Biggest Bust in NFL History

[Slyder]

I think it is safe to now assume JaMarcus Russell has peaked and will become on of those "where are they now" stories.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5356585

Summary of the story Russell got arrested for being in possession of Codeine Syrup. Released when he paid $250k bail.

And to think the Raiders could have drafted Adrian Peterson or Calvin Johnson and gotten a legitimate NFL caliber football player... thanks Al.

[WVRed]

I think it is safe to now assume JaMarcus Russell has peaked and will become on of those "where are they now" stories.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5356585

Summary of the story Russell got arrested for being in possession of Codeine Syrup. Released when he paid $250k bail.

And to think the Raiders could have drafted Adrian Peterson or Charles Johnson and gotten a legitimate NFL caliber football player... thanks Al.

Charles Johnson?

[Oxilon]

I'm assuming he meant Calvin Johnson.

[WMR]

I don't really consider him a huge bust because I never thought much of his pro potential in the first place. The guy is dumb and lazy. That was not news to anyone who followed him at LSU. I would call him one of the bigger draft reaches in recent memory, however.

[Joseph]

I don't really consider him a huge bust because I never thought much of his pro potential in the first place. The guy is dumb and lazy. That was not news to anyone who followed him at LSU. I would call him one of the bigger draft reaches in recent memory, however.

C'mon WMR, can't he be both? :)

[WMR]

C'mon WMR, can't he be both? :)

He can, but IMO in order to qualify as a HUGE bust, you need to have gone into your pro career pretty much universally expected to succeed.

JaMarcus had probably more doubters than he did believers.

[Slyder]

He can, but IMO in order to qualify as a HUGE bust, you need to have gone into your pro career pretty much universally expected to succeed.

JaMarcus had probably more doubters than he did believers.

... except at ESPN. I hear theyre still getting royalties for stroking his ego leading up to the draft.

[Betterread]

I don't really consider him a huge bust because I never thought much of his pro potential in the first place. The guy is dumb and lazy.
Sounds like DeMarcus Cousins. And add fat to the other two attributes.

[dabvu2498]

Sounds like DeMarcus Cousins. And add fat to the other two attributes.


Cousins has multiple skills, however. Russell had two. Being big and throwing the ball a long way.

But yeah, I see the comparison.

[savafan]

I always thought Todd Marinovich was the biggest bust in NFL history

[Kingspoint]

I still have Bosworth #1 on that list if only because of the way Bo Jackson blew through him into the endzone on Monday Night Football.

[WMR]

Sounds like DeMarcus Cousins. And add fat to the other two attributes.

Horrible comparison.

Never a hint of DeMarcus Cousins being lazy at Kentucky, in practice or in games. (Hint: he was busting his ass every day versus future fellow pros D. Orton and P. Patterson)

Anyone who has heard DeMarcus speak knows he isn't dumb. He has a very wry and unique sense of humor.

Freshmen don't become first team All-Americans if they're lazy. It's a purely historical award (judged on the season after it has occurred).

And DeMarcus isn't fat at all. Very, very solid NBA-ready body.

[Javy Pornstache]

Sounds like DeMarcus Cousins. And add fat to the other two attributes.

LOL. Incorrect. Like one of the most wrong statements ever on this site. And there were people that defended Wily Taveras and Eric Milton. Congratulations!

[MWM]

I don't really consider him a huge bust because I never thought much of his pro potential in the first place. The guy is dumb and lazy. That was not news to anyone who followed him at LSU. I would call him one of the bigger draft reaches in recent memory, however.

That's pretty much my thought as well. I'm not better than the next guy at telling who is or isn't going to wind up making a good NFL QB, but there was no question in my mind that Russell was going to be terrible.

He's exhibit A for why cobines and "tools" have become too big a part of the process.

[Caveat Emperor]

That's pretty much my thought as well. I'm not better than the next guy at telling who is or isn't going to wind up making a good NFL QB, but there was no question in my mind that Russell was going to be terrible.

He's exhibit A for why cobines and "tools" have become too big a part of the process.

Yeah, even at the time if the draft I don't recall a ton of people who were overly enamored with JaMarcus Russell as the #1 pick.

In my mind, he's also Exhibit A for why the NFL needs a salary-slotting system for rookies. Getting the #1 pick in today's NFL has become a mixed blessing -- if there's an all-world player available, you get lucky in that you have the opportunity to take him, but you also can get stuck with a pick that no one wants (due to the bloated contract required to sign a #1 pick).

If I remember, back in 2007 the Oakland Raiders tried to shop that pick and couldn't find anyone who wanted to deal.

[Slyder]

Yeah, even at the time if the draft I don't recall a ton of people who were overly enamored with JaMarcus Russell as the #1 pick.

In my mind, he's also Exhibit A for why the NFL needs a salary-slotting system for rookies. Getting the #1 pick in today's NFL has become a mixed blessing -- if there's an all-world player available, you get lucky in that you have the opportunity to take him, but you also can get stuck with a pick that no one wants (due to the bloated contract required to sign a #1 pick).

If I remember, back in 2007 the Oakland Raiders tried to shop that pick and couldn't find anyone who wanted to deal.

Anyone at ESPN was his best cheerleaders and probably got royalties from it (I'm only half joking). Anyone on any of the shows pretty much guarenteed he'd be a top 3 QB in 3 years without much mention of the flags. And I lost track of the number of times that someone would barf out "The pick HAS to be JamBurgalar". Every scout had Peterson, Thomas, and Johnson head and shoulders above Quinn/Russell but the pick "had to be Russell". I hated the thought of him being a raider the MOMENT he opened his mouth and said "I want to go to whoever pay me the most money." I personally wouldnt have cared for any of the other 3 because they were all needs at the time and believed to be much more sure things.

[macro]

http://tidedruid.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/ryanleaf.jpg

http://bluewhitepodcast.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/ph2008042700018.jpg

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slideshows/509/slideshow_50934/display_image.jpg

[Caveat Emperor]

Every scout had Peterson, Thomas, and Johnson head and shoulders above Quinn/Russell but the pick "had to be Russell".

It's eerily similar to the logic espoused by those who were in favor of the Rams selecting Sam Bradford this year -- "If you have the #1 pick and need a quarterback, you should take the best quarterback available."

Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy were almost universally considered the best two prospects in the draft this year, but as soon as the talking heads started weighing in with the "Must take a QB" stuff, the draft board shifted dramatically to boost Bradford to the top.

[texasdave]

I'll throw Nate Newton's hat into the ring.



Unfortunately, that same fire steered the former Dallas Cowboy awry in November 2001, when he was busted hauling 213 lb. of marijuana through Louisiana. While out on bail six weeks later, Newton inexplicably was caught ferrying another 175 lb. of pot in the trunk of his car. "I've always been competitive. I've always been in sports," Newton explained. "I couldn't see myself not being the biggest dope man." Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1876540_1876541_1876485,00.html#ixzz0stFVE 1c0

[RichRed]

When talking about NFL busts, Heath Shuler says, "Don't forget about me!"

[cumberlandreds]

Tony Mandarich

[TRF]

Cade McNown, Akili Smith, Tim Couch all bow down to Ryan Leaf.

Ryan Leaf who was recently convicted of theft while working at WTAMU as the quarterbacks coach.

[bucksfan2]

Cade McNown, Akili Smith, Tim Couch all bow down to Ryan Leaf.

Ryan Leaf who was recently convicted of theft while working at WTAMU as the quarterbacks coach.

Ryan Leaf was a bust, but Tim Couch was the #1 overall pick. IMO that makes it worse than the likes of Smith, Couch and McNown.

[Oxilon]

Ryan Leaf was a bust, but Tim Couch was the #1 overall pick. IMO that makes it worse than the likes of Smith, Couch and McNown.

Gotta disagree here.
1) Leaf and Manning were switching spots on the draft board up until the day of the draft with everybody proclaming you couldn't go 'wrong with either guy.' So the fact that Couch was a #1 overall pick and Leaf wasn't doesn't mean much.

2) Leaf was a complete and utter failure both on and off the field. You can't say nearly the same for Tim Couch, as his problems off the field don't come close to touching Leaf's.

3) Leaf was abosutely horrible. Couch, while not exactly living up to expectations, wasn't that bad, especially for a new expansion team.

I'd say Leaf was a much bigger bust than Couch.

[Slyder]

Ryan Leaf was a bust, but Tim Couch was the #1 overall pick. IMO that makes it worse than the likes of Smith, Couch and McNown.

Cleveland screwed that up more so it being Couch. They never and I mean NEVER gave him an offensive line that could stop a D-2 college team. Not to mention the yell during Leaf's rookie year that pretty much was a sign of things to come. Leaf is the only one that could remotely approach JamBurgular in terms of being as big of a bust.

[Joseph]

Couch 'sucked' because of the O-line. He was sacked 166 times in a 5 year career.

Had he not been beaten like he was, he might have at least made it as a journey-man starter.

[Slyder]

http://tidedruid.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/ryanleaf.jpg

http://bluewhitepodcast.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/ph2008042700018.jpg

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slideshows/509/slideshow_50934/display_image.jpg

I'm guessing the middle one is Ki-Jana Carter and I dont think its fair to lump him in with most of these. He basically blew out both knees in back to back seasons and very, very, very few people would produce success with that right out of the gate. It's one thing (to me) to do like Ryan Leaf and JamBurgular, but if you're a reach (Heywood-Bey) or just shear stupid luck (Ki-Jana) and at least show you know how to work and what to work on then I'll give guys a pass.

[redsfanmia]

Tony Mandarich

He was very productive as a guard for the mid 90's Colts.

[Trace's Daddy]

Ryan Leaf has to be the one. Couldn't San Diego have drafted Peyton Manning in that draft?

[redsfanmia]

Ryan Leaf has to be the one. Couldn't San Diego have drafted Peyton Manning in that draft?

Manning went #1 in that draft.

[Revering4Blue]

Charlie Rogers.

[15fan]

Terrence Cody? He's a legit B cup, probably approaching a C...

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/terrence-cody-fat.jpg

[cumberlandreds]

Terrence Cody? He's a legit B cup, probably approaching a C...

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/terrence-cody-fat.jpg

There are many women who would envy breasts that big. :p:

I didn't realize Mandarich went on to play with the Colts. I thought he just faded into oblivion after the Packers got rid of him.

[macro]

I'm guessing the middle one is Ki-Jana Carter and I dont think its fair to lump him in with most of these. He basically blew out both knees in back to back seasons and very, very, very few people would produce success with that right out of the gate. It's one thing (to me) to do like Ryan Leaf and JamBurgular, but if you're a reach (Heywood-Bey) or just shear stupid luck (Ki-Jana) and at least show you know how to work and what to work on then I'll give guys a pass.

Oh, I didn't mean it as an insult. I loved Ki-Jana and it was closest I ever came to buying an authentic jersey. (Glad now that I didn't :) ). But he was the first pick in the draft and accomplished nothing in the league. Doesn't make him a bum, a loser, or a quitter. But he was a bust.

[KoryMac5]

Oh, I didn't mean it as an insult. I loved Ki-Jana and it was closest I ever came to buying an authentic jersey. (Glad now that I didn't :) ). But he was the first pick in the draft and accomplished nothing in the league. Doesn't make him a bum, a loser, or a quitter. But he was a bust.

I never like calling guys who got injured busts. But I guess you could classify Carter as an injury bust. Akili Smith and Jamarcus are definitely talent busts. If we are looking at the biggest busts of all time I would have to go with Jamarcus Russell.

[GaiusBallstar]

In terms of money and physical potential, Russell.

But in terms of expectations put on a guy, probably Couch, at least from my point of view living in Kentucky, the guy just looked so can't miss.

But getting sacked constantly and shredding your shoulder when your arm strength isn't great already will do that to you.

[VR]

I'm pretty sure the posting of the Cody picture violates at least one, and most likely, multiple, RZ rules. Wow.

[TheNext44]

He's definitely not the biggest bust, but Brady Quinn was considered to be Cleveland's savior, hometown boy leading them to Championship after Championship, at least by Browns fans.

[texasdave]

I'm pretty sure the posting of the Cody picture violates at least one, and most likely, multiple, RZ rules. Wow.

And why, exactly, is Kevin Costner measuring him?

[Hoosier Red]

And why, exactly, is Kevin Costner measuring him?

I'm thinking more Jeff Foxworthy.
Really I was going to post the picture of Andre Smith and his moobs as the biggest busts in NFL history, but yeah Cody may have him beat.

Hopefully Smith produces enough to avoid the other definition of busts, I think he will.

[texasdave]

Jeff Foxworthy ran a close second with me. I can see it.

[BoydsOfSummer]

He's definitely not the biggest bust, but Brady Quinn was considered to be Cleveland's savior, hometown boy leading them to Championship after Championship, at least by Browns fans.

This Browns fan didn't see him as the savior. Most Browns fans I know didn't feel that way either. We just hoped he'd be a (very) capable QB, and I think he could be that. He got injured when he was finally given a chance. I don't believe he'll ever be a world beater, but I wouldn't label him a bust as of yet.

[bucksfan2]

This Browns fan didn't see him as the savior. Most Browns fans I know didn't feel that way either. We just hoped he'd be a (very) capable QB, and I think he could be that. He got injured when he was finally given a chance. I don't believe he'll ever be a world beater, but I wouldn't label him a bust as of yet.

I was with a Browns fan on draft day. At the beginning of the day he wanted nothing to do with Brady early in the 1st round. After Quinn kept dropping he was more than ecstatic to get him where they did. I think most NFL fans thought it was a good draft for the Browns that year getting Thomas with their 1st pick and then Quinn with their second.

I don't know what kind of QB Quinn can be or could have been. I do feel that he kinda got hosed by an inept organization that didn't know what they wanted to do.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Oh. absolutely I was thrilled when they did get him and Thomas in that draft. Like you said, an inept organization sure didn't help his cause.

[GIDP]

Who was that roided up O line man back in the early 90s.

[Chip R]

Who was that roided up O line man back in the early 90s.

You'll have to be more specific.

[LoganBuck]

Who was that roided up O line man back in the early 90s.

Tony Mandarich

[GIDP]

You'll have to be more specific.

Tony Mandarich

[redsfanmia]

Tony Mandarich

We already cover him, he actually had a decent career as a guard for the mid 90's Colts.

[GIDP]

We already cover him, he actually had a decent career as a guard for the mid 90's Colts.

Yea I didnt read the thread at all lol.

[chicoruiz]

Aundray Bruce merits at least a mention.

[OldRightHander]

When I saw the thread title I wasn't sure if we were talking about players or cheerleaders. :devil:

[MrMcConnell]

If the Raiders weren't in the NFL, the guy would've been 2-4th round pick.

[Slyder]

Too many guys were stoking his ego. There was some talk that Cleveland had Russell high on their board too. He would have still been a top 10 pick likely.

[Revering4Blue]

YouTube - W#1 NFL Draft Busts- #20: St. Louis Cardinals, 1984-1987 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzktUtaUqDU&feature=related)

[GIDP]

Now that Greshem has signed we should put him up the list.

half kidding and trying to reverse jinx it.

[Revering4Blue]

YouTube - W#1 NFL Draft Busts- #11: Steve Emtman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piMDaB8Spos&feature=related)

[redsfanmia]

YouTube - W#1 NFL Draft Busts- #11: Steve Emtman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piMDaB8Spos&feature=related)

I have a problem with Emtman being called a bust, the guy was flat-out dominating until he blew out his knee. He was good when he came back then blew out his other knee, he was then servicable after he came back from that. He got hurt again then signed with the Dolphins. I really liked Emtman and thought he was more Greg Cook/Kijana Carter than a total bust.

[GoReds]

Brian Bosworth anyone?

[cinredsfan2000]

No mention of another bengals bust David Klingler:thumbup:

[IslandRed]

I never like calling guys who got injured busts.

Yeah, same here, considering the term is usually used as a pejorative. Guys get hurt in football. Unless the player was at fault somehow, I don't like hanging that around his neck.

[ThornWithin81]

Ryan Leaf is the biggest bust in the history of the league. There was serious debate between Manning and Leaf. Leaf was supposed to be great.

Russell was not THAT highly thought of. Top pick, sure, but consider the guy who picked him. Ol' Crazy Al.