Draft Do-Overs Every NFL Team Wishes It Could Have

Almost every draft for the past 17 years, NFL teams have made major mistakes. We look back on the ones each squad wishes it could fix.

Los Angeles Rams Fans 2016 NFL Draft Party
USA Today Sports

Los Angeles Rams fans react after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft at draft party at L.A.

Los Angeles Rams Fans 2016 NFL Draft Party

One of the highlights of every NFL Draft, no matter where it's held, are the angry Jets fans. No matter the year, they are never happy. And it turns out their anger was not unfounded. When you root for a team that took Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino, Blair Thomas over Junior Seau, and Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp, you’re naturally going to be a little pessimistic about your squad’s ability to select the right player.

The Jets obviously aren’t the only team that could use a mulligan for some of their past draft choices. All teams make mistakes, though some do more than others. Browns, Raiders, and Lions fans have been on the receiving end of this a lot more than Patriots and Steelers fans have.

Obviously nobody—or player personnel department—is perfect. So Complex is going to look into an alternate reality: A reality in which your team made the right choice. One do-over for all 32 teams. The do-overs included only players who could have feasibly been drafted at their respective pick. Obviously, nobody would have drafted Tom Brady in the first round in 2000—even the Patriots waited until the sixth round to take him. Also, no player was used more than once in this list. So with that said, here’s one draft do-over for every team since 2000.

 

With the 19th Pick in the 2012 Draft, The Bears Should Have Selected...

Chandler Jones Arizona Cardinals 2016

Who They Picked: DE Shea McClellin

Who They Should Have Picked: DE Chandler Jones

The Ramifications: McClellin lasted four unimpressive seasons with the Bears; he never recorded more than four sacks in a season and put up just 7.5 as a Bear. Jones was taken two picks later by the Patriots. He has fared far better in the NFL, becoming one of the most prolific pass rushers in the league. He's had double-digit sacks in three of his five NFL seasons.

With the 4th Pick in the 2000 Draft, the Bengals Should Have Selected...

Brian Urlacher Bears Vikings 2012

With the 4th Pick in the 2002 Draft, the Bills Should Have Selected...

Dwight Freeney Falcons Broncos 2016

With the 24th Pick in the 2001 Draft, the Broncos Should Have Selected...

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With the 6th Pick in the 2011 Draft, the Browns Should Have Selected...

Julio Jones Falcons Packers NFC Championship 2017

With the 6th Pick in the 2005 Draft, the Buccaneers Should Have Selected...

DeMarcus Ware Broncos Chiefs 2016

With the 5th Pick in the 2007 Draft, the Cardinals Should Have Selected...

Adrian Peterson Minnesota Vikings 2016

Who They Picked: OT Levi Brown

Who They Should Have Picked: RB Adrian Peterson

The Ramifications: Well, the Cardinals could have Peterson if they wanted him, but he's now in New Orleans. But I think they probably would have rather had him in 2007. Peterson was drafted No. 7 overall, two picks after the Cardinals took Levi Brown. Brown ended up sticking with the Cardinals until the 2013 season, so he wasn’t a total bust. But it’s safe to say the Cardinals would be in a much better position now had they taken Peterson.

With the 30th Pick in the 2003 Draft, the Chargers Should Have Selected...

Nnamdi Asomugha Eagles Lions 2012

Who They Picked: CB Sammy Davis

Who They Should Have Picked: CB Nnamdi Asomugha

The Ramifications: The Chargers took cornerback Sammy Davis 30th overall in 2003. He was gone from the team by 2005. The Raiders took cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha 31st overall in 2003. He made three Pro Bowls in 11 NFL seasons, and was one of the best cover-corners of his day.

With the No. 1 Pick in the 2013 Draft, the Chiefs Should Have Selected...

Ezekiel Ansah Lions Bears 2016

Who They Picked: OT Eric Fisher

Who They Should Have Picked: DE Ezekiel Ansah

The Ramifications: The 2013 NFL Draft class stands as one of the worst in modern history. Case and point: Its quarterback class was headlined by E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith. The Chiefs went with the safe pick at No. 1 by taking Fisher. He can’t really be considered a bust; he signed a $63 million contract last summer and is the team’s starting left tackle. But he’s hardly had the impact on the franchise a No. 1 overall pick would ideally have. Ansah, who was taken fifth overall by the Lions that year, would have been a better pick. Despite a down season last year, Ansah was one of the best pass-rushers from 2013-15—putting up 30 sacks during that timeframe.

With the 24th Pick in the 2013 Draft, the Colts Should Have Selected...

DeAndre Hopkins Raiders Texans 2016

Who They Picked: LB Bjoern Werner

Who They Should Have Picked: WR DeAndre Hopkins

The Ramifications: Werner lasted just three seasons in Indy, but is the answer to a pretty cool trivia question: He was the first-ever German-born player taken in the first round. DeAndre Hopkins was taken three picks later—and he’s been a lot more than just a trivia question for the Texans.

With the 6th Pick in the 2012 Draft, the Cowboys Should Have Selected...

Luke Kueckly Panthers Vikings 2016

Who They Picked: CB Morris Claiborne

Who They Should Have Picked: LB Luke Kuechly

The Ramifications: The Cowboys traded up eight spots to get Claiborne; and while Claiborne was a solid nickel corner for Dallas, you don’t trade up to No. 6 to get a solid nickel corner. You might, however, trade up to No. 6 for a linebacker with four Pro Bowls in five NFL seasons. Kuechly was taken 9th overall by the Panthers.

With the 9th Pick in the 2007 Draft, the Dolphins Should Have Selected...

Darrelle Revis Jets Dolphins Miami 2016

Who They Picked: WR Ted Ginn

Who They Should Have Picked: CB Darrelle Revis

The Ramifications: Ginn never managed more than 790 yards receiving in his three seasons in Miami. Revis, on the other hand, went on to become one of the best corners in NFL history. The Jets traded up to get him at No. 14, in a rare showing of competency.

With the 25th Pick in the 2001 Draft, the Eagles Should Have Selected...

Reggie Wayne Colts 2014

Who They Picked: WR Freddie Mitchell

Who They Should Have Picked: WR Reggie Wayne

The Ramifications: Mitchell had just 1,263 career receiving yards. That draft’s 30th pick, Reggie Wayne, had five individual seasons with more receiving yards than that. McNabb was always stuck with sub-par receiving corps (save for one-and-a-half seasons with Terrell Owens), so one can only imagine how much better Philly would have fared in the 2000s had Wayne been an Eagle.

With the 25th Pick in the 2009 Draft, the Falcons Should Have Picked...

Vontae Davis Chiefs Colts 2016

Who They Picked: DT Peria Jerry

Who They Should Have Picked: CB Vontae Davis

The Ramifications: Jerry stands out as by far the worst first-rounder the Falcons have taken since 2000. He was never quite the same after a knee injury suffered two games into his rookie season—he logged just 5.5 sacks from 2009-2013. Davis was taken by the Dolphins with the next pick, and has become a top-tier cornerback.

With the 1st Pick in the 2005 Draft, the 49ers Should Have Selected...

Aaron Rodgers celebrates win over Cowboys.

Who They Picked: QB Alex Smith

Who They Should Have Picked: QB Aaron Rodgers

The Ramifications: Smith has ended up being a solid quarterback, and one who even took the Niners to an NFC Championship Game in 2011. Rodgers, however, has become an all-time great quarterback. Rodgers could have led San Fran to several Super Bowls with their Patrick Willis-led defenses early this decade. They nearly won one with Colin Kaepernick, so imagine how they would have fared with Rodgers?

With the 32nd Pick in the 2012 Draft, the Giants Should Have Selected...

Alshon Jeffery Bears Bucs 2016

Who They Picked: RB David Wilson

Who They Should Have Picked: WR Alshon Jeffery

The Ramifications: Wilson’s career was tragically cut short by a spinal stenosis diagnosis, which forced him into retirement at just 23 years old. It’s a shame Wilson didn’t last longer because he was actually pretty productive as a rookie; he averaged five yards per carry that season. The Bears took Alshon Jeffery 14 picks later in the second round, and he has since emerged as one of the NFL’s better receivers.

With the 75th Pick in the 2012 Draft, the Jaguars Should Have Selected...

Russell Wilson Seahawks Falcons 2017 Playoffs

Who They Picked: P Bryan Anger

Who They Should Have Picked: QB Russell Wilson

The Ramifications: Yes, you read that right: The Jaguars drafted a punter. In the third round. Ahead of Russell Wilson. I know this is a list of first-round do-overs, but a special exemption will be made for this pick because it was so egregious on multiple levels. Drafting a punter in round six or seven is justifiable, but drafting a punter in round three is just absurd—not even taking into account that they passed on Russell Wilson to do this. No wonder the Jags haven’t made the playoffs in a decade.

With the 6th Pick in the 2008 Draft, the Jets Should Have Selected...

Joe Flacco Ravens Jets 2016

Who They Picked: DE Vernon Gholston

Who They Should Have Picked: QB Joe Flacco

The Ramifications: The Jets have fared slightly better drafting in the 21st century than they were in the 80s and 90s, although several busts still stand out—most notably Vernon Gholston. He put up amazing numbers in the NFL—at the Combine. He didn’t actually record a sack as a player, and was out of the league by 2011. Flacco went 12 picks later to the Ravens, where he has since won ten playoff games and a Super Bowl. He may not be elite, but he would have definitely been the Jets’ best quarterback since Joe Namath. If the Jets’ AFC Championship Game teams of 2009 and 2010 had been quarterbacked by Flacco instead of Mark Sanchez, it is not hard to envision them having at least made a Super Bowl. The Jets drafting Flacco in 2008 would have also likely kept the team from trading for Brett Favre, who was the team’s starting QB that season.

With the No. 2 Pick in the 2003 Draft, the Lions Should Have Selected...

Andre Johnson Texans Browns 2014

Who They Picked: WR Charles Rogers

Who They Should Have Picked: WR Andre Johnson

The Ramifications: Charles Rogers drew comparisons to Randy Moss prior to the draft, but it took just a few seasons to dispel these comparisons. The former Michigan State-standout struggled with injuries, arrests and drug problems during his tenure with the Lions, which largely kept him off the field. In the rare instances he was on the field, he was a complete non-factor: He garnered just 440 receiving yards in 15 career NFL games, and his career was over after Detroit cut him prior to the 2006 season. It goes without saying that Andre Johnson would have been a better pick here.

With the No. 26 Pick in the Draft, the Packers Should Have Selected...

Travis Frederick Cowboys Vikings 2016

Who They Picked: DE Datone Jones

Who They Should Have Picked: C Travis Frederick

The Ramifications: This was a rare case of the Packers’ organization getting something wrong. Jones only started seven games in four seasons in Green Bay, and the Packers ended up declining their fifth-year option on the end—a rarity for first rounders. The Cowboys ended up taking Frederick six picks later, and he has become one of the best centers in the league.

With the 19th Pick in the 2008 Draft, the Panthers Should Have Selected...

Aqib Talib Broncos Jaguars 2016

Who They Picked: OT Jeff Otah

Who They Should Have Picked: CB Aqib Talib

The Ramifications: The Panthers traded their second and fourth rounders in 2008 and a 2009 first rounder to the Eagles for 2008’s No. 19 pick, which they used to take Otah. The Eagles ended up trading that first rounder to the Bills for Jason Peters in 2009, and that pick ended up becoming Pro Bowl center Eric Wood. The awful trade notwithstanding, Otah’s career was derailed by knee injuries—starting just 29 games in four seasons. Future Pro Bowl corner Aqib Talib was the next player taken.

With the 21st Pick in the 2006 Draft, the Patriots Should Have Selected...

Nick Mangold Jets Cardinals 2016

Who They Picked: RB Laurence Maroney

Who They Should Have Picked: C Nck Mangold

The Ramifications: Yeah the Patriots took Laurence Maroney over Nick Mangold, but who honestly cares? It’s not like it’s stopped them from winning Super Bowls or anything. They’ll keep doing that until Tom Brady turns 50.

With the 1st Pick in the 2007 Draft, the Raiders Should Have Selected...

Calvin Johnson Lions 49ers 2015

Who They Picked: QB JaMarcus Russell

Who They Should Have Picked: WR Calvin Johnson

The Ramifications: There’s not much to say about this one.It really speaks for itself.

With the 2nd Pick in the 2014 Draft, the Rams Should Have Picked...

Khalil Mack Oakland Texans 2017 Playoffs

Who They Picked: T Greg Robinson

Who They Should Have Picked: LB Khalil Mack

The Ramifications: Robinson isn’t a bust yet, but things aren’t looking too good for the former No. 2 pick—who was a healthy scratch twice down the stretch last season. Mack, on the other hand, made history in his second NFL season by becoming the first-ever player to be named First-Team All-Pro at two positions at once.  

With the No. 22 Pick in the 2005 Draft, the Ravens Should Have Selected...

Roddy White Falcons Bucs 2015

Who They Picked: WR Mark Clayton

Who They Should Have Picked: WR Roddy White

The Ramifications: Clayton was a good receiver for a while; he even had 939 yards in 2006. But White, who was taken five picks later at No. 27, was an elite receiver, posting six straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards from 2007-2012. Clayton never accomplished anything close to that.

With the 25th Pick in the 2005 Draft, the Redskins Should Have Selected...

Logan Makins Bears Bucs 2015

Who They Picked: QB Jason Campbell

Who They Should Have Picked: G Logan Mankins

The Ramifications: Campbell was taken just one pick after Aaron Rodgers. He played very well at times, but never was able to break out as a star behind center. Mankins was taken seven picks later, and he ended up becoming one of the best offensive lineman of his generation; making seven Pro Bowls in 11 NFL seasons.

With the 6th Pick in the 2003 Draft, the Saints Should Have Selected...

Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens 2016

Who They Picked: DT Jonathan Sullivan

Who They Should Have Picked: LB Terrell Suggs

The Ramifications: Sullivan recorded just 1.5 sacks in three NFL seasons, 113 less than the guy picked four spots behind him. That guy’s name is Terrell Suggs, by the way.

With the 4th Pick in the 2009 Draft, the Seahawks Should Have Selected...

Clay Matthews Eli Manning 2016 Packers Giants

Who They Picked: LB Aaron Curry

Who They Should Have Picked: LB Clay Matthews

The Ramifications: Back before the Seahawks had a bandwagon, the team was just a middling mid-market franchise looking to improve its barren roster. Aaron Curry was seen as an instant-impact player, but he failed to make much of an impact at all—he lost his starting spot in 2011, and was out of the league altogether by 2013. Matthews was taken 26th overall that draft. Imagine what he could do on Seattle’s defense. Not that their defense needs any more talent.

With the 32nd Pick in the 2009 Draft, the Steelers Should Have Selected...

Jarius Byrd Saints Bucs 2016 New Orleans

Who They Picked: NT Ziggy Hood

Who They Should Have Picked: S Jairus Byrd

The Ramifications: The Steelers almost never draft busts. Hood is sort of an exception, but even he has spent the bulk of his career as a starter—something a lot of other busts on this list can’t even say. However, if given the choice, it’s safe to say Pittsburgh would take three-time Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd over Hood.

With the 10th Pick in the 2007 Draft, the Texans Should Have Selected...

Patrick Willis 49ers Jets 2016

Who They Picked: DT Amobi Okoye

Who They Should Have Picked: LB Patrick WIllis

The Ramifications: At just 19 years old, Okoye remains the youngest player drafted in NFL history. Okoye posted 5.5 sacks as a rookie in 2007, but never did much after that. If the Texans wanted to really make an impact on their front seven, they should have drafted Patrick Willis. Willis was taken by the Niners one pick after Okoye.

With the 8th Pick in the 2011 Draft, the Titans Should Have Selected...

JJ Watt Texans Titans 2015

Who They Picked: QB Jake Locker

Who They Should Have Picked: DE J.J. Watt

The Ramifications: Eight of the first nine players taken in 2011 have made at least one Pro Bowl in their careers. Locker was the one that didn’t. Despite playing fairly well at times, the Titans QB struggled to stay healthy in four NFL seasons, before retiring in 2015. The Texans drafted Watt three picks later, and he has since gone on to become the best defensive player in the league. Other players the Titans passed up on include Tyron Smith, Robert Quinn, Mike Pouncey, Mark Ingram, and Muhammad Wilkerson. Tennessee came up short in an otherwise stacked draft.

With the 12th Pick in the 2011 Draft, the Vikings Should Have Selected...

Robert Quinn Los Angeles Rams 2016

Who They Picked: QB Christian Ponder

Who They Should Have Picked: DE Robert Quinn

The Ramifications: Ponder was awful at quarterback for the Vikings, putting up a 75.9 quarterback rating during his time as a starter there. His play did not merit the 12th overall pick. But you know whose play has? Robert Quinn, who was picked two spots later by the Rams. He would have bolstered an already-solid Vikings defense.

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