Every NFL Draft features at least one quarterback taken way earlier than they should have been. Whether it was a case of overhyping their potential, desperate teams reaching for a franchise savior, or scouts ignoring obvious red flags, some picks just didn’t pan out.
These quarterbacks were expected to change the fate of a franchise but instead left fans shaking their heads. Here are 10 quarterbacks who were drafted too high – and it definitely showed.
10. Christian Ponder – 12th Overall, 2011 (Minnesota Vikings)
The Vikings needed a quarterback, but reaching for Ponder at 12th overall was a classic case of desperation. He never developed into a reliable starter, and by the time Minnesota moved on, it was clear he should have been a second-round pick at best.
9. Jake Locker – 8th Overall, 2011 (Tennessee Titans)
Locker had all the physical tools but lacked accuracy and consistency, two pretty important traits for an NFL quarterback. Injuries and erratic play derailed his career, making him one of the biggest reaches in a draft full of quarterback busts.
8. Joey Harrington – 3rd Overall, 2002 (Detroit Lions)
The Lions hoped Harrington would finally bring stability to the franchise, but instead, they got years of mediocrity. He struggled with turnovers and never looked comfortable as a franchise leader, proving that being a great college quarterback doesn’t always translate to the NFL.
7. Sam Darnold – 3rd Overall, 2018 (New York Jets)
Darnold was supposed to be the quarterback to finally fix the Jets, but instead, he became another chapter in their long history of disappointing picks. His flashes of talent were overshadowed by bad decision-making, poor accuracy, and a tendency to see ghosts against aggressive defenses.
6. Mark Sanchez – 5th Overall, 2009 (New York Jets)
Sanchez actually started his career with back-to-back AFC Championship appearances, but let’s be real – those Jets teams were carried by their defense. Once he had to take on a bigger role, it became clear he wasn’t a top-five quarterback, and his infamous “butt fumble” sealed his legacy.
5. Blaine Gabbert – 10th Overall, 2011 (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Gabbert looked the part of an NFL quarterback but never played like one, struggling with pocket presence and accuracy from the moment he took the field. The Jaguars hoped he’d be their franchise guy, but he was out as a starter within a couple of years.
4. Josh Rosen – 10th Overall, 2018 (Arizona Cardinals)
Rosen famously said there were “nine mistakes” taken ahead of him in the draft, but he ended up being the real mistake. He was benched after one rough season, and multiple teams gave up on him in record time, proving that confidence alone doesn’t make an elite quarterback.
3. Mitch Trubisky – 2nd Overall, 2017 (Chicago Bears)
The Bears infamously traded up to take Trubisky over both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, a decision that haunts the franchise to this day. Despite a Pro Bowl season, his inconsistent play and inability to push the ball downfield made it clear he was drafted way too high.
Read More: 10 Reasons Seattle Seahawks Fans Should Be Excited About Sam Darnold
2. Zach Wilson – 2nd Overall, 2021 (New York Jets)
Wilson looked flashy at BYU, but the NFL quickly exposed his weaknesses, particularly his struggles with decision-making and handling pressure. The Jets thought they were getting the next big thing, but instead, they got a quarterback who seemed lost on the field more often than not.
Read More: The Most Disastrous NFL Quarterback Draft Picks of All Time
1. JaMarcus Russell – 1st Overall, 2007 (Oakland Raiders)
Russell had all the physical tools, but his work ethic and commitment to the game were nonexistent. His NFL career was over before it really started, making him one of the biggest draft busts in league history and the ultimate cautionary tale of drafting based on potential alone.
Read More: 19 NFL First-Round Draft Busts That Nobody Saw Coming
