Who are the most valuable players to have their 5th-year options picked up?

Immediately after the draft, every NFL team was presented with the often difficult proposition of whether to pick up the fifth-year option on their 2013 first-round draft picks.

For players selected within the top 10 picks, the fifth-year option entails a salary equal to the average of the top 10 wages at their position. As for the rest of the class, the fifth-year option means they'll be paid the average of the third-through-25th salaries at their position.

Below, we rank the players who had their fifth-year options exercised, from least to most valuable to their team.

16. Tavon Austin, Rams

It's absolutely inexplicable that the Rams value Austin so highly after he failed to top 500 receiving yards in any of his three seasons. Consider this a huge swing and a miss by the club.

15. D.J. Fluker, Chargers

Fluker's been largely unimpressive during his tenure with the Chargers, and in spite of the fifth-year option, the club may consider replacing him if he compiles another subpar campaign in 2016.

14. Eric Fisher, Chiefs

Fisher failed to live up to expectations after being selected first overall in 2013, but remains a functional starter. It's a bit puzzling that the Chiefs didn't cut ties with Fisher, and he'll need to prove his long-term viability in 2016.

13. Sharrif Floyd, Vikings

Floyd's developed into a capable starter, with his best season coming in 2014. The Vikings' defensive tackle is great against the run, and while it's not unreasonable to pay him $6.7 million for the 2017 season, he'll need to improve his pass-rushing skills in order to gain more snaps.

12. Kenny Vaccaro, Saints

Vaccaro appeared destined to become the NFL's next great safety before breaking his ankle in Week 15 of his rookie year. Since then, he seldom lived up to the form he displayed during his first season, yet the Saints are betting he can once again become the unquestioned leader of the secondary

11. Alec Ogletree, Rams

Ogletree flashed signs of star potential, but hasn't reached his ceiling through three seasons. The Rams' decision to extend the option may look better over time, although there's concern about his health after he broke his fibula in October.

10. Xavier Rhodes, Vikings

The above statistic categorizes Rhodes' progress in a nutshell. If Rhodes continues to play at the level he displayed during the second half of 2015, he'll be in line for Pro Bowl consideration. His propensity for penalties is maddening, but the Vikings were wise to lock up the raw talent.

9. Star Lotulelei, Panthers

Lotulelei's been an above-average starter for the Panthers over the past three seasons, and is a cog of the team's run defense. Although signing fellow defensive tackle Kawann Short to a long-term deal is a greater priority, Lotulelei figures to be a pillar of the Panthers' elite front seven over the rest of the decade.

8. Eric Reid, 49ers

Reid was named to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season, but his play declined in each of the last two years, which is perhaps symptomatic of the team's descent as a whole. Alas, the 49ers' brass is betting Reid will regain his tremendous rookie form over the next two seasons.

7. Tyler Eifert, Bengals

Eifert was in the midst of an outstanding season before his campaign was cut short due to a concussion, recording 13 touchdowns in 13 games. When healthy, he is one of the NFL's best tight ends, but concerns about his long-term health linger for the Bengals. Carrying a $4.7-million wage for 2017, Eifert is nonetheless a relative bargain

6. Kyle Long, Bears

Long was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons, an impressive accomplishment considering he featured at left tackle in 2015, when he's naturally suited at guard. The 27-year-old will feature at guard once again, but with a proven ability to excel anywhere among the offensive line, the Bears were wise to lock up their anchor for another year.

5. Desmond Trufant, Falcons

In the modern NFL, elite cornerbacks come at a premium, and the Falcons wisely extended their option on Trufant, who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015. Developing into one of the NFL's best cornerbacks, Trufant's $8-million salary for the 2017 season represents tremendous value for the Falcons. It won't be long before the darling of the analytics community becomes a household name.

4. Sheldon Richardson, Jets

Richardson is versatile enough to star at either defensive end or tackle, and is one of the leading forces behind the Jets' dominant front seven. It's uncertain whether Richardson will get paid as an end or a tackle, with the club certainly hoping for the latter designation.

3. Travis Frederick, Cowboys

Frederick was a draft-day mystery, but has emerged as one of the NFL's premier centers since his first snap. One of the pillars of the Cowboys' dominant offensive line, he and Dallas are looking to complete a long-term extension ahead of the 2017 season.

2. Ezekiel Ansah, Lions

Ansah had a breakout campaign, recording 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles en route to second-team All-Pro honors. The Lions star will earn $12.7 million for the 2017 season, a relative bargain for one of the NFL's marquee pass-rushers. By 2017, it wouldn't be surprising if Ansah is the NFL's second-best defensive end behind J.J. Watt.

1. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans

Hopkins emerged as a top-three wide receiver last season, despite playing with carousel of replacement-level quarterbacks. This was an absolute no-brainer for the Texans, as Hopkins figures to be the fulcrum of the offense for years to come. With Brock Osweiler signed for the next four years, Hopkins will benefit from the stability of having a franchise quarterback in place.