NFL Draft Busts: 10 Foolish Picks in Last Decade

NFL general managers often face scrutiny for draft decisions, with some moves appearing foolish even at the time they were made. Over the last decade, several teams have made selections that quickly led to embarrassment and disappointment.

The Buccaneers' selection of kicker Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 draft is highlighted as a particularly baffling move. Despite trading up, Aguayo's struggles led to his release after just one season.

In 2023, the Commanders chose cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16, passing on the more highly-touted Christian Gonzalez, who went to the Patriots one pick later and earned Pro Bowl honors. Forbes was later benched and waived.

The Raiders have had multiple high-profile draft misses, including defensive end Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 in 2019 and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 in 2021. Both players failed to live up to their draft status.

In 2020, the Raiders also selected receiver Henry Ruggs and cornerback Damon Arnette in the first round. Ruggs' career ended tragically due to a fatal DUI crash, while Arnette was released after off-field issues surfaced.

Other notable questionable decisions include the Saints trading a future first-round pick for defensive end Marcus Davenport in 2018, the Jets drafting quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round in 2016, and the 49ers trading three first-round picks to move up for quarterback Trey Lance in 2021.

The Eagles' selection of receiver Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson in 2020 is often cited as a major miss, with Jefferson going on to become a star. The Titans' 2020 first-round pick, offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson, had a brief and problematic tenure, ending with a DUI arrest and his departure from the team.