Golden promises, shattered careers. Players destined to change the NFL who became historic busts. Bad decisions, out-of-control egos and millions wasted. Here are the worst draft picks in history.
The NFL Draft is a showcase of dreams to be fulfilled, where each selection is filled with hopes and promises. But while perfection is the goal, failure is the worst alternative, and many picks have gone through this.
In the hallways of stadiums, in the offices of teams, and, of course, in the minds of fans, future champions are envisioned taking the biggest stage in football. But sometimes, it doesn’t work out—not due to a lack of talent.
These players, selected at the very top, earned their place in the history books, not for their achievements, but as a reminder of how volatile a career in the National Football League can be.
Todd Blackledge | Kansas City Chiefs
Todd Blackledge (Source: NFL)
In the renowned 1983 Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected quarterback Todd Blackledge from Penn State with the 7th overall pick, overlooking future Hall of Famers like Dan Marino and Jim Kelly.
Despite high expectations, he never established himself as the undisputed starter in Kansas City. Over five seasons with the Chiefs, he started just 24 games, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, which led the franchise to question their decision in one of the most talented drafts in history.
Blaine Gabbert | Jacksonville Jaguars
Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars passes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field on September 30, 2012. (Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
Hailing from the University of Missouri, Blaine Gabbert was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with hopes of finding their franchise quarterback. However, his time in Jacksonville was marked by inconsistency and struggles to adapt to the pace of the NFL.
In three seasons with the Jaguars, he posted a 5-22 record as a starter, with a low completion percentage and more interceptions than touchdowns, prompting the team to look for other options at the position.
JaMarcus Russell | Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell (Source: NFL)
Known for his imposing physique and strong arm, JaMarcus Russell was the 1st overall pick in the 2007 Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Despite signing a record $61 million contract, his career in the NFL was short-lived and disappointing.
In three seasons, he played 31 games, completing just 52.1% of his passes, with 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His lack of work ethic and off-field issues, including an arrest for codeine possession after leaving the NFL, made him one of the biggest busts in Draft history.
Freddie Mitchell | Philadelphia Eagles
Freddie Mitchell (Source: NFL)
Nicknamed “FredEx” for his confidence in “delivering” in critical moments, Freddie Mitchell was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round of the 2001 Draft. Despite his charisma and self-assuredness, he never lived up to expectations on the field.
Over four seasons with the Eagles, he recorded just 90 receptions and is primarily remembered for a crucial playoff catch known as “4th and 26”. His lack of consistent production led to his departure from the team and, eventually, from the NFL.
Charles Rogers | Detroit Lions
Charles Rogers (Source: NFL)
After a standout college career at Michigan State, Charles Rogers was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 2nd overall pick in 2003. However, his transition to the NFL was marred by challenges.
Injuries, including two consecutive collarbone fractures, and off-field issues, such as violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, limited his career to just 15 games over three seasons. He finished his time in the NFL with 36 receptions and 440 yards, a drastic fall from the high expectations surrounding him entering the league.
Tim Couch | Cleveland Browns
Tim Couch (Source: NFL)
As the 1st overall pick of the revitalized Cleveland Browns in 1999, Tim Couch was tasked with the responsibility of rejuvenating the franchise. Coming from the University of Kentucky, he showed flashes of talent, but his career was plagued by inconsistency and injuries.
In five seasons with the Browns, he accumulated a 22-37 record as a starter, throwing 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. The lack of a solid offensive line and constant coaching changes contributed to his difficult transition in the NFL.
J.P. Losman | Buffalo Bills
JP Losman (Source: NFL)
Selected in the 1st round of the 2004 Draft, J.P. Losman arrived with high hopes of becoming the Buffalo Bills‘ franchise quarterback. However, his time in Buffalo was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Over five seasons with the Bills, he posted a 10-23 record as a starter, throwing 33 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. Despite showing flashes of potential, he never established himself as a long-term solution at quarterback in Buffalo.
Andre Wadsworth | Arizona Cardinals
Andre Wadsworth (Source: NFL)
Regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 1998 Draft, Andre Wadsworth was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 3rd overall pick. However, his career in the NFL was hindered by persistent knee injuries.
In three seasons with the Cardinals, he registered just 8.5 sacks before injuries prematurely ended his career. His story serves as a reminder of how injuries can derail even the most promising careers.
Vernon Gholston | New York Jets
Vernon Gholston (Source: NFL)
After impressing at the NFL Combine, Vernon Gholston was selected by the New York Jets with the 6th overall pick in 2008. Despite his impressive physique and athleticism, he never managed to translate that potential into on-field production.
In three seasons with the Jets, he failed to register a single sack, a shocking statistic for a player at his position. His lack of impact makes him one of the biggest busts in recent Draft history.
Pacman Jones | Tennesse Titans
Adam Jones (Source: NFL)
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2005, Adam “Pacman” Jones showed flashes of talent as both a cornerback and a return specialist. However, his career was overshadowed by numerous legal issues and suspensions.
In 2007, he was suspended for the entire season due to multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Although he eventually returned and had a prolonged career in the league, his off-field problems overshadowed his on-field performance.
Ryan Leaf | San Diego Chargers
Ryan Leaf (Source: NFL)
Ryan Leaf is often cited as one of the biggest busts in NFL Draft history. The San Diego Chargers selected Leaf as the 2nd overall pick in the 1998 Draft, hoping he would be a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, his career was plagued by inconsistency, poor performance, and off-field issues.
His failure to meet expectations, coupled with his struggles as a leader and his personal troubles, caused him to be a huge letdown for the Chargers and a cautionary tale of high draft picks gone wrong.
Ted Ginn Jr. | Miami Dolphins
Ted Ginn Jr. (Source: NFL)
Ted Ginn Jr. was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the 9th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, expected to be a game-changing wide receiver and return specialist. While he had notable speed and special teams ability, his career as a wide receiver never reached the level that was anticipated for a top-10 pick.
He struggled with consistency and failed to develop into a top receiving threat, leading many to consider him a disappointment relative to other players drafted in the same class. Although he had a long NFL career, his overall impact was much less than expected.
Bo Jackson | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bo Jackson (Source: NFL)
In a unique turn in NFL Draft history, Bo Jackson was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the first overall pick in 1986, but he did not sign with the team. Jackson, a talented athlete who was also a star in MLB, chose not to join the NFL and instead played for the Kansas City Royals in baseball.
His decision was a blow to the Buccaneers, who could not capitalize on his undeniable football talent, although he later made history in the NFL with the Raiders, proving he could have been one of the greatest, if not the best, athlete in both professional leagues. His story, while not a “disappointment” in its entirety, represents a unique case of “what could have been” in the NFL.
Kerry Collins | Carolina Panthers
Kerry Collins (Source: NFL)
Kerry Collins was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 Draft, hoping he could become the franchise quarterback. Although he had a long career in the NFL, including a successful stint with the New York Giants, his start with the Panthers was problematic.
He had behavior and leadership issues, and while he showed flashes of talent, he never achieved the level of success expected from a high draft pick. After a somewhat frustrating stint in Carolina, he eventually found stability and success with other franchises, but his time with the Panthers did not meet expectations.
Lawrence Phillips | St. Louis Rams
Lawrence Phillips (Source: NFL)
One of the most tragic players in Draft history, Lawrence Phillips was selected by the St. Louis Rams in 1996 after a successful college career at Nebraska. However, his NFL career was marred by a series of off-field problems, including multiple arrests for domestic violence, assaults, and other issues.
In his two years with the Rams, he showed flashes of talent, but his immaturity and erratic behavior led to his release after just two seasons. His story is a sad reminder of how expectations can be overshadowed by off-field problems.
Ricky Williams | New Orleans Saints
Ricky Williams #34 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the game against the Chicago Bears in 1999. (Source: Harry How /Allsport)
Ricky Williams was one of the most anticipated selections in the 1999 Draft due to his outstanding college career at Texas, where he won the Heisman Trophy. The New Orleans Saints made a strong bet on him, hoping he would be the cornerstone of their offense. However, his career was marked by controversy, especially his temporary retirement from the NFL due to issues related to marijuana use.
Despite having a standout career, including multiple seasons with over 1,000 yards, his off-field ups and downs and absence during key moments prevented him from achieving the level of success many had anticipated for him at the start of his career.
Shante Carver | Dallas Cowboys
Shante Carver (Source: NFL)
Shante Carver was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1994 Draft with the hope that he would become a long-term defensive pillar. However, his performance never lived up to the selection that chose him.
He struggled to find consistency, and although he was with the team for several seasons, he never stood out enough to justify his high selection. He was one of the defensive players whose career didn’t meet the organization’s expectations, and his name has faded among the most remembered failures of that year.
Cade McNown | Chicago Bears
Cade McNown (Source: NFL)
The Chicago Bears selected Cade McNown with the 12th overall pick in the 1999 Draft, hoping he would be the quarterback that finally brought the team success. Although he showed some promise in his first season, his career quickly faded due to his inconsistency and leadership issues.
After a start that seemed promising, he lost his starting position and never established himself as the future of the team, making him one of the most disappointing selections in the team’s history.
Ron Dayne | New York Giants
Ron Dayne (Source: NFL)
Ron Dayne was selected by the New York Giants hoping he could become a dominant running back in the NFL. Despite winning the Heisman Trophy at the University of Wisconsin, his transition to professional football was much harder.
Dayne showed flashes of his talent, but he was never able to maintain the consistency needed to justify a first-round selection. His career never reached the expected level, and he was relegated to a secondary role in the NFL.
Akili Smith | Cincinnati Bengals
Akili Smith (Source: NFL)
The selection of Akili Smith by the Cincinnati Bengals with the third overall pick in 1999 is one of the biggest failures in Draft history. With great promise due to his skills at the University of Oregon, he never adapted to the NFL pace.
His lack of progress and inconsistency led to a brief career as a starting quarterback before being replaced. After being sidelined by the Bengals, his career never took off.
John Elway | Indianapolis Colts
John Elway (Source: NFL)
Although he has solidified himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, John Elway’s selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 1983 became a memorable episode of “High Expectations, Massive Letdowns”.
Elway never played for the Colts, as he refused to join the team and forced a trade to the Denver Broncos, where he became a legend. However, the episode with the Colts stands out as an example of how the Draft can involve unexpected decisions that change the course of the league.
Troy Williamson | Minnesota Vikings
Troy Williamson (Source: NFL)
Selected by the Minnesota Vikings, Troy Williamson never lived up to the expectations as a star receiver. Despite his speed and physical abilities, his lack of concentration and issues with receptions made him one of the biggest failures in the history of first-round wide receiver selections. Throughout his brief career, he never managed to stand out, becoming one of the most disappointing selections in the team’s recent history.
Tony Mandarich | Green Bay Packers
Tony Mandarich (Source: NFL)
Considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history, Tony Mandarich was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the second overall pick in the 1989 Draft. Known as “The Beast” for his impressive physique, he never lived up to the expectations of such a high selection due to his lack of discipline and substance abuse, which affected his performance. After being a failure in Green Bay, he had a brief resurgence with the Indianapolis Colts but never reached the level expected of him in the NFL.
Aaron Curry | Seattle Seahawks
Aaron Curry (Source: NFL)
Aaron Curry was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 4th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, with high expectations as a linebacker out of Wake Forest. However, he never lived up to the hype.
Despite a solid first few seasons, his inability to make a consistent impact on the field led to a quick decline in his career. He played for multiple teams but was ultimately considered a bust, failing to justify his high draft status and becoming one of the most disappointing linebacker selections in recent NFL history.
Tim Tebow | Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks on after the Broncos lost 45-10 against the New England Patriots during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)
Tim Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 25th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, generating great anticipation due to his success at the University of Florida. Although he had some moments of glory in his first season, including a memorable playoff win in 2011, his playing style, which relied on his ability to run and throw with limited accuracy, didn’t fit well with the NFL scheme.
Despite his popularity and unwavering work ethic, his deficiencies as a quarterback led to a quick exit from the league after just one season as a starter in Denver. Although he remained a backup for other teams, his professional career was short, and his limitations made him an example of high expectations leading to great disappointment.
