select USC safety Troy Polamalu
2002: Browns select Boston College RB William Green
2001: Jets select Miami WR Santana Moss
2000: 49ers select Michigan State LB Julian Peterson
