The 2025 NFL Draft had it all—wild trades, dramatic slides, and more armchair GMs than ever before. But not every team walked away looking like draft-day geniuses.
Some squads made head-scratching picks, ignored glaring roster holes, or just flat-out missed the moment. Here are 10 teams that left fans and analysts collectively going, “Wait… what?”
10. Green Bay Packers
The Packers finally showed some love to the receiver room, but then promptly confused everyone by reaching for a tackle in Round 2. This draft checked a few boxes but still felt like a missed opportunity to get maximum value.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh played it safe with Derrick Harmon instead of swinging for a franchise QB, and the rest of the class felt a little too chill for a team needing a spark. A curious running back pick added to the “meh” vibes across the board.
8. Houston Texans
Taking Jaylin Smith—an undersized slot corner that had some boards yelling “do not draft”—left everyone scratching their heads. Houston passed on more polished prospects in favor of dart throws, especially on Day 2.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals bet big on Shemar Stewart, a raw edge rusher with tools but not much tape. Add in a lack of high-upside playmakers elsewhere, and this class felt more like a shrug than a swing.
6. Detroit Lions
Detroit’s recent draft mojo took a hit this year, starting with a surprise pick in Tyleik Williams that didn’t exactly fill a need. Taking a developmental receiver like Isaac TeSlaa in the third round didn’t do much to change the tone.
5. Chicago Bears
Chicago went off-script by reaching for Colston Loveland and drafting Luther Burden, who might not thrive in their system. With plenty of early picks to work with, they still managed to walk away with a draft class that felt just okay.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas beefed up the O-line with Tyler Booker, but forgot their offense also requires, you know, playmakers. Ignoring their receiver issues left fans wondering how much support Dak’s getting.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons made a bold move trading a future first to grab James Pearce Jr., but that splash came at a cost. With the defensive tackle need unaddressed and no clear plan for 2025, the whole approach felt more chaotic than calculated.
Read More: 15 No. 1 Overall NFL Draft Picks Who Actually Lived Up to the Hype
2. Cleveland Browns
The Browns zigged when they probably should’ve zagged, opting for “safe” picks and doubling up on quarterbacks without grabbing a single legit wideout. Dillon Gabriel, in particular, was viewed as a stretch, and this class doesn’t scream difference-maker.
Read More: Ranking the Most Confusing NFL First-Round Picks Ever
1. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota kicked things off with a reach for Donovan Jackson and never quite recovered. They left major holes untouched and didn’t have the pick volume to cover their bases, making this draft feel more like a fumble than a fix.
