The NFL Draft is a high-stakes chess match where every pick can define a franchise's future. While some selections become legendary, others leave fans wondering what could have been. As we approach the 2026 draft, let's revisit the most impactful picks of the 21st century for each team—the franchise-changing stars and the infamous misses that still sting.
For the Arizona Cardinals, the best pick is a no-brainer: wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, taken third overall in 2004. A year after snagging Anquan Boldin, Arizona hit the jackpot with a future Hall of Famer whose career receptions and yards rank second only to Jerry Rice. Fitzgerald's brilliance propelled the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2008 and an NFC Championship game as recently as 2025, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Conversely, Arizona's worst pick serves as a cautionary tale. In 2018, they traded multiple picks, including a first-rounder, to move up and select quarterback Josh Rosen. His underwhelming rookie season (3-10 as a starter) led to a swift exit, as the Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray first overall the very next year and traded Rosen to Miami. It was a costly misstep that set the franchise back.
Over in Atlanta, choosing the best pick means weighing two titans. While wide receiver Julio Jones (2011) is a legend, quarterback Matt Ryan (2008) gets the nod. Playing the sport's most critical position, Ryan's 2016 MVP season carried the Falcons to the Super Bowl's doorstep, showcasing the transformative power of a franchise quarterback.
Atlanta's draft regret is palpable. In 2017, they selected pass rusher Takk McKinley 26th overall. Despite decent early production, his tenure ended acrimoniously with trade requests and a release. The sting is amplified knowing future Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt was drafted just four picks later—a classic "what if" that haunts draft rooms.
Finally, the Baltimore Ravens' best pick highlights defensive dominance. While Lamar Jackson's 2018 selection was transformative, safety Ed Reed (2002) stands above. Arguably the greatest free safety ever, Reed was the centerpiece of a legendary defense that powered Baltimore to a Super Bowl XLVII victory, proving that a game-wrecker in the secondary can be as valuable as a star quarterback.