The NFL Draft is a high-stakes gamble, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. Every team dreams of selecting the next Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady, but for every franchise savior, there are numerous flops who leave fans in despair.
Whether due to injuries, poor performance, or simply being in the wrong situation, these quarterback selections became cautionary tales. Here’s a ranking of the 20 most disastrous quarterback draft picks in NFL history:
20. Akili Smith (Cincinnati Bengals, 1999 – 3rd Overall)
Smith had all the physical tools but never translated them into NFL success. He started just 17 games in four seasons, throwing five career touchdowns. To make matters worse, the Bengals passed on future Hall of Famer Edgerrin James.
19. Heath Shuler (Washington Redskins, 1994 – 3rd Overall)
Shuler’s struggles led to the emergence of seventh-round pick Gus Frerotte. Washington fans were left frustrated as Shuler threw just 13 touchdowns to 19 interceptions in three seasons.
18. Brandon Weeden (Cleveland Browns, 2012 – 22nd Overall)
Drafting a 28-year-old rookie quarterback was questionable from the start. Weeden never found his footing in the NFL, lasting just two seasons as Cleveland’s starter before being released.
17. Johnny Manziel (Cleveland Browns, 2014 – 22nd Overall)
Manziel’s hype was massive, but his off-field antics overshadowed any potential he had. His lack of preparation and maturity led to a quick exit from the league after just two seasons.
16. Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings, 2011 – 12th Overall)
Minnesota reached for Ponder, hoping he would stabilize the franchise. Instead, he was wildly inconsistent, throwing nearly as many interceptions (36) as touchdowns (38).
15. Blaine Gabbert (Jacksonville Jaguars, 2011 – 10th Overall)
Gabbert’s arm talent couldn’t save him from his skittish play in the pocket. The Jaguars moved on after just three seasons, and he spent most of his career as a backup.
14. Josh Rosen (Arizona Cardinals, 2018 – 10th Overall)
Rosen infamously declared that “nine mistakes” were made ahead of him in the draft. He lasted just one season in Arizona before being replaced by Kyler Murray.
13. E.J. Manuel (Buffalo Bills, 2013 – 16th Overall)
The only first-round quarterback in the 2013 draft, Manuel never developed into a franchise leader. He lost his starting job after just two seasons.
12. Joey Harrington (Detroit Lions, 2002 – 3rd Overall)
A Heisman finalist at Oregon, Harrington was supposed to turn the Lions around. Instead, he was plagued by turnovers and inconsistency, lasting only four seasons in Detroit.
11. Tim Couch (Cleveland Browns, 1999 – 1st Overall)
The first-ever pick of the “new” Browns franchise, Couch was thrown into a brutal situation. While he showed flashes, injuries and poor team-building ultimately doomed his career.
10. Mark Sanchez (New York Jets, 2009 – 5th Overall)
Sanchez led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games, but his individual performance never matched the team’s success. His infamous “Butt Fumble” cemented his place in NFL infamy.
9. Sam Darnold (New York Jets, 2018 – 3rd Overall)
Darnold was seen as the Jets’ franchise savior, but poor coaching and decision-making led to a disappointing tenure. He was traded to Carolina after just three seasons.
8. Vince Young (Tennessee Titans, 2006 – 3rd Overall)
Young was an electric college player, but his lack of consistency and leadership in the NFL led to an early exit from the league.
7. Justin Fields (Chicago Bears, 2021 – 11th Overall)
Fields had electric athleticism but struggled as a passer. The Bears’ offense never clicked with him under center, leading to questions about his future before the team moved on.
6. Jamarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders, 2007 – 1st Overall)
Russell had legendary arm strength but lacked motivation and work ethic. His failure to study film and weight issues led to a quick NFL exit.
5. Zach Wilson (New York Jets, 2021 – 2nd Overall)
Wilson struggled mightily with decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. The Jets’ front office had to bench him multiple times in just his first three seasons.
4. Ryan Leaf (San Diego Chargers, 1998 – 2nd Overall)
Leaf was drafted right after Peyton Manning but quickly became one of the biggest busts in NFL history due to poor attitude and performance.
3. Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers, 2021 – 3rd Overall)
San Francisco gave up multiple first-round picks for Lance, only for him to barely play before being traded to the Cowboys after just two seasons.
Read More: The 10 Worst Draft Picks in WNBA History
2. Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns, 2018 – 1st Overall)
While Mayfield had moments of success, he never lived up to being the top pick. The Browns moved on quickly, and he bounced around multiple teams.
Read More: Ranking the Worst Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
1. Mitchell Trubisky (Chicago Bears, 2017 – 2nd Overall)
The Bears infamously traded up to draft Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Enough said.