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NFL draft retention rates reveal the best and worst teams at keeping picks

The NFL draft retention data compiled in 2025 reveals wide variation in how teams keep their draft picks from 2021 to 2024.
This analysis follows last week's roster cuts to 53 players and considers coaching and front office stability as factors influencing retention rates.
Kansas City retained 11 of 12 early-round picks and 73.3% of day three picks, contributing to their Super Bowl titles in 2022 and 2023 seasons, while Minnesota kept only 32.4% despite 14 wins last season.
Detroit maintained 72.4% retention aided by key first-rounders like Aidan Hutchinson and trades such as Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff, whereas New England held just 23.1% of their day-three picks and recently cut first-round guard Cole Strange.
These patterns suggest that stable leadership and successful drafting correlate with sustained on-field success, while instability and poor picks create challenges despite some playoff appearances.

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