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NFL production
Signing classes 2016 · NFL signee counts by recruit position
- RB2
- DE1
- LS1
- TE1
Program year analysis and class DNA metrics for Iowa State (2016).
2016 recruiting class — expectation versus Stars2Stats outcomes
Class medals
“Built on development, not recruiting rankings.”
S2S Class DNA
One-year metrics for this recruiting class
Recruits that contributed to program
Share who became impact players (starters, elite contributors, or NFL)
Based on only Low HS Projection → All-Conference or higher
Recruits that reached the NFL in any tier
Share with limited verified outcomes
Pipeline
Signing classes 2016 · NFL signee counts by recruit position
The 2016 recruiting class for Iowa State saw a mix of outcomes that reflected both hits and misses, indicating a range of performances relative to original expectations. With a total of 32 recruits and a blue chip percentage of 6%, the class did not feature a high volume of elite talent. However, notable hits included Eyioma Uwazurike and Kene Nwangwu, both of whom were able to transition to the NFL, defying their lower rankings and highlighting the potential for development within the program.
In contrast, the class also included several high-ranking recruits who did not meet expectations, such as D'Andre Payne and Justin Stewart. Payne, despite being ranked 58, emerged only as a college starter, while Stewart, ranked 177, was classified as a bust. This disparity suggests that while the program has the capability to identify and develop talent, there are instances where higher-ranked recruits may not yield the anticipated results.
Overall, the Iowa State 2016 recruiting class met expectations but also displayed areas of underperformance. The S2S rerank moving from 54 to 49 indicates a slight improvement in perceived talent as the recruits developed. The presence of NFL-drafted players such as Uwazurike and Nwangwu demonstrates the potential for success, yet the number of underperforming ranked recruits suggests that the program still needs to refine its evaluation process. The takeaway from this class is that while there were notable successes, inconsistencies in recruiting outcomes highlight the challenges associated with talent development.