Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. Back when the Philadelphia Eagles were desperate for a savior and a kid from North Dakota State was the most talked-about person in the NFL. If you're wondering when was Carson Wentz drafted, the date was April 28, 2016. It wasn't just a normal pick, though. It was a massive, franchise-altering gamble that cost the Eagles a literal mountain of draft capital.
The Eagles took Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick in the first round.
People forget how wild that spring was. The Los Angeles Rams had just moved from St. Louis and held the top pick, while the Eagles were sitting at No. 13. To get the guy they wanted, Philly’s GM Howie Roseman pulled off a sequence of trades that looked more like a game of Tetris than professional football. First, they jumped from 13 to 8 by trading with Miami. Then, they sent a package to Cleveland—including their 2017 first-rounder and a 2018 second-rounder—just to get to that second spot.
The Small School Kid and the Big City Lights
One of the biggest storylines back then was Wentz’s background. He wasn't some hotshot from Alabama or Ohio State. He was a "Bison." Coming out of North Dakota State (NDSU), there were huge questions about whether he could handle the speed of the NFL. I mean, he was playing against FCS competition, not exactly the Sunday afternoon monsters he’d face in the NFC East.
But the physical traits? They were undeniable.
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- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 237 lbs
- Arm strength: Categorized as "cannon-like"
- College record: 20-3 as a starter
Basically, he was the "prototype." While Jared Goff went No. 1 to the Rams because he was the more "polished" passer, Wentz was seen as the high-ceiling, dual-threat weapon. It’s funny looking back now in 2026, seeing Wentz on his journey through teams like the Colts, Commanders, and most recently the Vikings. In 2016, he was the "Ginger Jesus" of Philadelphia, the man who was supposed to run that city for two decades.
How the 2016 Draft Changed Everything
When we talk about when was Carson Wentz drafted, we have to talk about the Sam Bradford factor. The original plan wasn't for Wentz to start immediately. The Eagles had signed Bradford to a big deal and brought in Chase Daniel as a high-priced backup. They wanted Wentz to "redshirt"—basically sit on the bench and learn the pro game for a year.
Then Teddy Bridgewater got hurt in Minnesota.
Just eight days before the 2016 season opener, the Eagles traded Bradford to the Vikings. Suddenly, the rookie from Bismarck was the starter. He walked out onto the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns and looked like he’d been doing it for ten years. He threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, and the hype train officially left the station.
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Why the Context of 2016 Matters Now
If you look at the stats from that 2016 draft class, it’s a fascinating study in what "value" really means. Wentz had an MVP-caliber season in 2017 before tearing his ACL. That injury is the "what if" that haunts Philly fans. If he doesn't get hurt against the Rams in Week 14, does he win the MVP? Does Nick Foles still become a legend? We'll never know.
What we do know is that the picks the Eagles traded away to get Wentz eventually helped Cleveland build a core, but the Eagles got a Super Bowl ring out of that era. Even if Wentz wasn't the one under center for the win against the Patriots, they don't get the No. 1 seed without his incredible regular season.
Breaking Down the Trades
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of NFL trades, but let’s look at what the Eagles actually gave up to secure that 2nd overall pick. They didn't just give up players; they gave up a future.
- A 2016 first-round pick (No. 8 overall)
- A 2016 third-round pick
- A 2016 fourth-round pick
- A 2017 first-round pick
- A 2018 second-round pick
In exchange, they got Wentz and a 2017 fourth-round pick. It was a king’s ransom. But at the time, everyone in Philly thought it was a bargain.
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Actionable Insights for Football Fans
If you're tracking player trajectories or looking at how draft history impacts team building, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding Wentz and the 2016 class:
- Scout the Traits, Not the Logo: Wentz proved that an FCS quarterback can be an elite NFL prospect. Don't dismiss "small school" guys in your dynasty drafts or when evaluating upcoming classes.
- The "Trade-Up" Trap: Moving up for a QB is high-risk, high-reward. The Eagles got a ring but eventually had to deal with a massive "dead cap" hit when they traded Wentz to Indy in 2021.
- Injury Resilience: When evaluating a long-term franchise guy, look at their play style. Wentz’s "fearless" running style was a double-edged sword that led to the injuries that eventually slowed his career.
Understanding the timing and the cost of the 2016 draft helps put the rest of Wentz’s career in perspective. He wasn't just another player; he was a massive investment.
To stay ahead of current NFL roster moves, keep a close eye on the league's "dead money" rankings. It’s often the best indicator of which teams are about to move on from a highly drafted quarterback, much like the Eagles did when they paved the way for Jalen Hurts. Monitoring how teams manage the fallout of these big trades provides a much clearer picture of who will be competitive in the next three to five seasons.