In the high-stakes world of the NFL, patience is often in short supply. Rookie quarterbacks are under immense pressure to deliver from day one, and with each snap, the expectations mount. Teams are quick to pull the trigger when veterans don’t meet their financial and performance benchmarks. This ruthless nature of professional football means many players don’t get the chance to redeem themselves if they struggle early on.
However, there are notable exceptions to this trend. Players like Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff have turned their careers around after difficult beginnings, but even they found themselves changing teams as they sought to reestablish their careers. As we look toward the future, several first-round draft picks from the past five years are starting to feel the heat. They face the looming question: will they shed the “draft bust” label or become another cautionary tale?
Let’s dive into nine players who are facing the most pressure to finally fulfill the lofty expectations that came with their selection as first-round picks, especially as they enter the pivotal 2025 season. Among these are three quarterbacks striving to prove they can be a franchise’s cornerstone.
Starting with Trevor Lawrence, the young quarterback has the backing of the Jacksonville Jaguars, having landed a hefty $275 million contract extension ahead of 2024. However, the turmoil of navigating his third head coach indicates inconsistencies on both his part and the team’s broader struggles. Lawrence enters 2025 as the league’s turnover leader, a stat that can’t be overlooked. After missing seven games due to injury last season, he’s tasked with showcasing not just his talent but also his durability and dependability under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
The potential pitfalls? The Jaguars’ offensive line is still a work in progress, and Coen’s reputation for instability—having left numerous past positions after just one season—adds to the uncertainty. But there’s also reason for optimism. Lawrence’s undeniable physical tools and the burgeoning chemistry with promising receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter could signal a turnaround.
Next on this list is Bryce Young. Drafted over C.J. Stroud as the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Young faced his own set of challenges with the Carolina Panthers. Early in his second season, he found himself benched under the new regime of head coach Dave Canales, leading to questions about his future as the team’s figurehead. Although Young appeared to regain some confidence towards the end of 2024, his completion percentage remains troubling, hovering below 60%.
Concerns about his size and physicality are persistent. Despite making strides in his last games, support from the Panthers’ offense lags, making it tough for him to find his footing. On the bright side, Young has shown resilience and poise rarely seen in a player with his limited experience—qualities that could bode well for his development.
Then there’s Anthony Richardson. After only 13 college starts, expectations for his transition to the NFL were tempered. However, after two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Richardson has yet to prove he can secure the starting role consistently, battling injuries and inconsistency along the way. With the addition of veteran Daniel Jones to compete for the QB1 spot, questions about his decision-making and ability to endure are front and center.
Reasons for concern are clear: Richardson has only played 15 games and struggles with accuracy, making his development trajectory seem precarious. Yet he possesses elite physical attributes and a dual-threat ability that can’t be overlooked, particularly with a coach like Shane Steichen who has successfully harnessed similar talents in the past.
Turning our attention to running backs, Travis Etienne—selected just after Lawrence—has shared a turbulent journey, too. After an injury halted his rookie season, Etienne rebounded for a strong showing in 2022, yet his performance has since plateaued. With less than four yards per carry over the last two seasons, and competition from the efficient Tank Bigsby, trade rumors have swirled as his contract year approaches.
The case for being labeled a “bust” is represented by his inconsistent opportunities on the field, especially with a younger and capable counterpart. Conversely, improved receiving options could help the rushing game flourish, creating newfound openings.
For Treylon Burks of the Tennessee Titans, expectations rose dramatically with his draft position—acquired from a trade involving star WR A.J. Brown. Since then, injuries have plagued him, and he has missed a significant number of games early in his career. With the Titans’ receiving corps now more crowded following the addition of Tyler Lockett, Burks faces an uphill battle for relevance, especially as he adapts to the new quarterback situation.
Meanwhile, Evan Neal has embodied a turbulent tenure on the New York Giants’ offensive front. His transition from promising right tackle to a potential guard role reflects the volatility of his career, with injury disruptions limiting his availability. Though he struggled with off-field comments, the chance to unify the line with heightened performance is critical for both him and the franchise.
For the New Orleans Saints, Trevor Penning’s narrative echoes a similar struggle. Considered their “left tackle of the future,” injuries have hindered his progression. His past performances left much to be desired, leading to a positional switch in hopes of rejuvenation. While facing a rookie quarterback adds pressure, there exists a glimmer of hope for improvement next to a promising young linemate.
Lastly, we have Tyree Wilson. The pass rusher joined the Raiders with high hopes but has yet to make a significant impact in his early seasons. This year marks a potential turning point as he recognizes the urgency of his situation, hoping to harness the guidance of a new coaching staff.
As these nine players navigate the treacherous waters of the NFL, their careers hang in the balance. The upcoming season will be crucial, not only for their individual paths but for the futures of their respective franchises. Will they rise to the challenge and silence the critics, or will they face the daunting label of “bust”? Only time will tell.
