With the NFL Combine just over a week away, it’s time to start thinking about the 2026 NFL Draft. We’ve dipped our toe into the pool of prospects with our weekly Mock Draft roundups, but things will really start to ramp up in the next few weeks.
But before we look forward to this April’s draft, let’s take a moment to look back. Every year, there are player we’re certain are going to work out that don’t. And there are draft picks we are sure will be busts who shock fans with how impressive they are.
The Lions draft history is littered with disappointments—although most of those came before this current regime. Today’s Question of the Day is:
What is the most disappointing Lions draft pick of all time?
My answer: Any time you talk disappointing picks, I think the discussion has to start with franchise quarterbacks who never lived up to their draft status. Joey Harrington, the third overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft has to be near the top of this list after lasting just four years, completing just 54.7% of his passes, averaging a 68.1 passer rating, and amassing a 18-37 record. Andre Ware was an even bigger bust. The seventh overall pick in 1990 ended up just starting six career games for the Lions after failing to beat out Rodney Peete and Erik Kramer for most of his career.
Outside of the quarterback position, Charles Rogers is part of this conversation. The second overall pick in 2003, Rogers had a promising rookie season before suffering a broken clavicle that ended his year just five games in. He would never look the same again, with suspensions and reported lack of effort ending his career abruptly.
Personally speaking, I’m not sure there was a more disappointing draft pick result in the modern era than Jeff Okudah. I had very high hopes for the Lions first-round cornerback who many believed was a can’t-miss pick. Injuries derailed his career early, but he also just never lived up to the billing of the third overall selection. Though he remains in the league now, he hasn’t started a game since 2023, and he only played in 25 for Detroit before they traded him away.
Which Lions draft pick in franchise history was the most disappointing to you? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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