Draft Successes and Failures in the NFL Arena
Every NFL GM and coach finally delivered on their draft day promises, announcing their roster additions with a smile. But the real test lies ahead, and only time will tell if these choices pan out.
Winners
Cleveland Browns' Risky QB Gambit
I criticized the Browns for skipping over Travis Hunter, who could become a game-changing talent. But passer Shedeur Sanders, drafted at pick 144, has something different going for him—no one in Cleveland will expect him to succeed immediately.
Sanders faces the challenge of making the team post-Labor Day, with an injured Deshaun Watson, 40-year-old Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel also in the QB room. This isn't a starting gig; it's a competition.
If he underperforms in camp, the Browns can cut him. If he shines, Sanders could start some games in 2025. This is a gamble that hinges on his ability to outperform Gabriel and impress the Browns in preseason games.
Chicago Bears' All-In With Caleb Williams
The Bears have identified Caleb Williams as their future QB. To ensure his success, they've bolstered the offensive line and drafted more weapons, such as Colston Loveland (TE) and Luther Burden III (WR). They're sparing no expense to create an environment ripe for Williams to thrive.
Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Masterstroke
Taking a chance on Omarion Hampton (RB) may seem risky, but his skill set fits perfectly in coordinator Greg Roman's playbook. Guaranteeing Justin Herbert some much-needed assistance, the Chargers also drafted Tre Harris (WR), addressing a glaring need on their offense.
Los Angeles Rams' Draft Wizardry
Moving down in the first round of the 2026 draft to acquire another top-10 pick in 2026, the Rams snatched Terrance Ferguson (TE), a potential gem to complement their existing WR tandem of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
NFL Prospects in Need of Support
Many teams stepped up to support their young QBs, from the Patriots and Panthers to the Colts and Packers. These organizations recognized the importance of surrounding their young signal-callers with talent to boost their development.
Losers
Promising Prospect Falls in Draft
Despite being a second-round talent at best, Shedeur Sanders slid all the way to the fifth round. While some speculate his popularity overshadowed his talent for teams, Sanders' poor performance at the Senior Bowl, team interviews, and combine likely contributed to his fall.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Uncertainty With Rodgers
The Steelers need Aaron Rodgers to revitalize their offense. However, Rodgers’ uncertain return and the team's mediocre QB room—featuring Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and 6th-round pick Will Howard—makes their future success shaky at best. The Steelers must act quickly to secure Rodgers' services before other franchises swoop in and scoop him up.
In 2025, the Browns might send Shedeur Sanders out onto the American-football field, a move that depends on his ability to impress during training camp and preseason games. Sanders, drafted in the fifth round despite being a second-round talent, will find himself competing with an injured Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel for the quarterback position.
The Chicago Bears have high hopes for Caleb Williams in 2025 and beyond, and they're backing up those hopes with a strengthened offensive line and an assortment of new weapons, including Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
In an attempt to boost their offense, the Los Angeles Chargers made a gamble by drafting Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris. Hampton fits well in Greg Roman's playbook, while Harris addresses a glaring need on the team's offense.
The NFL draft saw many teams backing their young quarterbacks by surrounding them with talent to boost their development. The Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Packers are among those stepping up to support their promising prospects.
The unexpected fall of Shedeur Sanders in the draft could demonstrate the importance of humility for young athletes, a lesson perhaps necessary for any prospect stepping into the high-pressure world of sports, especially American football in the NFL.
