Drafting a quarterback is the ultimate gamble in the NFL. Get it right, and you’ve got a franchise cornerstone for a decade. Get it wrong, and you’re firing coaches, alienating fans, and wondering what could have been while watching another team celebrate with the guy you passed on.
Some of these picks made sense at the time. Others felt shaky from the jump. But in every case, these teams chose the wrong quarterback, and the consequences stuck around for years.
10. New York Jets – Zach Wilson over Justin Fields
The Jets went all-in on Wilson’s highlight reel throws and overlooked the red flags. Now they’re scrambling for answers while Fields is getting a second chance in Pittsburgh.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blake Bortles over Derek Carr
Bortles had one magical playoff run, but most of his career felt like a series of overthrows and turnovers. Meanwhile, Carr carved out a long, steady career the Jags could’ve really used.
8. Chicago Bears – Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson
This one still stings in the Windy City. Trubisky was the safe pick, but passing on Mahomes has become a permanent part of Bears fan trauma.
7. Denver Broncos – Paxton Lynch over Dak Prescott
Lynch barely looked like he belonged on an NFL roster. Dak, taken three rounds later, immediately became the face of the Cowboys.
6. Arizona Cardinals – Josh Rosen over Lamar Jackson
Rosen looked the part but never had the poise. The Cardinals bailed quickly, and Lamar turned into an MVP while Arizona was left rebooting again.
5. Washington Commanders – Dwayne Haskins over Better Options Still on the Board
Washington took Haskins 15th overall in 2019, but never found his footing and was released within two seasons. Daniel Jones, taken earlier by the Giants, has been inconsistent but led a playoff run.
4. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden over Russell Wilson and Nick Foles
Drafting a 28-year-old rookie quarterback never felt right. While Weeden flamed out fast, Wilson and Foles went on to win Super Bowls.
3. Buffalo Bills – J.P. Losman over Ben Roethlisberger
Buffalo tried to find their next franchise guy and landed… J.P. Losman. Roethlisberger, taken a few picks later, gave the Steelers two rings and 15 years of stability.
Read More: The 30 Worst Draft Picks in NFL History
2. San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance over Mac Jones and Justin Fields
The Niners mortgaged their future to trade up for Lance, who barely saw the field. With Brock Purdy now running the show, it’s a reminder of just how costly a QB miss can be.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Smartest NFL Quarterback Draft Picks of All Time
1. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell over literally anyone
Russell had all the physical tools and none of the work ethic. He’s the gold standard for bad QB picks, and the Raiders are still trying to recover from the fallout.
Read More: 15 NFL Players Doomed by the Teams That Drafted Them
