The NFL Draft is a high-stakes game where one right pick can change a franchise forever. Unfortunately, some teams make the wrong choice and end up paying the price for years, either by missing out on a future superstar or by watching their pick completely flop.
Whether it was a quarterback who never lived up to expectations, a hyped-up bust, or a team passing on a future legend, these are the ten times an NFL team drafted the wrong player and regretted it.
10. Cleveland Browns Select Johnny Manziel Over Derek Carr (2014)
The Browns thought they were getting the next superstar when they took Johnny Manziel, but instead, they got endless drama and a quarterback who barely lasted two seasons. Meanwhile, Derek Carr, taken later in the draft, became a franchise QB for the Raiders and gave Cleveland yet another reason to regret their pick.
9. Chicago Bears Select Mitch Trubisky Over Patrick Mahomes (2017)
In one of the most infamous draft-day decisions in recent history, the Bears traded up to take Mitch Trubisky while Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were still available. Mahomes has since become a generational talent and a Super Bowl champion, while the Bears moved on from Trubisky after a rollercoaster four seasons.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars Select Blaine Gabbert Over J.J. Watt (2011)
The Jaguars were desperate for a quarterback and took Blaine Gabbert, who struggled with accuracy and pocket presence before flaming out. Just a few picks later, J.J. Watt went to the Texans and became one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, leaving Jacksonville wondering what could have been.
7. Detroit Lions Select Charles Rogers Over Andre Johnson (2003)
The Lions bet big on Charles Rogers, a wide receiver out of Michigan State, but injuries and off-field issues derailed his career almost immediately. Meanwhile, Andre Johnson, taken just one pick later, became a Hall of Fame-caliber receiver who dominated for over a decade.
6. Washington Selects Dwayne Haskins Over Josh Jacobs (2019)
Washington believed they had found their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, but he struggled with consistency and off-field concerns before being released after just two seasons. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs, taken later in the first round, became a Pro Bowler and a key piece for the Raiders.
5. New York Jets Select Vernon Gholston Over Literally Anyone Else (2008)
The Jets thought they had landed a dominant pass rusher in Vernon Gholston, but he finished his NFL career with zero sacks. He is widely considered one of the biggest draft busts of all time, and to make matters worse, multiple Pro Bowlers, including Aqib Talib and Jordy Nelson, were picked later.
4. San Francisco 49ers Select Solomon Thomas Over Patrick Mahomes (2017)
The 49ers opted for defensive lineman Solomon Thomas with the third overall pick, but he never became the game-changer they had hoped for. Just one pick later, the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes, and the rest is history, leaving San Francisco wondering how many Super Bowls they might have won with a different decision.
3. Minnesota Vikings Select Christian Ponder Over Cam Jordan (2011)
The Vikings reached for quarterback Christian Ponder, hoping he would be the answer under center, but he never developed into more than a below-average starter. Just a few picks later, defensive end Cam Jordan was drafted by the Saints and became a dominant force on defense for over a decade.
2. Miami Dolphins Select Dion Jordan Over Lane Johnson (2013)
The Dolphins traded up to take Dion Jordan, expecting him to be an elite pass rusher, but he barely made an impact and was out of Miami within a few years. Meanwhile, Lane Johnson, taken a few picks later, became one of the best offensive tackles in the league and a key piece in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning roster.
1. Oakland Raiders Select JaMarcus Russell Over Calvin Johnson (2007)
JaMarcus Russell is the gold standard of draft busts, struggling with work ethic, accuracy, and just about everything else before being out of the league in three seasons. The Raiders could have had Calvin Johnson, one of the most dominant receivers of all time, but instead, they got a cautionary tale in how not to scout quarterbacks.
