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2016 All-Pro Team
2016 All-Pro Team
2016 All-Pro Team
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2016 All-Pro Team
All-Pro
2016 NFL season
Selectors
Associated Press
Pro Football Writers of America
Sporting News
2015 ← → 2017

The 2016 All-Pro teams were named by the Associated Press (AP), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), and Sporting News (SN) for performance in the 2016 NFL season. While none of the All-Pro teams have the official imprimatur of the NFL (whose official recognition is nomination to the 2017 Pro Bowl[a]), they are included in the NFL Record and Fact Book and also part of the language of the 2011 NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.[1] Any player selected to the first-team of any of the teams can be described as an "All-Pro." The AP team, with first-team and second-team selections, was chosen by a national panel of fifty NFL writers and broadcasters.[2] For the first time, the nationwide panel of 60 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NFL voted for specific positions on the offensive line, a "flex" player on offense, a fifth defensive back, merged the halfback and fullback positions into the running back position, and a punt returner and special teamer.[3][4] The Sporting News All-NFL team is voted on by NFL players and executives and will be released at a later date.[5] The PFWA team is selected by its more than 300 national members who are accredited media members covering the NFL.[6]

Teams

[edit]
Offense
Position First team Second team
Quarterback Matt Ryan, Atlanta (AP, PFWA)
Tom Brady, New England (SN) 		Tom Brady, New England (AP-2)
Running back Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas (AP, PFWA, SN)
David Johnson, Arizona (PFWA, SN) 		David Johnson, Arizona (AP-2)
Flex David Johnson, Arizona (AP) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh (AP-2)
Tight end Travis Kelce, Kansas City (AP, PFWA, SN) Greg Olsen, Carolina (AP-2)
Wide receiver Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (AP, PFWA, SN)
Julio Jones, Atlanta (AP, PFWA, SN) 		Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants (AP-2)
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay (AP-2)
Left tackle Tyron Smith, Dallas (AP) David Bakhtiari, Green Bay; (AP-2)
Left guard Kelechi Osemele, Oakland (AP) Marshal Yanda, Baltimore (AP-2)
Center Travis Frederick, Dallas (AP, PFWA, SN) Alex Mack, Atlanta (AP-2)
Right guard Zack Martin, Dallas (AP) David DeCastro, Pittsburgh (AP-2)
Right tackle Jack Conklin, Tennessee (AP) Mitchell Schwartz, Kansas City (AP-2t)
Marcus Cannon, New England (AP-2t)
Guard Kelechi Osemele, Oakland (PFWA, SN)
Zack Martin, Dallas (PFWA)
Marshal Yanda, Baltimore (SN)
Tackle Tyron Smith, Dallas (PFWA, SN)
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns (PFWA)
Trent Williams, Washington Redskins (SN)
Special teams
Position First team Second team
Kicker Justin Tucker, Baltimore (AP, PFWA, SN)
Punter Johnny Hekker, Los Angeles (AP, PFWA)
Pat McAfee, Indianapolis Colts (SN) 		Marquette King, Oakland (AP-2)
Kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota (AP, PFWA, SN) Tyler Lockett, Seattle (AP-2)
Punt returner Tyreek Hill, Kansas City (AP, PFWA, SN)
Special teams Matthew Slater, New England (AP, PFWA) Nate Ebner, New England (AP-2)
Defense
Position First team Second team
Edge rusher Khalil Mack, Oakland (AP, PFWA, SN)
Vic Beasley, Atlanta (AP, PFWA-OLB)
Jadeveon Clowney, Houston (PFWA, SN) 		Brandon Graham, Philadelphia (AP-2)
Jadeveon Clowney, Houston (AP-2)
Interior lineman Aaron Donald, Los Angeles (AP, PFWA, SN)
Damon Harrison, New York Giants (AP, PFWA)
Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals (SN) 		Ndamukong Suh, Miami (AP-2)
Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals (AP-2t)
Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay (AP-2t)
Linebacker Von Miller, Denver (AP, PFWA, SN)
Bobby Wagner, Seattle (AP, PFWA, SN)
Sean Lee, Dallas (AP)
Luke Kuechly, Carolina (SN) 		Lorenzo Alexander, Buffalo (AP-2)
Luke Kuechly, Carolina (AP-2)
Lavonte David, Tampa Bay (AP-2t)
C.J. Mosley, Baltimore (AP-2t)
Zach Brown, Buffalo (AP-2t)
Zachary Orr, Baltimore (AP-2t)
Alec Ogletree, Los Angeles (AP-2t)
Dont'a Hightower, New England (AP-2t)
Whitney Mercilus, Houston (AP-2t)
Benardrick McKinney, Houston (AP-2t)
Cornerback Aqib Talib, Denver (AP, PFWA, SN)
Marcus Peters, Kansas City (AP, PFWA, SN) 		Janoris Jenkins, New York Giants (AP-2)
Malcolm Butler, New England (AP-2t)
Casey Hayward, San Diego (AP-2t)
Safety Landon Collins, New York Giants (AP, PFWA, SN)
Eric Berry, Kansas City (AP, PFWA, SN) 		Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Green Bay (AP-2)
Devin McCourty, New England (AP-2)
Defensive back Chris Harris, Jr., Denver (AP) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, New York Giants (AP-2)

Key

[edit]
  • AP = Associated Press first-team All-Pro
  • AP-2 = Associated Press second-team All-Pro
  • AP-2t = Tied for second-team All-Pro in the AP vote
  • PFWA = Pro Football Writers Association All-NFL
  • SN = Sporting News All-Pro

Position differences

[edit]

PFWA and SN did not separate the tackles and guards into more specific positions as the AP did.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2016 All-Pro Team

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The 2016 All-Pro Team refers to the first-team selections made by the (AP) honoring the top performers in the () during the 2016 regular season. These honors were determined through voting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members, including sports writers and broadcasters, who evaluated players based on their on-field contributions. The team included specific positions for the offensive line, a flex offensive player, a fifth , a punt returner, and a special teamer, reflecting updates to the format for that year. Key highlights of the 2016 AP All-Pro Team included quarterback Matt Ryan, who earned the honor as the league's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year after leading the with 4,944 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. running back and running back David Johnson were selected as the top running backs, with Elliott rushing for 1,631 yards and Johnson achieving 2,118 yards from scrimmage as a flex player. Three rookies made the cut—Elliott, punt returner (unanimous selection), and offensive tackle —marking a notable influx of young talent, while 17 players received the honor for the first time, the most since 1981. The team represented 14 NFL franchises, with the Dallas Cowboys leading all teams with five selections: Elliott, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, linebacker Sean Lee, center Travis Frederick, and guard Zack Martin. The Kansas City Chiefs followed with four honorees, including tight end Travis Kelce, safety Eric Berry, and cornerback Marcus Peters. On defense, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller earned his third All-Pro nod, while Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was a unanimous choice for his league-leading field goal percentage of 97.4% (38/39). The full first-team roster spanned offense, defense, and special teams, underscoring the depth and excellence across the 2016 season that saw the New England Patriots ultimately win Super Bowl LI.

Overview and Selection Process

Background and Significance

The All-Pro Team is an annual accolade in the () that honors the top performers at each position, selected through media voting to form ideal squads for offense, defense, and special teams. Distinct from the fan- and player-influenced or the individual MVP award, All-Pro recognition emphasizes objective journalistic assessment of a player's overall impact during the season. All-Pro selections emerged in the early , with initial informal teams named via newspaper polls in the that relied on input from coaches, players, and sportswriters. Post-1920s formalization brought greater consistency, as national wire services like (UPI) and the (AP) standardized processes; the AP launched its enduring annual team in 1940, while began its version in 1954, establishing these as key benchmarks for elite play. The 2016 amplified the Team's relevance against a backdrop of unprecedented offensive explosiveness, with league-wide regular-season passing yards totaling 123,639, a high mark for the era, driven by rule changes favoring aerial strategies and high-powered quarterbacks. Defenses adapted through heightened emphasis on efficiency, as teams prioritized disruptive front-seven schemes to neutralize passing attacks, reflecting the era's tactical evolution. The ' 2016 All-Pro Team featured 28 first-team players across its categories, a structure mirrored closely by the (PFWA) and (SN) selections, which also prioritized comprehensive positional coverage. These honors profoundly shape player legacies, serving as critical evidence of peak dominance in deliberations, with the 2016 roster including future icons like whose repeated All-Pro nods solidified their enshrinement paths.

Selecting Organizations and Criteria

The 2016 NFL All-Pro Team was primarily selected by three prominent organizations: the (AP), the (PFWA), and (SN). Each employs distinct methodologies to evaluate player performance during the regular season, differing from official awards like the , which incorporate fan and player voting alongside media input. These selections emphasize expert analysis over popularity, providing a media- and insider-driven assessment of the league's elite talent. The conducts its voting through a national panel of exactly 50 media members who regularly cover the , focusing on comprehensive performance metrics including statistical output and film study. This process yields first- and second-team designations to recognize depth across positions. A notable for the 2016 season was the introduction of a "flex" position on offense, designed to honor versatile players such as wide receivers or tight ends who thrive in modern, multi-faceted schemes, reflecting evolving offensive strategies. The AP announced its 2016 All-Pro Team on January 6, 2017. The Pro Football Writers of America, comprising more than 300 accredited members, bases its selections on votes cast by writers before the playoffs begin, prioritizing sustained consistency over isolated standout performances. Unlike the AP, the PFWA issues only a single All-Pro team without second-team honors, streamlining recognition to the top performers. This pre-playoff timeline ensures evaluations are confined to regular-season play. The PFWA revealed its 2016 team on January 16, 2017. Sporting News assembles its All-Pro Team via votes from NFL head coaches, emphasizing game-changing impact plays while forgoing separations for certain offensive line positions to better capture positional fluidity. The exact size of this panel remains undisclosed, promoting transparency in an otherwise opaque process compared to the AP's specified voter count. The 2016 SN selections were released around January 12, 2017.

Offensive Team

Skill Positions

The skill positions on the 2016 All-Pro offensive teams highlighted a mix of veteran dominance and rookie excellence, with selections from the (AP), (PFWA), and (SN) recognizing players who excelled in passing, rushing, receiving, and versatile roles. These players collectively drove high-powered offenses, leading their teams to strong records and playoff berths through superior production in yards, touchdowns, and efficiency metrics. Rookie earned first-team honors at across the major outlets, underscoring the depth of the 2016 draft class at these positions. At quarterback, Matt Ryan of the earned first-team honors from the AP and PFWA, marking a strong recognition for his performance; SN selected of the . Ryan led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and the NFC's top seed, throwing for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, while posting a league-leading 117.1 . His precision and leadership transformed Atlanta's offense into one of the NFL's most explosive units, averaging over 33 points per game. The position featured first-team selections for across all three organizations and ' David Johnson, who was selected as the flex player by AP and as a running back by PFWA and SN, both of whom showcased elite versatility in the ground game and as receivers. Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns on 295 carries, leading the league in rushing and providing a foundational element to Dallas's 13-3 campaign with his burst and vision. Johnson amassed 2,118 total yards from scrimmage, including 1,239 rushing and 879 receiving, with 20 total touchdowns, making him a dual-threat force who nearly won MVP honors. Elliott's selection as a first-team highlighted his immediate impact, joining a select group of debutants honored by all three organizations. Wide receivers of the and of the received unanimous first-team nods across AP, PFWA, and SN, embodying the position's demands for speed, route-running, and big-play ability amid physical defenses. Brown caught 106 passes for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns, maintaining elite production despite a crowded Steelers offense and earning his fourth straight recognition. Jones, battling a injury that caused him to miss one game, still led the league with 1,365 receiving yards on 79 receptions and six scores, stretching defenses and complementing Ryan's aerial attack. Their selections reflected not only volume stats but also yards after catch efficiency, with both averaging over 16 yards per reception. Tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs garnered unanimous first-team acclaim across AP, PFWA, and SN, emerging as a premier pass-catching option with 85 receptions for 1,038 yards and four touchdowns, helping power the Chiefs' 12-4 season. His seam-stretching ability and blocking prowess made him indispensable to Alex Smith's offense, posting a career-high in yards while drawing double coverage. The AP introduced a unique flex spot to honor hybrid skill players, selecting running back David Johnson for his versatile production, blending and receiving traits in a breakout year that bolstered Arizona's offense. This role acknowledged the evolving nature of offensive schemes relying on versatile athletes like Johnson. Among the rookies, Dak earned AP second-team honors with 3,667 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 104.9 rating, while Tyreek , primarily a with All-Pro punt return duties, contributed 61 catches for 593 yards and six scores offensively, flashing explosive potential.

Offensive Line

The offensive line selections for the 2016 All-Pro Team highlighted players who excelled in both run blocking and pass protection, contributing to the season's emphasis on high-powered offenses across the . The (AP) introduced position-specific voting for the first time, designating left and right tackles as well as left and right guards, while the (PFWA) and (SN) selected two guards and two tackles without side designations. These linemen anchored units that facilitated explosive plays, with standout performances in protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for rushers. At left tackle, of the earned first-team honors from AP, PFWA, and SN. Smith allowed few sacks while contributing to Dallas's top-ranked offensive line. Complementing at right tackle was rookie of the , a first-team AP and PFWA selection, who posted a league-leading 88.9 PFF overall grade for right tackles and surrendered only two sacks in pass protection. Joe Thomas of the was selected by PFWA as one of the tackles. For guards, the AP named Kelechi Osemele of the at left guard and of the at right guard, recognizing their versatility in zone-blocking schemes that supported balanced attacks. Osemele anchored a Raiders line with an 88.1 PFF overall grade. Meanwhile, PFWA honored Osemele and Martin, and SN selected Osemele and of the . Martin earned an 88.0 PFF overall grade. At center, of the received unanimous first-team nods from all three organizations, serving as the anchor for one of the league's premier rushing attacks. Frederick posted a 90.0 PFF overall grade, the highest among centers, and was pivotal in a Cowboys line that allowed just 18 sacks while ranking first in run-blocking efficiency. His snapping precision and mobility in pulling schemes enabled over 2,000 team rushing yards, underscoring the line's dominance in . In contrast, the ' line, featuring honorable mentions like , permitted only seven sacks in pass protection, supporting a league-leading passing offense.
PositionPlayer (Team)SelectionsKey PFF Grade (Overall)
LT (DAL)AP, PFWA, SN (unanimous)89.2
RT (TEN)AP, PFWA88.9
Tackle (PFWA/SN)Joe Thomas (CLE), (WAS)PFWA (Thomas), SN (Williams)Thomas: 84.2
LG (OAK)AP, PFWA, SN88.1
RG (DAL)AP, PFWA88.0
Guard (SN) (BAL)SN85.6
C (DAL)AP, PFWA, SN (unanimous)90.0

Defensive Team

Front Seven

The front seven of the 2016 All-Pro Team, as selected by major organizations like the (AP), (PFWA), and (SN), highlighted players who excelled in generating pressure and controlling the during a season defined by increased passing volume across the , with teams attempting a league-high 35.7 passes per game on average. This era emphasized versatile edge rushers capable of disrupting s while interior linemen anchored against the run, allowing defenses to adapt to packages without sacrificing ground control. Selections reflected a blend of raw production in sacks and tackles with advanced impacts like quarterback hits and run-stop percentages, underscoring the shift toward hybrid fronts that blended 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. Edge rushers dominated the conversation for their pass-rush prowess, with Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders earning unanimous first-team honors across AP, PFWA, and SN after recording 11 sacks, tying for sixth in the NFL, alongside 73 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Mack's versatility as a 4-3 defensive end allowed him to lead the league with 18 quarterback hits, forcing hurried throws in a season where the Raiders ranked seventh in sacks as a team. Complementing him on the AP first team was Vic Beasley Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons, who led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and earned unanimous status, his explosive speed off the edge contributing to the Falcons' top-10 ranking in opponent passer rating. Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, a unanimous selection as an outside linebacker by AP, PFWA, and SN, added 13.5 sacks—second in the league—while dropping into coverage for four passes defensed, exemplifying the hybrid role that blurred positional lines in modern defenses. Interior linemen selections prioritized run-stopping anchors who enabled edge rushers to thrive, with of the securing unanimous first-team nods from all three organizations despite the Rams' middling overall defense; he amassed 8 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 16 games, generating pressure on 14.1% of pass-rush snaps according to metrics. Damon "Snacks" Harrison of the also earned unanimous honors, leading interior linemen with 86 total tackles—tops among defensive tackles—and helping the Giants rank third in the against the run at 3.6 yards per carry allowed, a marked improvement from their 2015 performance. Harrison's dominance is evident in his 15.8% run-stop rate, the highest among qualifiers, as he consistently clogged lanes and limited opponents to minimal gains on interior runs. At linebacker, of the claimed unanimous first-team status across all outlets with a league-leading 167 combined tackles, including four sacks and nine passes defensed, anchoring a Seahawks defense that ranked fifth in total yards allowed. His sideline-to-sideline range was crucial in run support, where he posted a 12.3% missed tackle rate, one of the lowest among inside linebackers. of the rounded out the AP first-team inside linebackers with 130 tackles and three interceptions, providing coverage reliability that supported the Cowboys' league-best 4.5 yards per carry allowed on the ground. Variations emerged in positional designations: the AP employed a dedicated edge/interior split with three hybrid linebackers, while PFWA and SN often combined defensive ends and outside linebackers without strict distinction, leading to inclusions like (Houston Texans) on PFWA's first-team DE list for his 8.5 sacks. These differences highlighted the evolving nature of front-seven evaluations, prioritizing impact over traditional alignments in a pass-oriented league.

Secondary

The secondary selections for the 2016 All-Pro Team highlighted players who excelled in pass coverage and creating turnovers during a season when teams attempted a record 18,278 passes, emphasizing the critical role of defensive backs in preventing big plays. The (AP), (PFWA), and (SN) all converged on the same first-team cornerbacks and safeties, marking unanimous honors for these positions across the major selecting organizations. At , of the and of the earned first-team nods from all three outlets. led the league with six interceptions while allowing opponents a low completion rate on targets, contributing to his reputation as a shutdown defender who forced quarterbacks into mistakes. , with three interceptions and strong coverage skills, anchored the Broncos' secondary in a defense that ranked among the league's best against the pass. of the , who topped the with seven interceptions, received second-team AP honors, showcasing his ball-hawking ability despite not securing first-team status. For safeties, of the Chiefs and of the were unanimous first-team selections. recorded four interceptions and provided versatile coverage from the free safety role, helping Kansas City's defense generate turnovers. , transitioning to strong safety, tallied five interceptions and excelled in run support with 100 combined tackles, earning praise for his physicality near the line of scrimmage. of the garnered second-team AP honors with consistent play in pass defense, while of the , who held out of offseason activities due to a contract dispute, did not receive recognition. The selecting organizations treated cornerbacks and safeties without distinguishing free/strong splits, focusing instead on overall impact in coverage and takeaways; AP voters prioritized interception leaders, while PFWA and SN emphasized team defensive efficiency. The Chiefs' secondary stood out league-wide, contributing to the team's NFL-leading 33 total takeaways, including 18 interceptions, often aided by pressure from the front seven that disrupted passing lanes. Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Jalen Ramsey emerged as a promising talent with 47 tackles and two interceptions, earning first-team All-Rookie honors from multiple outlets but falling short of All-Pro status in his debut year.
PositionPlayerTeamSelecting BodyKey Stat
CBAP, PFWA, SN (1st)6 INTs
CBAP, PFWA, SN (1st)3 INTs
CBAP (2nd)7 INTs (league lead)
SAP, PFWA, SN (1st)4 INTs
SAP, PFWA, SN (1st)5 INTs
SAP (2nd)67 tackles

Special Teams

Placekickers and Punters

The placekicker position on the 2016 All-Pro Team was dominated by kicker , who earned unanimous first-team honors from the (AP), (PFWA), and (SN). converted 38 of 39 attempts during the regular season, achieving a 97.4% success rate, with his lone miss a blocked 34-yard attempt in Week 14 against the . His longest was a 57-yard effort in Week 12 against the , and he also handled kickoff duties effectively, recording touchbacks on 65% of his 80 attempts to limit return opportunities. reliability proved crucial for the , who finished the season with an 8-8 record but missed the playoffs; he contributed 141 points, including several game-winning or tying kicks in close contests. For punters, the selections varied across organizations, reflecting the emphasis on both gross distance and net effectiveness in pinning opponents deep. Johnny Hekker of the Los Angeles Rams was named first-team All-Pro by both the AP and PFWA, leading the NFL with a gross punting average of 47.8 yards on 98 attempts and setting a single-season record with a net average of 46.0 yards. Hekker placed 51 punts inside the 20-yard line (52.0% rate) while allowing just one touchback, contributing significantly to the Rams' strong field position advantage despite their 4-12 overall record; the team ranked first league-wide in net punting average. The Sporting News selected Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee as its first-team honoree, recognizing his 49.3-yard gross average and 42.7 net on 55 punts, which helped the Colts maintain competitive drives in an 8-8 campaign.
OrganizationPlacekickerPunter
AP (BAL) (LAR)
PFWA (BAL) (LAR)
SN (BAL) (IND)

Return Specialists

The return specialists for the 2016 NFL All-Pro Team were recognized for their explosive playmaking ability, which remained a critical element of special teams despite evolving rules aimed at enhancing player safety. Punt and kick returns offered opportunities for game-changing touchdowns, but the NFL's adjustment to place touchbacks on kickoffs at the 25-yard line—up from the 20—resulted in a league-high 57.6% touchback rate, reducing kick return attempts by 1.8 percentage points compared to 2015 and limiting overall return volume. This context elevated the value of efficient returners, particularly as the introduced a dedicated punt returner position in its revamped All-Pro selections to better highlight specialized roles. Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs earned unanimous first-team honors as the punt returner across major selections, including the Associated Press (AP), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), and Sporting News (SN), marking a standout rookie season after being drafted in the fifth round. Hill fielded 39 punts for 592 yards, averaging 15.2 yards per return—6.6 yards above the league average of 8.6—while scoring two touchdowns, including a 78-yard return against the Oakland Raiders in Week 14. His big-play potential was evident in a league-leading eight returns of 20+ yards and three fair catches inside the 10-yard line, showcasing vision and acceleration that turned routine punts into scoring threats despite shorter average hang times from opposing punters. Hill's efficiency stood out in a season where punt return opportunities remained relatively stable, but his unanimous selection underscored his immediate impact on the Chiefs' special teams. For kick returners, Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings secured first-team AP All-Pro status for the second time in four seasons, leading qualified returners with a 31.7-yard average on 25 attempts for 792 yards and one touchdown—a 104-yard score against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. The PFWA and SN also named Patterson to their first teams, reflecting broad consensus on his dominance despite fewer opportunities due to the touchback rule. Patterson's four returns of 40+ yards highlighted his speed and elusiveness, though the reduced return rate league-wide—coupled with strategic kicking for touchbacks—diminished the position's overall frequency, making his per-return impact even more pronounced. Variations in other selections were minimal, with no major disagreements among the primary outlets, though some analysts noted honorable mentions for Seattle's Tyler Lockett based on his 27.9-yard average.
PositionPlayerTeamSelecting OrganizationKey Stats
Punt ReturnerAP, PFWA, SN15.2 avg, 2 TDs
Kick ReturnerMinnesota VikingsAP, PFWA, SN31.7 avg, 1 TD

Variations Across Selections

Positional Differences

The (AP) introduced structural changes to its selection process for the season, specifying positions on the offensive line as left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle, resulting in five distinct slots filled by players like at left tackle and at right guard on the first team. In contrast, both the (PFWA) and (SN) selected five offensive linemen without designating sides, typically comprising two tackles, two guards, and one center, such as and at tackle, and at guard, and at center for PFWA. This approach emphasized overall line performance over positional specificity, allowing for versatility in voter choices. On defense, the AP categorized the front four as two edge rushers—encompassing 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers—and two interior linemen, with selections including Khalil Mack and Vic Beasley Jr. as edge rushers and Aaron Donald and Damon "Snacks" Harrison as interiors. PFWA and SN, however, combined selections into four defensive ends or tackles without such a split, focusing on two defensive ends and two defensive tackles to highlight player versatility across schemes, as seen in PFWA's choices of Mack and Chandler Jones at defensive end alongside Donald and Harrison at defensive tackle. Special teams selections also varied, with the AP incorporating a dedicated punt returner (Tyreek Hill) alongside a special teamer or flex role (Matthew Slater), in addition to placekicker, punter, and kick returner. PFWA mirrored this structure with separate slots for punt returner, kick returner, and special teamer. SN, voted on by NFL coaches, omitted a dedicated punt returner position, instead folding return excellence into broader honors or other special teams categories, while recognizing kick returners and special teamers distinctly. A notable inconsistency in SN's selections was the absence of a second-team punter, with only of the Raiders named to the first team, unlike the AP and PFWA, which included second-team options such as for AP. These positional frameworks are summarized in the following table for clarity:
CategoryAP Positions (First Team)PFWA Positions (First Team)SN Positions (First Team)
Offensive LineLT, LG, C, RG, RT (5 total)C (1), G (2), T (2) (5 total, unsplit)C (1), G (2), T (2) (5 total, unsplit)
Defensive FrontEdge (2), Interior DL (2)DE (2), DT (2)DE (2), DT (2)
Special TeamsPK, P, KR, PR, ST (5 total)PK, P, KR, PR, ST (5 total)PK, P, KR (2 players) (4 total, no PR or ST)
Such differences in categorization contributed to 15 unanimous first-team selections across the organizations—players like Matt Ryan at quarterback and Julio Jones at wide receiver—but also resulted in 11 position-specific variances, influencing how voters evaluated hybrid roles and scheme adaptability.

Notable Disagreements and Omissions

One notable disagreement among the selecting organizations occurred at , where the (AP) and (PFWA) both named Matt Ryan of the to the first team for his league-leading 4,944 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and 117.1 across a full 16-game season that propelled the Falcons to a 11-5 record. In contrast, (SN) selected Tom Brady of the , citing his efficient 3,554 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 108.1 in 12 games following a four-game suspension, emphasizing his peak performance and leadership in a Super Bowl-winning campaign. Despite these views favoring Brady in some analyses, Ryan's selection was unanimous across AP and PFWA, highlighting a preference for season-long consistency over abbreviated dominance. At linebacker, another divergence emerged in the inside linebacker spot, with AP and PFWA honoring ' for his 167 combined tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles that anchored a top-ranked defense allowing just 16.4 points per game. SN selected two inside linebackers, including ' , who recorded 140 tackles and four interceptions while leading the with 125 solo stops, reflecting a voter emphasis on his playmaking instincts amid the Panthers' 6-10 season. This split underscored differing priorities between organizations, with AP and PFWA leaning toward Wagner's run-stopping reliability and SN valuing Kuechly's coverage versatility. Several high-profile players were omitted despite strong statistical outputs, often due to voter biases favoring full-season availability and team success over individual peaks or injury-limited campaigns. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. of the tallied 101 receptions for 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games, yet was overlooked amid a 11-5 season marred by a injury that hampered his explosiveness, as selectors prioritized and Antonio Brown's higher yardage totals on playoff-bound teams. Defensive end of the Houston Texans, a perennial , appeared in only three games before a season-ending back for a herniated disc, recording 1.5 sacks before his October placement on injured reserve, eliminating him from consideration despite his prior dominance. of the threw for 4,428 yards, 40 touchdowns, and a 101.2 —second only to Ryan in efficiency—but was snubbed, with voters citing the Packers' 10-6 record and late-season playoff push as insufficient compared to Ryan's earlier dominance. These omissions and disagreements stemmed from biases toward consistent, game-in-and-game-out performers like Ryan, who benefited from playing all 16 games without major absences, over those with injury interruptions or mid-season surges like Rodgers. The AP's selections proved the most conservative, adhering closely to traditional metrics of availability and context, while SN occasionally rewarded peak talent. Overall, the 2016 s featured 17 first-time All-Pros, including three rookies—, , and —illustrating a blend of established stars and emerging talents amid these debates. Such splits highlighted contrasts between media-driven (AP, PFWA) and coach/player-influenced (SN) perspectives, influencing perceptions of the year's top performers.

Historical Context

Comparison to Prior Seasons

The 2016 Associated Press All-Pro first team retained six players from the 2015 squad—wide receivers and , defensive tackle , edge rusher , linebacker , and safety —marking a notable year-over-year retention and underscoring defensive continuity amid roster turnover. This retention rate reflected sustained elite performance from established stars, particularly in the and secondary, where Mack and Miller continued their dominance after combining for 22 sacks in 2015. In terms of shifts, the 2016 team featured three first-team rookies—running back Ezekiel Elliott, tackle Jack Conklin, and punt returner Tyreek Hill—compared to zero in 2015, signaling an influx of immediate impact newcomers. The 2016 format revamped positions, eliminating the fullback and adding a flex offensive player (RB, FB, TE, or WR), resulting in 11 offensive selections (QB, RB, flex, 2 WR, TE, 5 OL) versus 12 defensive, shifting from 2015's 12-12 split across 24 core positions. This offensive tilt aligned with league trends, as pass-catchers like Brown (1,532 receiving yards), Jones (1,363), and Kelce (1,125) exemplified the era's aerial focus, mirroring the NFL's total passing yards of 124,836 in 2015 and 123,639 in 2016. Defensively, sack leaders remained consistent, with (18.5 sacks) and Mack (11) echoing 2015's emphasis on elite edge production akin to J.J. Watt's 17.5-sack campaign for . Overall, the 2016 skill position players averaged over 1,600 scrimmage yards each—Elliott at 1,994, Johnson (flex) at 2,086, at 1,532, Jones at 1,363, and Kelce at 1,125—surpassing the 2014 team's approximate 1,100-yard average amid evolving offensive schemes. From a 2025 vantage, 15 of the 27 first-teamers are now Hall of Fame-eligible (five years post-retirement), with one—Joe Thomas, inducted in 2023—already enshrined, while projections favor future honors for standouts like based on career trajectories.

Impact on Awards and Careers

The selection to the 2016 (AP) first team demonstrated a strong correlation with other major honors, as nearly all 27 first-team players were also chosen for the , underscoring the team's alignment with peer and fan recognition. For instance, quarterback Matt Ryan not only earned honors but also captured the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the to a 11-5 record with 4,944 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. This overlap highlights the team's role as a key predictor of selections, with approximately 80% of the 2016 honorees repeating as Pro Bowlers in 2017, reflecting sustained elite performance into the following season. All-Pro recognition provided significant career boosts for several players, influencing contract negotiations and positional evolution. Ezekiel Elliott, a rookie in 2016, leveraged his selection—along with subsequent honors—to secure a six-year, $90 million extension with the in 2019 following a high-profile holdout, establishing him as one of the league's highest-paid backs at the time. Donald's 2016 nod solidified his trajectory toward dominance, paving the way for three Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards in 2018, 2021, and 2023, while earning him his 2018 six-year, $135 million extension with subsequent restructures, including a 2022 amendment adding $40 million. Similarly, Tyreek Hill's unanimous punt return honors in 2016 accelerated his transition to , where he became a five-time and Pro Bowler by 2023, culminating in a four-year, $120 million contract with the in 2022. By November 2025, at least ten players from the 2016 team had retired, often capping Hall of Fame-caliber careers marked by that early accolade, including (retired 2025), safety (2023), cornerback (2021), defensive tackle (2021), and linebacker (2022). Post-2016 achievements further illustrated long-term impact; edge rusher , for example, surpassed 100 career sacks by 2023, reaching 111.5 total as of November 2025 while earning six additional nods and maintaining elite status into his 11th season. These trajectories emphasize how the 2016 selections not only validated immediate excellence but also enhanced market value, with status often correlating to contract incentives like $250,000 bonuses and broader extensions averaging 15-25% increases in annual value for repeat performers.

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