The Biggest Draft Busts for Each NFL Team

The draft is a significant event in professional football, where teams select talented athletes to join their roster. However, some teams often end up with players who do not live up to their potential or expectations, known as 'draft busts.' This article explores some of the biggest draft busts for each team, focusing on first-round picks that were highly touted.

New York Jets

The New York Jets have had a few disappointments in their draft history. One of the biggest is Johnny ”Lam” Jones, selected with the 17th overall pick in 1970. Jones was highly anticipated but struggled to live up to the hype, largely due to off-field issues and a lack of consistency on the field.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons had a notable draft bust in Aundray Bruce, drafted as the 13th overall pick in 2002. Bruce was a highly anticipated player, but he never managed to perform at the level expected of him. His early career was marked by inconsistency and questions about his commitment to the team.

Oakland Raiders

JaMarcus Russell, drafted 1st overall in 2007, is perhaps the most iconic draft bust for the Oakland Raiders. Russell possessed great potential but struggled with off-field behavior, injury, and inconsistency on the field, causing him to disappoint both fans and management.

Green Bay Packers

Another high-profile draft bust from the Packers comes in the form of Tony Mandarich, taken as the first overall pick in 1998. Mandarich was expected to be a game-changer at tackle, but his brief career was cut short by injuries and poor play, marking a significant disappointment for the organization.

Cincinnati Bengals

For the Cincinnati Bengals, Akili Smith stands out as one of their biggest draft busts. Drafted second overall in 1999, Smith showed promise in college but failed to translate his skills to the NFL. His career was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and a turbulent press of off-field controversies.

Denver Broncos

While the Denver Broncos have had their share of disappointments, they are notably missing from the list. This could be due to the team's recent success in finding solid draft picks and developing them through rigorous training and experience.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots experienced a draft bust in Kenneth Sims, a defensive tackle from Texas, selected in the first round in 1987. Sims never managed to establish himself as a key player and was marked by inconsistency and eventual release.

New York Giants

The New York Giants also had a problem with Rocky Thompson, a linebacker selected in the first round in 1999. Having expectations to be a cornerstone of the defense, Thompson's career was short-lived and disappointing.

Oakland Raiders (continued)

JaMarcus Russell's story is worth repeating due to his significance. Russell's high draft pick and subsequent performances make him a quintessential example of a draft bust, despite the interest and investment from the Raiders.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks had their own draft bust in Rick Mirer, a quarterback from Notre Dame, drafted third overall in 1992. Mirer's college career was exceptional, but his transition to the NFL was difficult, leading to a short and unsatisfactory professional career.

Additional Notable Draft Busts

Other notable draft busts that come to mind include:

Johnny Manziel: Although signed by the Cleveland Browns, Manziel's career was short-lived due to his inconsistent play and off-field issues. Josh Freeman: Freeman's career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was marked by inconsistency and ended with a departure from the team. Christian Ponder: A first-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings, Ponder's promising start quickly faded with his later quarterback performance. Robert Edwards: Drafted by the New England Patriots, Edwards had inconsistent performances as a running back. Ryan Leaf: A highly touted pick for the San Diego Chargers, Leaf's career was short and unsatisfying. Derrick Carr: Another first-round pick for the Houston Texans, Carr's career saw significant underperformance and eventual departure from the team.

The NFL draft is a crucial process for teams, showcasing the potential of young talent. However, the stories of these draft busts serve as reminders of the challenges in evaluating and developing players from college to the professional ranks. These examples highlight the importance of rigorous evaluation and preparation for both teams and players to maximize the potential of each draft pick.