NFL Veterans Whose Replacements Were Selected in 2016 NFL Draft

Immediately following the NFL draft, we turn our attention to the players who are ready to step in and make an instant impact. But the most successful teams in the league are the ones who routinely draft to fill holes that won't open up until two or three years down the road. 

Since the rookie wage scale was instituted, the overwhelming majority of rookies, even those in the mid-to-late first round, are paid like backups, allowing teams to stash a player on a depth chart for a year or two. 

Playoff teams selecting in the late first round often take players with the intention to redshirt them for a season, and even more teams take this approach in the second and third rounds of the draft. 

Here's a look at a few teams this year who took this approach to the draft and the veterans who may no longer be in their teams' long-term plans.

Elvis Dumervil, Ravens

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Replacement: Kamalei Correa

The Ravens have two aging pass-rushers in 32-year-old Elvis Dumervil and 33-year-old Terrell Suggs. 

Second-round selection Kamalei Correa could potentially replace either one, but Dumervil's contract expires in 2017, one year before Suggs, making him the safer bet. 

Baltimore was the perfect landing spot for Correa, who is still a developing prospect. He's an elite athlete but never quite unlocked his full potential at Boise State. Spending two or three years learning behind Suggs and Dumervil should prepare him to take on a significant role once a starting spot is opened up. 

Kyle Williams, Bills

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Replacement: Adolphus Washington

Kyle Williams, 32, has two years remaining on his contract, but the Bills were wise to target Adolphus Washington as his potential replacement sooner rather than later. Williams is a star when healthy, but he's suffered season-ending injuries twice in the last five years, including in 2015. 

The Bills will develop Washington, their third-round pick, behind Williams for the next two seasons before likely allowing him to take over the starting role in 2018. 

Having a rookie contract in that position is also key for the Bills due to the amount of money wrapped up in Marcell Dareus, who will count for over $14 million against the salary cap each season through 2021.

DeMarco Murray, Titans

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Replacement: Derrick Henry

DeMarco Murray has only been with the Titans since March, but Tennessee wasted no time making plans for the future. 

Murray and Derrick Henry are both under contract through the 2019 season, but Murray is already 28 years old. It's rare for running backs to remain productive beyond age 30, so the Titans should only realistically be hoping for two productive seasons from Murray. 

The selection of Henry in the second round gives Tennessee the ability to lighten Murray's workload when necessary in an effort to prolong his career. But Henry's favorable rookie contract also means the Titans will eventually name him the starter and cut ties with Murray to avoid paying starter-caliber money to a running back on the wrong side of 30.

Julius Peppers, Packers

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Replacement: Kyler Fackrell

Among the rookie replacements on this list, Fackrell may be the fastest to take over a starting role. 

There's limited room for him to see the field in 2016, but 36-year old Julius Peppers hits the free-agent market after the season and may retire. Additionally, 2012 first-round pick Nick Perry, who has backed up Peppers in recent years, will also hit the free-agent market. 

As the roster is currently constructed, it's difficult to envision anyone other than Fackrell stepping into Peppers' starting role for the 2017 season. 

The Packers will likely ease Fackrell into the role and have him play on special teams as a rookie, before making it his job to lose next offseason. 

Star Lotulelei, Panthers

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Replacement: Vernon Butler

The Panthers have a dominant interior defensive line with Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, but both players are nearing the end of their rookie contracts. 

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport recently reported the Panthers have begun contract talks with Short, indicating that their first-round selection of Vernon Butler may have been done to avoid having to pay Lotulelei as well. 

The Panthers picked up their fifth-year option on Lotulelei's rookie deal this offseason, so he is still under contract through 2017. But with big money already tied up in players such as Cam Newton and Luke Kuechley, they will likely need to rely on Butler's rookie deal to fill that starting spot on the defensive line, rather than hand out another massive deal to Lotulelei. 

Jairus Byrd, Saints

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Replacement: Vonn Bell

The Saints have a number of different options with Vonn Bell, who is athletic enough to potentially play cornerback. But if he sticks at safety, the Saints' second-round selection appears to be Jairus Byrd's eventual replacement. 

Byrd is still under contract through the 2019 season, but the guaranteed money drops off considerably after 2017. By cutting him following the 2017 season, the Saints can save around $17 million during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. 

At that point, Bell will still have two years remaining on his rookie contract and will be ready to step in as a significantly cheaper option for the Saints at free safety. 

Jimmy Graham, Seahawks

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Replacement: Nick Vannett

Jimmy Graham was a 24-year-old rookie in 2010, so while he hasn't been around long, he's already getting up there age. He'll turn 30 during the 2016 season. 

Graham had a rocky year during his first season in Seattle, and the offense noticeably suffered at times due to his limited blocking ability. Those struggles may have contributed to the Seahawks targeting the more well-rounded Vannett in the third round of the draft. 

The Seahawks have Graham under contract through the 2017 season, which gives them time to work out the kinks. But by the time the contract expires, he'll be 32. And if Vannett has progressed as expected, he'll give Seattle a younger and significantly cheaper option at tight end. 

It's also worth noting that Luke Willson, who has played well as a backup in recent years, is in the final year of his rookie deal.

All contract values provided are from Over the Cap.