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15 NFL Draft Picks Who Fell Short of Expectations

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Being a high NFL draft pick comes with huge expectations. Some players go on to become household names, while others struggle under the spotlight. Let’s take a closer look at 15 draft picks who, for one reason or another, couldn’t live up to their big-league potential.

JaMarcus Russell: 2007, 1st Overall (Oakland Raiders)

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Selected first overall, Russell entered the league with immense expectations as a quarterback. Unfortunately, there were issues with accuracy and work ethic. He managed only 31 starts, finishing with a disappointing 7-18 record before being released after three seasons.

Ryan Leaf: 1998, 2nd Overall (San Diego Chargers)

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The Chargers took a chance on Leaf, believing he could become a star. His early promise quickly faded amid controversies and poor performance. Leaf’s career ended with a dismal 4-17 record as a starter, and he remains one of the most infamous draft busts in NFL history.

Tony Mandarich: 1989, 2nd Overall (Green Bay Packers)

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Mandarich was expected to dominate as an offensive lineman after being selected second overall. Unfortunately, injuries and addiction issues overshadowed his talent. His career concluded with only 56 starts over several seasons.

Tim Couch: 1999, 1st Overall (Cleveland Browns)

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The team hoped Couch would revitalize their franchise when they drafted him first overall. However, a lack of talent around him and injuries hampered his development. To the disappointment of both the team and fans, he recorded a 2-12 record in his rookie season.

Akili Smith: 1999, 3rd Overall (Cincinnati Bengals)

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Drafted by the Bengals to lead their offense, Smith struggled to find consistency. He started only 17 games in four seasons and faced criticism for his performance. Smith’s tenure in Cincinnati stands out as a significant draft blunder.

Courtney Brown: 2000, 1st Overall (Cleveland Browns)

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Brown was selected first overall with hopes of anchoring the Browns’ defense. However, injuries marred his career, limiting him to just 29 starts over six seasons. The disappointment surrounding his performance left fans wishing for a more impactful player to lead their team. 

Brian Bosworth: 1987, 1st Round (Seattle Seahawks)

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Known for his college fame and controversial persona, Bosworth entered the NFL with high expectations. His inability to adapt to the professional game, coupled with injuries, resulted in only 24 games played. 

Charles Rogers: 2003, 2nd Overall (Detroit Lions)

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The Lions picked Rogers second overall, hoping he would become a game-changing receiver. Unfortunately, injuries and off-field issues hindered his career, which allowed him to play just 15 games in three seasons.

Danny Wuerffel: 1997, 4th Overall (New Orleans Saints)

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Wuerffel enjoyed great success in college, but the NFL proved to be a different challenge. Drafted fourth overall, he struggled to establish himself and played only a few games as a starter. The inability to transition to the professional level contributed to his status as a notable bust.

David Carr: 2002, 1st Overall (Houston Texans)

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After selecting him first overall, the Texans wanted Carr to become their franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, poor offensive line play led to high sack totals and an inability to develop his game.  

Brady Quinn: 2007, 22nd Overall (Cleveland Browns)

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When the Browns drafted Quinn in the first round, expectations were high. However, he never secured a reliable starting position and faced consistent struggles. Quinn’s time in Cleveland highlighted quarterbacks’ challenges with an underperforming supporting cast.
 

Justin Blackmon: 2012, 5th Overall (Jacksonville Jaguars)

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Blackmon was drafted fifth overall, and he showed flashes of brilliance early on. However, personal issues, including multiple suspensions, limited his playing time to just 20 games. The Jaguars were left to ponder what could have been.

Marcus Smith:  2014, 26th Overall (Philadelphia Eagles)

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In hopes of bolstering their defense, the Eagles selected Smith in the first round. However, his transition to the NFL was rocky, and he struggled to make an impact. Smith recorded only four sacks over four seasons.

Trent Richardson – 2012, 3rd Overall (Cleveland Browns)

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Richardson entered the league with the expectation of becoming a star running back. Drafted third overall, he faced challenges adapting to the NFL’s speed and complexity. After just one season, he was traded to the Colts.

Gabriel Rivera – 1983, 2nd Round (Pittsburgh Steelers)

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After being selected in the second round, Rivera was considered a strong addition to the defensive line. Sadly, a tragic car accident in 1986 ended his promising career. His story reminds us of the unpredictability surrounding NFL prospects.

Written by Gabriel Rickles

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