If an NFL team doesn’t submit their draft pick on time, what happens? It isn’t the worst-case scenario for a team, but it does create an added headache and can cause some big problems. Let’s revisit some recent examples.
Revisiting Time Gaffes at the NFL Draft and What Happens Next
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous German writer, once said, “Every second is of infinite value.” Now, back in the 18th-century Germany, he probably didn’t mean this in the context of the NFL Draft.
But when the clock ticks between picks, it’s not just for show. In a league that’s all about maximizing time, the draft clock matters. So what happens if a team doesn’t make its pick before the timer runs out?
Basically, teams don’t lose their pick, but they do lose their spot in line. The next team can jump ahead and submit their selection while the original team scrambles to catch up. If multiple teams receive picks before the first team does, they all advance in order. Believe it or not, there’s real precedent for this.
Vikings Initially Missed Out
The Minnesota Vikings have had their share of drama — electric on the field, chaotic in the front office. In 2003, the team nearly fumbled the draft in epic fashion. They were deep in trade talks with the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, and thought they had a deal in place with Baltimore.
The trade would have sent the 10th overall pick to the Ravens, along with a fourth- and sixth-rounder. But with 30 seconds left on the clock, the NFL informed the Vikings that the Ravens never submitted the trade paperwork.
As the 10-minute window expired, Minnesota’s future flashed before their eyes. Both the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars jumped ahead.
Carolina took Utah left tackle Jordan Gross, who started every game he played in the NFL. He went on to earn three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod during an 11-year career.
The Jaguars didn’t miss their shot either. With the seventh pick, they selected quarterback Byron Leftwich. He posted a 24-20 record with the team and finished his career with 10,532 passing yards, and later, a Super Bowl ring as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.
Despite the chaos, the Vikings landed the player they originally wanted: Oklahoma State defensive tackle Kevin Williams. He went on to have a stellar career, with five Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors over 11 seasons in Minnesota. Proof that sometimes a misstep can still lead to a happy ending.
Other NFL Draft Mishaps
While the Vikings’ 2003 blunder stands out, they’ve had other clock mishaps, too. In 2002, Minnesota was part of a draft mix-up involving the Kansas City Chiefs. That time, things worked out okay; the Vikings selected Bryant McKinnie, a future Pro Bowler.
In 2011, the Ravens ran into issues of their own. A deal with the Bears fell through before they could finalize a pick. Baltimore wanted cornerback Jimmy Smith, and ended up drafting him anyway.
In the NFL Draft, the clock is always ticking. And sometimes, it strikes before you’re ready.
2026 NFL Draft Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and then from there, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. This is a very weak quarterback class; in fact, there’s a real possibility that Mendoza will be the only QB selected on Day 1, which is rare in today’s NFL.
Over the last 24 years, there have only been two NFL Drafts where a single QB was picked in the first round: 2022 (Kenny Pickett at No. 20) and 2013 (EJ Manuel at No. 16).
Not only is this class weak on QBs, but it is also full of polarizing prospects and studs who play typically undervalued positions. That means each team’s board may look drastically different, and there could be a ton of surprises tonight as a result.
There are also plenty of trade rumors swirling in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, as many teams are reportedly looking to move up and down the board. Also, names like Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown, Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens, Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr., and Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr. are among the veterans who have surfaced in trade rumors.
For everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL Draft, check out PFSN’s NFL Draft HQ. From prospect scouting reports to team needs to player comparisons to a big board to the most commonly projected picks for each team, it has everything you need to cram ahead of the draft and evaluate each move that happens once the event kicks off.
The NFL Draft HQ, coupled with PFSN’s live “Football Debate Club” analysis will make you the smartest fan in the room. Watch PFSN’s Live 2026 NFL Draft Show here:
