In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, teams are faced with the daunting task of selecting the next generation of football talent that will shape the future of their franchises. From quarterbacks who failed to live up to their first-round hype to can’t-miss prospects who crumbled under the weight of expectations, the NFL Draft showcases just how unpredictable the process actually is.
24. JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders (2007)
Russell takes the infamous #1 spot on this list and he earned it. Russell only made 3 years in the NFL with a TD-INT ratio of 18-23 and 25 fumbles. It was also discovered that the Raiders gave Russell blank game tapes to determine if he was watching film. Russell would claim that he watched the tapes and picked up the blitz packages. Shockingly, Russell failed in the NFL. There were some notable player selections after Russell which included Hall of Famers: Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Darrelle Revis.
23. Courtney Brown – Cleveland Browns (2000)
Cleveland has made their fair share of draft mistakes. Brown was an All-American and the obvious pick in the eyes of many. Brown failed to live up to the hype and tallied 19 sacks over his 6 year career which was derailed due to injury. This draft also included a Michigan Wolverine signal-caller being selected by the New England Patriots with the 199th pick.
22. Travon Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars (2022)
The debate going into the selection would be whether Jacksonville would select DE Travon Walker or DE Aidan Hutchinson. In only his second season in the NFL, Walker has the opportunity to ascend on this list. Walker finished his rookie season with 3.5 sacks, 49 total tackles, one interception, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Hutchinson finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, 52 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries.
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21. Eric Fisher – Kansas City Chiefs (2013)
While Fisher was not the flashiest or sexiest selection possible, Fisher was a reliable tackle for the Chiefs, missing only 4 games during his 8-year tenure. The Chiefs made their sexy splash later in the draft selecting a future hall-of-fame tight end named Travis Kelce. Fisher does have the honor of being the only MAC player ever to be taken #1 overall.
20. David Carr – Houston Texans (2002)
In 2002, the NFL added the Houston Texans to the league through expansion. Houston selected Fresno State quarterback David Carr. During his time with the Texans, he was sacked 249 times, double-digit interceptions yearly, and had 68 fumbles. He led the league in fumbles twice and sacks three times. Carr was eventually released by Houston and bounced around the league playing for the Giants, Panthers, and 49ers. Carr currently works as an onscreen analyst for the NFL Network.
19. Sam Bradford – St Louis Rams (2010)
Bradford was selected No. 1 overall by the Rams in 2010, and he signed a six-year, $78 million contract containing $50 million in guaranteed salary before ever stepping foot on an NFL field. Bradford failed to live up to the lofty expectations and salary. He finished with an 18-30-1 record during his five seasons with the Rams. He finished his career with a 34-48-1 record which included stints in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Arizona.
18. Bryce Young – Carolina Panthers (2023)
The jury is still out on Carolina’s selection of Bryce Young as the first overall pick. Carolina moved from drafting at #9 to #1 by trading with the Chicago Bears. Carolina traded 2 first-round selections, 2 second-round selections, and wide receiver DJ Moore in that deal which seems to be an overpay given Young’s current production. It also hurts seeing the promise, poise, and potential of the #2 pick in that draft CJ Stroud.
17. Jadeveon Clowney – Houston Texans (2014 )
Clowney came into the league regarded as a rare talent. Analysts described Clowney as “a meaner nastier version of Julius Peppers.” While Clowney has had a productive NFL career, he has failed to reach double-digit sack numbers during his 10-year career which includes stints in Seattle, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Baltimore.
16. Jameis Winston – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015)
Which Heisman trophy winner would the Bucs select first overall? Would it be the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Florida State quarterback Jameis Winson or the 2014 Heisman winner Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariotta? The Bucs ultimately decided to keep Jameis in the state of Florida and took him first overall.
Winston has been a polarizing player and holds an NFL record for being the first player in NFL history to throw 30 or more touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a season. Jameis also has a 5,000-yard passing season on his resume but failed to get Tampa into the playoffs during his tenure. Winston held many Tampa Bay passing records until they were broken by Tom Brady who ironically replaced Winston as the signal caller. Brady successfully took Tampa to the playoffs in all three seasons with the franchise including a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LV.
15. Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns (2018)
Speaking of polarizing players, Baker Mayfield has to be top of that list. The Browns shocked many draft analysts when they selected Mayfield first overall. Mayfield did have some success in Cleveland guiding them to their first playoff berth since 2002 and first playoff win since 1994. Injuries derailed Mayfield’s time in Cleveland where he was eventually released from the team after a trade was made for Deshaun Watson. Mayfield had brief stops in Carolina and Los Angeles before revitalizing his career in Tampa Bay.
14. Jake Long – Miami Dolphins (2008)
The offensive tackle Long immediately made an impact in the NFL making 4 consecutive Pro Bowls including his rookie year. Long followed up that success by earning first-team All-Pro in his third NFL season. However, injuries derailed a once-promising career which also included stops in St Louis, Atlanta, and Minnesota before announcing his retirement in 2017.
13. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals (2019)
One of the eight Heisman trophy winners to make this list, Murray decided to choose football over baseball where he was selected #8 overall by the Oakland A’s. He made an impact immediately in the NFL winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Kyler has already set several Cardinals records and has guided them to a playoff appearance. If Murray can obtain some success in the playoffs, he has the chance to ascend on this list.
12. Mario Williams – Houston Texans (2006)
Houston’s third appearance on this list netted them pass rusher Mario Williams. Houston faced a lot of scrutiny for passing on Heisman trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush. Williams was the right choice as he tallied 97.5 sacks and 4 Pro Bowls. Williams held many of the Texans’ sack records until JJ Watt surpassed him in 2014.
11. Alex Smith – San Francisco 49ers (2005)
The debate going into the 2005 draft was would the 49ers take Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith. The 49ers ultimately decided on Smith while Rodgers fell to the Green Bay Packers. The rest was history. While Smith had a long and successful NFL career which included 3 Pro Bowls and stops in Kansas City and Washington, he was not Aaron Rodgers.
10. Carson Palmer – Cincinnati Bengals (2003)
There was little drama when the Bengals selected the former Heisman winner, as Palmer had already agreed to a contract with the Bengals. Palmer rewarded the Bengals with their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years. Palmer continued his success later in his career with the Arizona Cardinals where he led them to the NFC Championship game.
9. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)
After throwing for 90 touchdowns and guiding the Clemson Tigers to two National Championship appearances, Lawrence was a no-brainer choice for Jacksonville. His rookie year got off to a shaky start but his career has since turned around when Jacksonville replaced head coach Urban Meyer for Doug Pederson. Lawrence already has a Pro Bowl selection and a playoff win under his belt and can easily rise on this list with continued success.
8. Jared Goff – Los Angeles Rams (2016)
The Rams traded up for the #1 overall pick with the Tennessee Titans. The debate was about which quarterback would they select: Carson Wentz or Jared Goff. Goff was the selection and would eventually guide the Rams to a Superbowl loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. Goff would eventually be traded to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford who guided them to a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
7. Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns (2017)
The third time was a charm with Cleveland selecting first overall in their selection of Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett. He has solidified himself as one of the most feared defensive players in the league earning double-digit sacks in 6 of his 7 seasons. Garrett has earned 4 Pro Bowl selections and 2 All-Pro selections as well as closing in on 100 career NFL sacks.
6. Michael Vick – Atlanta Falcons (2001)
Atlanta had their eyes set on Vick after trading up from the #5 pick with the San Diego Chargers. Vick did not disappoint. Vick changed the NFL game becoming the first quarterback to ever rush for 1,000 yards in a single season along with setting numerous other NFL records. Vick paved the way for today’s dual-threat quarterbacks.
5. Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts (2012)
Luck came into the league as the next generational talent and was dubbed as “the best quarterback since Peyton Manning.” The choice was easy for the Colts to select Luck and he did not disappoint them. Luck led the Colts to 4 playoff appearances including a 2014 AFC Championship game appearance. However, injuries halted a promising career and Luck abruptly retired in 2019. It begs the question with Luck, what could have been?
4. Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers (2011)
Newton quickly made an impact, earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and establishing himself as a dual-threat quarterback. Newton holds the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (75). In 2015, Newton won the league MVP and was key in guiding the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance. Newton holds numerous NFL and Carolina records.
3. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals (2020)
“Joe Cool” comes in third place on this list which is amazing given how short of a career he has had. After transferring from Ohio State to LSU, Burrow led the Tigers to a National Championship. Cincinnati fell in love and selected Burrow #1 overall and he has lived up to all expectations. Burrow has guided the Bengals to 2 playoff appearances including a Super Bowl appearance. Burrow already owns Bengal records for most touchdown passes in a season (35), most passing yards in a season (4,611), and a 5-2 playoff record. If anyone has the opportunity to take #1 on this list it’s “Joe Shiesty.”
2. Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions (2009)
To the surprise of no one, Detroit made the Georgia Bulldog signal caller the first overall pick in 2009. He rewarded them by breaking numerous Detroit passing records as well as becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 40,000 passing yards. Stafford was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Rams where he led them to a Lombardi trophy at Superbowl LVI.
1. Eli Manning – New York Giants (2004)
Eli earns the top spot for this list mainly due to his stellar play which includes multiple Giants passing records and two Superbowl wins. The two-time Superbowl MVP made his intentions clear during the NFL draft process that he would not play for the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers still selected Eli with the first pick but prominently traded him to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and various other assets. Eli’s next achievement will be when he gets the phone call welcoming him to the Hall of Fame.
