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10 NFL QB Busts That Got Completely Screwed (And Weren’t Actually Their Fault)

Some NFL QBs were able to shed the “bust” label after making the most of another opportunity. Think of guys like Jim Plunkett and Steve Young. Or, more recently, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Daniel Jones. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about every other once-highly-touted quarterback that struggled early in their career. Some notable QB draft busts like Johnny Manziel and Ryan Leaf only have themselves to blame for failing to live up to the hype. But other so-called NFL quarterback draft “busts” have had the finger unfairly pointed at them long enough. Here are 10 such players who shouldn’t be blamed for the situation they were put in. Which QB did not have control over their career and ended up as a bust? David CarrDec 17, 2006; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker (95) Tully Banta-Cain tackles Houston Texans quarterback (8) David Carr in the 1st half against the at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © David Butler II Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first… The Houston Texans entered the NFL as an expansion franchise in 2002. As such, the NFL awarded them the No. 1 pick in that year’s draft. So, of course, they addressed the league’s most important position by selecting Fresno State quarterback David Carr. The next pick was future Hall of Fame defensive end Julius Peppers, who went second overall to the Carolina Panthers. Sorry to remind you, Texans fans. Anyway, Houston fans know how this went down. He went 22-53-0 over five seasons as Houston’s starting quarterback, with 59 touchdowns against 65 interceptions. But please don’t get carried away and assume it was all Carr’s fault. He was sacked 76 times in his rookie year, an NFL record. Their defense was consistently among the NFL’s worst. Dom Capers wasn’t qualified to be a head coach, either. Carr spent his final years in the NFL as a journeyman backup, winning a Super Bowl 46 ring with the New York Giants as Eli Manning’s understudy. And by the way, the Texans wouldn’t get a true star-level QB until Deshaun Watson in 2017. Goes to show how bad this franchise was at evaluating the QB position, so please don’t blame Carr for his career shortcomings and becoming a bust. Robert Griffin IIIAug 18, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is pressured by Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports After the Indianapolis Colts drafted Andrew Luck first overall in 2012, Washington happily took Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 selection. Washington had traded up via the St. Louis Rams to obtain that pick, as the NFC West club already had 2010 first-overall pick Sam Bradford in the fold. Griffin, you may recall, was lights-out in his rookie season. He threw for 20 touchdowns, only five interceptions, to go along with 815 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He led Washington to a surprise NFC East crown, its first division title since 1999. We all know what happened from there, though. Washington had Griffin play on a bad knee in their playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, which required surgery. He would never be healthy the rest of the way.  From Dan Snyder’s incompetence to Bruce Allen’s horrific roster construction to Mike Shanahan showing zero regard for Griffin’s health, you can’t put any of the blame on RG3. Also, how many QBs have actually played well for more than one season in Washington again?  That’s what we thought. If his body hadn’t taken so many beatings, Griffin might have been a star after leaving Washington in 2016. Unfortunately, too little, too late. Josh RosenCardinals quarterback Josh Rosen was in a car accident over the weekend. Cardinals Rams The special 2018 NFL QB draft class featured Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold. Two future Hall of Famers, slash MVP winners, and one Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Not half-bad. It’s hard to remember now, but the hype was also super high on UCLA product Josh Rosen. The Arizona Cardinals actually traded up via the Oakland Raiders to select Rosen with the No. 10 selection — making him the fourth QB taken in the top-10. Unfortunately for Rosen, he couldn’t have landed in a worse position as a rookie. The Cardinals had inexplicably signed the oft-injured Sam Bradford in free agency, making Rosen the backup. Arizona had also hired first-time head coach Steve Wilks to replace the retired Bruce Arians. Wilks, respectfully, wasn’t cut out for the head coaching gig. Rosen took over as the starting QB after three awful starts from Bradford. His best receiver was a fading Larry Fitzgerald. The o-line allowed Rosen to take 45 sacks in 14 games. The defense was a laughingstock, too. Wilks was fired after Arizona finished 3-13, the worst mark in football. New head coach Kliff Kingsbury wanted Kyler Murray, so Arizona took him with the No. 1 pick in 2019 and shipped Rosen to the Miami Dolphins. Rosen was stuck on a 2019 Dolphins squad that tried pulling off the most obvious tank job of NFL history. So, of course, he didn’t get anything going there. He spent one season as Matt Ryan’s backup on the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, then was soon out of the league altogether. Not sure about you, but we find it hard to assign blame to Rosen as a QB bust. Quite frankly, we’re not sure if Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or even Tom Brady would have been able to do much on those abhorrent 2018 Cardinals or 2019 Dolphins squads.  Unlike fellow 2018 draftees like Darnold and Mayfield, Rosen never got an extended look on a third team to revive his career. Teams gave up on Rosen without giving him a real opportunity. Trey LanceDec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) during warmups before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports The San Francisco 49ers gave up a king’s ransom to the Miami Dolphins in order to trade up into the No. 3 spot in the 2021 NFL Draft. After Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson went to the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, respectively, Lance went to the 49ers. It should have been the ideal landing spot for Lance. He was playing in Kyle Shanahan’s QB-friendly system. The 49ers didn’t have to rush Lance, either, with Jimmy Garoppolo remaining the starting QB for 2021. After the 2021 season, the 49ers named Lance their starting QB. Unfortunately, he suffered a brutal season-ending ankle injury. So the 49ers had to go back to Jimmy G, who suffered his own season-ending injury late in the year. The 49ers had to turn to rookie and 2022 Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy. And the rest is history. Just when it looked like Lance would get his shot elsewhere…the 49ers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys…to back up Dak Prescott. Yippee… Lance got to play one game for Dallas in 2024 with the Cowboys’ playoff hopes over. Then he became Justin Herbert’s backup on the Los Angeles Chargers. So the 49ers ditched Lance after a season-ending injury. Then none of the other teams gave him a shot to take over as a starter. Don’t assign the blame to Lance becoming a QB bust. He never ever got a fair chance. Heath ShulerHeath Shuler (Photo by Imagn Images) With their Super Bowl dynasty in the rearview mirror, Washington restarted at quarterback and selected the Tennessee product with the No. 3 pick in 1994. Despite being stuck on a pathetic team that finished 3-13, Shuler showed promise as a rookie with 10 touchdown passes, albeit against 12 interceptions. Unfortunately, his supporting cast included the league’s worst scoring defense and a lousy running game that didn’t produce a single 700-yard rusher. Shuler started five games in his 1995 sophomore year, but lost the starting job to Gus Frerotte (FRAIR-AWT). After watching 1996 from the bench, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints, also among football’s worst teams at the time. After a rough first year in NOLA, Shuler dealt with a serious left foot injury and could never get back to 100 percent. He retired soon after and entered a career in politics, which proved to be far more successful than his NFL career. Being stuck on two terrible teams and having your career wiped out by an injury? We ain’t blaming Shuler, considering how terrible Washington has been at developing QBs. Blaine GabbertJACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 29: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars scrambles for yardage during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field on September 29, 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) If you’re a Jacksonville Jaguars fan and somebody told you at the 2011 NFL Draft that Gabbert would win two Super Bowls? They would have jumped out of their shoes. Except, hehe, Gabbert won his rings as a backup QB on the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 2023 Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The Jags traded up to select Gabbert with the No. 10 pick in 2011, memorably one spot before the Texans took JJ Watt. Ouch. Now, Gabbert went just 5-22 over his three years with the Jags, with 22 touchdowns against 24 interceptions. But uhhh…it didn’t help giving him a bottom-five defense and four different coaches in that period. Jags fans, you remember just how pathetic those teams were, right? Not saying he was GREAT, but Gabbert did show some flashes during his subsequent and brief stints with the 49ers and Cardinals. Why was he unwatchable with the Jags and became a QB bust? Because they made everybody look bad in those days. Joey HarringtonJan 1, 2006; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback (3) Joey Harrington throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Tom Szczerbowski Two picks after the Texans went with David Carr first overall in 2002, the Detroit Lions used the No. 3 selection on Oregon signal-caller Joey Harrington. Unfortunately, Harrington suffered the same fate as Carr. Over Harrington’s four seasons as the Lions’ starting QB? They had FIVE Pro Bowlers. Then-GM Matt Millen is quite honestly the worst executive in NFL history. And yeah, Marty Mornhinweg and Steve Mariucci were totally over their heads as the coaches during Harrington’s tenure in Motown. Harrington had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers to work with in James Stewart and Kevin Jones. But the defense was always a bottom-tier unit, and don’t get us started with his anemic group of pass-catchers. And don’t blame Harrington for failing to revive his career with the Miami Dolphins in 2006. How many QBs have done well in South Beach since Dan Marino retired again? Mitch TrubiskySep 17, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports Chicago Bears fans don’t like to be reminded that their team drafted Trubisky second overall in 2017, infamously passing up on Patrick Mahomes. We warn Bears fans to point the finger elsewhere. Trubisky was a victim of coaching malpractice over his four seasons in Chicago. They never gave him a good offensive line, thus becoming a QB bust. And no, Matt Nagy was not qualified as a head coach. Remember how well Justin Fields and Andy Dalton did with him? Neither do we. You might point out Trubisky’s lackluster production with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yeah, well, did anyone in Pittsburgh have success with then-OC Matt Canada? Actually, when’s the last time the Steelers had Pro Bowl-caliber production at QB? Can’t help but think things would have gone much better for Trubisky if he landed on a team like the San Francisco 49ers, who traded down from the No. 2 spot. Even the New York Jets, or the Cincinnati Bengals, two other QB-needy teams at the time, would have gotten more out of Trubisky. Tim CouchOct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch reacts after breaking a guitar before the game between the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images After a three-year hiatus, the Cleveland Browns were officially reactivated by the NFL in 1999. The league awarded them the top pick that year, giving the front office the opportunity to take one of five big-name QB prospects: Couch, Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper, or Cade McNown. All five would be top-12 picks. The Browns went with Tim Couch, which was good news for future Pro Bowlers McNabb and Culpepper…but bad news for Mr. Couch himself. Angry Browns fans like to blame Couch for his disappointing career. Never mind that his offensive line was garbage, or that he only had a single 1,000-yard receiver and ZERO 1K rushers. Or that the coaching staff was terrible. Couch left the Browns in 1999, but unfortunately, never landed a roster spot again despite numerous tryouts. And as everybody knows, Cleveland has been the NFL’s ultimate quarterback graveyard. Blame Couch all you want, but this franchise has ruined so many careers. It wasn’t the fault of Couch. He was the first victim of the Cleveland Browns’ dysfunction and malpractice. Sam BradfordSep 19, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Rams 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Rams fans don’t have fond memories of the Bradford era. And yes, he also failed to make the most of his other opportunities with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, or Arizona Cardinals. But again, it’s unfair to blame the guy. The Rams took Bradford first overall in 2010 and then forgot all the important rules of building around a franchise QB. He had a horrible offensive line and zero playmaking pass-catchers. Oh yeah, Jeff Fisher as his head coach after Steve Spagnuolo was let go. As great as ‘Spags’ is as a defensive coordinator, he was never cut out for head coaching. Bradford suffered numerous injuries because the Rams gave him an atrocious offensive line. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in 2013 and 2014. All told, he only played 49 games in five years with the Rams. His one season with the Eagles drew mixed results. In 2016, he actually looked good with Minnesota with a 71.6 completion percentage, 20 touchdowns, and five picks. Unfortunately, another injury in 2017 saw him lose his starting job to Case Keenum. Bradford’s career never recovered. Bottom line: The Rams destroyed Bradford. Fisher was a QB-killing coach. The front office had no idea how to build a team until Les Snead arrived and subsequently hired Sean McVay. If Bradford had landed elsewhere in the 2010 NFL Draft, there’s no telling how different his career might have been.

Read more10 NFL QB Busts That Got Completely Screwed (And Weren’t Actually Their Fault)

10 NFL Draft Picks That Made No Sense Then—And Still Don’t

Every year, the NFL has its annual draft to see which highly touted collegiate player lands to begin their NFL careers.  A lot happens behind the scenes, where teams trade picks, players, and assets to acquire the draft picks they desire based on scouting data they’ve obtained over the years, and on their attendance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Then, when late April comes around, the lights and cameras shine on the NFL, as we watch Roger Goodell call the names of college players on the podium and announces what team drafts them. However, just like the draft, some draft picks make us scratch our heads every time these names are mentioned in conversation, how they flopped at the professional level, and all the trades and assets certain NFL teams give up to draft these guys, only to see them flop and not develop into the star they hoped for. Let’s take a look at 10 NFL Draft Picks that somehow still make zero sense to us, and why they were drafted in the first place. Which draft selection did not make sense for several NFL teams? Buccaneers pick Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 NFL DraftNov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports When NFL teams draft a kicker, they usually tend to draft them in the very late rounds of the draft. That wasn’t the case with Roberto Aguayo, who was drafted by the Buccaneers with the 59th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  Bucs’ general manager Jason Licht traded away third and fourth round picks to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and acquire the two-time All-American, thinking he was going to be their kicker long-term. With his strong legs and kicking, he brought the Florida State Seminoles. Instead, Aguayo flopped in the league, converting 22 of 31 field goals as a rookie, converting 32 of 34 extra points, and was waived in 2017. Aguayo bounced around the league with brief stints with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots, and has a 71 percent field goal percentage. Aguayo was the highest drafted kicker since Mike Nugent back in 2005, but Nugent had a longer career and had a field goal percentage of 81 percent.  This pick will always have our heads scratching on why the Bucs gave up some draft assets to select a kicker that early. Commanders drafting Emmanuel Forbes over Christian Gonzalez in 2023Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports The Commanders drafted Forbes with the 16th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a shutdown corner and keep opposing wide receivers under control.  Then Commanders’ general manager Martin Mayhew referred to Forbes as “the total package.” Instead, Forbes was benched midway through his rookie season, as he had one interception and was bullied by A. J. Brown, who had 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns, in a week eight game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Forbes played in 14 games in his rookie season and started in six of them. He played in six games for the Commanders in 2024 and started in one. Even his photo was roasted by fans in 2024. Forbes was waived by the Commanders and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he has experienced a career resurgence under Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s watch, while the Commanders are stuck in cornerback mediocrity, as they failed to develop Forbes into the cornerback they hoped for. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Gonzalez was still on the board and taken one pick later by the New England Patriots, and he has become a Pro Bowler, and played very well in Super Bowl LX, even though the Patriots lost that game against the Seattle Seahawks. Raiders drafted Clelin Ferrell at four in 2019Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) jogs off the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports When the Raiders shocked the NFL world by drafting Ferrell with the fourth pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, they thought they were getting an elite edge rusher who would cause havoc against opposing offenses and replicate the production Khalil Mack left behind.  Ferrell did have an okay rookie year, as he had 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks (the most in his career so far), five pass deflections, and a fumble recovery.  However, Ferrell lacked the fierce pass-rush production. He did have 10 sacks in 58 games for the “Silver and Black,” and had to work with multiple defensive coordinators throughout his time with the team, as the Raiders have a coaching turnover problem. Ferrell would eventually get outclassed by Maxx Crosby, who was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft and has become a five-time Pro Bowler. Ferrell has had stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and is currently back with the 49ers.  Meanwhile, Devin White (who was picked after Ferrell), Josh Hines-Allen, Rashan Gray, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Montez Sweat, and Zach Allen have all emerged as defensive Pro Bowlers from that draft. 49ers trade three first-round picks to move up and draft Trey Lance in 2021Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) during warmups before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Lance’s playing time at North Dakota State was limited, but he had 17 starts for the Bison and helped the team win two FCS National Championships. Despite the limited playing time, the 49ers traded away three first-round picks (2021, 2022, and 2023) and a 2022 third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to draft Lance and make him their next starting quarterback, even though Jimmy Garoppolo was on the roster. Lance was the second-string quarterback behind Garoppolo, and was thrust into starting action after Garoppolo suffered a calf injury in a week four game against the Detroit Lions.  Lance started in two games for the Niners that season and had a 1-1 record as a starter, completing 41 passes for 603 yards, throwing five touchdowns against two interceptions, rushing for 168 yards on 38 carries, and scoring a rushing touchdown. 2022 was much rougher, as Lance went 1-1 as a starter, completed 15 passes for 194 yards, threw an interception, and rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries, as he dealt with a season-ending ankle injury in week two against the Seattle Seahawks. Luckily, Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy emerged and helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game. Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the start of the 2023 season, with the 49ers rolling with Purdy as their starting QB.  Drafting Lance made the 49ers look silly, as if they made a bad gamble, but as we mentioned earlier, thankfully, Purdy saved the day and has kept the 49ers afloat in the NFC West. Bears traded up to Draft Mitch Trubisky second overall in 2017Jun 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks on prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports After finishing the 2016 season with a 3-13 record, the Bears needed a new signal caller to run the offense on the field. They decided to take a massive gamble and traded two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the 49ers to move up and draft Trubisky. Trubisky had limited starting time during his collegiate days with the UNC Tar Heels (as he started in one season for them and played 13 games), as the Bears deemed him the best quarterback on the draft board, even though some guy named Patrick Mahomes went eight picks later and became a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Trubisky’s time in the “Windy City” felt like a roller coaster ride, as he did show some promise in his sophomore season, leading the team to a division championship, a playoff berth, and making his lone Pro Bowl in 2018. However, his performance regressed after his 2018 season, as inconsistencies piled up, struggles emerged, and opposing defenses took advantage of those struggles.  Trubisky was also a poor fit for then-head coach Matt Nagy’s system, and split the starting role with Nick Foles in 2020, as they helped the Bears reach the playoffs.  Trubisky ended up being a massive disappointment for the Bears, as they cut their losses and released him in 2021, and he has since become a journeyman backup for the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans. Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round in 2016Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Normally, when a college football player gets drafted, it’s a huge milestone. When it came to Christian Hackenberg, whom the Jets drafted with the 51st pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, it looked like a safe pickup. However, Hackenburg never played a single snap with the Jets or the NFL and just sat on the bench. Hackenburg was traded to the Raiders in 2018, but never made their final roster. He also had brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals, but also never made their final rosters. Hackenburg did play professionally in 2019, as he suited up for the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football.  Hackenburg struggled with the Express, as he completed 32 passes for 277 yards, threw three interceptions against no touchdowns, rushed for 47 yards on nine carries, and scored a rushing touchdown before getting benched in favor of Zach Mettenberger. Jacoby Brissett was taken 40 picks later in the third round, and he’s become a more serviceable backup quarterback in the league.  Hackenburg has since become a quarterbacks coach at Winslow Township High School in New Jersey. Though Hackenburg was an NFL bust, and looking back on the selection doesn’t make sense, the Jets should’ve kept him to provide Sam Darnold with reasonable support before they gave up on him years later. Isaiah Wilson getting drafted 29th overall in 2020Nov 8, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (79) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports After reaching the 2020 AFC Championship game before getting defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans decided to draft a new offensive lineman to protect Ryan Tannehill for the upcoming years. They drafted Isaiah Wilson with the 29th pick of the 2020 draft, hoping the former Georgia Bulldog would become a strong and reliable offensive tackle.  Wilson ended up getting into trouble off-the-field, as he was arrested for a DUI during the start of the 2020 season. Wilson was on the COVID list before the start and during the start of the season and wasn’t activated until October of that year. He played in four snaps during his time with the Titans and was suspended for violating team rules in December.  Wilson brought poor production to the Titans, had off-the-field issues, which resulted in him getting traded to the Miami Dolphins, but he never played a single snap for them, as he showed up late to his physical and orientation.  He signed with the New York Giants and made their practice squad in September 2021, and was released in January 2022. Wilson also became a rapper under the stage name GGBowzer and released an EP in 2021, and was suspended for three games in 2023 for an undisclosed reason.  Looking back on this pick, it still has us scratching our heads about why the Titans selected Wilson when offensive guard Robert Hunt went 10 picks later in the second round, and made a Pro Bowl in 2024. Eagles drafting Jalen Reagor one pick before Justin JeffersonPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) celebrates running back a punt return for a touchdown with wide receiver Greg Ward (84) against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Apc Packvseagles 1206201126 The 2020 Eagles needed a new speedy wide receiver for Carson Wentz to work with after losing Nelson Agholor in free agency. So they drafted Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick of the draft, hoping he would bring his speed to Philadelphia as he did at TCU. Reagor ended up not panning out for the Eagles, as he caught 64 receptions for 695 yards, scored three touchdowns, and rushed for 68 yards on 14 carries in his two years with the Eagles. Reagor scored a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in a week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers, but his poor production on offense couldn’t be ignored. He dropped passes, sustained injuries, and muffed two punts in the team’s 2022 Wildcard Round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reagor was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, had stints with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers, and was released by the Bolts after the 2025 season.  All of this could’ve been avoided if the Eagles had drafted Justin Jefferson, who went one pick after Reagor and has become one of the league’s best wide receivers.  Cardinals moving up to draft Josh Rosen in 2018Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen warms-up before playing the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Bears Vs Cardinals 2018 Looking to start fresh for the 2018 season, the Cardinals drafted UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen with the 10th pick of the 2018 draft, and he famously said, “There were nine mistakes ahead of me.” When the season started, Rosen was not just bad; he was downright awful, as he struggled against opposing NFL defenses. Rosen completed 217 passes for 2,278 yards, threw 11 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries, fumbled the ball 10 times, and lost five fumbles in his rookie season. The Cardinals cleaned up shop and drafted Kyler Murray in 2019 and shipped Rosen off to the Miami Dolphins via trade. Rosen had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings before retiring from the NFL in 2023. Rosen has since become a student at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood in 2021 and released him one year laterSep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports Looking to fix their offensive line, the Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood with the 17th pick of the 2021 draft, even though draft experts had him going later. Leatherwood played at offensive tackle for four games, but struggled and surrendered a league-high 65 pressures.  The Raiders tried everything they could to help Leatherwood by moving him to offensive guard, but they released him before the 2022 season and continued to have offensive line problems. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw went six picks later and has emerged as a Pro Bowl standout for the Minnesota Vikings. 

Read more10 NFL Draft Picks That Made No Sense Then—And Still Don’t

Dolphins Get Pushback for Free Agency Decision That Could Cost Them

The Miami Dolphins took a drastic approach to free agency. The team completely revamped their roster as they cut ties with most of their highest-paid players, leaving the team’s salary cap primarily being used on players who will not be on the roster during the 2026 season. Miami’s decision was done with the goal of […] The post Dolphins Get Pushback for Free Agency Decision That Could Cost Them appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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