Cam Ward is the newest No. 1 decide to enter the NFL, having been chosen by the Tennessee Titans in April. He is considered one of 13 No. 1 picks at the moment within the league.
The Titans’ 2-12 document reveals successful isn’t at all times straightforward for prime picks, and Ward has been scrambling for small indicators of progress for himself and the staff.
“Ultimately the storm’s going to finish and all of us within the locker room, we’ll bear in mind all this second,” Ward mentioned in October. “Somebody on the earth has it lots worse than I’ve. In order that’s simply how I put it in perspective. I am very blessed. God’s blessed me with the flexibility to do what I like for a residing.”
These are the breaks for many gamers who’re chosen first and are additionally typically tasked with being assigned to the worst staff. Ward is the fourth quarterback in 5 years to be chosen first general solely to see their head coach get fired throughout their rookie yr.
Typically the story performs out for the great over an extended time interval. That is particularly the case for 2009 No. 1 decide Matthew Stafford, who put up spectacular numbers for the Detroit Lions however made solely two playoff appearances over 12 years. Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 for 2016 No. 1 decide Jared Goff and gained his first Tremendous Bowl trophy in his preliminary season with L.A. Regardless of being one of many NFL’s oldest quarterbacks at 37, Stafford is the favourite to win MVP in his seventeenth season. Over his profession, he has earned over $364 million, essentially the most among the many previous 20 first general picks.
2018 No.1 decide Baker Mayfield demanded a commerce after 4 years with the Cleveland Browns when the staff inquired a couple of swap for former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Mayfield was traded shortly afterward to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 earlier than being launched and signing with the Rams for the ultimate 5 video games of the season. He would go on to signal a one-year cope with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier than seemingly discovering his new residence, as he is at the moment attempting to make them the playoffs for the third straight yr.
Like Mayfield, 2014 No.1 decide Jadeveon Clowney bounced across the league. Clowney went to 6 totally different groups in seven seasons after spending his first 5 with the Texans. His seven groups are essentially the most of any former No. 1 nonetheless within the league. Clowney was a 2016 second-team All-Professional and was named to the Professional Bowl from 2016 to 2018.
The tasks that include being the primary decide are heavy and have produced combined outcomes. We took a take a look at how all the No. 1 picks at the moment taking part in are doing within the various phases of their careers, and NFL analyst Ben Solak rated how they’ve dealt with the hype since coming into the league:
Bounce to:
Ward | Williams | Younger
Walker | Lawrence | Burrow
Murray | Mayfield | Garrett
Goff | Winston | Clowney | Stafford
Drafted by: Tennessee Titans
Performs for: Titans
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: Solely 14 video games in, the pattern is small, however Ward’s wizard-like capability to go off schedule was showcased on his first profession landing cross when he scrambled to his proper and launched a throw throughout his physique to fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor within the again left nook of the tip zone. “I do know simply from watching movie with Cam, should you’ve received a scramble drill — due to the best way his thoughts works and the way good his arm is — it’s not out of the query to only go to the alternative aspect of the sphere,” Ayomanor mentioned.
Affect this season: Ward’s influence cannot actually be measured in wins and losses as a result of the Titans are dangerous. However he has been a gentle affect for a locker room that would simply splinter from all the shedding. “You simply must get up with the precise mindset daily to get higher,” Ward mentioned. “I dwell the lifetime of a quarterback by by no means getting too low or too excessive.” — Turron Davenport
Solak’s meet-the-hype score (1-10): 6
Ward’s numbers look tough (11 touchdowns to seven interceptions, and he’s tied for the most-sacked QB within the NFL), however the on-field play has been encouraging. Ward had one of many sleepiest hype trains for first general picks at quarterback, and accordingly his weekly achievements of processing, ball placement and escapability go largely unnoticed. The Titans consider they’ve a participant value constructing round, and with the right offseason strikes Ward can blossom into an above-average NFL starter on the very least. To date, so good.
Drafted by: Chicago Bears
Performs for: Bears
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner identified for his creativity and arm power has wowed together with his Houdini-like capability to keep away from sacks (he has been sacked 22 instances this season after taking 68 as a rookie) and make off-schedule throws. That confirmed up in a 31-3 win over the Browns the place Williams’ 22-yard landing cross to DJ Moore was essentially the most inconceivable completion (16.1%) by a Bears quarterback in 5 seasons. “It simply reveals off why he was the No. 1 general decide,” tight finish Cole Kmet mentioned. “I do not know what number of guys within the league might be capable to make that throw.” Williams’ 5 game-winning drives within the fourth quarter or extra time are tied for the second most in 2025, highlighted by considered one of his greatest throws of the season — a 58-yard TD cross to Colston Loveland to beat the Bengals.
Affect this season: Williams’ progress in his first season below coach Ben Johnson is an enormous motive the 10-win Bears are off to their finest begin since 2018 and on the cusp of a playoff berth. Williams has the Twelfth-most passing yards (3,150) and has mastered the artwork of taking part in below heart whereas additionally discovering that his legs are considered one of his greatest property, and never simply on scramble-drill performs. Williams has three video games this season with 200 passing yards and 50 speeding yards (tied for essentially the most), two of which catalyzed come-from-behind wins. “That is the most effective factor about him — he is constructed for the large stage, the large moments,” Johnson mentioned. “He rises to that event, and on the larger the stage I feel he actually involves life as a participant.” — Courtney Cronin
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 7
Williams’ rookie season appeared as if this rating is likely to be a 1. His sophomore marketing campaign has proved simply how dangerous the offensive system was round him as a rookie. Williams has massively improved in a number of areas of his sport over the previous yr and nonetheless will get higher week over week, however it’s the height performs — the unbelievable scrambles, the downfield throws — that clearly give him a path into the tier of elite quarterbacks. He is not there but, however indicators point out that the Bears may need gotten a franchise-altering participant.
Drafted by: Carolina Panthers
Performs for: Panthers
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: After a rocky starting to his profession, Younger was benched following an 0-2 begin in 12 months 2 earlier than returning because the starter in Week 8. He went 6-22 in that point however has improved to 7-6 this season, and his staff has an opportunity at successful the division. Younger had arguably his finest NFL sport but in Week 13 with three landing passes and a career-high 147.1 passer score in a 31-28 upset of the Los Angeles Rams. Two of the TDs got here on fourth down. “The larger the stakes, the upper the moments,” coach Dave Canales mentioned of Younger afterward. It was Younger’s eleventh game-winning drive since being the highest decide. “It is the consistency of play, and the factor that I recognize essentially the most about Bryce is whatever the second, whatever the time within the sport or the rating, once I put the ball in his arms, he stays the identical. He stays even,” Canales added.
Affect this season: As Younger and the working sport go, so does the Carolina offense. And for essentially the most half, Younger is at his finest when the run sport goes nicely so he can make the most of play-action. When the working sport has struggled, Younger has too (as within the Panthers’ 0-2 begin in opposition to Jacksonville and Arizona and in a later season residence loss to the one-win New Orleans Saints). As soon as Rico Dowdle and the run sport gave Younger steadiness in Week 5 in opposition to Miami Dolphins, the Panthers ran off 4 straight wins during which he had six landing passes to 2 interceptions. — David Newton
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 3
It is weirdly too early to say simply how Younger will meet his draft hype even supposing we’re in 12 months 3 of his profession. Younger’s rookie season was disastrous, however the atmosphere was an enormous a part of that. 12 months 2 included a benching that appeared to repair his mindset. 12 months 3 has the Panthers in attain of the division title, however Younger nonetheless has as many head-scratching video games as he has high quality ones. He would not seem like a transparent second-contract quarterback, however he nonetheless has time to play himself into that vary.
Drafted by: Jacksonville Jaguars
Performs for: Jaguars
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: Walker had a sack and interception in his first sport and a 35-yard fumble return for a landing in Week 9 in 2024 in opposition to Philadelphia. He had 3.5 sacks as a rookie adopted by back-to-back double-digit sacks seasons in 2023 (10) and 2024 (10.5), together with his lone three-sack sport in Week 5 in 2024 in opposition to Indianapolis. The Jaguars picked up his fifth-year choice this spring, however there was no motion on an extension.
Affect this season: Walker has handled a damaged left hand and a proper knee harm that has price him a mixed three video games. He has 2.5 sacks however has nonetheless been good in opposition to the run. “It is essentially the most banged up I have been since early faculty,” Walker mentioned. “However I imply, what’s life with out classes? That is simply how I take a look at it. God put me on this place for a motive. I am not working from it.” — Michael DiRocco
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 4
The 2022 draft was a tough one for proudly owning the primary decide, and the Jaguars took an enormous swing by going for an incomplete athlete in Walker. He has the misfortune of a tough relative measure, as Aidan Hutchinson was drafted one decide later, performs the identical place and has been much more productive. However Walker continues to be a starting-caliber edge rusher with splash performs in opposition to each the run and the cross. So though he is likely to be a relative disappointment, there’s lots to love about him.
1:02
Matthew Stafford to Wealthy Eisen: I am humbled to be in MVP consideration
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford joins Wealthy Eisen to speak about his MVP buzz and his degree of play this season.
Drafted by: Jacksonville Jaguars
Performs for: Jaguars
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: After a tough rookie season below former Jags coach City Meyer, Lawrence flourished in 12 months 2 below Doug Pederson (25 TDs, 8 interceptions and 4,113 yards) and led the Jaguars to the playoffs. He threw 4 first-half interceptions and trailed 27-0 in opposition to the Chargers however rebounded with 4 TDs to spark the 31-30 victory. The Jaguars signed him to a five-year, $275 million extension in 2024. He missed seven video games with a shoulder harm and concussion that season.
Affect this season: Lawrence is coming off the most effective sport of his profession — six complete TDs (one speeding), 136.7 score, 330 yards — in a stretch the place he is taking part in the most effective soccer of his profession: at the very least 225 yards and two or extra TDs in 4 consecutive video games for the primary time. His 23 TD passes in 2025 give him 92 in his profession, which is third on the Jaguars’ all-time checklist. “It isn’t something essentially that is modified about something that we have performed with him,” Jags coach Liam Coen mentioned. “I feel he is simply beginning to really feel increasingly snug inside the system.” — DiRocco
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 3
Lawrence has maybe the very best pre-NFL bar of any prime general decide on this checklist, as he was ordained the following Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck (additionally former No. 1 picks) popping out of Clemson. To that finish, he has dramatically underachieved relative to expectations. The excellent news is that the Jaguars are lastly coalescing right into a prime offense below Lawrence, whose early profession was marred with dangerous teaching staffs and supporting casts. If Lawrence finishes the season (and postseason) with the identical caliber of play as we have seen because the Week 8 bye after which picks up the place he left off subsequent yr, this quantity will begin to rise.
Drafted by: Cincinnati Bengals
Performs for: Bengals
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: Burrow has performed quite a lot of residing in six seasons. Two Professional Bowl nods. Two-time MVP finalist. Led the Bengals to their first playoff win in 31 seasons. A Tremendous Bowl look. Two-time Comeback Participant of the 12 months. 5 main accidents. And a $275 million contract extension. Burrow has arguably impacted his greater than any No. 1 decide prior to now 10 years.
Affect this season: About these accidents. Burrow was positioned on injured reserve for the third time in his profession after a turf toe harm in Week 2 that required surgical procedure. However Burrow labored arduous to return early, lacking solely 9 video games. Peyton Manning sees Burrow carry the identical mindset he had as a participant. “I am at all times attempting to work to justify being that decide and provides them their return on funding they made in me,” Manning advised ESPN. “Whether or not it is your draft or in the event that they signal you to a different contract, I feel you are at all times attempting to earn it.” — Ben Child
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 10
Burrow was billed as a soccer savant and unflinching playmaker out of LSU, and he has been exactly that within the NFL, vaulting himself into the highest tier of passers regardless of not having the bodily instruments as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Accidents have restricted his accolades, and poor groups round him have affected his postseason success, however he has already been to a Tremendous Bowl and two AFC Championship Video games. He does what first general picks at quarterback ideally do: give his staff an opportunity to win all of it yearly.
Drafted by: Arizona Cardinals
Performs for: Cardinals
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: When Murray was at his finest, he appeared like a online game on the sphere. The instances he made defenders not solely miss however look foolish due to his capability to scramble, run and evade tackles are too many to depend. There was Murray’s scramble for a 2-point conversion in Las Vegas in 2022 that took 20.8 seconds, throughout which he coated 84.9 yards earlier than scoring on the play. There was the “Hail Murray” to DeAndre Hopkins in 2020 to beat the Buffalo Payments in Arizona. Murray’s regular play early in his profession earned him a five-year extension in 2022 value as much as $230.5 million that would preserve him below contract in Arizona via the 2028 season.
Affect this season: Little or no. Murray received harm in Week 5 and hasn’t returned. The Cardinals shut down his season in early December due to a foot harm that is nonetheless lingering. Nonetheless, earlier than he received harm, the Cardinals have been 2-3 and struggling to shut out video games. — Josh Weinfuss
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 3
Murray has at all times been a enjoyable watch when at his finest, however there isn’t any doubt that he has disillusioned relative to expectations. Murray gained Offensive Rookie of the 12 months in 2019 and made two subsequent Professional Bowls, however he noticed diminished play out of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense and as accidents collected. Particularly now on his hefty second contract, Murray would not present the type of offense-altering expertise that clear stars do. If, and when, he will get out of Arizona this offseason, he may get a Goff-esque bump — however now we have to see it occur first.
Drafted by: Cleveland Browns
Performs for: Buccaneers
Different groups performed for: Panthers, Rams
Notable profession moments: In 2020, Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff win in 27 years. He then led the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles and a playoff victory in 2023. He was awarded a three-year, $100 million contract ($115 million with incentives) after the 2023 season, and after the 2024 season, the staff reworked his deal to provide him $30 million assured in 2026. He additionally has been named to the Professional Bowl twice.
Affect this season: Issues have cooled because the Bucs’ 5-1 begin — together with Mayfield coping with a sprained AC joint in his left non-throwing shoulder. Plus, he did not get to have his prime 4 large receivers on the sphere on the identical time till Week 15 — which has dropped Tampa Bay to 7-7 and right into a first-place tie within the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers. Nonetheless, as offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard put it, “He by no means flinches in that second,” and that is one thing the Bucs will maintain on to as they battle to win these final three video games. — Jenna Laine
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 5
It is powerful to calibrate how nicely Mayfield met the hype as a result of Mayfield has at all times generated a lot ancillary hype by way of his persona and taking part in model. The Browns made him the choice with the primary decide over different likelier choices partly due to his demeanor. He has been a foul beginning quarterback and a terrific beginning quarterback in excessive fluctuations over his profession. Mayfield is 30 and nonetheless has not sniffed the convention championship sport, so he is in all probability nonetheless a disappointment relative to the primary decide — however we’re at the moment in an upswing second for his profession. Let’s examine what a pair extra years in Tampa Bay carry.
Drafted by: Cleveland Browns
Performs for: Browns
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: In his ninth season, Garrett is closing in on the NFL’s single-season sack document. With 21.5 sacks this season, Garrett is one sack from tying the document shared by Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt. Garrett’s 124 profession sacks rank twenty first all time and are 9 greater than the next-closest participant (Watt, 115) since he entered the league.
Affect this season: “There is not any one which I can consider that may do a few of the issues that he does,” Browns line of defense coach Jacques Cesaire mentioned. “He is routinely getting chipped from tight ends, backs. He is routinely getting the slide coming to him, a guard coming off and serving to out. Whenever you received that a lot consideration for you each week, and you are still placing up the numbers that he is placing up, that is fairly particular. … I feel he is the most effective defensive participant I’ve ever seen.” — Daniel Oyefusi
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: A billion.
In my ebook, Garrett is the most effective first decide since Peyton Manning (1998). He is about to set the single-season document, make the first-team All-Professional checklist for the fifth time in six years and win his second Defensive Participant of the 12 months award in three years. He has gotten higher with age and overcome early-career accidents to take action. Popping out of faculty, Garrett was billed as a once-in-a-lifetime phenom at cross rusher, and he has been precisely that in Cleveland.
Drafted by: Los Angeles Rams
Performs for: Lions
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: Goff, 31, is arguably within the prime of his profession and continues to provide at a excessive degree, though this yr’s Lions staff hasn’t lived as much as expectations to date at 8-6. He earned a four-year, $212 million extension in Detroit throughout the 2024 offseason after main the Lions to 2 playoff victories in a single postseason for the primary time since 1957, in addition to back-to-back NFC North division titles in 2023 and 2024. Final season, he completed fifth within the MVP voting after main Detroit to a franchise-record 15 victories.
Affect this season: Goff has the second-most passing touchdowns (29) whereas producing the third-most passing yards (3,672) this season. He additionally has thrown a landing cross in 20 straight video games and has utterly revitalized his profession with the Lions after being traded from the Rams. Receiver Jameson Williams describes Goff as being “actual aggressive” and “a winner.” “We solely received one option to push behind him, and he leads us all the best way and we’ll go so far as he pushes us,” Williams mentioned following follow final week. — Eric Woodyard
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 6
Goff has been to 2 convention championship video games and one Tremendous Bowl, which is nothing to sneeze at. His 4 Professional Bowl nods have been cut up (two with Los Angeles, two with Detroit), and his dramatic enchancment as a participant in Detroit is a testomony to his arm expertise and sharpened psychological sport. Groups hope that prime picks turn out to be nice starters, and Goff did not fairly turn out to be that — although he is been shut. But it surely’s nonetheless honest to say he was successful of a decide.
Drafted by: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performs for: New York Giants
Different groups performed for: Saints, Browns
Notable profession moments: Winston threw for over 4,000 yards in every of his first two seasons within the league. On the time, he was considered one of simply three quarterbacks to prime 4K yards as a rookie. In 2019, his remaining season as a full-time starter, he threw a league-best 33 landing passes. However he additionally threw a league-worst 30 interceptions, changing into the primary quarterback in NFL historical past to go 30-30. Winston hasn’t began greater than seven video games in a season since, given his boom-or-bust nature. The Bucs let him stroll and signed Tom Brady as a substitute.
Affect this season: Winston started the season behind Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. He finally jumped Wilson on the depth chart and began two video games rather than the injured Dart. He showcased his capability respectably, throwing for 366 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a loss in Detroit. He additionally has proved to be a superb affect and mentor for Dart. — Jordan Raanan
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 3
Each prime decide enters the league with enormous fanfare and excessive expectations, however on the size of prime alternatives, Winston did not have loopy buzz — not like a few of the quarterbacks taken extra not too long ago. Nonetheless, Winston was by no means franchise quarterback materials. His play model is just too unstable. Maybe if he had labored with Bruce Arians sooner, he would have developed right into a viable second-contract starter. Winston has proven throughout the second stage of his profession — that of a journeying backup — he nonetheless has high-tier video games that make him a beneficial QB2.
Drafted by: Houston Texan
Performs for: Cowboys
Different groups performed for: Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, Panthers
Notable profession moments: The Cowboys are Clowney’s seventh staff, a tremendous feat for a former No. 1 decide. He has been traded as soon as (to Seattle), launched twice (by the Browns and Panthers). He has by no means had a double-digit sack season, however he has 62 sacks for his profession. He was named to the Professional Bowl thrice (2016-18) with the Texans.
Affect this season: He signed with the Cowboys after the second sport of the season as their cross rush was struggling to search out its rhythm after shedding Micah Parsons by way of commerce proper earlier than the season. He has improved steadily since his arrival and had a two-sack sport in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. He missed the Detroit Lions sport with a hamstring problem, and the Cowboys sacked Jared Goff simply as soon as. “His countermoves and really feel for the sport is what you’ll anticipate from an elite participant that is a veteran that is been round,” coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned, including he has had a optimistic affect on younger rushers akin to 2025 second-round decide Donovan Ezeiruaku. — Todd Archer
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 4
Clowney got here into the league with generational buzz, and though he has carved out a decent profession, he has by no means made the dominant influence that was anticipated of him. The athleticism, which is what gave Clowney such juice as a prospect, was as promised — however for no matter motive, it by no means translated into elite sack manufacturing. Clowney will retire probably having by no means achieved a 10-sack season (although he had 9 twice and 9.5 twice). Nonetheless, Clowney made three Professional Bowls and one All-Professional checklist throughout his prime in Houston. Regardless of by no means coming near reaching his lofty expectations, it might be mistaken to name him an outright bust.
Drafted by: Detroit Lions
Performs for: Los Angeles Rams
Different groups performed for: None
Notable profession moments: Stafford spent his first 12 seasons in Detroit, however he didn’t win his first playoff sport till he was traded to the Rams. In 2021, his first season in Los Angeles, Stafford led the Rams to a Tremendous Bowl LVI victory. This season, Stafford turned the tenth NFL quarterback to throw for 60,000 regular-season passing yards. He’s rapidly transferring up the profession checklist, now No. 7 with 63,988 yards.
Affect this season: Stafford is taking part in a few of the finest soccer of his profession and is within the dialog for 2025 MVP, an award he has by no means gained. Stafford has thrown 32 landing passes and 4 interceptions this season, at one level throwing an NFL-record 28 straight landing passes with out an interception. “It looks like the sport’s slowing down [for him],” Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned. “I really feel like he is in complete command.” — Sarah Barshop
Solak’s meet-the-hype score: 8
Stafford is difficult to charge, as he by no means delivered that which Detroit hoped when it drafted him. However we suspected then and are certain now that the failure wasn’t totally on his shoulders, as Stafford’s late-career surge in Los Angeles already has one Tremendous Bowl ring, may ship a second and will embody an MVP besides. It would ache Lions followers, however he has — his profession in complete — met the hype.
