Every NFL season, there’s a fresh wave of players labeled the next big thing before they’ve even proven themselves on the field. Some live up to the buzz, but others get an avalanche of hype that crashes before it ever has a chance to build something real.
This list is for the guys who got crowned too early—whether it was because of one flashy preseason, a high draft slot, or a viral highlight reel. These 20 players were billed as future stars way too soon, and reality hit a little harder than expected.
20. Dorial Green-Beckham
With a build that screamed superstar, Green-Beckham was supposed to dominate secondaries. Instead, inconsistency and off-field issues derailed the hype train almost immediately.
19. DeShone Kizer
The Browns handed Kizer the keys as a rookie and expected miracles. What they got was a turnover-prone mess that showed he was nowhere near ready for the spotlight.
18. Bishop Sankey
The first running back taken in the 2014 draft, Sankey was hyped as Tennessee’s future bell cow. He fizzled out quickly and barely made a dent in the league.
17. Kevin White
White’s draft stock soared thanks to his speed and size combo, but constant injuries kept him in street clothes more than on the field. He was all potential and no production.
16. Matt Leinart
Leinart came into the NFL with a Heisman Trophy, national titles, and a boatload of expectations. His arm and motivation never really clicked at the pro level.
15. Tavon Austin
He was supposed to be a human joystick at the next level, but Austin never found a consistent role. Flashy plays couldn’t make up for a lack of impact.
14. Trent Richardson
The Browns thought they were getting a game-changer with the third overall pick. Instead, Richardson’s vision and decision-making proved to be massive red flags.
13. Blake Bortles
After one good season and a few garbage-time stats, Bortles was prematurely anointed the Jaguars’ long-term answer. The reality? He was always more meme than mainstay.
12. Josh Doctson
Washington fans were told Doctson was the next big thing at receiver. The problem? He could never stay healthy or separate from defenders.
11. Paxton Lynch
Big arm, big frame, and zero ability to read an NFL defense. Lynch’s hype train derailed almost as quickly as it left the station.
10. Jake Locker
Locker had all the tools and was seen as a franchise quarterback in the making. But accuracy and durability issues made his NFL career painfully short.
9. Kellen Winslow II
He declared himself a “soldier,” but his NFL journey never matched the early hype. Injuries and controversies ended up defining his career more than production.
8. Sammy Watkins
Watkins had elite college tape and went fourth overall, but never became the dominant WR1 that teams expected. Injuries and inconsistency followed him everywhere.
7. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football took college football by storm and rode that wave straight into the NFL. But his game—and his focus—never translated to the pros.
6. Laquon Treadwell
The Vikings drafted Treadwell with dreams of a physical possession receiver. But he struggled with separation and quickly faded from relevance.
5. Ryan Leaf
Leaf was hyped as Peyton Manning’s equal leading into the 1998 draft. That lasted about two games before the wheels completely fell off.
4. Jalen Reagor
Reagor was picked ahead of Justin Jefferson, which Eagles fans will never forget. The hype didn’t survive past his rookie season.
Read More: 15 Wide Receivers Who Were Never as Good as Advertised
3. Zach Wilson
The No. 2 pick had fans and scouts raving about his arm angles and off-platform throws. But when the real games started, the mistakes piled up fast.
Read More: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams by Who Needs a Reality Check
2. JaMarcus Russell
Armed with a cannon and a massive contract, Russell was supposed to lead the Raiders back to glory. Instead, he became a cautionary tale in draft history.
Read More: 20 Wide Receivers Who Got Overdrafted and Underdelivered
1. Josh Rosen
Chosen 10th overall and declaring there were “nine mistakes” ahead of him, Rosen talked the talk. But he never got close to backing it up on the field.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
