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NFL rosters are not built through free agency but via the draft and player development. Take a quick look at the best teams in the league—the 49ers, Ravens, Patriots, Seahawks and Chiefs were all built through the draft with the right pieces mixed in through trades and signings. One great draft class can set a team apart. We'll talk about what 2017 meant for the New Orleans Saints and 2016 for the Dallas Cowboys.
1. 2016 Dallas Cowboys
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Notable Picks: RB Ezekiel Elliott (Round 1), LB Jaylon Smith (Round 2), DL Maliek Collins (Round 3), QB Dak Prescott (Round 4), CB Anthony Brown (Round 6)
The 2016 draft changed the Dallas Cowboys' fortunes in the span of three days. The franchise is winning because it grabbed four starters and one high-level rotational secondary member from the team's nine selections.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is playing like a potential MVP and having his best season in his fourth year as the starter for America's Team. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has struggled lately, but he has been one of the NFL's elite backs for the last four years. Linebacker Jaylon Smith missed his rookie season after he suffered a knee injury in his final game at Notre Dame, but since returning to the field he's been among the league's best linebackers.
Those are the three picks everyone knows, but defensive tackle Maliek Collins is a starter and playing well. Cornerback Anthony Brown offers crucial depth as the team's third or fourth cover man each week. The big three selections are no doubt why the Cowboys are leading the NFC East, but the gems in Collins and Brown help round out an amazing draft class from Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Will McClay.
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That draft was transitioned from as McCarthy and his Defensive Coordinator came into the picture.
