NFL teams spend two to three months straight after the season evaluating college prospects for the upcoming draft and still, half of the 32 players taken in the first round won’t live up to their potential. A team may spend seven selections on players and be fortunate to walk away with one solid starter and two capable depth pieces.

I looked at every team’s last five draft classes (not including this year), focusing on the production the team received in return. Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, and Rookie of the Year awards are weighed heavily. Securing a franchise quarterback – the ultimate goal of every team – counts in a big way as well.

I only looked at what the player did for the team that drafted him. Amari Cooper’s performance for the 2019 Dallas Cowboys doesn’t count for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, but the fact that the Raiders were able to ship him off for a first-round draft pick shows his value didn’t depreciate after four years in the league. And the list of Pro Bowlers a team drafted only includes a player if he made a Pro Bowl for the team that drafted him.

These rankings do NOT include the 2020 NFL draft. It includes 2015-2019.

 

32. New England Patriots

Best Draft Pick: G Joe Thuney (2016.3.78)

Worst Draft Pick: WR N’Keal Harry (2019.1.32)

Pro Bowlers: none

Explain this one to me. The Evil Empire has won Super Bowls following the 2014, 2016, and 2018 seasons yet remains one of two teams not to draft a single Pro Bowler over the last five seasons. Not one. Mitchell Trubisky snuck into a Pro Bowl for Chicago. Jameis Winston made one.

Bill Belichick doesn’t always use his first round pick; in 2017, he traded the pick for Brandin Cooks, rode Cooks’ production to a Super Bowl appearance, and then traded him back away for a first rounder. But there are too many players like Malcom Brown – an ok player who never became an impact linemen and then left in free agency. N’Keal Harry failed so spectacularly as a rookie that the team brought in Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon. And Isaiah Wynn was supposed to be the franchise left tackle but has suited up for just eight of 32 regular season games.

When Belichick does hit with a player like edge rusher Trey Flowers (2015.4.101), he lets him leave in free agency rather than pay him. You know he won’t pay Sony Michel in two years. The only thing saving these last several draft classes may be next year’s projected starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham (2019.4.133) – and that’s a big maybe.

 

31. Seattle Seahawks

Best Draft Pick: WR D.K. Metcalf (2019.2.64)

Worst Draft Pick: DT Malik McDowell (2017.2.35)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (CB Shaq Griffin, P Michael Dickson, KR Tyler Lockett)

Few things make less sense than the fact that a perennial NFC contender can’t draft. GM John Schneider has had some impressive draft picks during his tenure – he drafted no fewer than four Hall of Famers in his first three years (Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and Russell Wilson).

The problem with Schneider is that he can’t draft first rounders. Germain Ifedi (2016.1.31) has consistently been one of PFF’s lowest-graded offensive linemen every year. It’s ironic that first round running back Rashaad Penny (2018.1.27) plays second fiddle to seventh rounder Chris Carson. And last year’s edge rusher, L.J. Collier (2019.1.29), suited up for 11 games as a backup without registering a single sack.

It hasn’t been all bad. D.K. Metcalf looks like a star in the making. Pair him with Tyler Lockett (2015.3.86) and that’s exceptional production from the receiver class. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin (2017.3.90) was rewarded with a Pro Bowl selection in year three. And hey, at least Michael Dickson (2018.5.149) can punt the daylights out of the football.

 

30. Chicago Bears

Best Draft Pick: S Eddie Jackson (2017.4.112)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Kevin White (2015.1.07)

Pro Bowlers: 5 (QB Mitchell Trubisky, RB Jordan Howard, RB Tarik Cohen, G Cody Whitehair, S Eddie Jackson)

Somewhere in an alternate universe, Mitchell Trubisky and Kevin White have formed the most lethal QB/WR duo in the league. White’s size, strength, and jump ball ability make him a Randy Moss-esque clone and perennial contender to lead the league in touchdown catches. Meanwhile, GM Ryan Pace was able to recognize that Mitchell Trubisky’s pocket mobility and playmaking ability made him much more valuable than second-tier passers Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes.

In the real world though, it didn’t work out quite like that. White is the only wide receiver in modern NFL history drafted in the top 10 to never catch a TD pass. Trubisky probably won’t enter year four as a starter now that the team traded for Nick Foles. And Watson/Mahomes are the new wave of dual-threat quarterbacks.

It hasn’t been all bad for GM Ryan Pace. He’s hit on some defensive players – ILB Roquan Smith (2019.1.08), S Eddie Jackson (2017.4.122), DT Eddie Goldman (2015.2.67), and S Adrian Amos (2015.5.142). And that was enough to get him Executive of the Year in 2017 and earn the Bears a playoff trip, but without some offensive firepower via the draft, he won’t last.

 

29. Arizona Cardinals

Best Draft Pick: QB Kyler Murray (2019.1.01)

Worst Draft Pick: DT Robert Nkemdiche (2016.1.29)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (RB David Johnson, S Budda Baker)

If we did this list a year ago, Arizona might have ranked last. They were reeling from the Josh Rosen pick (2018.1.10) and stuck with David Johnson’s massive contract. Just a year later, they’ve hit on Kyler Murray (2019.1.01) as their undersized but dynamic quarterback of the future and miraculously, GM Steve Keim unloaded Johnson and a 2020.2 for DeAndre Hopkins. Credit Keim for recognizing his mistake with Rosen and not letting the decision hold back the franchise for years to come (see: Chicago).

Too many years of missing on their top draft pick buries Arizona on this list still. D.J. Humphries got a second contract, but that’s more because someone needs to play left tackle than him being a star. Robert Nkemdiche was a colossal bust, not even starting a game until year three. And do-everything linebacker Haason Reddick plays every game but doesn’t start regularly.

 

28. Cleveland Browns

Best Draft Pick: RB Nick Chubb (2017.2.35)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Corey Coleman (2016.1.15)

Pro Bowlers: 4 (RB Nick Chubb, CB Denzel Ward, EDGE Myles Garrett, ILB Joe Schobert)

Cleveland famously passed on Carson Wentz, Patrick Mahomes, and Deshaun Watson to pick undersized Baker Mayfield (2018.1.01), and they’ve seen mixed results with that one. No Browns’ first round pick has earned a second contract with the team since Joe Haden but Mayfield (and Myles Garrett) will try to do what Corey Coleman (2016.1.15), Cameron Erving (2015.1.19), Danny Shelton (2015.1.12), and so many others haven’t been able to do.

In typical Browns fashion, there have been numerous draft day disappointments. You don’t draft a second round quarterback (DeShone Kizer; 2017.2.52) to trade him away a year later. They shipped Jabril Peppers (2017.1.25) and a 2019.1 to Big Blue to acquire Odell Beckham, Jr., but just a year later, they’re reportedly looking to move on from OBJ. And Myles Garrett averaged 10 sacks per year as a pass rusher before delivering the most disgusting act we’ve ever seen on a football field, one that resulted in a (then) indefinite suspension from the league.

 

27. Cincinnati Bengals

Best Draft Pick: RB Joe Mixon (2017.2.48)

Worst Draft Pick: OT Cedric Ogbuehi (2015.1.21)

Pro Bowlers: none

There’s a lot of potential with Cincinnati’s recent draft picks. William Jackson III (2016.1.24) is an emerging top end corner. Joe Mixon has rushed for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons despite a porous offensive line. And WR Tyler Boyd (2016.2.55) and S Jessie Bates (2018.2.54) are solid players.

The problems are on the offensive line. Last year’s first round rookie Jonah Williams (2019.1.11) missed his entire rookie season. C Billy Price (2018.1.21) was benched in year two. Cedric Ogbuehi never became the long-term answer the team hoped for at the blind spot, and OT Jake Fisher (2015.2.53) is now out of the league at age 26. Even the promising picks like John Ross (2017.1.9) leave a lot to be desired – can he really stay healthy for a whole season going forward?

 

26. Washington Redskins

Best Draft Pick: G Brandon Scherff (2015.1.05)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Josh Doctson (2016.1.22)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (G Brandon Scherff)

There’s the makings of a pretty good front seven in Washington. The last three first rounds have yielded three starters in edge rusher Montez Sweat (2019.1.26) and defensive tackles Da’Ron Payne (2018.1.13) and Jonathan Allen (2017.1.17), plus 2016 fifth rounder Matthew Ioannidis.

The problems start when you look at the offensive side of the ball. Outside of last year’s third round steal in Terry McLaurin, it’s been nothing but mistakes. Dwayne Haskins (2019.1.15) didn’t win many people over as a rookie with his work ethic or his play on the field. Derrius Guice (2018.2.59) once looked like a steal if he can stay healthy but the problem is that he can’t actually stay healthy. And Josh Doctson (2016.1.22) didn’t even make it through his rookie contract with the team.

 

25. Denver Broncos

Best Draft Pick: S Justin Simmons (2016.3.98)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Shane Ray (2015.1.23)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (RB Phillip Lindsay, WR Courtland Sutton)

Since taking over as czar of the Denver Broncos, John Elway has won a Super Bowl and taken the team to two, but his offense has been exposed since Peyton Manning retired.

He completely whiffed on the Paxton Lynch draft pick (2016.1.26) and got a year out of serviceable seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian (2017.7.250). Whether Drew Lock (2019.2.42) can prove to be the team’s answer at the most important position in sports will go a long way toward determining Elway’s legacy as GM.

Aside from quarterback, there have been too many misses. Shane Ray mustered just 14 sacks as a first round edge rusher. DeMarcus Walker (2017.2.51) has made one start in three years. And third round wide receiver Carlos Henderson (2017.3.82) never played a snap for the club. Elway’s saving grace may be his top two picks of the 2018 draft where he snagged Bradley Chubb (1.05) and Sutton (2.40), and then stumbled into undrafted RB Phillip Lindsay.

 

24. New York Giants

Best Draft Pick: RB Saquon Barkley (2018.1.02)

Worst Draft Pick: OT Ereck Flowers (2015.1.09)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (Saquon Barkley, Landon Collins)

It took draft community many months to get over Dave Gettleman’s decision to draft Saquon Barkley over Sam Darnold but two years later, it doesn’t look nearly as bad. Barkley is a superstar running back and there were positive signs from Daniel Jones’ (2019.1.06) up-and-down rookie season. Whether he can be the franchise quarterback will be determined in 2020 and 2021, but 24 touchdown passes in 13 starts was a good beginning.

Add in starters in DT Dexter Lawrence (2019.1.17), CB Deandre Baker (2019.1.30), and mammoth guard Will Hernandez (2019.2.34), and it’s a rebound from the previous Jerry Reese drafts. In those, Evan Engram (2017.1.23) has steadily taken steps backwards as a receiving tight end and both Eli Apple (2016.1.10) and Ereck Flowers (2015.1.09) failed to make it through their rookie contracts with the club.

 

23. Miami Dolphins

Best Draft Pick: CB Xavien Howard (2016.2.38)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Charles Harris (2017.1.22)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (RB Jay Ajayi, CB Xavien Howard)

What does it say about Miami that both Laremy Tunsil (2016.1.13) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (2018.1.11) had their breakout seasons as pros after being traded away? At least Miami was able to get a total of three first round picks for those two – that’s quite a haul in return.

In terms of actually getting results from their players, it’s been a mixed bag in Miami. It took DeVante Parker (2015.1.14) five years to finally display the talent that made him a first rounder. Charles Harris (2017.1.22) has just 3.5 sacks in three seasons. Xavien Howard has been their best draft acquisition, but since becoming the league’s highest paid corner, he’s been ejected from a game, sustained a season-ending knee injury, and may be facing discipline from the league for domestic assault.

 

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Best Draft Pick: RB Josh Jacobs (2019.1.24)

Worst Draft Pick: S Obi Melifonwu (2017.2.56)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (Amari Cooper)

Jon Gruden took over as coach and de facto general manager in 2018, and he’s wasted absolutely no time in undoing everything Reggie McKenzie did – good or bad (shades of Chip Kelly, anyone?). Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper (2015.1.04)? Traded for a first round pick. Starting safety Karl Joseph (2016.1.14)? Let him leave in free agency. Cornerback Gareon Conley (2017.1.24)? Traded for a third. And while the Khalil Mack draft pick was before this evaluation period, the compensation Gruden received in return is during this time.

The actual draft picks have improved during Gruden’s tenure thus far. Josh Jacobs (2019.1.24) is a three-down back. Kolton Miller (2018.1.15) has started 32 of 32 games. Maxx Crosby (2019.4.106) racked up 10 sacks as a rookie. Hunter Renfrow (2019.5.149) emerged as a bonafide slot receiver. It’s at least a trend in the right direction for the Las Vegas Raiders.

 

21. Detroit Lions

Best Draft Pick: WR Kenny Golladay (2017.3.96)

Worst Draft Pick: RB Ameer Abdullah (2015.2.54)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (WR Kenny Golladay)

You won’t find many stars from Detroit’s recent drafts (outside of third-year breakout receiver Kenny Golladay). There are just a bunch of blue collar starters – TE T.J. Hockenson (2019.1.08), C Frank Ragnow (2018.1.20), ILB Jarrad Davis (2017.1.21), and OT Taylor Decker (2016.1.16).

They sold low on G Laken Tomlinson (2015.1.28) and even lower on S Quandre Diggs (2015.6.200), each of which were curious decisions at the time and look worse now. It hasn’t been a bad run of draft picks for Detroit; it just hasn’t been that good, either. And that’s probably why they’re just 34-45-1 since 2015 with no playoff wins.

 

20. Tennessee Titans

Best Draft Pick: S Kevin Byard (2016.3.64)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Dorial Green-Beckham (2015.2.40)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (RB Derrick Henry, S Kevin Byard)

The 2016 draft remains the crowning jewel of Tennessee’s recent history – they nabbed All-Pro OT Jack Conklin (2016.1.08), RB Derrick Henry (2016.2.45), and S Kevin Byard (2016.3.64) in the first three rounds, and even with Conklin leaving in free agency, those are two building blocks for the organization going forward.

Playmaking receiver A.J. Brown (2019.2.51) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (2017.1.18) are also keys to what could be a bright future. The problem is that the 2015 draft didn’t work out – Marcus Mariota (2015.1.02) lost his starting job in year five and Dorial Green-Beckham (2015.2.40) had a Hall of Fame body without the production to go with it. The jury is still out on Corey Davis (2017.1.05), who can make the recent classes look a lot better if he develops into a true No. 1 receiver.

 

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Best Draft Pick: QB Carson Wentz (2016.1.02)

Worst Draft Pick: CB Sidney Jones (2017.2.43)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (QB Carson Wentz)

Carson Wentz has been the saving grace of Howie Roseman’s recent draft classes, as the Philadelphia Eagles’ GM traded up to the No. 2 overall spot in 2016 to draft Wentz and has been rewarded with a Super Bowl title and three straight playoff appearances.

Outside of Wentz though, it’s been a shaky ride over the Eagles’ last five years. Nelson Agholor and Derek Barnett have been inconsistent but did make major impact plays in the Super Bowl win. Andre Dillard (2019.1.22) has already been the subject of potential trade rumors. And there have been a slew of colossal misses.

Sidney Jones (2017.2.43) has had every opportunity to win a starting role but may not make the roster in his fourth year. JJAW (2019.2.57) was the wrong pick with D.K. Metcalf on the board. The next Darren Sproles in Donnell Pumphrey (2017.4.132) never played a down. Clayton Thorson (2019.5.167) couldn’t even make the team as the backup quarterback, forcing the Eagles to bring 40-year-old Josh McCown out of retirement. And mid-round players like Rasul Douglas (2017.3.99) and Mack Hollins (2017.4.118) have been exposed when forced into regular duty.

 

18. New York Jets

Best Draft Pick: S Jamal Adams (2017.1.06)

Worst Draft Pick: QB Christian Hackenberg (2016.2.51)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (DE Leonard Williams, Jamal Adams)

The key to a good draft run is hitting on the quarterback position. Did the Jets do that with Sam Darnold (2018.1.03)? The results are underwhelming thus far – a 59.9 completion percentage, 28 interceptions in 26 games, and an 11-15 record as a starter. At least he was able to get on the field, unlike Christian Hackenberg.

Jamal Adams (2017.1.06) is the franchise’s prize player, but the team may not be able to keep him around long-term. Leonard Williams (2015.1.06) was productive but never got a second deal with the team and was shipped away for just a third rounder. The organization has to hope Quinnen Williams (2019.1.03) proves to be the standout player his draft status suggests he can be.

 

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best Draft Pick: WR Chris Godwin (2017.3.84)

Worst Draft Pick: K Roberto Aguayo (2016.2.59)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (QB Jameis Winston, WR Chris Godwin)

Tampa Bay’s recent draft story starts with former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Jameis Winston (2015.1.01), a multidimensional quarterback who never became the franchise signal-caller Tampa Bay hoped he could be. After a Pro Bowl rookie season, Winston regressed, finishing his five-year stint with the Buccaneers with a 28-42 record as a starter and a league-leading 111 turnovers during that span.

And that’s not even Tampa Bay’s worst draft pick – they selected a kicker in the second round in 2016 and then cut him after one shaky year. Neither TE O.J. Howard (2017.1.19) nor CB Vernon Hargreaves (2016.1.11) has fulfilled his potential as a first round draft selection. At least the team seems to have hit on their last two picks – DT Vita Vea (2018.1.12) and LB Devin White (2019.1.05), each of whom played a major role in helping the Buccaneers field the league’s No. 1 rated run defense last year.

 

16. Los Angeles Rams

Best Draft Pick: RB Todd Gurley (2015.1.10)

Worst Draft Pick: QB Sean Mannion (2015.3.89)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley, ST Pharoh Cooper)

The new Los Angeles Rams don’t draft players. They’re the closest thing you can find to an NBA team in that they’re top-heavy, star-loaded, and love making a splash. The Rams haven’t made a single first round pick since Sean McVay took over as head coach in 2017, and they won’t again this year or next year after the Jalen Ramsey trade.

The last two picks they did make worked out well. Todd Gurley was a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the catalyst for the Rams reaching the 2018 Super Bowl. Jared Goff rebounded from the Jeff Fisher era to put together two straight star seasons before taking a step backward in ’19. Trading a 2018.1 for Brandin Cooks brought the Rams a Super Bowl berth but didn’t age well. And trading for Jalen Ramsey gets you a dominant corner, although he’ll need a $20 million per year contract to stay long-term.

When the Rams do draft players, it usually works fairly well. Rob Havenstein (2015.2.57) was a quality right tackle. Cooper Kupp (2017.3.69) is a great slot receiver. Tyler Higbee (2016.4.110) and Gerald Everett (2017.2.44) are an underrated tight end duo. And John Johnson III (2017.3.91)/Taylor Rapp (2019.2.61) are a young and talented safety tandem.

 

15. Green Bay Packers

Best Draft Pick: DT Kenny Clark (2016.1.27)

Worst Draft Pick: OT Jason Spriggs (2017.2.48)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (DT Kenny Clark)

No team has gone as defensive back heavy as Green Bay over the last five years. They’ve selected seven members of the secondary just in the first two rounds. You get the great in Jaire Alexander (2018.1.18), the promising in Darnell Savage (2019.1.21) and Kevin King (2017.2.33), and the disappointing in Damarious Randall (2015.1.30), Josh Jackson (2018.2.45), Quinten Rollins (2015.2.62), and Josh Jones (2017.2.61).

Kenny Clark (2016.1.27) has been their prize draft selection. He’s a force up the middle even if he hasn’t yet received the national recognition he deserves. Green Bay’s biggest problem via the draft has been failing to surround Aaron Rodgers with adequate skill position pieces. Outside of draft day steal Aaron Jones (2017.5.182), they haven’t hit yet with pass catchers Jace Sternberger (2019.3.75), J’Mon Moore (2018.4.133), Trevor Davis (2016.5.163), DeAngelo Yancey (2017.5.175), Equanimeous St. Brown (2018.6.207), and Ty Montgomery (2015.3.94).

 

14. Carolina Panthers

Best Draft Pick: RB Christian McCaffrey (2017.1.08)

Worst Draft Pick: DT Vernon Butler (2016.1.30)

Pro Bowlers: 1 (RB Christian McCaffrey)

The eighth overall spot is fairly high to take a running back in today’s NFL – but Christian McCaffrey has been worth it to date. After a monster 2019 season, he’s now the consensus best running back in the league, and he’s suited up for 48 of 48 games since entering the league, doing so from a position that takes a constant pounding.

WR D.J. Moore (2018.24) is a building block for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Edge rusher Brian Burns (2019.1.16) and OLB Shaq Thompson (2015.1.25) are promising front seven players on defense. WRs Devin Funchess (2015.2.41) and Curtis Samuel (2017.2.40) have underwhelmed but have still managed to be productive. The biggest miss to date has been DT Vernon Butler, who took until year four to earn a starting spot.

 

13. Atlanta Falcons

Best Draft Pick: DT Grady Jarrett (2017.5.137)

Worst Draft Pick: CB Jalen Collins (2015.2.42)

Pro Bowlers: 5 (TE Austin Hooper, DT Grady Jarrett, EDGE Vic Beasley, MLB Deion Jones, S Keanu Neal)

Atlanta’s first two drafts during this five-year reign got the team to a Super Bowl appearance following the 2016 season. Vic Beasley (2015.1.08) was an All-Pro pass rusher early on, S Keanu Neal (2016.1.17) stepped right in as an immediate starter, LB Deion Jones (2016.2.52) was an immediate impact playmaker on defense, and RB Tevin Coleman (2015.3.73) was a terrific complementary back to Devonta Freeman.

They stalled with edge rusher Takk McKinley (2017.1.26) and they’ve struggled with corners – Jalen Collins (2015.2.42) and Isaiah Oliver (2018.2.58) haven’t been the players Atlanta was hoping for. But Calvin Ridley (2018.1.26) has developed into a bonafide starter opposite Julio Jones, Austin Hooper (2016.3.81) was a two-time Pro Bowler before leaving in free agency, and last year’s draft netted two starters at offensive line in the first round.

 

12. Minnesota Vikings

Best Draft Pick: WR Stefon Diggs (2015.5.146)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Laquon Treadwell (2016.1.23)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (RB Dalvin Cook, EDGE Danielle Hunter, ILB Eric Kendricks)

The 2015 draft is the crowning jewel for GM Rick Spielman. He got a solid although not spectacular CB in Trae Waynes (2015.1.11), but then absolutely nailed three of his next five picks with ILB Eric Kendricks (2015.2.45), DE Danielle Hunter (2015.3.88), and WR Stefon Diggs (2015.5.146). Diggs in particular is a testament to good GM work – he was a late round pick who averaged 73/925/6 over his five seasons, caught the game-winner in a playoff win, and was then traded for a 2020.1.

Cornerback has been Spielman’s biggest struggle in the drafts. He spent massive capital on Waynes, Mackensie Alexander (2016.2.54), and Mike Hughes (2018.1.30), and still enters 2020 with cornerback a need. Missing on Laquon Treadwell (2016.1.23) was made easier with the emergence of former undrafted free agent Adam Thielen, but you can’t rely on that every time you miss with a pick. Hitting on Dalvin Cook (2017.2.41) gave the team a top rushing offense in 2019.

 

11. Indianapolis Colts

Best Draft Pick: G Quenton Nelson (2018.1.06)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Phillip Dorsett (2015.1.29)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (G Quenton Nelson, C Ryan Kelly, MLB Darius Leonard)

The organization failed for years and years to protect Andrew Luck, but has the foundation for a good offensive line with C Ryan Kelly (2016.1.18), OT Braden Smith (2018.2.37), and road-grading All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson who looks like he will walk into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 15 years.

With Defensive Rookie of the Year LB Darius Leonard (2018.2.36) and Nelson, the Colts became the first team to select multiple First-Team rookie AP All-Pros since Gale Sayers/Dick Butkus in 1965. Those three offensive linemen and Leonard are fundamental pieces for a strong foundation going forward, along with S Malik Hooker (2017.1.15) and RB Marlon Mack (2017.4.143).

 

10. Houston Texans

Best Draft Pick: QB Deshaun Watson (2017.1.12)

Worst Draft Pick: CB Kevin Johnson (2015.1.16)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (QB Deshaun Watson, ILB Benardrick McKinney)

After years of watching Brock Osweiler and Brian Hoyer and Tom Savage, Houston absolutely nailed its first round selection of Deshaun Watson. He’s a top-five quarterback with dynamic playmaking skills and will be a perennial MVP candidate for the next decade.

Houston has made it a point to surround Watson with quality offensive linemen – OT Tytus Howard (2019.1.23), G Max Scharping (2019.2.55), and C Nick Martin (2016.2.50) – but they’ve struggled with doing so with playmakers. Will Fuller (2016.1.21) has been too often hit or miss, Jaelen Strong (2015.3.70) and Braxton Miller (2016.3.85) have failed to lock down slot receiver spots, and D’Onta Foreman (2017.3.89) never developed into a complementary piece like the team hoped.

The only thing keeping Houston from rating lower on this list is the fact that they picked the second-best quarterback of the last five years.

Bill O’Brien’s trade of DeAndre Hopkins for David Johnson and a second round draft pick doesn’t factor into this ranking; that being said, it’s a horrendous move.

 

9. Buffalo Bills

Best Draft Pick: CB Tre’Davious White (2017.1.25)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Shaq Lawson (2016.1.19)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (ILB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Tre’Davious White)

Brandon Beane has done an admirable job in righting the wrong done by previous GM Doug Whaley’s final two drafts where edge rusher Shaq Lawson (2016.1.19), LB Reggie Ragland (2016.2.41), and QB Cardale Jones (2016.4.139) never panned out like expected.

Beane hit on his first draft pick, selecting lockdown corner Tre’Davious White and he’s built a formidable defense with White, LBs Tremaine Edmunds (2018.1.16) and Matt Milano (2017.5.163), and DT Ed Oliver (2019.1.09). Dion Dawkins (2017.2.63) is the left tackle going forward and Devin Singletary (2019.3.74) is the go-to running back.

Their fate going forward will all depend on whether Josh Allen (2018.1.07) continues making strides to be their franchise quarterback. If you like Allen, you’ll point to his record as a starter (15-12), the playoff appearance, and the dynamic rushing traits (17 touchdowns in two seasons). If you don’t like Allen, you’ll focus on the low completion percentage (56.3 career), the poor YPA (6.6), and his deer-in-the-headlights performance last January. In reality, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

 

8. Los Angeles Chargers

Best Draft Pick: S Derwin James (2018.1.17)

Worst Draft Pick: DT Jerry Tillery (2019.1.28)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (RB Melvin Gordon, EDGE Joey Bosa, S Derwin James)

What a four-year run the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers had from 2015-2018. Melvin Gordon (2015.1.15) was a two-time Pro Bowler before leaving in free agency. Mike Williams (2015.1.07) is a future star wide receiver who led the league in yards per catch in 2019. And both Joey Bosa (2016.1.03) and Derwin James (2018.1.17) have Hall of Fame talent but just need to stay healthy. The only mishap in recent years has been Jerry Tillery, but he still has plenty of time to develop.

After the first rounders, it’s been underwhelming for the Chargers. Forrest Lamp (2017.2.38) has underwhelmed at guard. C Max Tuerk (2016.3.66) never played a snap for the team. Edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu (2016.2.48) hasn’t made an impact on defense. At least they found Austin Ekeler as an undrafted gem.

 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Best Draft Pick: CB Jalen Ramsey (2016.1.05)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Dante Fowler (2015.1.03)

Pro Bowlers: 4 (WR D.J. Chark, EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE Josh Allen, CB Jalen Ramsey)

In terms of drafting talent, Jacksonville is really good at it. You don’t get to an AFC Championship Game with Blake Bortles as your quarterback unless you’re doing something right. Jacksonville’s 2016 draft class was as fine as you’ll see from an NFL team – they nabbed All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey (1.05), off-ball linebacker Myles Jack (2.36), and edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue (3.69). The next year brought in a two-time 1,000-yard rusher in Leonard Fournette (2017.1.04), and last year’s first round pick Josh Allen (2019.1.07) was a star pass rusher as a rookie, picking up 10.5 sacks.

The problem for Jacksonville is that no one actually wants to play for them. Ngakoue’s public displeasure with the team has reached the point that the organization probably can’t wait to move on. They already shipped off Ramsey (bringing back a massive haul that included two first rounders) and they’re actively trying to trade Fournette. The disdain the players have against the organization doesn’t factor into this ranking, but it’s a shame that a team so good at picking young talent can’t ever keep that talent around.

 

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

Best Draft Pick: EDGE T.J. Watt (2017.1.30)

Worst Draft Pick: CB Senquez Golson (2015.2.56)

Pro Bowlers: 2 (WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, EDGE T.J. Watt, S Minkah Fitzpatrick)

Here’s how good the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is: They lose Pro Bowl inside linebacker Ryan Shazier to a career-ending injury and then draft another future Pro Bowler in Devin Bush (2019.1.10) two years later. The Steelers’ defense is loaded with Bush, edge rushers T.J. Watt (2017.1.30) and Bud Dupree (2015.1.22), S Terrell Edmunds (2018.1.28), and S Minkah Fitzpatrick (acquired via trade for a 2019.1).

In fact, it seems everything Pittsburgh does is expertly replacing a player who leaves. Le’Veon Bell leaves and they draft James Conner (2017.3.105) and plug him in. Antonio Brown leaves and they replace him with JuJu Smith-Schuster (2017.2.62), plus solid complementary pieces in James Washington (2018.2.60) and Diontae Johnson (2019.3.66).

 

5. San Francisco 49ers

Best Draft Pick: TE George Kittle (2017.5.146)

Worst Draft Pick: DE Solomon Thomas (2017.1.03)

Pro Bowlers: 3 (TE George Kittle, DE DeForest Buckner, EDGE Nick Bosa)

It’s hard to believe how good John Lynch has been since taking over as GM in 2017. Whether you give Lynch or Kyle Shanahan credit for trading a second-round pick for Jimmy Garoppolo, the bottom line is that it happened. And two years later, the Niners were in the Super Bowl – and came a play away from winning it.

Nick Bosa (2019.1.02), DeForest Buckner (2016.1.07), and Arik Armstead (2015.1.17) were three-fourths of a devastating defensive line, and all were picked in Round 1 in the last five years. Even with Lynch’s two misses in 2017 – Solomon Thomas (1.03) and Reuben Foster (1.31) – he found a supreme talent in the fifth round, recognizing George Kittle’s unreal potential rather than focusing on limited college production.

And the last two years have yielded a handful of building blocks in OT Mike McGlinchey (2018.1.09), WR Deebo Samuel (2019.2.36), and MLB Fred Warner (2018.3.70).

 

4. New Orleans Saints

Best Draft Pick: WR Michael Thomas (2016.2.47)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Marcus Davenport (2018.1.14)

Pro Bowlers: 4 (RB Alvin Kamara, WR Michael Thomas, G Andrus Peat, CB Marshon Lattimore)

New Orleans’ 2017 draft will go down as one of the best ever. The team’s first four picks yielded CB Marshon Lattimore (1.11), OT Ryan Ramczyk (1.32), S Marcus Williams (2.42), and RB Alvin Kamara (3.67). Lattimore was Defensive Rookie of the Year and has become one of the game’s best cornerbacks. Ramczyk is an All-Pro at right tackle. Williams is a three-year starter and ballhawking safety. And Kamara won Offensive Rookie of the Year and has been the perfect modern day running back for the Saints’ offense.

And that doesn’t even include the team’s best pick, which would be nabbing wide receiver Michael Thomas the previous year (2016.2.47). Thomas has averaged a ridiculous 118/1,378/8 statline the last two years, leading the NFL in receptions each of the past two years and setting a single-season record with 149 catches in 2019.

What keeps the Saints from ranking higher are the misses – ILB Stephone Anthony (2015.1.31), OLB Hau’oli Kikaha (2015.2.44), and QB Garrett Grayson (2015.3.75). And while it’s still early, trading two first round picks for edge rusher Marcus Davenport doesn’t look too good so far.

 

3. Dallas Cowboys

Best Draft Pick: QB Dak Prescott (2016.4.135)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Taco Charlton (2017.1.28)

Pro Bowlers: 5 (QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott, LB Jaylon Smith, OLB Leighton Vander Esch, CB/S Byron Jones)

It pains me to admit how well Dallas has drafted over the last five years. In fact, if you go back 10 years, they’ve essentially hit on every first round pick they’ve had – Dez Bryant, Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin. Taking a flier on Dak Prescott in the fourth round and having him turn into a franchise quarterback was Jerry Jones’ best move.

Dallas has also hit with All-Pro RB Ezekiel Elliott (2016.1.04), linebackers Jaylon Smith (2016.2.34) and Leighton Vander Esch (2018.1.19), and cornerback Byron Jones (2015.1.27). They’ve done so well in drafting that they couldn’t even afford to keep Jones, who went on to earn the richest contract ever handed out to a cornerback in league history.

 

2. Baltimore Ravens

Best Draft Pick: QB Lamar Jackson (2018.1.32)

Worst Draft Pick: WR Breshad Perriman (2015.1.26)

Pro Bowlers: 6 (QB Lamar Jackson, TE Mark Andrews, OT Ronnie Stanley, OT Orlando Brown, EDGE Matt Judon, CB Marlon Humphrey)

Even the best GMs make mistakes – look no further than Ozzie Newsome’s selection of WR Breshad Perriman (2015.1.26), who offered a tantalizing combination of size/speed yet gave Baltimore just 43 receptions in three years before he was released. Or new GM Eric DeCosta’s bizarre choice of 25-year-old tight end Hayden Hurst (2018.1.25) in Round 1.

But there are so many hits with this franchise, ranging from Round 1 to the later rounds. Lamar Jackson is the prized jewel of Baltimore’s franchise as he’s fresh off an MVP season in his first full year as starter. A pair of Pro Bowl bookend tackles block for him in Ronnie Stanley (2016.1.06) and Orlando Brown (2018.3.83). There’s an elite tight end in Mark Andrews (2018.3.86), a quality pass rusher in Matt Judon (2016.5.146) and another one in Za’Darius Smith (2015.4.122) who was allowed to test free agency.

You might not even remember that last year’s breakout tight end, Darren Waller, started as a Ravens draft pick in 2015. What that tells you is that this organization can recognize talent.

 

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Best Draft Pick: QB Patrick Mahomes (2017.1.10)

Worst Draft Pick: EDGE Breeland Speaks (2018.2.46)

Pro Bowlers: 7 (QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Kareem Hunt, WR Tyreek Hill, DT Chris Jones, CB Marcus Peters, KR Mecole Hardman, ST D.J. Alexander)

If you get Patrick Mahomes in the NFL draft and miss on everyone else, you’re still probably going to rank in the top half of teams. He’s that good, as evidenced by his regular season MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and collection of highlight-reel worthy plays in just two seasons as a starter.

What’s interesting is that Andy Reid/Brett Veach have only had two first round picks during the last five years – and both have a chance to one day make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marcus Peters (2015.1.18) is the other, and he recorded an absurd 24 takeaways during his first three seasons. Peters wore out his welcome in Kansas City and was traded, and he joins league rookie rushing champion Kareem Hunt (2017.3.86) as superstars who the team moved on from early (Hunt was released after a domestic violence incident).

Factor in Tyreek Hill (2016.5.165), and the Chiefs have had their share of questionable character players. As a player though, Hill has made the Pro Bowl every year of his career and he’s essentially impossible to cover one-on-one. Other strong picks by KC include Pro Bowl DT Chris Jones (2016.2.37), electrifying rookie KR Mecole Hardman (2019.2.56), and four-year starting center Mitch Morse (2015.2.49). Even last year’s trade acquisition of Frank Clark, who was brought in for a 2019.1, racked up eight sacks and three forced fumbles while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl.

 

 

 

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