2025-26 NFL Thread

[The Sultan]

Maybe draft a great player who isn't a QB and who can be a stalwart for you for a decade?

As I said, Jalen Carter looks to be the best player that was available at the time. But the rest don't really seem "stalwart-worthy." In retrospect it looks like a pretty weak draft.

[RJax55]

Maybe draft a great player who isn't a QB and who can be a stalwart for you for a decade?

What should have the Colts done at QB then? Go with a vet again? They had been trying that with meddling to poor results.

[MU82]

As I said, Jalen Carter looks to be the best player that was available at the time. But the rest don't really seem "stalwart-worthy." In retrospect it looks like a pretty weak draft.

Operating in hindsight here, but Witherspoon, Robinson, Carter, Gibbs and Smith-Njigba all look like they'll be pretty nice players for years. IIRC, there was good interest in Richardson because of his athletic ability, so it might have been a great trade-down opportunity for the Colts.

Again, I acknowledge the 20/20 hindsight nature of this kind of discussion.

I will say that I wasn't very happy the Panthers traded so much to move up to draft Young. I'd have rather they had stayed put or traded down and done the best-player-available thing.

What should have the Colts done at QB then? Go with a vet again? They had been trying that with meddling to poor results.

That's what I'd have done, but I just missed the cut on the last round of NFL GM hires! 😎

If I'm drafting a QB that high, I need something less speculative. Plus, 2024 was looking like it would be a good QB draft.

[RJax55]

Operating in hindsight here, but Witherspoon, Robinson, Carter, Gibbs and Smith-Njigba all look like they'll be pretty nice players for years. IIRC, there was good interest in Richardson because of his athletic ability, so it might have been a great trade-down opportunity for the Colts.

Again, I acknowledge the 20/20 hindsight nature of this kind of discussion.

I will say that I wasn't very happy the Panthers traded so much to move up to draft Young. I'd have rather they had stayed put or traded down and done the best-player-available thing.

That's what I'd have done, but I just missed the cut on the last round of NFL GM hires! 😎

If I'm drafting a QB that high, I need something less speculative. Plus, 2024 was looking like it would be a good QB draft.

Josh Allen was drafted on measurables. Pat Mahomes was drafted on arm talent. Both were highly speculative picks with college careers that hardily predicted NFL greatness.

The Bills and Chiefs took a leap and it paid off. I can't fault the Colts for doing the same when they absolutely needed a young QB and were in a position to do so.

[GB Warrior]

What should have the Colts done at QB then? Go with a vet again? They had been trying that with meddling to poor results.

They should only spend high draft picks on QBs that won't come to hate football after they're repeatedly beaten into the ground

[jesmu84]

Richardson will go down as one of the great draft blunders of all time. The Colts drafted him based on athleticism, not results, accuracy or QB skills. He also has a poor work ethic. He's better off as a receiver.

Jamarcus Russell. Trey Lance. Mitch Trubiskey.

Lots of draft blunders at QB

[tower912]

Andre Ware. Ryan Leaf. 

[Uncle Rico]

Andre Ware. Ryan Leaf. 

Caleb Williams

[Pakuni]

Jamarcus Russell. Trey Lance. Mitch Trubiskey.

Lots of draft blunders at QB

Money Mitch does not belong with the other two. He was overdrafted and subpar, sure, but light years ahead of those other two.

[Pakuni]

There was no other quarterback available really. And the best player available was likely Jalen Carter, and then??? I know we are only two years in, but that doesn't look like a great draft class.

There was no other quarterback available really. And the best player available was likely Jalen Carter, and then??? I know we are only two years in, but that doesn't look like a great draft class.

They took a flyer and it didn't work. At least they are cutting bait and moving on.

Four of the eight guys drafted after Richardson are already Pro Bowlers.

[The Sultan]

OOooooo.... a Pro-Bowler!!!!

[cheebs09]

Money Mitch does not belong with the other two. He was overdrafted and subpar, sure, but light years ahead of those other two.

At one time, he was the best QB in the North.

[MU82]

Josh Allen was drafted on measurables. Pat Mahomes was drafted on arm talent. Both were highly speculative picks with college careers that hardily predicted NFL greatness.

The Bills and Chiefs took a leap and it paid off. I can't fault the Colts for doing the same when they absolutely needed a young QB and were in a position to do so.

Reasonable take.

KC had a fairly reliable veteran who was good enough that Mahomes didn't have to be rushed. Mahomes also was not a top-5 pick. Allen feels like a better comp.

So I get what you're saying, but I didn't love the Richardson pick then and I like it less with hindsight. Maybe he'll be a late bloomer and I'll have to eat crow.

[The Sultan]

35 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round the last ten seasons. Only four of these guys have made All-Pro teams: Wentz (lol), Mahomes, Jackson, Allen

A number of others are established starters with their current team. A lot of misses. A lot of TBD.

2015: Winston, Marriota
2016: Goff, Wentz, Lynch
2017: Trubisky, Mahomes, Watson
2018: Mayfield, Darnold, Allen, Rosen, Jackson
2019: Murray, Jones, Haskins
2020: Burrow, Tua, Herbert, Love
2021: Lawrence, Wilson, Lance, Fields, Jones
2022: Pickett
2023: Young, Stroud, Richardson
2024: Williams, Daniels, Maye, Penix, McCarthy, Nix