The top 10 Draft Busts in NFL History

By Jayson Panganiban December 30, 2023 16:45 GMT+4 min read

The NFL draft is an annual event where teams select the best college football players to join their professional ranks. With high expectations and millions of dollars at stake, teams hope to find the next superstar who will lead them to glory. However, not every draft pick lives up to the hype. In fact, some players turn out to be major disappointments and are labeled as draft busts. Here, we will take a closer look at the top 10 draft busts in NFL history.

1. Ryan Leaf (1998)

Ryan Leaf was selected as the second overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL draft. He was expected to be a franchise quarterback but ended up being a colossal disappointment. Leaf struggled both on and off the field, displaying poor work ethic, a bad attitude, and inconsistent play. He lasted only three seasons in the NFL and is often considered one of the biggest draft busts of all time.

2. JaMarcus Russell (2007)

JaMarcus Russell was the first overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL draft. He was a highly touted quarterback with incredible physical gifts, but he lacked the dedication and work ethic required to succeed in the NFL. Russell's weight ballooned, and his performance on the field was abysmal. He was out of the league after just three seasons, making him one of the most infamous draft busts in recent memory.

3. Tony Mandarich (1989)

Tony Mandarich was selected as the second overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1989 NFL draft. He was hailed as the best offensive line prospect in years, but his career quickly spiraled downward. Mandarich struggled with substance abuse issues and failed to live up to his potential on the field. He was released by the Packers after just three seasons and is often regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.

4. Akili Smith (1999)

Akili Smith was the third overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1999 NFL draft. He was a highly touted quarterback prospect but failed to translate his college success to the professional level. Smith lacked accuracy, struggled with decision-making, and failed to grasp the complexities of the NFL game. After only four seasons in the league, Smith was out of football, cementing his status as a draft bust.

5. Trent Richardson (2012)

Trent Richardson was the third overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL draft. He was a highly productive running back in college and was expected to be a game-changer at the next level. However, Richardson's lack of vision, poor decision-making, and inability to break tackles quickly became apparent. He bounced around the league and was out of football after just four seasons, making him one of the biggest running back draft busts in recent memory.

6. Charles Rogers (2003)

Charles Rogers was the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2003 NFL draft. He was a highly talented wide receiver with incredible speed and athleticism. However, injuries and off-field issues derailed his career before it even had a chance to take off. Rogers played just three seasons in the NFL, making him one of the biggest wide receiver draft busts in history.

7. Tim Couch (1999)

Tim Couch was the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 1999 NFL draft. He was expected to be the franchise quarterback that would lead the Browns back to glory. However, injuries, poor offensive line play, and a lack of talent around him hindered Couch's development. He lasted just five seasons in the NFL and failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him.

8. Jamarcus Russell (2007)

Jamarcus Russell was the first overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL draft. He was a highly touted quarterback with incredible physical gifts, but he lacked the dedication and work ethic required to succeed in the NFL. Russell's weight ballooned, and his performance on the field was abysmal. He was out of the league after just three seasons, making him one of the most infamous draft busts in recent memory.

9. Art Schlichter (1982)

Art Schlichter was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Baltimore Colts in the 1982 NFL draft. He was a highly talented quarterback with a strong arm and great instincts. However, off-field issues, including a gambling addiction, derailed his career. Schlichter was suspended multiple times and was never able to find success in the NFL. He is often regarded as one of the biggest quarterback draft busts in history.

10. Johnny Manziel (2014)

Johnny Manziel was the 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL draft. He was a dynamic quarterback in college and was expected to bring excitement and success to the Browns. However, Manziel's off-field antics and partying lifestyle became major distractions. He struggled on the field and was out of the league after just two seasons, making him one of the most disappointing draft busts in recent memory.

The NFL draft is a high-stakes event where teams hope to find the next superstar. However, not every draft pick turns out to be a success. The top 10 draft busts in NFL history, including Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, and Tony Mandarich, serve as reminders that even the most highly touted prospects can fail to live up to expectations. These players serve as cautionary tales for future drafts, reminding teams to carefully evaluate character, work ethic, and overall talent before making their selections.