The St. Louis Rams took quarterback Sam Bradford with the first pick in 2010, hoping he would be their franchise leader. He made an immediate impact, throwing for 3,512 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while completing 60% of his passes. His strong rookie performance earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Cam Newton was a game-changer the moment the Carolina Panthers drafted him. He put up 4,051 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in his rookie season, but it was his 706 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns that really made defenses sweat. His dual-threat ability won him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Andrew Luck had big shoes to fill after replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, and he didn’t disappoint. The No. 1 pick in 2012 led the Colts to an 11-5 record while throwing for 4,374 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. His leadership helped turn the Colts into immediate playoff contenders.
The Kansas City Chiefs went for offensive tackle Eric Fisher, making him the first non-quarterback to go No. 1 since 2008. Fisher had a challenging rookie year, starting 13 games while adjusting to the NFL. Though his first season had ups and downs, he eventually became a key piece of Kansas City’s offensive line.
Expectations were sky-high when the Houston Texans drafted defensive end Jadeveon Clowney first overall. However, injuries slowed him down early, limiting him to just four games as a rookie. He finished the season with seven tackles before undergoing knee surgery, delaying his impact until later years.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw Jameis Winston as their franchise quarterback, and he had a solid first year. Winston threw for 4,042 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, showing flashes of brilliance. His strong arm and ability to move the ball helped him earn a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.
Jared Goff had a tough start after being selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams. He didn’t play right away but eventually started seven games, throwing for 1,089 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Without a win in his rookie season, Goff had a long way to go before proving himself.
The Cleveland Browns picked Myles Garrett to be the anchor of their defense, and he wasted no time showing his potential. He played in 11 games as a rookie, finishing with seven sacks and 31 tackles. His explosiveness off the edge gave Browns fans hope for the future.
Baker Mayfield brought energy to Cleveland as the Browns’ No. 1 overall pick. He threw for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, setting a then-NFL rookie record for touchdown passes. His play helped spark a long-struggling franchise, making him an instant fan favorite.
The Arizona Cardinals bet on Kyler Murray’s dual-threat ability, and he didn’t disappoint. He passed for 3,722 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while also rushing for 544 yards and four touchdowns. His versatility and playmaking ability earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
