Nothing sets the tone quite like a chorus of boos on draft night. It’s a brutal but honest tradition that lets teams know, in real time, just how much their fan base hates a pick.
Sometimes it’s because the player wasn’t even on the radar. Other times, it’s because the fans did their homework and knew exactly what kind of disaster was heading their way.
15. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers was still playing MVP football, and the Packers decided to draft his potential replacement anyway. Fans didn’t just boo the pick—they questioned the entire front office’s sanity.
14. Donovan McNabb – Philadelphia Eagles
Philly fans were dreaming of Ricky Williams, but instead, they got a quarterback from Syracuse. Booed from the jump, McNabb eventually proved them wrong, but the welcome was icy cold.
13. Eli Manning – San Diego Chargers
Technically drafted by the Chargers, Eli wanted no part of the franchise. Fans weren’t thrilled about being used as leverage in a draft-day power play.
12. Mitchell Trubisky – Chicago Bears
Chicago traded up to grab Trubisky over Mahomes and Watson, and Bears fans were baffled before he even threw a pass. Turns out their gut instinct was dead on.
11. Clelin Ferrell – Las Vegas Raiders
No one had Ferrell going that high, except apparently the Raiders. The reaction was a mixture of boos and stunned silence, and not much changed once he hit the field.
10. Ereck Flowers – New York Giants
Offensive linemen don’t usually get strong reactions, but Giants fans knew this one wasn’t it. They booed on cue, and unfortunately, they were right on the money.
9. Daniel Jones – New York Giants
Giants fans weren’t done booing after Flowers—they kept the tradition alive with Jones. Sixth felt too rich overall, and early play didn’t calm the storm.
8. Tyson Alualu – Jacksonville Jaguars
No one saw this pick coming, including Jaguars fans, who responded with audible confusion and disapproval. It was a reach that set the tone for years of mediocrity.
7. Damon Arnette – Las Vegas Raiders
Another classic Raiders reach, Arnette had red flags flying before the draft started. Fans weren’t buying it, and his off-field issues only made the boos feel more justified.
6. Johnny Manziel – Cleveland Browns
Some fans cheered, but many others saw the red flags flapping in the wind. The hype couldn’t drown out the reality—this pick was a risk that exploded fast.
5. Tim Tebow – Denver Broncos
Say what you want about his college career, but NFL fans (and many analysts) knew Tebow’s style wouldn’t translate. Denver fans were vocal about their doubts—and right to be.
4. Christian Ponder – Minnesota Vikings
When your fans look around like “wait, who?” that’s never a good sign. Ponder was a surprise first-rounder and Minnesota let the boos fly instantly.
3. Jahlil Brown – Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs reached deep into the draft board, and fans reached for the nearest paper bag. As soon as the name was called, this one received the disapproval treatment.
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey – Oakland Raiders
When you pass on Michael Crabtree to take the fastest guy at the Combine, expect boos. Raiders fans knew it was a typical Al Davis move, but it was not good.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Worst Draft Picks in NFL History
1. Roger Goodell Announcing Literally Any Pick
Okay, not a player—but let’s be honest, the most consistent boos at the NFL Draft are reserved for the commissioner himself. It’s tradition at this point, and honestly, kind of the best part.
Read More: Ranking the Most Confusing NFL First-Round Picks Ever
