Every year, the NFL Draft brings excitement and drama for fans and sports experts. People talk a lot about which players teams will pick and whether those choices are good or bad. There are always surprises, trades, and questions about what teams think. Fans love to guess what will happen, and the draft always gives them something to argue about.
Bad Intel, Shocking Picks, and Last Minute Drama That Fueled a Decade of NFL Draft Day Firestorms
2020: Packers Drafting Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers traded up to select quarterback Jordan Love at No. 26 overall, despite Aaron Rodgers playing at an MVP level. The move sparked a public feud with Rodgers, leading to years of tension between him and the organization. It marked a bold and divisive shift in the team’s long-term planning.
2021: 49ers Trading Up for Trey Lance
The San Francisco 49ers gave up three first-round picks to draft quarterback Trey Lance, who had limited college experience. Lance struggled with injuries and performance, while stars like Micah Parsons were taken later. The decision ended up hurting the 49ers’ roster-building efforts for years.
2016: Laremy Tunsil Gas Mask Video Leak
Just minutes before the draft, a video surfaced of Laremy Tunsil smoking through a gas mask bong. The leak caused his draft stock to drop, costing him millions of dollars, though he eventually became a Pro Bowl player. The incident highlighted the intense scrutiny NFL prospects face.
2024: Falcons Take Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8
The Atlanta Falcons shocked many by drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, shortly after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million deal. The pick surprised Cousins’ camp and sparked questions about the team’s front-office strategy. It raised debate about Atlanta’s quarterback succession plan.
2020: Raiders Drafting Damon Arnette in Round 1
The Las Vegas Raiders selected cornerback Damon Arnette at No. 19, despite most projections placing him in the mid-rounds. Arnette struggled on the field and was released within two years due to off-field issues. The pick became one of the franchise’s most criticized decisions.
2017: Bears Trading Up for Mitchell Trubisky
The Chicago Bears traded up to No. 2 overall to draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, passing on Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Trubisky’s average performance stood in stark contrast to Mahomes’ rise to stardom, and the decision became a symbol of a missed opportunity for the Bears.
2022: Patriots Drafting Cole Strange in Round 1
The New England Patriots surprised analysts by selecting Chattanooga guard Cole Strange at No. 29. The pick was widely mocked and led to criticism of Bill Belichick’s draft strategy. It raised questions about the Patriots’ direction after the Tom Brady era.
2016: Eagles Trade Up for Carson Wentz
The Philadelphia Eagles traded a significant package of picks to move up to No. 2 overall for quarterback Carson Wentz. Though he started strong, Wentz’s play declined due to injuries and inconsistency, eventually leading to his departure. The trade had a lasting impact on the team’s future.
2019: Giants Drafting Daniel Jones at No. 6
The New York Giants used the No. 6 overall pick on quarterback Daniel Jones, a decision that surprised many experts. Jones’ career has been marked by inconsistency and ongoing questions about his long-term potential, so the pick became a lightning rod for criticism in New York.
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2018: Cardinals Drafting Josh Rosen—Then Giving Up
The Arizona Cardinals drafted quarterback Josh Rosen 10th overall, but moved on just one year later by selecting Kyler Murray. The quick shift raised concerns about the organization’s leadership and direction. Rosen’s career never recovered, and the move became a case study in NFL mismanagement.
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