The anticipation is palpable as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, with fans eager to see how their teams will bolster their rosters with new talent. However, the excitement comes with a reminder of the inexact science that is the NFL draft. Despite the extensive resources and analysis dedicated to the predraft process, teams can miss spectacularly on their picks. Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest draft misses since the year 2000 for each NFL team, analyzing why these selections fell short and who could have been a better fit in hindsight.

Arizona Cardinals

Original Pick: DT Robert Nkemdiche at No. 29 overall (2016) New Pick: DT Chris Jones (No. 37 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs)

In 2016, the Arizona Cardinals opted for Mississippi defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, who had elite physical traits but was mired in questions concerning his character and on-field production. Nkemdiche's time with the Cardinals was marked by disappointing statistics—44 tackles and just 4.5 sacks across three seasons—resulting in his release after failing to meet physical standards. In retrospect, Chris Jones, who was drafted shortly after Nkemdiche by the Kansas City Chiefs, has emerged as a premier talent, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as a cornerstone of defensive prowess.

Atlanta Falcons

Original Pick: Edge Takkarist McKinley at No. 26 overall (2017) New Pick: Edge T.J. Watt (No. 30 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers)

While the Falcons have done relatively well in the draft, their 2017 choice of Takkarist McKinley stood out as a misstep. He initially showed promise, logging 13 sacks in his first two seasons, but injuries and performance issues led to a decline. The opportunity to select T.J. Watt, the dynamic edge rusher who has become one of the most respected defensive players in the league, is a glaring omission for the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens

Original Pick: QB Kyle Boller at No. 19 overall (2003) New Pick: WR Anquan Boldin (No. 54 overall by the Arizona Cardinals)

The Ravens take a gamble in 2003 by selecting Kyle Boller, a quarterback with notable arm strength but an erratic collegiate career. Boller’s time was marred by injuries and lack of production, resulting in a failure to lead the Ravens to playoff success. A more fruitful choice could have been Anquan Boldin, who had a stellar career as a wide receiver and would eventually help the Ravens win a Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills

Original Pick: Edge Aaron Maybin at No. 11 overall (2009) New Pick: Edge Brian Orakpo (No. 13 overall by the Washington Commanders)

The Buffalo Bills fumbled their 2009 selection when they took Aaron Maybin, whose brief tenure resulted in no sacks during his time with the team. Instead, the Bills could have selected Brian Orakpo, who went just two spots later and went on to have a highly productive career with four Pro Bowl selections and a notable impact as a pass rusher.

Carolina Panthers

Original Pick: OT Jeff Otah at No. 19 overall (2008) New Pick: OT Duane Brown (No. 26 overall by the Houston Texans)

Initially, the Panthers’ selection of Jeff Otah seemed sound, but persistent knee issues cut his career short. In hindsight, Duane Brown represented a safer and more impactful choice. Brown has played a critical role in establishing successful offensive lines throughout his career, as evidenced by multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections.

Chicago Bears

Original Pick: WR Kevin White at No. 7 overall (2015) New Pick: WR Tyler Lockett (No. 69 overall by the Seattle Seahawks)

Kevin White's selection at No. 7 was fraught with challenges, mainly injuries that derailed any potential he had. As a result, the Bears missed out on several productive receivers, including Tyler Lockett, who has since developed into one of the league's most reliable pass-catching threats.

Cincinnati Bengals

Original Pick: WR John Ross at No. 9 overall (2017) New Pick: QB Patrick Mahomes (No. 10 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs)

Despite the excitement surrounding John Ross's blazing speed, his inability to translate that into consistent production proved to be a major disappointment for the Bengals. Just one pick later, the Kansas City Chiefs secured quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who would go on to revolutionize the position, leaving Cincinnati to ponder what could have been.

Cleveland Browns

Original Pick: CB Justin Gilbert at No. 8 overall (2014) New Pick: DT Aaron Donald (No. 13 overall by the St. Louis Rams)

Justin Gilbert's selection was marked by an uninspiring performance that ultimately led to his early exit from the league. The Browns’ glaring error allowed future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald to slip through their fingers—a mistake the team would surely reverse if given the opportunity.

Dallas Cowboys

Original Pick: DE Taco Charlton at No. 28 overall (2017) New Pick: Edge T.J. Watt (No. 30 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Cowboys will always remember the 2017 draft for choosing Taco Charlton, who exhibited potential but never fully realized it in the NFL. In stark contrast to his less-than-stellar results, T.J. Watt became one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Denver Broncos

Original Pick: QB Paxton Lynch at No. 26 overall (2016) New Pick: QB Dak Prescott (No. 135 overall by the Dallas Cowboys)

The Broncos' choice of Paxton Lynch failed to provide the necessary return, making it a costly investment. In hindsight, they could have locked up Dak Prescott, who emerged as a cornerstone quarterback for the Cowboys, solidifying their future.

Detroit Lions

Original Pick: WR Charles Rogers at No. 2 overall (2003) New Pick: WR Andre Johnson (No. 3 overall by the Houston Texans)

Charles Rogers's tenure with the Lions was marred by injury and personal issues, leading to a swift exit from the league. The Lions could have bolstered their receiving corps with Andre Johnson, a player who would become an all-time great.

Green Bay Packers

Original Pick: DE Jamal Reynolds at No. 10 overall (2001) New Pick: WR Reggie Wayne (No. 30 overall by the Indianapolis Colts)

The Packers' selection of Jamal Reynolds proved disappointing, as injuries limited his impact. Had they instead opted for Reggie Wayne, they might have complemented Brett Favre with an elite receiving threat.

Houston Texans

Original Pick: DT Amobi Okoye at No. 10 overall (2007) New Pick: CB Darrelle Revis (No. 14 overall by the New York Jets)

The Texans gambled on Amobi Okoye, but his performance did not live up to expectations. In a re-draft, Darrelle Revis, selected just four picks later, could have provided an elite presence in the secondary.

Indianapolis Colts

Original Pick: DE Björn Werner at No. 24 overall (2013) New Pick: WR DeAndre Hopkins (No. 27 overall by the Houston Texans)

While the Colts sought defensive bolster through the selection of Björn Werner, they instead could have drafted DeAndre Hopkins, who would have provided Andrew Luck with a premier receiving target, greatly enhancing the Colts' offensive potential.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Original Pick: WR Justin Blackmon at No. 5 overall (2012) New Pick: LB Luke Kuechly (No. 9 overall by the Carolina Panthers)

The Jaguars hoped to secure a franchise receiver in Justin Blackmon, who fell victim to off-field issues. Contrasting his trajectory, Luke Kuechly became a defensive stalwart, giving Jacksonville a well-rounded choice.

Kansas City Chiefs

Original Pick: DT Ryan Sims at No. 6 overall (2002) New Pick: Edge Dwight Freeney (No. 11 overall by the Indianapolis Colts)

Defensive tackle Ryan Sims was not the impact player the Chiefs envisioned, making them miss Dwight Freeney, a generational talent at edge rusher, who contributed tremendously to his teams.

Las Vegas Raiders

Original Pick: QB JaMarcus Russell at No. 1 overall (2007) New Pick: OT Joe Thomas (No. 3 overall by the Cleveland Browns)

JaMarcus Russell's tenure as the top pick was disastrous, leading to a swift exit from the NFL. Joe Thomas, on the other hand, would have been an anchor for the offensive line, highlighting the Raiders’ oversight.

Los Angeles Chargers

Original Pick: CB Sammy Davis at No. 30 overall (2003) New Pick: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (No. 31 overall by the Oakland Raiders)

In 2003, the Chargers chose cornerback Sammy Davis but could have had a significant impact player in Nnamdi Asomugha, who became one of the best cornerbacks of his era.

Miami Dolphins

Original Pick: Edge Dion Jordan at No. 3 overall (2013) New Pick: OT Lane Johnson (No. 4 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles)

Dion Jordan's selection fell flat due to suspensions and limited production. Selecting Lane Johnson instead could have provided Miami with a foundation on the offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings

Original Pick: WR Troy Williamson at No. 7 overall (2005) New Pick: WR Roddy White (No. 27 overall by the Atlanta Falcons)

Holding the pick that was once Randy Moss's trade contribution, Troy Williamson failed to deliver any semblance of the play-making ability expected. Instead, the Vikings could have emerged with Roddy White, who proved to be a prolific receiver during his career.

New England Patriots

Original Pick: WR N'Keal Harry at No. 32 overall (2019) New Pick: WR A.J. Brown (No. 51 overall by the Tennessee Titans)

Drafting N'Keal Harry in 2019 turned out to be a top-level blunder as he failed to contribute significantly. A.J. Brown, on the other hand, has flourished and displayed the skill needed to be a No. 1 receiver.

New Orleans Saints

Original Pick: DT Johnathan Sullivan at No. 6 overall (2003) New Pick: DT Kevin Williams (No. 9 overall by the Minnesota Vikings)

Johnathan Sullivan's lack of production left the Saints seeking elsewhere, and selecting Kevin Williams could have brought them a standout defensive tackle for years to come.

New York Giants

Original Pick: OT Ereck Flowers at No. 9 overall (2015) New Pick: RB Todd Gurley (No. 10 overall by the St. Louis Rams)

The Giants were hopeful that Ereck Flowers would solidify their offensive line, yet his inability to perform consistently led to frustration. With Todd Gurley providing dynamic play in the backfield, the Giants missed a big opportunity.

New York Jets

Original Pick: Edge Vernon Gholston at No. 6 overall (2008) New Pick: QB Joe Flacco (No. 18 overall by the Baltimore Ravens)

In a quest to find an edge rusher, the Jets selected Gholston, who could not live up to the hype, making the team wish they'd selected Joe Flacco, who would later quarterback a Super Bowl-winning squad.

Philadelphia Eagles

Original Pick: WR Jalen Reagor at No. 21 overall (2020) New Pick: WR Justin Jefferson (No. 22 overall by the Minnesota Vikings)

The Eagles' choice of Jalen Reagor in the first round was soon overshadowed by the selection of Justin Jefferson, a receiver who has since eclipsed Reagor's contributions significantly.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Original Pick: LB Jarvis Jones at No. 17 overall (2013) New Pick: CB Darius Slay (No. 36 overall by the Detroit Lions)

Jarvis Jones's pick was disappointing for the Steelers, as he never reached his true potential. Darius Slay, taken later in the draft, could have been a game-changer in Pittsburgh's secondary.

San Francisco 49ers

Original Pick: QB Trey Lance at No. 3 overall (2021) New Pick: Edge Micah Parsons (No. 12 overall by the Dallas Cowboys)

The 49ers' investment in Trey Lance has yet to yield the desired results, especially as Micah Parsons became an elite pass rusher just a few picks later, showcasing an immense opportunity lost.

Seattle Seahawks

Original Pick: DT Malik McDowell at No. 35 overall (2017) New Pick: S Budda Baker (No. 36 overall by the Arizona Cardinals)

Malik McDowell never made it onto the field for the Seahawks due to off-field issues, presenting a clear error. Had they chosen Budda Baker, Seattle would have added an impact player in their secondary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Original Pick: K Roberto Aguayo at No. 59 overall (2016) New Pick: G Joe Thuney (No. 78 overall by the New England Patriots)

Sacrificing draft capital for a kicker rarely pays off, as exhibited by Roberto Aguayo's tenure. Instead, selecting a reliable guard like Joe Thuney would have provided stability on the offensive line.

Tennessee Titans

Original Pick: QB Jake Locker at No. 8 overall (2011) New Pick: Edge J.J. Watt (No. 11 overall by Houston Texans)

Jake Locker's draft status as the second quarterback taken was disappointing as he struggled to find his footing. J.J. Watt, who's become one of the league's best defensive players, was a missed opportunity.

Washington Commanders

Original Pick: CB Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall (2023) New Pick: CB Christian Gonzalez (No. 17 overall by the New England Patriots)

Emmanuel Forbes’s selection reflects poorly on the Commanders’ decision-making, especially given the immediate success that cornerback Christian Gonzalez has enjoyed, showcasing yet another draft miscalculation.

As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, this retrospective look at prior missteps offers a sobering reminder of how crucial success in the draft can be for a franchise. Many teams wish they could have those decisions back, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of player development in the league.