Every NFL team dreams of landing a future Hall of Famer on draft day. But sometimes, instead of a franchise cornerstone, they end up with a flaming tire fire of a pick that fans never quite forgive.
These selections left coaches facepalming, general managers scrambling, and fanbases wondering what could’ve been. These picks crashed and burned spectacularly, whether due to injuries, off-field issues, or not being good at football.
20. Jalen Reagor – Philadelphia Eagles, 2020
The Eagles took Reagor one pick before Justin Jefferson, and Philly fans still haven’t let it go. Reagor struggled to produce and was eventually shipped out after barely making an impact.
19. Tim Tebow – Denver Broncos, 2010
Tebow won a playoff game, but let’s not act like this wasn’t a reach. Denver used a first-rounder on a quarterback who couldn’t consistently throw the ball—bold move.
18. Vernon Gholston – New York Jets, 2008
Gholston looked like a beast coming out of college, but never recorded a single sack in the NFL. The Jets thought they were getting a game-wrecker, and got a ghost instead.
17. Lawrence Phillips – St. Louis Rams, 1996
The Rams ignored glaring red flags to take Phillips, which backfired hard. He flamed out fast due to off-field issues and never justified the hype.
16. Darrius Heyward-Bey – Oakland Raiders, 2009
Al Davis loved speed, and Heyward-Bey had plenty of it, just not much else. Taken way too early, he never lived up to his draft slot.
15. Justin Blackmon – Jacksonville Jaguars, 2012
Blackmon had talent, but suspensions derailed his career almost immediately. Jacksonville swung big and struck out even faster.
14. Art Schlichter – Baltimore Colts, 1982
Schlichter’s gambling addiction ruined any chance of a pro career. The Colts ended up drafting a scandal instead of a quarterback.
13. Kevin White – Chicago Bears, 2015
Injuries completely derailed White’s career before it ever really got going. The Bears hoped for a WR1 and ended up with a clipboard holder.
12. Joey Harrington – Detroit Lions, 2002
Detroit needed a savior and thought they had one in Harrington. Instead, they got inconsistent play and a quick ticket out of town.
11. Johnny Manziel – Cleveland Browns, 2014
The hype was unreal, the production was nonexistent. Johnny Football turned into Johnny Flameout in record time.
10. Trent Richardson – Cleveland Browns, 2012
The Browns traded up for a running back who averaged less than four yards per carry. He was out of the league within a few seasons and is still a punchline.
9. Matt Leinart – Arizona Cardinals, 2006
Leinart came in with all the hype and none of the staying power. He never took command of the offense and quickly faded into backup territory.
8. Aundray Bruce – Atlanta Falcons, 1988
Bruce was supposed to be the next big defensive star—he ended up as a role player at best. Not exactly what you hope for with the No. 1 pick.
7. Jason Smith – St. Louis Rams, 2009
Smith was supposed to anchor the line for years. Instead, he struggled with technique, injuries, and effectiveness right from the jump.
6. Brian Bosworth – Seattle Seahawks, 1987 Supplemental Draft
The Boz came with the attitude and the hair, but not much else. He talked a big game and got steamrolled by Bo Jackson in one of the most famous plays ever.
5. JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders, 2007
Russell had the arm but no discipline or drive. The Raiders gave him a mountain of money, and he gave them nothing in return.
4. Charles Rogers – Detroit Lions, 2003
Rogers had sky-high potential but couldn’t stay healthy or out of trouble—another tragic chapter in Detroit’s run of wide receiver whiffs.
3. Zach Wilson – New York Jets, 2021
Taken second overall, Wilson has looked completely overwhelmed almost every time he steps on the field. His decision-making, accuracy, and confidence have all been questioned—and rightly so.
Read More: The 30 Worst Draft Picks in NFL History
2. Ryan Leaf – San Diego Chargers, 1998
Leaf is the ultimate cautionary tale. Although he was ranked second overall behind Peyton Manning, he flamed out spectacularly due to his awful play and bad attitude.
Read More: 10 Times NFL Teams Moved — and It Actually Made Sense
1. JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders, 2007
Yes, he’s showing up again because this pick was that bad. Between weight issues, poor leadership, and a complete lack of development, Russell became the gold standard for draft busts.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Smartest NFL Quarterback Draft Picks of All Time
