Four veterans who became biggest losers in NFL Draft

The NFL Draft can be an emotionally draining experience for all involved, especially players who must watch their replacements get drafted. Here are four players who stand out as the biggest losers based on their teams' selections in this year's draft:

QB Ryan Tannehill, Titans

Despite being the fifth-winningest quarterback in franchise history, it has long been apparent that Tannehill, a free agent next offseason, is near the end of his Titans tenure.

Former GM Jon Robinson drafted Liberty's Malik Willis in the third round last year. Robinson hoped Willis could eventually unseat Tannehill for the starting job or at least buy him time. But Tennessee fired Robinson in December, and Willis lived up to his reputation as a project,

completing 50.8% of his passes without a touchdown pass in eight games.

New GM Ran Carthon has retooled the roster, cutting ties with several veteran players, and has prepared a succession plan for Tannehill by drafting Kentucky QB Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick. 

While it'd make sense to let Levis sit back and learn for a season, Carthon could decide that the best means to develop his rookie quarterback is with on-field experience. Tannehill's contract may ultimately decide how things play out; if Tennessee cuts him after June 1, it will save $27 million toward this season's cap. 

RB Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

The 2022 fifth-rounder was a pleasant surprise last season, breaking the Falcons' rookie rushing record (1,035) and ranking seventh among running backs in yards per carry (4.9). Considering the position's value, one would think Allgeier can handle being Atlanta's starting running back for the foreseeable future, but it selected Texas' Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick

HC Arthur Smith told reporters that Allgeier remains a "very important part" of the offense following Robinson's selection, which could be true. The Falcons logged the most rushing attempts in the NFL last season, and Robinson won't get every carry in 2023. However, when comparing the two backs' draft capital, it's clear that Allgeier won't repeat his rookie totals. 

WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens

After trading WR Marquise Brown during the 2022 NFL Draft, Baltimore had high expectations for Bateman, a former first-round pick. The 23-year-old began the season on a high note before suffering a Week 4 foot injury that ultimately required season-ending Lisfranc surgery. 

Bateman enters his third season with just 800 career receiving yards and three touchdowns. The lack of production, not just from him but also from other Baltimore wideouts, drew criticism from GM Eric DeCosta at the NFL Scouting Combine.