Every year, the NFL draft is filled with excitement and anticipation as teams select the next generation of football stars. However, not every draft pick lives up to their potential and becomes a successful player in the league. In fact, there have been many draft busts throughout NFL history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the story behind some of the biggest NFL draft busts and what led to their unsuccessful careers.
What is a Draft Bust?
Before we dive into specific examples, let’s define what a draft bust is. A draft bust is a player who was selected in the NFL draft with high expectations but ultimately fails to live up to those expectations. These players often have a short and unsuccessful career in the league, despite being selected early in the draft.
The Impact of Draft Busts
Draft busts not only have a negative impact on the team that selected them, but they also have a ripple effect on the entire league. When a team invests a high draft pick and a significant amount of money into a player who ends up being a bust, it can set them back for years. This can also affect the team’s salary cap and their ability to sign other players.
Furthermore, draft busts can also have a psychological impact on the team and its fans. The disappointment and frustration of a failed draft pick can linger for years and create a negative atmosphere within the organization.
Biggest NFL Draft Busts
Now, let’s take a look at some of the biggest NFL draft busts in recent history.
JaMarcus Russell
In 2007, the Oakland Raiders selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick in the draft. Russell was highly touted coming out of LSU, with a strong arm and impressive physical abilities. However, he struggled with his weight and work ethic, and his lack of dedication ultimately led to his downfall.
Russell played just three seasons in the NFL, starting only 25 games and throwing 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He was released by the Raiders in 2010 and never played in the league again.
Ryan Leaf
In the same draft as Russell, the San Diego Chargers selected quarterback Ryan Leaf with the second overall pick. Leaf was also highly regarded coming out of college, but his attitude and behavior issues quickly became apparent in the NFL.
Leaf played just four seasons in the league, starting 21 games and throwing 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He was released by the Chargers in 2001 and bounced around to a few other teams before ultimately retiring in 2002.
Johnny Manziel
In 2014, the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Johnny Manziel with the 22nd overall pick. Manziel was a polarizing figure in college, known for his flashy play and off-field antics. However, his behavior and lack of dedication to the game caught up with him in the NFL.
Manziel played just two seasons in the league, starting only eight games and throwing seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was released by the Browns in 2016 and has not played in the NFL since.
What Leads to Draft Busts?
So, what causes a highly-touted draft pick to become a bust? There are several factors that can contribute to a player’s unsuccessful career in the NFL.
Injuries
Injuries are a common occurrence in the NFL, and they can have a significant impact on a player’s career. A player who is constantly dealing with injuries may not be able to perform at their best and may never reach their full potential. This was the case for players like Robert Griffin III and Sam Bradford, who were both highly drafted quarterbacks but struggled with injuries throughout their careers.
Poor Work Ethic
As we saw with JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf, a poor work ethic can quickly derail a player’s career. In the NFL, hard work and dedication are essential for success, and players who lack these qualities often struggle to make an impact on the field.
Off-Field Issues
Off-field issues can also play a significant role in a player’s unsuccessful career. Players who struggle with substance abuse, legal troubles, or other personal issues may not be able to focus on their performance on the field, leading to a lack of success in the NFL.
Poor Fit with Team or Coaching Staff
Sometimes, a player’s lack of success can be attributed to a poor fit with their team or coaching staff. A player may have all the physical abilities and talent, but if they are not in the right system or do not have a good relationship with their coaches, they may not be able to reach their full potential.
Recent NFL Draft Busts
While the examples we have discussed so far are from past drafts, there have been some recent draft busts as well. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Josh Rosen
In 2018, the Arizona Cardinals selected quarterback Josh Rosen with the 10th overall pick. Rosen was highly regarded coming out of college, but he struggled in his rookie season and was traded to the Miami Dolphins after just one year.
Rosen has yet to find success in the NFL, bouncing around to a few different teams and never solidifying a starting role. He is currently a free agent and has not played in the league since 2019.
Dwayne Haskins
In 2019, the Washington Football Team selected quarterback Dwayne Haskins with the 15th overall pick. Haskins had a successful college career, but he struggled in his rookie season and was released by the team in 2020.
Haskins has since signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has yet to prove himself as a successful NFL quarterback.
Avoiding Draft Busts
So, how can teams avoid making draft busts? While there is no foolproof method, there are some steps that teams can take to increase their chances of selecting successful players.
Thorough Scouting and Evaluation
Teams must thoroughly scout and evaluate potential draft picks before making a selection. This includes not only evaluating a player’s physical abilities but also their character, work ethic, and fit with the team.
Utilizing Analytics
In recent years, teams have started to use analytics and data to help inform their draft decisions. By analyzing a player’s performance in college and comparing it to other successful NFL players, teams can make more informed decisions on draft day.
Investing in Player Development
Once a player is drafted, it is essential for teams to invest in their development. This includes providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed, such as coaching, training, and mentorship.
The Future of Draft Busts
While there will always be draft busts in the NFL, teams are constantly learning and evolving to try and avoid them. With advancements in technology and analytics, as well as a greater focus on player development, we may see a decrease in draft busts in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, draft busts are a common occurrence in the NFL, and they can have a significant impact on teams and the league as a whole. While there are many factors that can contribute to a player’s unsuccessful career, teams can take steps to avoid making draft busts and increase their chances of selecting successful players. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how teams continue to evolve and adapt in order to avoid the disappointment of a draft bust.
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