NFL hype is a powerful thing. A few college highlights, a strong combine showing, or even a decent rookie season, and suddenly a quarterback is being labeled “the next big thing.”
But as we’ve learned time and time again, not every QB lives up to the billing. Some flashed potential, others had the look, but these ten quarterbacks never quite became the stars they were supposed to be.
10. Matt Leinart
Leinart came into the league with a Heisman Trophy and Hollywood-level hype after dominating at USC. But in the NFL, he looked more like a backup than a franchise guy.
9. DeShone Kizer
The Browns hoped Kizer could be their long-term answer, but he led the league in interceptions as a rookie and never recovered. He had the tools, just not the decision-making.
8. Brady Quinn
Quinn looked the part and came from Notre Dame with plenty of media buzz. But once he hit the field, it was clear the hype didn’t match the performance.
7. Kyle Boller
Boller could throw a football through the uprights from his knees—too bad that didn’t translate into reading defenses. He had a cannon for an arm but never developed as a passer.
6. Blake Bortles
Drafted third overall, Bortles was supposed to be Jacksonville’s savior. Instead, he spent most of his career throwing to the other team or hanging onto the coattails of a great defense.
5. Christian Ponder
Ponder had a high football IQ and all the right intangibles coming out of Florida State. Unfortunately, his arm and accuracy didn’t get the memo.
4. Sam Darnold
Darnold was hailed as a can’t-miss prospect with poise and upside for days. But years into his career, he still struggles with turnovers and pocket presence. He had a resurgence with the Vikings and has a new opportunity with Seattle this year, but we’ll have to wait to see if he’s a new Sam Darnold.
3. Vince Young
Young had one of the most iconic college careers ever, and his rookie season wasn’t bad either. But inconsistency, off-field concerns, and clashes with coaches derailed what could’ve been a much bigger career.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Rookie Seasons in the Last 20 Years of the NFL
2. Josh Rosen
Rosen said there were “nine mistakes” ahead of him in the draft—but it turned out he was the one who couldn’t stick. Multiple teams gave him a shot, but none got even close to what was promised.
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1. JaMarcus Russell
Russell had a rocket arm and No. 1 pick pedigree but quickly became the poster child for unrealized potential. He cashed in big, but never looked prepared—or interested—once the games started to count.
Read More: 15 NFL Quarterbacks Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure
