Draft picks are the most valuable assets NFL teams have. No matter how they are used, they help build rosters.

Using a high-end draft pick on a player who doesn’t pan out is taking two steps back. This player earns a significant enough cap hit, usually stays on the roster for 2-3 years, and most importantly, means you missed out on plenty of more talented players.

Despite this, teams will take chances on players who have the “boom” trait. A player who may not have enough production in college or dealt with injuries throughout. Sometimes these cons don’t show up when players reach the NFL, but sometimes they cause them to be labeled a bust.

5. DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods was a projected first-round pick entering the 2025 season, but his name has slowly fallen out of first-round relevance. His 2025 season wasn’t highly productive. He logged 2 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.

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Woods is a highly athletic defensive tackle. He’s explosive and powerful, and his upside is something that NFL scouts are betting on. While he hasn’t been mentioned as much recently as a first-rounder, Woods could be an early Day 2 pick or even sneak in the first round if a team likes his ceiling enough.

Despite his athletic ceiling, Woods’s lack of production in college is a concern. He wasn’t able to beat out college offensive linemen, and the NFL is a significant talent jump. He will be a player who needs plenty of development and would be a surprise first-round pick.

4. WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch is lightning in a bottle. He can turn any reception into a touchdown. In 2025, the 5-foot-10 wideout had his best season yet, recording 811 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Branch won’t be a first-rounder, but teams may take a flyer on him in the second round. The Georgia receiver is a big play waiting to happen and could benefit any offense. He won’t be a WR1, but he may be a big complement to an already established WR1.

Branch’s elite speed and big-play ability are enough to get his name called in the draft, but his floor isn’t very high. He can be the next Tyreek Hill or Kadarius Toney. Branch has a lot of development to go, but may be a big impact player with the right offense.

3. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Taking a quarterback early in the draft is always a risk. He’s either the guy or not. But Ty Simpson‘s name has been rising in draft talks with the potential for him to go in the first round.

Simpson has only one season of starting experience in college. He will need to land in a good situation with a coaching staff that is capable of developing him. He has a high ceiling, and his football IQ is unbelievable despite his lack of experience.

Simpson is undersized, and there are concerns about his arm talent. The Alabama quarterback has plenty of development ahead of him, but his athleticism doesn’t meet the typical standard for a top prospect. Whichever team drafts Simpson may have to use a first-round pick on him. If he does go as a first-rounder, he’ll be a boom or bust.

2. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is rumored to go in the first round, potentially as a top-10 pick. Tyson is a promising talent and could be a superstar in the NFL.

Despite his talent, there are major concerns over his health. He suffered a major knee injury in 2022, a collarbone injury in 2024, and dealt with hamstring injuries throughout 2025.

Tyson may be WR1 in the draft, but that’s if he can stay healthy. He has superstar written all over him, but NFL teams may be hesitant to draft him. If he does go as an early first-rounder and stays healthy, he’ll be a solidified WR1, but his injuries could plague him throughout his career.

1. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

After Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy go off the board, there will be a noticeable drop-off in talent at cornerback. McCoy is a physical cornerback and will shine as a CB1.

Despite all the promise for McCoy, he didn’t play in 2025. He suffered a torn ACL during offseason training and was recovering throughout the season. McCoy will be present at the NFL Combine for interviews and medical evaluations, but he won’t be participating in any drills or workouts.

Whoever decides to draft McCoy will be taking a chance. He only has two seasons under his belt and is coming off a significant injury. Since the Tennessee cornerback won’t be working out in front of scouts, scouts have limited tape and no workout data to evaluate. Scouts, however, do believe the 6-foot cornerback is worth a first-round pick, and someone will bite.