The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, bringing forth the excitement of new players entering the football world. Teams are eager to discover new talents, but the draft has a history of unpredictability.
Some franchises miss opportunities, while others excel in finding talent, as seen with Patrick Mahomes, who was a standout quarterback after being selected later in the draft.
In honor of the upcoming draft, here we spotlight active players who have experienced spectacular success since leaving their original teams:
QB Baker Mayfield
Drafted: No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018
Breakout Season: Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023
After being traded to the Buccaneers, Mayfield transformed into a leading quarterback with impressive stats.
QB Geno Smith
Drafted: No. 39 overall by the New York Jets in 2013
Breakout Season: Seattle Seahawks in 2022
Smith’s career flourished under coach Pete Carroll in Seattle after previous struggles in New York.
RB Saquon Barkley
Drafted: No. 2 overall by the New York Giants in 2018
Breakout Season: Philadelphia Eagles in 2024
Barkley became a record-setting player after his move to the Eagles following injury issues in New York.
WR A.J. Brown
Drafted: No. 51 overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2019
Breakout Season: Eagles in 2022
Brown’s transfer to the Eagles skyrocketed his performance, raising the bar for team success.
OT Trent Williams
Drafted: No. 4 overall by Washington in 2010
Breakout Season: San Francisco 49ers in 2020
Williams became a key player on the 49ers following a successful career in Washington.
LB Demario Davis
Drafted: No. 77 overall by Jets in 2012
Breakout Season: New Orleans Saints in 2018
Davis has become a standout linebacker with impressive stats after moving to New Orleans.
LB Zack Baun
Drafted: No. 74 overall by the Saints in 2020
Breakout Season: Eagles in 2024
Baun reshaped his career under Coach Fangio in Philadelphia.
CB Byron Murphy
Drafted: No. 33 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019
Breakout Season: Minnesota Vikings in 2023
A key player for the Vikings after a productive tenure in Arizona, Murphy became a defensive star.
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Drafted: No. 11 overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2018
Breakout Season: Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019
Fitzpatrick evolved into an elite corner with significant picks for the Steelers.
S Xavier McKinney
Drafted: No. 36 overall by Giants in 2020
Breakout Season: Packers in 2024
McKinney’s career peaked in Green Bay after struggles in New York.
