Key Features of the 2016 NFL Draft Hats
The official headwear for the 2016 NFL Draft, worn by prospects as they were selected, showcased distinctive design elements unique to that year’s collection. These hats served as an immediate symbol of a player’s new team affiliation.
Manufacturer: New Era was the exclusive manufacturer of the official on-stage 2016 NFL Draft caps.
Design Characteristics:
- Primary Logo: Each hat prominently displayed the team’s primary logo embroidered on the front panels.
- Under-Visor Graphics: A signature feature of the 2016 collection was the custom graphic printed on the undervisor (the bottom of the brim). This design element often showcased stylized representations of the team’s city skyline, iconic landmarks, or team-specific mottos, frequently with a metallic or reflective texture. This under-visor treatment was a key visual differentiator for the 2016 series.
- Secondary Team Markings: Many hats featured secondary team markings, such as a team wordmark or establishment year, often on the side panels. Some of these elements utilized New Era’s LiquidChrome™ technology for a raised, metallic effect or incorporated reflective materials.
- NFL Shield: The official NFL Shield was typically embroidered on the rear of the cap.
- New Era Flag: The New Era flag logo was embroidered on the left wear-side.
Cap Styles: The most common style seen on stage and made available to the public was the New Era 59FIFTY fitted cap. Variations such as the 39THIRTY stretch-fit and 9FIFTY snapback were also part of the broader 2016 NFL Draft collection released for fans.
These hats quickly became sought-after items for fans and collectors, representing a tangible piece of the 2016 NFL Draft experience and the incoming rookie class.
