The NFL Draft is a time of hope, excitement, and—if you’re a Jets fan—inevitable heartbreak. For every Peyton Manning, there’s a Ryan Leaf. For every Joe Burrow, there’s a JaMarcus Russell sipping on some purple drank. Some draft picks go on to win Super Bowls, while others go on to become cautionary tales in sports documentaries.
Today, we’re diving into the 20 biggest draft busts in NFL history. Grab some popcorn (or maybe a tissue if your team is on this list), and let’s take a stroll down bust boulevard.
20. Justin Blackmon (WR, Jaguars, 2012)
The Hype: A dynamic wide receiver from Oklahoma State, Blackmon was supposed to be Jacksonville’s offensive savior.
The Bust: Turns out, he liked off-field activities way more than football. Multiple suspensions for substance abuse later, he was out of the league faster than a Jags fan leaving the stadium at halftime.
19. Vernon Gholston (DE, Jets, 2008)
The Hype: A pass-rushing machine from Ohio State, Gholston had “can’t-miss” athleticism.
The Bust: He missed… everything. Across three seasons, Gholston never recorded a single sack. Not one. Zero. Nada. He somehow made a career out of being invisible.
18. Troy Williamson (WR, Vikings, 2005)
The Hype: Minnesota needed a replacement for Randy Moss. They thought they found it in this South Carolina speedster.
The Bust: He could run fast… he just couldn’t catch the ball. A minor problem for a wide receiver.
17. Jason Smith (OT, Rams, 2009)
The Hype: Taken No. 2 overall, Smith was supposed to protect the quarterback for a decade.
The Bust: He barely protected himself. Injuries and poor play turned him into a benchwarmer real quick.
16. Charles Rogers (WR, Lions, 2003)
The Hype: A dominant receiver at Michigan State, Rogers was seen as a no-brainer pick for Detroit at No. 2 overall.
The Bust: Injuries, suspensions, and an overall lack of work ethic led to him flaming out after just three seasons.
15. Tim Couch (QB, Browns, 1999)
The Hype: The first pick of the Browns’ new era, Couch was supposed to bring glory back to Cleveland.
The Bust: Instead, he just brought a lot of sacks. The Browns were so bad that Couch never had a chance, but hey, he’s still the best QB the team had before 2020.
14. Dion Jordan (DE, Dolphins, 2013)
The Hype: Miami traded up to No. 3 overall for this Oregon defensive monster.
The Bust: Turns out he was more of a kitten than a monster, with just three career sacks before fading into obscurity.
13. Heath Shuler (QB, Washington, 1994)
The Hype: Washington saw him as their franchise QB for the next 15 years.
The Bust: They were only off by about 14 years and 10 months. After throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Shuler went into politics—because clearly, he loved disappointing large groups of people.
12. Trent Richardson (RB, Browns, 2012)
The Hype: A dominant Alabama running back? What could go wrong?
The Bust: Everything. Richardson had the vision of a blindfolded toddler and averaged 3.3 yards per carry before the Browns miraculously tricked the Colts into trading a first-round pick for him.
11. Aaron Curry (LB, Seahawks, 2009)
The Hype: The “safest” pick in the draft. A guaranteed star.
The Bust: He was safe, alright—safe from making any impact on the field.
10. Akili Smith (QB, Bengals, 1999)
The Hype: A rocket-armed QB who dazzled at Oregon.
The Bust: In four years, he threw five touchdowns. Total. The only thing he successfully launched was the Bengals back into irrelevance.
9. Andre Ware (QB, Lions, 1990)
The Hype: A Heisman-winning QB with video game numbers at Houston.
The Bust: The problem? He played in an offense that inflated stats like a gas station air pump. NFL defenses ate him alive.
8. Matt Leinart (QB, Cardinals, 2006)
The Hype: Hollywood Matt was the golden boy at USC, winning a national championship and the Heisman.
The Bust: He preferred the Hollywood lifestyle over, you know, being good at football.
7. Sam Bradford (QB, Rams, 2010)
The Hype: A can’t-miss prospect who won a Heisman at Oklahoma.
The Bust: He should’ve been sponsored by a Band-Aid company because the dude was always injured. Somehow, he still made over $130 million in the NFL. Respect the hustle.
6. Tony Mandarich (OT, Packers, 1989)
The Hype: “The best offensive line prospect ever” according to scouts.
The Bust: He was an absolute monster… until he got off steroids. Then he was just a guy who couldn’t block.
5. Ki-Jana Carter (RB, Bengals, 1995)
The Hype: A can’t-miss running back out of Penn State, taken No. 1 overall.
The Bust: He tore his ACL in his first preseason game and was never the same. Pure bad luck.
4. Brian Bosworth (LB, Seahawks, 1987)
The Hype: “The Boz” was larger than life, with the talent and trash talk to back it up.
The Bust: Bo Jackson steamrolled him on national TV, and that was basically the end of his career.
3. Johnny Manziel (QB, Browns, 2014)
The Hype: Johnny Football was supposed to bring swag and wins to Cleveland.
The Bust: He partied harder than he practiced and was out of the league in two years.
Related: Ranking the 30 Most Disliked Players in NFL History
2. JaMarcus Russell (QB, Raiders, 2007)
The Hype: A 6’6”, 265-pound QB with a cannon arm.
The Bust: Russell was allergic to hard work and once got caught watching blank game tapes when coaches tested him.
Related: Ranking the Biggest College Football Stars Who Flopped in the NFL
1. Ryan Leaf (QB, Chargers, 1998)
The Hype: Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? That was the big debate.
The Bust: Manning became a Hall of Famer. Leaf became a synonym for “bust.” He had talent but threw tantrums, interceptions, and his career away.
