The 11 worst value picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, from Ty Simpson to Max Iheanachor
While these players could pan out for their teams in the long-term, they may have had an overinflated draft slot.
The 11 worst value picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, from Ty Simpson to Max Iheanachor originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Drafting in the NFL is all about value.
From a player's position and projected rookie contract, to their fit on a team, each team is seeking to strike a balance in getting "their guys" on the draft board vs. risking losing out on another talented player. That's where trades often come in — in the first round alone at the 2026 NFL Draft, teams were moving up and down the draft board, assessing where they felt they could land the players they desire.
But as draft history will show, not every pick can be a star. Some decisions have more of a chance to fall into the "bust" category than others, especially considering how high a team takes a player. By overshooting a prospect's value, that team likely lost the chance to add another dynamic talent.
Here's a look at the 11 of the worst value picks of the NFL Draft, including Ty Simpson and Max Iheanachor. SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Big board of top 257 players Worst value picks in the 2026 NFL Draft Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama Round 1, Pick 12 On one hand, Proctor's size — 6-foot-6, 352 pounds — brings potential. However, with all that size and power have come some questions; draft analysts have suggested Proctor could've been a shoo-in top-five pick if he played up to his full potential at Alabama.
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