Red Flags and the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, and it’s always thrilling to see each team’s selections and where players end up. We know that GMs, coaches, and scouts have been watching game film, discussing each player's strengths and weaknesses, and going through the full evaluation process. 

One of the key considerations before a team adds a player to its draft board and eventually picks them is whether the player has major “red flags.” If they do, it means a player has significant injury concerns, has had legal troubles, doesn’t have a clear position, appears selfish, is more concerned with off-field attention, or has played much worse in big games.

If there are too many warning signs about a player, then the team knows it’s wise to pass on them and avoid going down that path of bringing him into their franchise. Although a player may be talented, if there is a likelihood of future issues, teams shy away. 

Heading into this year’s draft, most draft prospects carry some level of risk. But then there are many players with real red flags, including former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Despite being projected as a first-round pick, his torn ACL last year has raised concerns about his health moving forward.

Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports writes, “I’m told that red flags were raised after teams deemed McCoy’s knee to be a degenerative condition.”

Meanwhile, a top pass-rusher from Missouri, Zion Young, is talented enough to be drafted in the first round, but there are red flags about his off-field behavior. In December 2025, he was arrested for suspicion of DWI, and in 2023, he was involved in a fight while at Michigan State that resulted in a misdemeanor assault charge.

We’ll find out if these players slide in the draft and if red flags will deter teams from taking the risk, or if they will look past the warning signs instead.

Ultimately, GMs must evaluate the players and their situations and determine what’s best for their team. The reality is, they put their chances of success in jeopardy by choosing to overlook the red flags and still draft them. Every decision a team makes during the draft will have positive or negative consequences, and wise teams identify the red flags and go in a different direction.

When it comes to our own lives, are we identifying red flags and seeing the warning signs about potential choices and directions we might take?

As followers of Jesus, we desire to make wise decisions that honor God and set us up for “success,” or rather, spiritual blessings and fruit. So, we must be willing to take the red flags and warnings about situations, relationships, or teaching seriously.

Proverbs 27:12 (NLT) states, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

1 John 4:1 (ESV) says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Proverbs 14:8 (TLB) explains, “The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) urges, “Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'”

Thankfully, God gives us discernment to notice potential dangers and the strength to avoid them. He warns us about taking certain paths and the consequences of wrong choices. It’s crucial we don’t overlook red flags; instead, let them encourage us to pass on an opportunity, resist a temptation, and avoid putting ourselves in a precarious spot.

Proverbs 22:3 (AMP) tells us, “A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it], but the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin].”

Just as NFL teams do, we must evaluate people and situations to determine the best course of action, staying alert for red flags and avoiding sin and harm. We know our decisions have positive or negative consequences, and that an enemy wants us to fail, so we rely on the Lord to guide us and help us go in the right direction as we heed His warnings.

The Lord says, in Psalm 32:8 (NLT), "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) implores us to “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”

Today, as NFL teams discuss red flags, warnings, and what choices to make, let’s do the same as we pray to God and follow Jesus while also gleaning wisdom from other believers who advise us.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful for the ways you help me identify red flags and give me warnings in Your Word. Please help me discern the right choices and be wise in how I respond to clear red flags. Please give me the strength to avoid and pass on temptations. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.