Sometimes, in the NFL Draft, teams fall in love with what they just saw—one electric college season that looks too good to pass up. The highlight reels, the hype, and the Heisman buzz can be blinding when you’re trying to find the next big thing.
But every once in a while, that breakout year turns out to be more sizzle than substance at the next level. Here are 10 NFL teams that got a little too excited over one great college season—and paid the price.
10. Arizona Cardinals – Matt Leinart
Leinart had a legendary college run at USC and seemed NFL-ready. But the Cardinals quickly learned that his college dominance didn’t translate to pro success.
9. Chicago Bears – Mitchell Trubisky
Trubisky started just 13 games at North Carolina but wowed scouts with his tools. The Bears traded up to grab him—and passed on some future stars in the process.
8. Cleveland Browns – Johnny Manziel
“Johnny Football” took college football by storm, but his off-the-field flair overshadowed his NFL production. The Browns bet big on one epic season at Texas A&M and ended up with a major miss.
7. Denver Broncos – Paxton Lynch
Lynch had a strong season at Memphis that caught the eye of the Broncos. But he struggled to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
6. New York Jets – Mark Sanchez
Sanchez had a great run at USC, capped off with a Rose Bowl win. But with just one full season as a starter, the Jets gambled—and ultimately lost out on long-term stability.
5. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell
Russell’s Sugar Bowl performance and cannon arm had everyone buzzing. The Raiders made him the top pick, but his NFL career fizzled fast.
4. Washington Commanders – Dwayne Haskins
Haskins put up huge numbers at Ohio State as a starter in his lone season. Washington took a chance but never found his footing in the league.
3. Carolina Panthers – Jimmy Clausen
Clausen had a big junior year at Notre Dame and was hyped as pro-ready. The Panthers rolled the dice—and ended up drafting Cam Newton the very next year.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blaine Gabbert
Gabbert looked the part coming out of Missouri after one strong season. Jacksonville jumped at the opportunity, but his development never materialized.
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1. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden
Weeden had a massive senior season at Oklahoma State—at age 28. The Browns still took him in the first round, and the results were as confusing as the pick itself.
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