“What if” questions are always an intriguing topic to bring up in conversation. In the NFL Draft, not every prospect turns out to be what they are predicted to become. Let’s travel back six years.
The Dallas Cowboys held the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Rams and Eagles picked two quarterbacks, and the Chargers selected defensive end Joey Bosa.
Running backs and defensive backs were Dallas’ biggest needs going into Draft Day. When their pick arrived, they broke down their draft choice between corner Jalen Ramsey and running back Ezekiel Elliot. The Cowboys went with Elliot. Six seasons later, the “what if” scenario is brought up. What if Dallas drafted Ramsey?
What If Dallas Chose Ramsey?
Before diving into Ramsey, Elliot statistically has not been a bust. In his rookie campaign, he led the NFL in attempts, rushing yards, and yards per game. He ran for 1000 yards in three other seasons and added another rushing title in 2018. Elliot reeled in three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro.
However, Elliot’s production and carries have declined over the past couple of years. Backup RB Tony Pollard appeared to outperform the former Ohio State Buckeye last year. With Pollard on the rise and Elliot’s contract eating up the salary cap, his Dallas tenure could be coming to a close.
Ramsey was debatably the best defensive prospect in the 2016 Draft. He was disappointed that the Chargers took Bosa over him because he wanted to be the first defender off the draft board. According to Ramsey, Dallas made a promise to pick up the former Florida State corner if he was available.
Growing up as a Cowboys fan, he was excited to hear from the organization and made up for not being the first defensive prospect selected. However, Dallas went with Elliot, breaking their promise. The Jaguars drafted Ramsey with the next pick.
The former Seminole felt betrayed but worked harder to make teams regret passing him in the draft. Ramsey is one of the most confident and biggest trash-talking players ever seen on the gridiron.
Jalen Ramsey says the #Cowboys told him they would draft him at #4 in the 2016 NFL draft if he was still there
He was, but they opted to draft RB Ezekiel Elliott instead pic.twitter.com/EPnCf8Wnfv
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 30, 2022
So What If Dallas DID Draft Ramsey
What if Roger Goodell announced that Dallas selected Jalen Ramsey? The rookie joins a defense ranked 16th in the league and had Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne as starting CBs. Both starters were on expiring contracts and likely to depart.
In six years, Ramsey became the best corner in the sport. He earned five consecutive Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, and won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams.
Jalen Ramsey could have provided Dallas with a lockdown defensive back and secured a franchise player. Since the 1990s dynasty, the Cowboys have not possessed an elite DB to lead the defense to success. Ramsey developed into a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of talent. He shuts down every receiver lined up against him.
While Elliot’s results decline, Ramsey continues to dominate the game. Dallas would have the most dominant defensive back, along with their powerhouse offense. Since Elliot would not be on “America’s Team,” how does that impact the following rounds of the 2016 Draft?
What If Dallas Gets Lucky in the Second Round
Ramsey is taken at No. 4 by the Cowboys, adding defensive back depth for Jerry Jones’ squad. There is a possibility that the draft plans for Dallas. Originally, the team filled the running back in the first round, which is unusual. Elliot’s talent and impressive combine boosted his draft stock.
The Cowboys had the third pick in the second round of the draft. Jones picked outside linebacker Jaylon Smith, a solid prospect who suffered a torn ACL and peroneal nerve damage. Smith did well when he returned to his injury but only lasted four seasons with the Cowboys.
With the 34th pick, Dallas could stick with their original draft plan or fill their hole at running back. After Elliot, the second running back taken was reigning Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. The Titans picked the former Alabama RB with the 45th selection.
If Elliot is off the board, the Cowboys’ first two draft picks could have been Jalen Ramsey and Derrick Henry. Both superstars are the most dominant in their position to this day. Elliot could still be on the board, but it would be unlikely due to his popularity in the mock drafts.
Henry is a two-time Pro Bowler with two rushing titles and an AP Offensive Player of the Year award. His build and strength are unmatched at the running back position, presenting a massive threat when he’s got the ball.
What If Ramsey and Henry Fell to Dallas
With the two draft picks, it would be likely Dallas sticks to drafting a backup QB for Tony Romo. In the fourth round, Dak Prescott got the call to be a Cowboy. Prescott took over for an injured Romo in his rookie year, leading the team to a 13-3 record and winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Imagine the trio of Prescott, Henry, and Ramsey. Dallas’ future would be set and contending for a Super Bowl every year. It is possible the team could have already gotten the chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. Throw in the talented names on the roster over the years, and the Cowboys would have another dynasty in the making.
Back to Reality…
A fan can only dream and wonder what would have happened if the 2016 NFL draft had this outcome. Six years later, Ramsey and Henry are some of the biggest names in the league, while Dallas has only secured one playoff win.
The Cowboys look to end their 26-year Super Bowl drought going into the 2022 NFL campaign, with Prescott and Elliot leading the crew.