The Biggest NFL Draft Bust in Each Team’s History

The Biggest NFL Draft Bust in Each Team’s History

By Willis Patenaude

April 29, 2014

The Biggest NFL Draft Bust in Each Team’s History

NFL Draft Bust — As the 2014 NFL Draft approaches and fans believe it will be their year, people need to be reminded that the history of the NFL Draft is filled with horror stories of draft day busts and every team has been a victim of poor decision making. Sometimes teams just misfire or players never live up to the hype, and while there are many draft busts to choose from, this list narrows it down to every NFL team's biggest draft bust.

As the 2014 NFL Draft approaches and fans believe it will be their year, people need to be reminded that the history of the NFL Draft is filled with horror stories of draft day busts and every team has been a victim of poor decision making. Sometimes teams just misfire or players never live up to the hype, and while there are many draft busts to choose from, this list narrows it down to every NFL team's biggest draft bust.

Arizona Cardinals - Andre Wadsworth, DE, Florida State

NFL Draft Bust

Arizona Cardinals - Andre Wadsworth, DE, Florida State

NFL Draft Bust — The No. 3 overall pick in 1998 was expected to be an elite pass-rusher but started his three short years in Arizona with a lengthy holdout. After signing a six-year, million contract, he played in just 36 games over three seasons and finished with a measly eight career sacks. The greedy and selfish Wadsworth was gone from Arizona by 2000 and knee injuries plagued what was left of his mediocre career.

The No. 3 overall pick in 1998 was expected to be an elite pass-rusher but started his three short years in Arizona with a lengthy holdout. After signing a six-year, million contract, he played in just 36 games over three seasons and finished with a measly eight career sacks. The greedy and selfish Wadsworth was gone from Arizona by 2000 and knee injuries plagued what was left of his mediocre career.

Atlanta Falcons - Bruce Pickens, DB, Nebraska

NFL Draft Bust

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Atlanta Falcons - Bruce Pickens, DB, Nebraska

NFL Draft Bust — Pickens was drafted by the Falcons with the third overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, and that’s where the honeymoon ended. He was let go in 1993 and was out of the league by 1995. He started only eight games as a Falcon and finished with two career interceptions. As someone who watches Kyle Arrington weekly, you can fall into two interceptions. Maybe he just couldn’t handle playing across from “Prime Time.”

Pickens was drafted by the Falcons with the third overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, and that’s where the honeymoon ended. He was let go in 1993 and was out of the league by 1995. He started only eight games as a Falcon and finished with two career interceptions. As someone who watches Kyle Arrington weekly, you can fall into two interceptions. Maybe he just couldn’t handle playing across from “Prime Time.”

Baltimore Ravens - Dan Cody, LB, Oklahoma

NFL Draft Bust

Baltimore Ravens - Dan Cody, LB, Oklahoma

NFL Draft Bust — Kyle Boller should be the pick, but Cody, the 53rd pick in 2005, has a stat line that is to unimpressive too ignore. Cody played exactly two games as a Raven and recorded one tackle -- and not even a real tackle, but an assisted one. Seriously, just one tackle from a second round pick? He would be released in 2008 due to knee injuries and would never play in the NFL again.

Kyle Boller should be the pick, but Cody, the 53rd pick in 2005, has a stat line that is to unimpressive too ignore. Cody played exactly two games as a Raven and recorded one tackle -- and not even a real tackle, but an assisted one. Seriously, just one tackle from a second round pick? He would be released in 2008 due to knee injuries and would never play in the NFL again.

Buffalo Bills - Mike Williams, OT, Texas

NFL Draft Bust

Buffalo Bills - Mike Williams, OT, Texas

NFL Draft Bust — Williams was the No. 4 overall pick in 2002 and was supposed to be a franchise left tackle. They tried him at left tackle, right tackle, guard and goal-line defensive tackle, but the guy was absolutely useless. He eventually lost his job to an undrafted rookie and was released in 2006. Williams last played in 2010 for the Redskins, while Bryant McKinnie, who was drafted three picks later, would go on to win a Super Bowl.

Williams was the No. 4 overall pick in 2002 and was supposed to be a franchise left tackle. They tried him at left tackle, right tackle, guard and goal-line defensive tackle, but the guy was absolutely useless. He eventually lost his job to an undrafted rookie and was released in 2006. Williams last played in 2010 for the Redskins, while Bryant McKinnie, who was drafted three picks later, would go on to win a Super Bowl.

Carolina Panthers - Rae Carruth, WR, Colorado

NFL Draft Bust

Carolina Panthers - Rae Carruth, WR, Colorado

NFL Draft Bust — The murderer was the No. 27 overall pick in 1997 and did little on the field. A decent rookie season was followed by an injury; he missed all of the 1998 season and was released in 1999. The real tragedy was the death of his pregnant girlfriend, whom he was found guilty of conspiring to kill in 2001 and was sentenced to 18-24 years in prison. When your pick ends up in prison, the scouting department was wrong.

The murderer was the No. 27 overall pick in 1997 and did little on the field. A decent rookie season was followed by an injury; he missed all of the 1998 season and was released in 1999. The real tragedy was the death of his pregnant girlfriend, whom he was found guilty of conspiring to kill in 2001 and was sentenced to 18-24 years in prison. When your pick ends up in prison, the scouting department was wrong.

Chicago Bears – Cade McNown, QB, UCLA

NFL Draft Bust

Chicago Bears – Cade McNown, QB, UCLA

NFL Draft Bust — There are a few to choose from including Curtis Enis and Rashaan Salamm, but McNown was the most futile. The 12th overall pick in 1999, his career started with an immature holdout in the preseason. He started just 15 games with the Bears and won only three of them. He was eventually traded to the Dolphins in 2001, and they traded him to the 49ers in 2002. He was out of football by 2003 and was so bad he couldn’t even beat out Danny Wuerffel.

There are a few to choose from including Curtis Enis and Rashaan Salamm, but McNown was the most futile. The 12th overall pick in 1999, his career started with an immature holdout in the preseason. He started just 15 games with the Bears and won only three of them. He was eventually traded to the Dolphins in 2001, and they traded him to the 49ers in 2002. He was out of football by 2003 and was so bad he couldn’t even beat out Danny Wuerffel.

Cincinnati Bengals – Akili Smith, QB, Oregon

NFL Draft Bust

Cincinnati Bengals – Akili Smith, QB, Oregon

NFL Draft Bust — The choices were Ki-Jana Carter or Akili Smith? I picked Smith because at least Carter has the injury excuse, but Smith was just awful. He was the 3rd pick in the 1999 Draft and missed training camp because he was a holdout. Once the contract got signed, the Bengals regretted it. Smith lasted four seasons in the NFL, all with Cincinnati, and finished his career with five touchdowns, 13 interceptions and 2,212 passing yards. That’s deathbed dismal

The choices were Ki-Jana Carter or Akili Smith? I picked Smith because at least Carter has the injury excuse, but Smith was just awful. He was the 3rd pick in the 1999 Draft and missed training camp because he was a holdout. Once the contract got signed, the Bengals regretted it. Smith lasted four seasons in the NFL, all with Cincinnati, and finished his career with five touchdowns, 13 interceptions and 2,212 passing yards. That’s deathbed dismal

Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

NFL Draft Bust

Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

NFL Draft Bust — Everyone picks Tim Couch, but I like Couch. And besides, Weeden is the correct pick because Couch lasted three seasons longer in Cleveland than Weeden. Weeden, the 22nd pick in 2012, started 20 games, won just five of them, threw 23 TDs and 26 INTs while losing 12 fumbles and had a QB rating of 71.8. He recently signed with the Cowboys after two years with the Browns. He was pitiful and looked Alzheimer’s patient lost.

Everyone picks Tim Couch, but I like Couch. And besides, Weeden is the correct pick because Couch lasted three seasons longer in Cleveland than Weeden. Weeden, the 22nd pick in 2012, started 20 games, won just five of them, threw 23 TDs and 26 INTs while losing 12 fumbles and had a QB rating of 71.8. He recently signed with the Cowboys after two years with the Browns. He was pitiful and looked Alzheimer’s patient lost.

Dallas Cowboys – Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia

NFL Draft Bust

Dallas Cowboys – Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia

NFL Draft Bust — Carter was the 53rd pick of the second round in 2001 and was supposed to be Troy Aikman’s replacement. That’s funny. He struggled with injuries, inconsistent play, immaturity and failed drug tests and was eventually released by the team in 2004. He would start just three games as a New York Jet in 2004 before calling it a career. As a Cowboy, he finished with 5,839 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. Aikman just rolled his eyes.

Carter was the 53rd pick of the second round in 2001 and was supposed to be Troy Aikman’s replacement. That’s funny. He struggled with injuries, inconsistent play, immaturity and failed drug tests and was eventually released by the team in 2004. He would start just three games as a New York Jet in 2004 before calling it a career. As a Cowboy, he finished with 5,839 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. Aikman just rolled his eyes.

Denver Broncos - Maurice Clarett, RB, Ohio State

NFL Draft

Denver Broncos - Maurice Clarett, RB, Ohio State

NFL Draft Bust — This bust was drafted No. 101 overall in 2005, proving not every bad pick happens early. Clarett showed up to camp overweight, lasted only one month in training camp, never played a preseason game and the last time anyone saw him he was in prison. Without John Elway, Mike Shanahan has never looked that smart. Clarett is an example of an organization ignoring the red flags.

This bust was drafted No. 101 overall in 2005, proving not every bad pick happens early. Clarett showed up to camp overweight, lasted only one month in training camp, never played a preseason game and the last time anyone saw him he was in prison. Without John Elway, Mike Shanahan has never looked that smart. Clarett is an example of an organization ignoring the red flags.

Detroit Lions - Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust

Detroit Lions - Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust — The Matt Millen era produced so many losers, but this one tops them all. The No. 2 pick in 2003, his career was marred by collarbone injuries, suspensions and drug abuse. He was released prior to the 2006 season, and for a three-year NFL career his statistics are nightmarish with just 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns. To think this guy was once compared to Randy Moss. I laugh at mock-draft experts.

The Matt Millen era produced so many losers, but this one tops them all. The No. 2 pick in 2003, his career was marred by collarbone injuries, suspensions and drug abuse. He was released prior to the 2006 season, and for a three-year NFL career his statistics are nightmarish with just 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns. To think this guy was once compared to Randy Moss. I laugh at mock-draft experts.

Green Bay Packers - Tony Mandarich, OT, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust

Green Bay Packers - Tony Mandarich, OT, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust — Maybe the No. 2 pick in 1989 was a solid football player, but steroid abuse, alcohol and other drugs contributed to a massive flame-out. The other top five picks included Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders, so the Packers kind of missed the money shot. He was released after three seasons due to attitude problems and poor play. The other four players taken in the top five that year are in the Hall of Fame.

Maybe the No. 2 pick in 1989 was a solid football player, but steroid abuse, alcohol and other drugs contributed to a massive flame-out. The other top five picks included Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders, so the Packers kind of missed the money shot. He was released after three seasons due to attitude problems and poor play. The other four players taken in the top five that year are in the Hall of Fame.

Houston Texans - Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State

NFL Draft Bust

Houston Texans - Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State

NFL Draft Bust — The 16th pick in 2005, he played four seasons producing a pathetic two sacks in 38 starts during an injury-filled career before being traded to San Diego in 2009. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2010. Johnson was ranked the top DT in the 2005 Draft by Sports Illustrated which is laughable. The lesson here is draft experts aren’t even making educated guesses; they’re just guessing.

The 16th pick in 2005, he played four seasons producing a pathetic two sacks in 38 starts during an injury-filled career before being traded to San Diego in 2009. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2010. Johnson was ranked the top DT in the 2005 Draft by Sports Illustrated which is laughable. The lesson here is draft experts aren’t even making educated guesses; they’re just guessing.

Indianapolis Colts – Jeff George, QB, Illinois

NFL Draft Bust

Indianapolis Colts – Jeff George, QB, Illinois

NFL Draft Bust — Honestly, I like Jeff, the No. 1 pick in 1990. He was ahead of his time and would fit right in with the pass-happy NFL of 2014, but in 1990, the NFL wasn’t ready. The Colts gave him the richest rookie contract at the time, but in four seasons with the team, he threw for 9,551 yards, 41 touchdowns and 46 interceptions. He would later lead the Vikings to a playoff win, but he was a bust for the Colts. He last played in 2004.

Honestly, I like Jeff, the No. 1 pick in 1990. He was ahead of his time and would fit right in with the pass-happy NFL of 2014, but in 1990, the NFL wasn’t ready. The Colts gave him the richest rookie contract at the time, but in four seasons with the team, he threw for 9,551 yards, 41 touchdowns and 46 interceptions. He would later lead the Vikings to a playoff win, but he was a bust for the Colts. He last played in 2004.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

NFL Draft Bust

Jacksonville Jaguars – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

NFL Draft Bust — Gabbert, who was the No. 10 overall selection in 2011, was recently traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round draft pick. That’s like trading a Ferrari for a Chevy Nova. As a starter, Gabbert has a career record of 5-22, with 22 TDs and 24 INTs. Todd McShay said Gabbert would be better than Cam Newton, so that tells you all you need to know about “draft experts". Honestly, noodle-armed Gabbert should have gone undrafted.

Gabbert, who was the No. 10 overall selection in 2011, was recently traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round draft pick. That’s like trading a Ferrari for a Chevy Nova. As a starter, Gabbert has a career record of 5-22, with 22 TDs and 24 INTs. Todd McShay said Gabbert would be better than Cam Newton, so that tells you all you need to know about “draft experts". Honestly, noodle-armed Gabbert should have gone undrafted.

Kansas City Chiefs - Todd Blackledge, QB, Penn State

NFL Draft Bust

Kansas City Chiefs - Todd Blackledge, QB, Penn State

NFL Draft Bust — The No. 7 overall pick in 1983 makes the Chiefs wish they had a DeLorean. In the great 1983 QB class, he was taken ahead of Jim Kelly, Tony Eason, Ken O’Brien and Dan Marino. Blackledge was the worst. In his five-year Chiefs career, Blackledge threw for 4,510 yards, 26 touchdowns and 32 interceptions, and the Chiefs passed on two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Marino and Kelly. Hopefully someone was fired for that snafu.

The No. 7 overall pick in 1983 makes the Chiefs wish they had a DeLorean. In the great 1983 QB class, he was taken ahead of Jim Kelly, Tony Eason, Ken O’Brien and Dan Marino. Blackledge was the worst. In his five-year Chiefs career, Blackledge threw for 4,510 yards, 26 touchdowns and 32 interceptions, and the Chiefs passed on two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Marino and Kelly. Hopefully someone was fired for that snafu.

Miami Dolphins - Eric Kumerow, DE, Ohio State

NFL Draft Bust

Miami Dolphins - Eric Kumerow, DE, Ohio State

NFL Draft Bust — The Dolphins picked Kumerow at No. 16 in 1988, and the results were comically depressing. Kumerow played only three seasons before retiring, never started a game and finished with five career sacks. The Dolphins could have drafted Thurman Thomas, Craig Heyward, Chris Spielman, Eric Allen or Ken Norton. The Miami Herald’s headline the day after the Kumerow selection was "Who???" Who exactly!

The Dolphins picked Kumerow at No. 16 in 1988, and the results were comically depressing. Kumerow played only three seasons before retiring, never started a game and finished with five career sacks. The Dolphins could have drafted Thurman Thomas, Craig Heyward, Chris Spielman, Eric Allen or Ken Norton. The Miami Herald’s headline the day after the Kumerow selection was "Who???" Who exactly!

Minnesota Vikings - Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust

Minnesota Vikings - Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State

NFL Draft Bust — The No. 29 pick in 1999 saw the Vikings ignore the red flags, which is always a bad idea. Underwood disappeared from rookie training camp, held out until August of 1999, signed a five-year, .3 million contract and then walked out of practice citing religious beliefs. He was released in September of 1999 having never played a snap for the Vikings. He also attempted suicide by stabbing himself in the neck. Red flags people -- you’ve been warned

The No. 29 pick in 1999 saw the Vikings ignore the red flags, which is always a bad idea. Underwood disappeared from rookie training camp, held out until August of 1999, signed a five-year, .3 million contract and then walked out of practice citing religious beliefs. He was released in September of 1999 having never played a snap for the Vikings. He also attempted suicide by stabbing himself in the neck. Red flags people -- you’ve been warned

New England Patriots – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

NFL Draft Bust

New England Patriots – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

NFL Draft Bust — This pick epitomizes Bill Belichick’s inability to draft wide receivers. The Patriots traded picks away to move up to get Jackson at No. 36 in 2006. He was plagued by injuries, was released by the Patriots in 2008 and last officially played a game in 2008 for the Broncos. His career stats don’t even register on the mediocre scale. He started one game and had 14 receptions, 171 yards and three TDs. The Patriots could have had Santonio Holmes.

This pick epitomizes Bill Belichick’s inability to draft wide receivers. The Patriots traded picks away to move up to get Jackson at No. 36 in 2006. He was plagued by injuries, was released by the Patriots in 2008 and last officially played a game in 2008 for the Broncos. His career stats don’t even register on the mediocre scale. He started one game and had 14 receptions, 171 yards and three TDs. The Patriots could have had Santonio Holmes.

New Orleans Saints - Russell Erxleben, K, Texas

NFL Draft Bust

New Orleans Saints - Russell Erxleben, K, Texas

NFL Draft Bust — All you need to know is the Saints took a kicker at No. 11 in 1979. Sure, he set records in college, but he made just four field goals in his NFL career and only lasted four seasons as a punter. Just think, Kellen Winslow and Joe Montana were still available and Erxleben was gone by 1983. Erxleben has also served time for securities fraud and was arrested for being part of a Ponzi scheme. Who takes a kicker at No. 11?! That’s just dumb.

All you need to know is the Saints took a kicker at No. 11 in 1979. Sure, he set records in college, but he made just four field goals in his NFL career and only lasted four seasons as a punter. Just think, Kellen Winslow and Joe Montana were still available and Erxleben was gone by 1983. Erxleben has also served time for securities fraud and was arrested for being part of a Ponzi scheme. Who takes a kicker at No. 11?! That’s just dumb.

New York Giants - Rocky Thompson, RB, West Texas State

NFL Draft Bust

New York Giants - Rocky Thompson, RB, West Texas State

NFL Draft Bust — Thompson was drafted with the 18th pick of the 1971 NFL Draft. He was seen as a speedy player, but he didn’t do much for the Giants. Thompson only played two full seasons, playing a total of 28 games, mostly as a kick returner and was released in 1974. He rushed for 217 yards and caught 16 passes for 85 yards with three total touchdowns in his career. Jack Tatum and Jack Youngblood were still available. Is Ray Charles evaluating these players?

Thompson was drafted with the 18th pick of the 1971 NFL Draft. He was seen as a speedy player, but he didn’t do much for the Giants. Thompson only played two full seasons, playing a total of 28 games, mostly as a kick returner and was released in 1974. He rushed for 217 yards and caught 16 passes for 85 yards with three total touchdowns in his career. Jack Tatum and Jack Youngblood were still available. Is Ray Charles evaluating these players?

New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

NFL Draft Bust

New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

NFL Draft Bust — Gholston was drafted sixth overall by the Jets in 2008 for his pass-rushing ability, which is funny because he never registered a single sack in three seasons with the Jets. That makes him special. According to Michael Salfino of the Wall Street Journal, Gholston is the only DE drafted in the top 10 to never record a single sack since the NFL started counting sacks in 1982. He was released in 2011 and is out of football. He still has ZERO sacks.

Gholston was drafted sixth overall by the Jets in 2008 for his pass-rushing ability, which is funny because he never registered a single sack in three seasons with the Jets. That makes him special. According to Michael Salfino of the Wall Street Journal, Gholston is the only DE drafted in the top 10 to never record a single sack since the NFL started counting sacks in 1982. He was released in 2011 and is out of football. He still has ZERO sacks.

Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

NFL Draft Bust

Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

NFL Draft Bust — This one is too easy. Russell was the No. 1 pick in 2007 and possibly the biggest bust in draft history. He was a lazy player who just wanted to get paid. He was a holdout, but he eventually signed a million contract, with million guaranteed, so he got paid and the nonexistent work ethic showed it. Russell went 7-18 in 25 starts with 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and was out of the NFL by 2009.

This one is too easy. Russell was the No. 1 pick in 2007 and possibly the biggest bust in draft history. He was a lazy player who just wanted to get paid. He was a holdout, but he eventually signed a million contract, with million guaranteed, so he got paid and the nonexistent work ethic showed it. Russell went 7-18 in 25 starts with 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and was out of the NFL by 2009.

Philadelphia Eagles - Freddie Mitchell, WR, UCLA

NFL Draft Bust

Philadelphia Eagles - Freddie Mitchell, WR, UCLA

NFL Draft Bust — It should be Kevin Allen, the No. 9 overall pick in 1985 who was charged with sexual assault, imprisoned and later banned from the NFL, but pictures of him do not exist, so it is Freddie Mitchell. The 25th pick in 2001 had 90 receptions for just five touchdowns in four seasons and was out of the NFL by 2006. Mel Kiper had Mitchell going in the Top 10, so another failure for our draft experts.

It should be Kevin Allen, the No. 9 overall pick in 1985 who was charged with sexual assault, imprisoned and later banned from the NFL, but pictures of him do not exist, so it is Freddie Mitchell. The 25th pick in 2001 had 90 receptions for just five touchdowns in four seasons and was out of the NFL by 2006. Mel Kiper had Mitchell going in the Top 10, so another failure for our draft experts.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

NFL Draft Bust

Pittsburgh Steelers - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

NFL Draft Bust — Sweed was picked No. 53 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, but mock-drafts projected him as high as the No. 2 receiver in the draft, if not for a pre-draft injury that saw him fall to the late-second round. After a series of game-changing touchdown drops, injuries and personal issues, he was waived by the team in 2011. He finished his career with seven receptions for 69 yards and currently plays in Canada for the CFL. The experts fail again!

Sweed was picked No. 53 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, but mock-drafts projected him as high as the No. 2 receiver in the draft, if not for a pre-draft injury that saw him fall to the late-second round. After a series of game-changing touchdown drops, injuries and personal issues, he was waived by the team in 2011. He finished his career with seven receptions for 69 yards and currently plays in Canada for the CFL. The experts fail again!

San Diego Chargers - Ryan Leaf, QB, Washington State

NFL Draft Bust

San Diego Chargers - Ryan Leaf, QB, Washington State

NFL Draft Bust — Everyone knows about Leaf, the No. 2 overall pick in 1998. He was finished in San Diego three years later and out of the NFL after just four total seasons. He finished with 14 touchdowns, 36 interceptions and just four wins as a Charger. He was supposed to be a “franchise” QB to rival Peyton Manning but was an immature crybaby. That’s to be expected when you coddle cocky grown men and shower them with dollar bills.

Everyone knows about Leaf, the No. 2 overall pick in 1998. He was finished in San Diego three years later and out of the NFL after just four total seasons. He finished with 14 touchdowns, 36 interceptions and just four wins as a Charger. He was supposed to be a “franchise” QB to rival Peyton Manning but was an immature crybaby. That’s to be expected when you coddle cocky grown men and shower them with dollar bills.

San Francisco 49ers - Jim Druckenmiller, QB, Virginia Tech

NFL Draft Bust

San Francisco 49ers - Jim Druckenmiller, QB, Virginia Tech

NFL Draft Bust — The No. 26 pick in 1997, Jim must’ve felt like a kick to the crotch to 49ers fans after having Joe Montana and Steve Young. In two seasons, Druckenmiller played in only six games, starting one, throwing for one touchdown and four interceptions. He was promptly traded to the Dolphins and then released from the team. He finished with a 29.2 passer rating but eventually became a “star” in the defunct XFL, playing for the Memphis Maniax.

The No. 26 pick in 1997, Jim must’ve felt like a kick to the crotch to 49ers fans after having Joe Montana and Steve Young. In two seasons, Druckenmiller played in only six games, starting one, throwing for one touchdown and four interceptions. He was promptly traded to the Dolphins and then released from the team. He finished with a 29.2 passer rating but eventually became a “star” in the defunct XFL, playing for the Memphis Maniax.

Seattle Seahawks - Brian Bosworth, LB, Oklahoma

NFL Draft Bust

Seattle Seahawks - Brian Bosworth, LB, Oklahoma

NFL Draft Bust — “The Boz” shouldn’t be here, but picking on him is fun. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1987 supplemental draft, and his only career highlight is of being run over Bo Jackson. He played only three NFL seasons as a shoulder injury and a worn down body from steroid use led to an early retirement. He is a real-life Steve Lattimer, and if you don’t know Lattimer, as D-X would say, “you better call somebody.”

“The Boz” shouldn’t be here, but picking on him is fun. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1987 supplemental draft, and his only career highlight is of being run over Bo Jackson. He played only three NFL seasons as a shoulder injury and a worn down body from steroid use led to an early retirement. He is a real-life Steve Lattimer, and if you don’t know Lattimer, as D-X would say, “you better call somebody.”

St. Louis Rams - Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska

NFL Draft Bust

St. Louis Rams - Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska

NFL Draft Bust — The Rams ignored Phillips’ character concerns with the No. 6 pick in 1996, because who doesn’t overlook an arrest for assault? That level of ignorance saw the Rams trade away Jerome Bettis on draft day, while off-field trouble, immaturity and character issues saw Phillips’ career with the Rams end in 1997. He ran for a combined 1,265 yards as a Ram and these days is serving time in prison. Never overlook character issues.

The Rams ignored Phillips’ character concerns with the No. 6 pick in 1996, because who doesn’t overlook an arrest for assault? That level of ignorance saw the Rams trade away Jerome Bettis on draft day, while off-field trouble, immaturity and character issues saw Phillips’ career with the Rams end in 1997. He ran for a combined 1,265 yards as a Ram and these days is serving time in prison. Never overlook character issues.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keith McCants, DE, Alabama

NFL Draft Bust

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keith McCants, DE, Alabama

NFL Draft Bust — McCants was the No. 4 overall choice in 1990 and has the dubious distinction of being drafted between Cortez Kennedy and Junior Seau. Obviously, the Buccaneers were wrong as McCants was cut in 1993. His most famous moment is separating Buddy Ryan and Kevin Gilbride in their 1994 coach fight, thus saving Gilbride’s mustache from Ryan right-hooks. Oh, and he is “Broke”, literally.

McCants was the No. 4 overall choice in 1990 and has the dubious distinction of being drafted between Cortez Kennedy and Junior Seau. Obviously, the Buccaneers were wrong as McCants was cut in 1993. His most famous moment is separating Buddy Ryan and Kevin Gilbride in their 1994 coach fight, thus saving Gilbride’s mustache from Ryan right-hooks. Oh, and he is “Broke”, literally.

Tennessee Titans - Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones, CB, West Virginia

NFL Draft Bust

Tennessee Titans - Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones, CB, West Virginia

NFL Draft Bust — Red flag alert! Jones was the No. 6 pick in 2005 and was allergic to good behavior. There were drug possession charges in 2006 and a shooting incident in 2007 that got him suspended for all of 2008. He was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys after being an all-around embarrassment to the Titans organization. His career numbers are two sacks, eight INTs and 284 tackles, and he currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Red flag alert! Jones was the No. 6 pick in 2005 and was allergic to good behavior. There were drug possession charges in 2006 and a shooting incident in 2007 that got him suspended for all of 2008. He was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys after being an all-around embarrassment to the Titans organization. His career numbers are two sacks, eight INTs and 284 tackles, and he currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Washington Redskins - Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee

NFL Draft Bust

Washington Redskins - Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee

NFL Draft Bust — Shuler was drafted No. 3 overall in 1994 and has spent more time representing North Carolina in Congress than the three odd seasons he played with the Redskins. He was later dealt to the New Orleans Saints in 1997 for draft picks and last played in 1997. He was so bad that he was beaten out by Gus Frerotte of self-inflicted concussion fame. Now that takes some talent.

Shuler was drafted No. 3 overall in 1994 and has spent more time representing North Carolina in Congress than the three odd seasons he played with the Redskins. He was later dealt to the New Orleans Saints in 1997 for draft picks and last played in 1997. He was so bad that he was beaten out by Gus Frerotte of self-inflicted concussion fame. Now that takes some talent.

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