Sunday, April 8 Updated: April 12, 11:13 PM ET User feedback: Biggest first-round busts ESPN.com |
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Users sounded off on the biggest first-round busts. Below are the best responses. For Mel Kiper's list, click here.
The Lists
Ki-Jana Carter, Bengals. David Klingler, Bengals. Jack Thompson, Bengals. David Verser, Bengals. Dan Wilkinson, Bengals. Anyone else see a pattern here?
While I think Mel Kiper's draft busts list has some pretty impressive names, he left off a few: Richie Weaver Jacksonville, Fla.
Todd Blackledge, QB, Penn State (Chiefs, 1983)
Brian Bosworth, LB, Nebraska (Seahawks, 1988)
The two-time Butkus Award Winner was supposed to revolutionize the position and persona of linebacker. Instead, his football carear was highlighted by a shoulder injury and Bo Jackson running him over on MondayNight Football.
Aundray Bruce, LB, Auburn (Falcons, 1988)
How could you leave out Aundray Bruce? A No. 1 overall draft choice, he only started 41 games in 11 years and had a grand total of 42 sacks, 12 of them in his first two seasons -- the only two seasons he was a starter for any significant amount of time. That may not be a total bust, but "career backup" is not what you're looking for with the No. 1 pick.
There could have been a whole top 10 for the Falcons' busted draft choices, but I really do not see how Aundray Bruce could have been left off the dishonorable mention list, let alone the top 10 draft busts. He was quite possibly the worst No. 1 overall draft pick of all time. He did next to nothing with the Falcons and was eventually CUT and ended up busting with the Raiders, too, after they tried him as a tight end. Truly a waste of talent.
I remember sitting in the old Fulton County Stadium on the last game of the year (Detroit), freezing our arses off and pulling for the Falcons to lose so they could have the top pick in the draft. The Falcons passed on Neil Smith because he scored real low on the Wonderlick (turned out he had dyslexia) and drafted Bruce. Bruce had dyslexia when it came to playing football.
Johnny "Lam" Jones, WR, Texas (Jets, 1980)
Let's not forget Johnny Lam Jones ... Draft day is always an experience for us JET FANS!!!
Ryan Leaf, QB, Washington State (Chargers, 1998)
In terms of what Cryin' Ryan Leaf did to disgrace an organization, a city, the fans and all of his teammates, how could you leave him off the top of the biggest draft bust lists? Plus, he sucked big time on the field as well. He may still be on an NFL team now, but he was the biggest draft bust ever in my mind for the poor Chargers who drafted him.
Rick Mirer, QB, Notre Dame (Seahawks, 1993)
The biggest bust is Rick Mirer. This fella sucks so bad that he's not even qualifed to wash a uniform, nevermind wear one.
Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska (Rams, 1996)
Rashaan Salaam, RB, Colorado (Bears, 1995).
The biggest bust has to be former Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam of the Chicago Bears. With Mary Jane as his lead blocker, Rashaan continually ran into a stoned wall, and his NFL career went up in smoke.
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