Some NFL Draft picks age like fine wine. Others age like milk left out in the sun. For every franchise-changing star taken in the first round, there’s a player who leaves fans wondering what exactly the front office was thinking.
This list is a stroll down memory lane for some of the most head-scratching first-round decisions. Whether it was hype over substance, injuries, or just plain bad vibes, these 15 players prove that hearing your name early doesn’t always mean you’ll live up to it.
15. Christian Ponder
The Vikings really talked themselves into this one. He was a fine college quarterback, but first-round material? Not quite.
14. Jalen Reagor
Taken one pick before Justin Jefferson. That’s the whole paragraph.
13. Justin Blackmon
![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) is shoved out of bounds in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, FL on Sunday, September 30, 2012. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Spt 02bsjagsvsbengal](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-02T210216.978-1024x658.png)
He had flashes of talent, but the off-field issues were just too much. The Jaguars went all-in on a receiver who never stayed on the field long enough to justify the pick.
12. Josh Rosen
Drafted to be the face of a franchise, traded after one season. The confidence was there, but the production and fit were never even close.
11. Vernon Gholston
Scouts loved his athleticism, but his on-field impact was nonexistent. The Jets basically drafted a weight room highlight reel.
10. Trent Richardson
He looked like a sure thing coming out of Alabama. Then he got to the NFL and ran like he was carrying a piano on his back.
9. Blaine Gabbert
He had the prototypical look but none of the polish. The Jaguars thought they were getting a franchise QB – what they got was a very experienced backup.
8. Johnny Manziel
Big name, big hype, big mess. The Browns rolled the dice on Manziel’s magic, but the off-field circus swallowed him whole.
7. Darius Heyward-Bey
Al Davis loved speed, but track stars don’t always make great receivers. Especially when you take them way earlier than anyone expected.
6. Charles Rogers
The talent was real, but everything else fell apart fast. Injuries and off-field issues derailed what should’ve been a bright future in Detroit.
5. Mitch Trubisky
The Bears traded up for him with Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson still on the board. That’s a tough pill to swallow, even years later.
4. Aaron Maybin
Buffalo thought they were getting a pass-rushing monster. Instead, they got two career sacks and a whole lot of regret.
3. Matt Leinart
The college résumé was pristine, but the NFL transition was anything but smooth. He never looked comfortable as a starter and faded out quickly.
Read More: 10 NFL Front Offices That Make Other Fan Bases Jealous
2. Zach Wilson
The Jets fell in love with the Pro Day throws and forgot to check how he played in real games. He was supposed to be the answer, he just brought more questions.
Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Were All Vibes, No Accountability
1. JaMarcus Russell
He had the arm, the size, and none of the drive. The Raiders made him the top pick, and he rewarded them with one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Overhyped Quarterbacks of All Time
