The 25 Biggest Busts from the NFL Draft in the Last 25 Years
The NFL Draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in professional sports, filled with hope, potential, and the promise of greatness.
However, not every player lives up to their pre-draft hype. Over the last 25 years, there have been plenty of highly-touted prospects who failed to deliver on the big stage. Here, we count down the 25 biggest draft busts, looking at the circumstances, the hype, and the aftermath of their careers.
25. John Ross (2017, Cincinnati Bengals)
Ross broke the NFL Combine record with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash, which vaulted him to the ninth overall pick. Injuries and inconsistency, however, plagued his career, limiting him to flashes of potential.
24. Robert Gallery (2004, Oakland Raiders)
Drafted second overall as a “can’t-miss” left tackle, Gallery struggled in pass protection and never became the franchise cornerstone many expected.
23. Dion Jordan (2013, Miami Dolphins)
The Dolphins traded up to take Jordan third overall, expecting him to dominate as an edge rusher. He recorded just three sacks in his first two seasons and dealt with suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
22. Kevin White (2015, Chicago Bears)
Injuries derailed White’s career before it began. The seventh overall pick from West Virginia played in just 14 games over four seasons.
21. Charles Rogers (2003, Detroit Lions)
Rogers was the second overall pick and considered a dynamic playmaker, but injuries and off-field issues saw his career cut short after just three seasons.
20. Vernon Gholston (2008, New York Jets)
The sixth overall pick was touted as a dominant pass-rusher. Gholston, however, never recorded a single sack in his NFL career.
19. Courtney Brown (2000, Cleveland Browns)
The first overall pick in 2000, Brown’s career was marred by injuries, and he never lived up to his billing as a dominant defensive end.
18. Jamarcus Russell (2007, Oakland Raiders)
Russell’s combination of size and arm strength made him the first overall pick, but poor work ethic and conditioning led to a short-lived career that epitomized draft busts.
17. Justin Blackmon (2012, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Blackmon had the talent to succeed, but multiple suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy derailed his career after just 20 games.
16. Andre Ware (1990, Detroit Lions)
The Heisman Trophy winner was taken seventh overall but never adjusted to the NFL game, spending most of his career as a backup.
15. Jake Locker (2011, Tennessee Titans)
Locker’s combination of athleticism and leadership led to him being selected eighth overall. Unfortunately, injuries and inaccuracy doomed his career.
14. Aaron Curry (2009, Seattle Seahawks)
Billed as the “safest pick in the draft,” Curry was selected fourth overall. Despite high expectations, he was out of Seattle by his third season.
13. David Carr (2002, Houston Texans)
As the first overall pick in Texans’ franchise history, Carr was sacked a record 76 times in his rookie season and never recovered, though much of the blame lies with the team’s poor offensive line.
12. Troy Williamson (2005, Minnesota Vikings)
Drafted seventh overall to replace Randy Moss, Williamson struggled with drops and failed to live up to the lofty expectations.
11. Matt Leinart (2006, Arizona Cardinals)
The 10th overall pick had a stellar college career at USC but struggled with inconsistency and decision-making in the NFL.
10. Sam Bradford (2010, St. Louis Rams)
The first overall pick had flashes of brilliance but could never stay healthy, leading to an underwhelming career relative to his draft status and massive rookie contract.
9. Trent Richardson (2012, Cleveland Browns)
Richardson had a promising rookie season but quickly faded due to a lack of vision and explosiveness, becoming a journeyman after being traded to the Colts.
8. Johnny Manziel (2014, Cleveland Browns)
“Johnny Football” was a sensation in college but struggled with maturity and off-field issues that derailed his NFL career after just two seasons.
7. Ryan Leaf (1998, San Diego Chargers)
Often compared to Peyton Manning, Leaf’s attitude and poor play made him one of the most infamous busts in NFL history.
6. Lawrence Phillips (1996, St. Louis Rams)
Phillips’ off-field troubles overshadowed his talent, and his NFL career lasted just three seasons.
5. Ki-Jana Carter (1995, Cincinnati Bengals)
Ki-Jana Carter was selected first overall in 1995 after a stellar career at Penn State. He was expected to be the next great NFL running back, but his career was derailed almost immediately. Carter tore his ACL in his first preseason game, an injury from which he never fully recovered. Over seven NFL seasons, Carter managed only 1,144 rushing yards, a far cry from the dominance he showed in college. His injury history and inability to live up to expectations cemented his place among the biggest draft busts.
4. Brian Bosworth (1987, Seattle Seahawks)
Brian Bosworth, nicknamed “The Boz,” was one of the most hyped players entering the NFL, thanks to his dominant college career at Oklahoma and his larger-than-life personality. Taken in the supplemental draft by the Seahawks, he signed a massive contract but failed to live up to expectations. His career lasted only three seasons, plagued by injuries and middling performance. Bosworth’s most memorable NFL moment was being run over by Bo Jackson, which became an iconic image of his underwhelming career.
3. JaMarcus Russell (2007, Oakland Raiders)
JaMarcus Russell’s physical gifts were undeniable, with scouts drooling over his arm strength and size. The Raiders took him first overall, believing he would transform their franchise. However, Russell’s poor work ethic and lack of preparation doomed his career. He struggled with weight issues and failed to grasp the complexities of NFL defenses. Despite earning over $39 million, Russell was out of the league after just three seasons, with a reputation as one of the biggest busts in sports history.
2. Tony Mandarich (1989, Green Bay Packers)
Tony Mandarich was dubbed “The Incredible Bulk” for his combination of size and athleticism, making him the second overall pick in 1989. However, Mandarich’s success in college was later linked to steroid use, and he struggled mightily in the NFL. Known for his arrogance and clashes with teammates, Mandarich’s career lasted just three seasons with the Packers before he was out of the league. He remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of overhyped prospects.
1. Ryan Leaf (1998, San Diego Chargers)
Ryan Leaf is the gold standard for NFL draft busts. Drafted second overall behind Peyton Manning, Leaf was viewed as a potential franchise quarterback. Instead, his career was defined by poor play, a bad attitude, and off-field issues. Leaf threw 36 interceptions compared to just 14 touchdowns and won only four games as a starter. His frequent run-ins with coaches and teammates only worsened his reputation. Leaf’s career lasted just four seasons, and he later faced legal troubles. His name has become synonymous with unfulfilled potential in the NFL.
The NFL Draft will always be a gamble. For every success story, there’s a cautionary tale. These players serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of the league, where no amount of hype can guarantee success.
