The NFL draft often serves as a pivotal moment for franchises, aiming to secure foundational talent, yet history showcases an unfortunate trend of first-round picks failing to meet expectations. The list of draft busts stretches across decades, with players like Mitchell Trubisky and Ryan Leaf standing out as cautionary tales for teams seeking instant success. For the Chicago Bears, Trubisky's selection over Patrick Mahomes not only haunts the franchise but also highlights the critical nature of scouting and player evaluation. Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals' choice of Larry Stegent, who garnered just one notable play, exemplifies how injuries and poor management can derail potential careers.

Franchise after franchise has experienced the pain of first-round failures, from the Atlanta Falcons’ Bruce Pickens to the Miami Dolphins’ Dion Jordan, each case demonstrating the high stakes associated with drafting. Coaches, general managers, and fans alike feel the repercussions of these decisions, often leading to long-lasting impacts on team success and player development. As teams prepare for upcoming drafts, the lessons learned from these busts remain at the forefront, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis and foresight in selecting young talent.

The Chicago Bears are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft with seven picks, including the No. 10 overall selection. With a new head coach in Ben Johnson, the team aims to transform its roster. However, the history of the franchise's draft picks since 2015 reveals a series of disappointing selections that highlight the challenges of building a competitive team.

Kevin White, drafted seventh overall in 2015, stands as the franchise's biggest draft misstep, plagued by injuries and underperformance. Subsequent years saw similar issues, including Deiondre' Hall's struggles with discipline and injuries, and Mitchell Trubisky's controversial selection over stars like Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Fast forward to recent years, where Velus Jones and Zacch Pickens have yet to prove their worth, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the team's drafting strategy.

The Buffalo Bills are at a critical juncture as they head into the 2025 offseason, following yet another playoff disappointment. With an eye on building a Super Bowl contender, GM Brandon Beane plans to rejuvenate the roster, focusing on reducing the salary cap and making key roster decisions regarding free agents and potential cuts.

Mitch Trubisky emerges as a prime trade asset, especially in a draft lacking quarterback talent. Teams like the Vikings and Steelers could benefit from his experience as they search for viable QB options. Meanwhile, James Cook's demands for a high-value contract seem unrealistic given his production but the Bills should aim to reach a fair agreement that reflects his contributions. Other key players such as Conor McGovern and Dawson Knox are also in line for possible contract restructurings to help with cap space. The upcoming decisions will shape the Bills' path to true contention.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen a drastic decline in their quarterback situation since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. In just over two seasons, they've cycled through five different starters: Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields. Each of these quarterbacks has failed to significantly impact the team's fortunes, leading to a string of disappointing seasons.

This unprecedented change in leadership at the quarterback position reflects a troubling trend for a franchise that values stability. With the 2025 season approaching, it’s likely that the Steelers will need to seek yet another new starter, highlighting the consequences of past draft decisions, particularly when they opted for Chase Claypool over Jalen Hurts in 2020.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be free agents after the 2024 season. Team president Art Rooney II indicated a preference for retaining either player, noting that the chances of signing both are slim. The Steelers have a weak draft class for quarterbacks and limited free agency options, making their choices crucial. Fields showed promise during his time as a starter, but the team’s conservative game plan didn't maximize his potential. Meanwhile, Wilson’s experience could command a higher salary, complicating the team’s budget for other positions, especially wide receiver and offensive line, where they need improvement.

Should they choose to re-sign Fields, the Steelers could likely draft a mid-round quarterback to build depth. They hold eight draft picks, including a valuable first-round pick, which could be used to strengthen other areas of the team. However, drafting a top quarterback prospect could involve significant trade negotiations, potentially leading to a costly decision.