My top 5 NFL draft BUSTS!!!
I was reading today on ESPN about the top 50 draft busts of all time and I thought I’d give mine. I’m using my own memory and might even have my own team bias in there. Either way, this time of year is filled with hope for most teams and players and it often goes unfulfilled. Statistically, a first round player has the same chance as a third round player of making the pro bowl so the draft is very hit and miss for most teams. The guys I will list were all first round picks who were supposed to lead their teams to the Super Bowl or at least greatly improve their chances.
5. Andre Ware/David Klingler- I put these guys in the same spot because they both came from the same system, were both high lottery picks and both BOMBED in the pros. They passed 60 times a game in college in the run and shoot and the Lions understandably thought that Ware would do the same thing in Detroit. He didn’t at all and was gone after a few very forgettable seasons. Now he’s one of my favorite football announcers. Klingler, on the other hand, was taken high by the BENGALS and he was horrible. They should’ve learned from the Ware experiment that run and shoot college qb’s don’t make it in the pros very often. Pay attention GM’s who like and Hawaii QB.
4. Curtis Enis- The Bears, my Bears, took Enis with the 5th overall pick in 1998 and I was hopeful. Then i watched him play and keep running right into the backs of his own lineman because his head was down. He was horrible and during his 3 seasons he never ran the ball over 30 yards on one carry. That is terrible, he was terrible and I still haven’t forgiven him.
3. Cade McNown- seeing the theme here? In fact, I could list all 5 as former Bear draft picks and move right to David Terrell if I had to, but McNown was horrible. He was the 12th player selected in what was supposed to be a can’t miss QB draft. Well, McNown missed a lot with his receivers and teammates and he lasted all of 2 seasons. He was more famous for his Playboy girlfriend than for anything he did as a pro.
2. Ryan Leaf- I just remember him well because he couldn’t handle the media very well at all and didn’t know what to do with the attention. I’m still of the belief that Leaf could’ve played if he would’ve sat for a couple years and not been thrown into the limelight because he was talented. But he did get thrown into playing early and he disappointed and he didn’t like being held accountable for his performance. Any interview with him was pure comedy. I’m waiting for the next Ryan Leaf but he scared a lot of teams.
1. Charles Rogers/Mike Williams- Both Detroit Lions selections by GM Matt Millen. Rogers got hurt each of the first two seasons in the league and then failed some drug tests and is long gone. He was very talented and I was looking forward to watching him play for a long time, but that didn’t happen. Mike Williams was the can’t miss wide receiver from USC but I honestly don’t know where he is. He might still be in the league and might not be. Sometimes my friends and I play that game where we name a player and then have to answer if he’s in the pros or not. With Mike Williams I would say he is, but he’s on a thin leash or the kickoff team.
Many people will say Leaf was the biggest bust of all time but for me it was Rogers because of what my expectations were of the guy. I’m a big 10 fan and saw Rogers most of college career and he was amazing. Playing two seasons and getting the boot for drugs will make you a draft day bust and the number1 bust for me.
