The 2016 NFL Draft was filled with impactful decisions that shaped the future of many teams. One of the most notable “what if” scenarios involves the choice to draft cornerback Sean Davis instead of selecting quarterback Dak Prescott. While hindsight is always clearer, this decision remains a topic of debate among fans and analysts, especially considering the trajectory of both players’ careers.
The 2016 Draft and the Decision to Pick Sean Davis
Going into the 2016 NFL Draft, several teams were in need of a franchise quarterback, yet many overlooked Dak Prescott. Prescott, who had an impressive collegiate career at Mississippi State, possessed the size, arm talent, and leadership qualities necessary to succeed at the professional level. However, he was not considered a top prospect and was projected to be a mid-round selection.
Instead of taking a chance on Prescott, the team in question opted for Sean Davis, a cornerback out of Maryland. Davis was a physical defensive back with versatility, capable of playing both safety and corner. He showed promise in college and was seen as a player who could immediately contribute to the secondary. At the time, this seemed like a logical pick given the team’s need for defensive reinforcements.
The Rise of Dak Prescott
Meanwhile, Prescott slid to the fourth round, where he was eventually selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 135th overall pick. Originally drafted as a backup, Prescott quickly found himself thrust into the starting role after injuries to Tony Romo and Kellen Moore during the preseason. What followed was nothing short of remarkable.
Prescott exceeded expectations in his rookie season, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His poise, accuracy, and ability to lead a team at such a young age made him an instant star. Over the years, he has solidified himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the league, securing a massive contract extension and becoming the face of the Cowboys franchise.
The Career of Sean Davis
Sean Davis, on the other hand, had a solid but unspectacular career. As a second-round pick, he contributed to the secondary with his physicality and versatility. Davis showed flashes of being a dependable starter but struggled with injuries and consistency. He spent several years in the NFL, bouncing between different teams before eventually fading from the spotlight.
While Davis had a serviceable career, he never became the kind of impact player that Prescott turned out to be. The decision to draft Davis over Prescott remains one that fans and analysts revisit, particularly when discussing missed opportunities in the draft.
A Lesson in Draft Evaluation
The 2016 draft serves as a reminder that scouting and evaluating talent is not an exact science. Prescott, who was overlooked by multiple teams, became one of the league’s top quarterbacks, while Sean Davis had a much more modest career. This scenario highlights the importance of identifying potential beyond immediate needs and reassessing how quarterbacks are evaluated, particularly those outside the first round.
In retrospect, passing on Prescott in favor of Davis may have been a miscalculation, but it underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft.
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