By: Stephen Patterson
Who do you want to see your favorite team pick with their top draft pick?
Let us know after you check out this video showing highlights of the Top 10 prospects heading into next weekend's NFL Draft.
Showing posts with label NFL Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Draft. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Top 10: 2011 NFL Draft Prospects (Video)
By: Stephen Patterson
Who do you want to see your favorite team pick with their top draft pick?
Let us know after you check out this video showing highlights of the Top 10 prospects heading into next weekend's NFL Draft.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Warren Moon Says Comments of Cam Newton Are Based on Racism
By: Tyler Ward
Former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon told CBSSports.com that he believes some of the criticism of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is based on racism.
In the latest edition of Pro Football Weekly, the magazine blasted the Heisman Trophy winner.
Under the list of negatives, the magazine wrote of Newton, "very disingenuous -- has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them."
The magazine also said that the former Tigers quarterback "lacks accountability, focus, and trustwothiness."
Moon said he doesn't think that NFL teams discriminate against Newton, but the public perception of him is completely wrong.
He compared the perception of Newton to recent draft bust Jamarcus Russell.
"A lot of the criticism he's receiving is unfortunate and racially based. I thought we were all past this. I don't see other quarterbacks in the draft being criticized by the media or fans about their smile or called a phony," Moon said. "He's being held to different standards from white quarterbacks. I thought we were past all this stuff about African-American quarterbacks, but I guess we're not."
He continued, "Of course there is racism in every walk of society. We've made a lot of progress in this country. But racism is still there. I just thought in the sports arena we were beyond it. I think the way Cam is being treated shows we're not."
"Some of these questions about Cam are more about his intellect. It's blatant racism, some of it," Moon also said.
Nolan Nawrocki, the author of Pro Football Weekly's draft profile, said that Moon's comments were absolutely absurd. Nawrocki also said that the magazine made similar comments last season about current Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
Cam Newton's father, Cecil, recently reached out to Moon, hoping that he would mentor his son and he could draw comparisons to Moon one day. Moon told the Newtons that they should hire George Whitfield, but he still agreed to mentor the future NFL player.
Last month, Peter King reported that Newton told him in a phone interview, "I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."
At the combine last month in Indianapolis, Newton read a statement to try to clarify the comments he had made.
Moon told media personnel that all teams would have to do is watch tape and spend time with the quarterback and they would see the former Tiger is not "fake."
He would also say, "You can't be fake and win a national championship. The players will see through it. He's won at every level. He took that Auburn team to the national title and that team wasn't as talented as some other teams in the SEC."
Newton is expected to be taken early in April's draft.
He has already met or is scheduled to meet with nine teams before the draft on April 28-30.
His agent, Tony Paige, confirmed that the teams are the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins.
Only time will tell if the assumptions of Newton are true.
Former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon told CBSSports.com that he believes some of the criticism of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is based on racism.
In the latest edition of Pro Football Weekly, the magazine blasted the Heisman Trophy winner.
Under the list of negatives, the magazine wrote of Newton, "very disingenuous -- has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them."
The magazine also said that the former Tigers quarterback "lacks accountability, focus, and trustwothiness."
Moon said he doesn't think that NFL teams discriminate against Newton, but the public perception of him is completely wrong.
He compared the perception of Newton to recent draft bust Jamarcus Russell.
"A lot of the criticism he's receiving is unfortunate and racially based. I thought we were all past this. I don't see other quarterbacks in the draft being criticized by the media or fans about their smile or called a phony," Moon said. "He's being held to different standards from white quarterbacks. I thought we were past all this stuff about African-American quarterbacks, but I guess we're not."
He continued, "Of course there is racism in every walk of society. We've made a lot of progress in this country. But racism is still there. I just thought in the sports arena we were beyond it. I think the way Cam is being treated shows we're not."
"Some of these questions about Cam are more about his intellect. It's blatant racism, some of it," Moon also said.
Nolan Nawrocki, the author of Pro Football Weekly's draft profile, said that Moon's comments were absolutely absurd. Nawrocki also said that the magazine made similar comments last season about current Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
Cam Newton's father, Cecil, recently reached out to Moon, hoping that he would mentor his son and he could draw comparisons to Moon one day. Moon told the Newtons that they should hire George Whitfield, but he still agreed to mentor the future NFL player.
Last month, Peter King reported that Newton told him in a phone interview, "I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."
At the combine last month in Indianapolis, Newton read a statement to try to clarify the comments he had made.
Moon told media personnel that all teams would have to do is watch tape and spend time with the quarterback and they would see the former Tiger is not "fake."
He would also say, "You can't be fake and win a national championship. The players will see through it. He's won at every level. He took that Auburn team to the national title and that team wasn't as talented as some other teams in the SEC."
Newton is expected to be taken early in April's draft.
He has already met or is scheduled to meet with nine teams before the draft on April 28-30.
His agent, Tony Paige, confirmed that the teams are the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins.
Only time will tell if the assumptions of Newton are true.
Monday, March 28, 2011
NFL Top 10: The Top Draft Busts Of All-Time (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
The NFL always has players that never live up to expectations. There always seems to be one every season and all of different "calibers". There's different types of busts - some that didn't fare that well and some that just couldn't do anything right (*cough* Ryan Leaf *cough*)
So, with that being said, here are the top ten draft busts of all-time, according to the wonderful folks at the NFL Network:
10. Houston Cougars Quarterbacks
9. Heath Shuler, Redskins
8. Lawrence Phillips, Rams
7. Art Schlicter, Colts
6. Aundray Bruce, Falcons
5. Tim Couch, Browns
4. Rick Mirer, Seahawks
3. Brian Bosworth, Seahawks
2. Tony Mandarich, Packers
1. Ryan Leaf, Chargers
Courtesy of NFL Network
The NFL always has players that never live up to expectations. There always seems to be one every season and all of different "calibers". There's different types of busts - some that didn't fare that well and some that just couldn't do anything right (*cough* Ryan Leaf *cough*)
So, with that being said, here are the top ten draft busts of all-time, according to the wonderful folks at the NFL Network:
10. Houston Cougars Quarterbacks
9. Heath Shuler, Redskins
8. Lawrence Phillips, Rams
7. Art Schlicter, Colts
6. Aundray Bruce, Falcons
5. Tim Couch, Browns
4. Rick Mirer, Seahawks
3. Brian Bosworth, Seahawks
2. Tony Mandarich, Packers
1. Ryan Leaf, Chargers
Courtesy of NFL Network
NFL Draft Prospect: Auburn's Nick Fairley Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
Fairley was one of the most prominent defensive players in all of the NCAA last season.
The defensive stud came to Auburn in 2009 after transferring over from a junior college. After not getting much playing time, Fairley only managed to post 28 tackles in thirteen games played (two starts).
After being named the starter at defensive tackle, Fairley put up some big-time statistics. He posted 56 tackles, 12 sacks, and even one interception in 2010 and became the second Auburn player to win the Lombardi Award, which is annually given to the nation's top lineman/linebacker.
Random Fact: The first Tiger to win the Lombardi Award (Tracy Rocker) was Fairley's coach. It was also the first time the Lombardi Award was won by a player that had a previous winner as their coach.
With the Tigers going undefeated in the regular season, they advanced to the BCS Title Game against the Oregon Ducks. Auburn won the game, 22-19, as Fairley recorded five tackles (three for loss), one sack, and one forced fumble, successfully winning the Defensive Player of the Game Award.
The defensive tackle is projected as a top-five selection and has garnered interest from teams with top selections.
Fairley was one of the most prominent defensive players in all of the NCAA last season.
The defensive stud came to Auburn in 2009 after transferring over from a junior college. After not getting much playing time, Fairley only managed to post 28 tackles in thirteen games played (two starts).
After being named the starter at defensive tackle, Fairley put up some big-time statistics. He posted 56 tackles, 12 sacks, and even one interception in 2010 and became the second Auburn player to win the Lombardi Award, which is annually given to the nation's top lineman/linebacker.
Random Fact: The first Tiger to win the Lombardi Award (Tracy Rocker) was Fairley's coach. It was also the first time the Lombardi Award was won by a player that had a previous winner as their coach.
With the Tigers going undefeated in the regular season, they advanced to the BCS Title Game against the Oregon Ducks. Auburn won the game, 22-19, as Fairley recorded five tackles (three for loss), one sack, and one forced fumble, successfully winning the Defensive Player of the Game Award.
The defensive tackle is projected as a top-five selection and has garnered interest from teams with top selections.
NFL Draft Prospect: Arkansas' Ryan Mallett Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
The strong-armed quarterback showed last season that he was one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, maybe even the entire NCAA.
After transferring from Michigan, Mallett went to the south and received the starting nod as the Razorback's starting signal caller.
His first season as a Razorback, 2009, set sixteen school records that season, as he amassed a then-school record 3,627 passing yards, along with 30 touchdowns.
Mallett helped the 'Backs to an 8-5 record, including a win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. He was also named Offensive MVP of the game.
He decided to return to Arkansas in 2010, but if he had entered the draft, he was noted to be a top-five quarterback selection.
With his strong performance in the 2010 season, Mallett placed seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting.
2009 Highlights:
2010 Highlights:
The strong-armed quarterback showed last season that he was one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, maybe even the entire NCAA.
After transferring from Michigan, Mallett went to the south and received the starting nod as the Razorback's starting signal caller.
His first season as a Razorback, 2009, set sixteen school records that season, as he amassed a then-school record 3,627 passing yards, along with 30 touchdowns.
Mallett helped the 'Backs to an 8-5 record, including a win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. He was also named Offensive MVP of the game.
He decided to return to Arkansas in 2010, but if he had entered the draft, he was noted to be a top-five quarterback selection.
It may have turned out well for Mallett as he provided even bigger statistics, including upping his passing yards to 3,869 and throwing 32 touchdowns.
Included in his strong performances was a 21-for-24 game against Tennessee Tech on September 9, 2010. The completion percentage (87.5%) was a Razorbacks record and the second-best in NCAA history. Arkansas won the game, 44-3.
2009 Highlights:
2010 Highlights:
NFL Draft Prospect: Alabama's Julio Jones Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
The Alabama receiver, like the aforementioned A.J. Green, is considered to be one of the top players in this year's draft (if there is one).
Jones, a junior, has had a career similar to Green, also. Over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Jones caught 179 passes for 2,653 yards and fifteen touchdowns.
His 78-catch, 1,133-yard season in 2010 was the most ever by an Alabama receiver, breaking D.J. Hall's stat-line of 67 receptions for 1,056 yards in 2006.
Jones' 2010 season became just the fourth season in school history to have a receiver surpass the 1,000-yard mark (David Palmer, 1993 & Hall, 2006 and 2007).
Now that his collegiate career is over, Jones currently ranks second in Alabama history for receptions (179) and receiving yards (2,653).
(Hall holds both records with 194 receptions for 2,923 yards).
Jones' play helped the Crimson Tide to a 37-21 defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the BCS Championship Game.
He also helped the team to a 49-7 butt-kicking over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. Jones caught just three passes for 49 yards in the game, however.
Deciding to forego his senior season, Jones has slowly climbed up the mock drafts everywhere. A once-projected middle-of-the-first selection, the receiver has recently been put between the fifth and tenth draft selections on almost every mock draft.
He did extremely well at the Draft Combine, posting the longest long jump out of all receivers and also having the third-best 40-yard dash time.
His size and ability reminds of Plaxico Burress (on the field, not off). Burress always seemed to have an advantage over every cornerback and I can definitely see Jones playing that role.
2009 Highlights Career Highlights:
The Alabama receiver, like the aforementioned A.J. Green, is considered to be one of the top players in this year's draft (if there is one).
Jones, a junior, has had a career similar to Green, also. Over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Jones caught 179 passes for 2,653 yards and fifteen touchdowns.
His 78-catch, 1,133-yard season in 2010 was the most ever by an Alabama receiver, breaking D.J. Hall's stat-line of 67 receptions for 1,056 yards in 2006.
Jones' 2010 season became just the fourth season in school history to have a receiver surpass the 1,000-yard mark (David Palmer, 1993 & Hall, 2006 and 2007).
Now that his collegiate career is over, Jones currently ranks second in Alabama history for receptions (179) and receiving yards (2,653).
(Hall holds both records with 194 receptions for 2,923 yards).
Jones' play helped the Crimson Tide to a 37-21 defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the BCS Championship Game.
He also helped the team to a 49-7 butt-kicking over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. Jones caught just three passes for 49 yards in the game, however.
Deciding to forego his senior season, Jones has slowly climbed up the mock drafts everywhere. A once-projected middle-of-the-first selection, the receiver has recently been put between the fifth and tenth draft selections on almost every mock draft.
He did extremely well at the Draft Combine, posting the longest long jump out of all receivers and also having the third-best 40-yard dash time.
His size and ability reminds of Plaxico Burress (on the field, not off). Burress always seemed to have an advantage over every cornerback and I can definitely see Jones playing that role.
2009 Highlights Career Highlights:
NFL Draft Prospect: LSU's Patrick Peterson Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
The top cornerback in the draft, Peterson has drawn comparisons to Champ Bailey, perhaps one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL right now.
Peterson, a junior, decided to forego his senior season after three stellar years in the Bayou. He has showed that he is a lockdown cornerback and continued to shut down team's top receivers over the last couple of seasons.
He has also been over the draft board, as most of teams at the top are in need of a player like Peterson.
The Panthers have not yet made a decision on whom they would take with the top overall selection, but Peterson is still in the mix to be that guy.
Playing in perhaps the nation's top football conference, Peterson's statistics may not be the best, but what he did on the field was dynamic. In three seasons at LSU, Peterson compiled just 135 tackles, but also picked off the opposing quarterbacks seven times.
He has been considered by some to be a "can't miss prospect", and rightfully so. He will look to keep that name during his NFL career.
Also, here's an interview of LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson:
NFL Draft Prospect: Georgia's A.J. Green Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
Green, who many consider to be the best wide receiver in the draft, is hoping to take his game to the next level and make a difference on whichever team he's drafted by.
A projected top-five pick in most mock drafts, Green could be a starter during his rookie season.
Green was a very good receiver while attending Georgia, putting up gaudy numbers on his way to the top. Despite not-so-good quarterback play by the Bulldogs, Green still managed to play exceedingly well and keep his team in most games with his exceptional catching abilities.
In Green's freshman season, he caught 56 passes for 963 yards and eight touchdowns, all Georgia freshman records. He also led the SEC in receiving yards, along with posting the Bulldogs' third-highest total ever.
The next season, Green missed the final three games, but still compiled stats of 47 receptions for 751 yards and six touchdowns.
During his third and final season in Athens, he was suspended for the first four games of the year after he admitted to selling his 2009 Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to Chris Hawkins, a former North Carolina defensive back.
Green was also forced to repay the $1,000 and give it to a charity.
Even though he didn't play in the first four games, Green still caught 57 passes for 848 yards and nine touchdowns, all team highs.
On January 9, Green announced that he would enter the NFL Draft. And he made the right call. Green, perhaps the most prolific receiver out of all, is looking to become one of the best receivers in the league.
His highlights will show just how good a player of his caliber can be:
2010 Highlights:
2009 Highlights:
Green, who many consider to be the best wide receiver in the draft, is hoping to take his game to the next level and make a difference on whichever team he's drafted by.
A projected top-five pick in most mock drafts, Green could be a starter during his rookie season.
Green was a very good receiver while attending Georgia, putting up gaudy numbers on his way to the top. Despite not-so-good quarterback play by the Bulldogs, Green still managed to play exceedingly well and keep his team in most games with his exceptional catching abilities.
In Green's freshman season, he caught 56 passes for 963 yards and eight touchdowns, all Georgia freshman records. He also led the SEC in receiving yards, along with posting the Bulldogs' third-highest total ever.
The next season, Green missed the final three games, but still compiled stats of 47 receptions for 751 yards and six touchdowns.
During his third and final season in Athens, he was suspended for the first four games of the year after he admitted to selling his 2009 Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to Chris Hawkins, a former North Carolina defensive back.
Green was also forced to repay the $1,000 and give it to a charity.
Even though he didn't play in the first four games, Green still caught 57 passes for 848 yards and nine touchdowns, all team highs.
On January 9, Green announced that he would enter the NFL Draft. And he made the right call. Green, perhaps the most prolific receiver out of all, is looking to become one of the best receivers in the league.
His highlights will show just how good a player of his caliber can be:
2010 Highlights:
2009 Highlights:
NFL Draft Prospect: Auburn's Cam Newton Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
Considered the best quarterback in this year's draft, Cam Newton is looking to become a superstar in the NFL.
Newton, this year's Heisman Trophy winner, had a spectacular season at Auburn, while leading the Tigers to the BCS National Championship.
His name has been all around the top ten of the draft and many expect him to be the best signal caller in the draft.
He may not be the smartest quarterback, but Newton can make moves with his legs, while breaking off defenders and constantly extending plays.
Looking at Newton's highlights, he reminds me of a more mobile and faster Steve McNair (Rest in peace).
I'll see what you think:
Warning: Explicit Music
NFL Draft Prospect: Alabama's Mark Ingram Highlight Reel (Video)
By: Tyler Ward
With the draft closing in on us, everyone is scouring for a top selection. Notes are being written. Time is being put in. Hearts are throbbing. Dreams about money, fame, and fortune. You have to be at the top of your game to become a star in the NFL.
To have that advantage, you have and want to be a first-round selection or the very best at your position.
That's where Mark Ingram comes in. The projected top running back in the 2011 NFL Draft, Ingram is looking to become one of the best running backs in the NFL. He has been most recognized as becoming the next Miami Dolphin or St. Louis Ram, but time will tell to see where he goes.
Ingram had a mighty prolific career at Alabama, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2009, the award annually given to the nation's top player. Not only did he claim the Heisman, but he helped lead the Tide to a 37-21 defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the National Championship.
He bypassed the draft after his magnificent junior season and decided to come back to college, hoping to become only the second player in history to win two Heisman Trophies.
Injuries hurt his cause, as he did not do as well as he did in his junior season. He still helped the Tide defeat Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl to end his collegiate career on a good note.
Now entering the next phase of his career, Ingram will be hoping to do just as well in the NFL.
Here's some highlights from his amazing Alabama career:
2009 Heisman Highlights:
Other Highlights:
M
With the draft closing in on us, everyone is scouring for a top selection. Notes are being written. Time is being put in. Hearts are throbbing. Dreams about money, fame, and fortune. You have to be at the top of your game to become a star in the NFL.
To have that advantage, you have and want to be a first-round selection or the very best at your position.
That's where Mark Ingram comes in. The projected top running back in the 2011 NFL Draft, Ingram is looking to become one of the best running backs in the NFL. He has been most recognized as becoming the next Miami Dolphin or St. Louis Ram, but time will tell to see where he goes.
Ingram had a mighty prolific career at Alabama, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2009, the award annually given to the nation's top player. Not only did he claim the Heisman, but he helped lead the Tide to a 37-21 defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the National Championship.
He bypassed the draft after his magnificent junior season and decided to come back to college, hoping to become only the second player in history to win two Heisman Trophies.
Injuries hurt his cause, as he did not do as well as he did in his junior season. He still helped the Tide defeat Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl to end his collegiate career on a good note.
Now entering the next phase of his career, Ingram will be hoping to do just as well in the NFL.
Here's some highlights from his amazing Alabama career:
2009 Heisman Highlights:
Other Highlights:
M
Monday, June 28, 2010
Top 12: NFL All-Time Draft Busts
By: Tyler Ward
I'm just doing this article to match the NBA one poster earlier today. The NFL has also had their fair share of horrible draftees throughout the years.
Honorable Mention: Art Schlichter (Baltimore, 4th overall, 1982), Steve Emtman (Indianapolis, 1st overall, 1992), Curtis Enis (Chicago, 5th overall, 1999), Andre Ware (Detroit, 7th overall, 1990), Rick Mirer (Seattle, 2nd overall, 1993), Courtney Brown (Cleveland, 1st overall, 2000), Mike Williams (Detroit, 10th overall, 2005), Johnny "Lam" Jones (New York Jets, 2nd overall, 1980), David Klingler (Cincinnati, 6th overall, 1992)
12. Joey Harrington, Detroit, 2002 (3rd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Dwight Freeney, Albert Haynesworth, Ed Reed, Clinton Portis
Reason: Harrington was anything, but spectacular in his seasons in the NFL. He got drafted by a horrible Detroit team, who would soon draft Wide Receiver after Wide Receiver, instead of drafting at positions that they actually needed. Harrington and David Carr were thought to be the best Quarterbacks of the draft, and both of them appeared on horrible teams. They weren't able to lead their teams whatsoever. Harrington spent 4 dismal seasons in Detroit, accumulating an 18-37 record with the team. He was also horrible in the passing department and never passing for more than 3,100 yards in a season. After Detroit chose to cut ties, he spent a season each in Miami and Atlanta. Harrington was never what he was supposed to be and has not appeared in an NFL game since 2007. Over his six year stint in the NFL, Harrington had a 26-50 record with Detroit, Miami, and Atlanta. He also compiled a total of 14,693 passing yards with 79 touchdowns and 85 interceptions.
11. Charles Rogers, Detroit, 2003 (2nd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Andre Johnson, Troy Polamalu, Dallas Clark, Nnamdi Asomugha
Reason: Rogers was viewed as being one of the can't-miss prospects in the 2003 NFL Draft. Coming off a stellar career at Michigan State, Rogers was taken 2nd overall by the Detroit Lions. He was immediately thrown in the Wide Receiver mix and the Lions were wanting him to carry the team right away. Rogers was, unfortunately, not ready for that decision. He was only able to stick around Detroit for 3 seasons, playing in only 15 games, and tallying up career statistics of 36 receptions for 440 yards and 4 touchdowns.
10. Lawrence Phillips, St. Louis, 1996 (6th overall)
Players drafted behind him: Marvin Harrison, Ray Lewis, Eddie George
Reason: Phillips literally went from running from defenses to sitting behind bars. Taken out of Nebraska, Phillips was hyped and widely considered to be one of the best players out of the entire 1996 class. But, the reason he was taken 6th overall was because of his off-the-field issues and the GM's that passed on him were right. He only lasted 1 1/2 seasons in St. Louis before being cut from the team due to refusing to show for a team meeting. His NFL career would be cut short after stints with Miami and San Francisco. But, his issues still continued. On December 18, 2009, Phillips was sentenced to 31 years in prison for attacking his girlfriend repeatedly and driving his car into three teenagers. It was truly a waste of talent.
9. Blair Thomas, New York, 1990 (2nd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Emmitt Smith, Junior Seau
Reason: Many thought that Thomas would be the starter for the Jets for a long time. But, that was not the case, as Thomas did not survive in the NFL. Starting the Penn State Running Back curse, Thomas dominated the NCAA in the hopes of one day, getting to the NFL. The Jets took the chance and Thomas' skills quickly diminished. He only lasted 4 injury-plagued seasons in New York before making short appearances in New England, Dallas, and Carolina. He was eventually out of the league after the 1995 season and never returned to the NFL. His stats are as follows: 64 games (36 starts), 2,236 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns. Definitely not worth the 2nd overall selection.
8. Ki-Jana Carter, Cincinnati, 1995 (1st overall)
Players drafted behind him: Steve McNair, Warren Sapp, Curtis Martin, Derrick Brooks
Reason: Like the aforementioned Blair Thomas, Carter was another overhyped Penn State Running Back. Leading up to the draft, Carter was going to be the #1 overall pick, no doubts whatsoever. He was supposed to lead the Bengals and eventually be better than Emmitt Smith. In 1994, his junior season, Carter led the Nittany Lions to an undefeated season, but not a championship. They finished second that year in the final poll. Carter was nothing less than spectacular, leading the Nittany Lions with 1,539 rushing yards and 23 TD's. His game couldn't translate to the NFL, more than likely because of injuries. He ended up being sidelined with knee injuries throughout his NFL career, so he was never able to live up to the hype. Carter ended up playing for the Saints and Redskins while trying to attempt two seperate comebacks. He retired from the NFL after the 2004 season and finished with 1,144 rushing yards along with 21 total touchdowns.
7. Heath Shuler, Washington, 1994 (3rd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Isaac Bruce, Kevin Mawae, Marshall Faulk
Reason: After helping lead the University of Tennessee, Shuler couldn't make the transition to the NFL. He was thought to be the next great passer and get the Redskins back to their Super Bowl form. With Shuler at the helm, they could never win and Shuler was in a world of mediocrity. He only started 18 games in his first two seasons, and was benched during his sophomore year for Gus Frerotte, who went to the Pro Bowl. After the 1996 season, Shuler was traded to the New Orleans Saints. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a broken foot and was forced to go through multiple surgeries. After his release from the Saints, he went to the Raiders, where he re-aggravated his foot and abruptly retired. Shuler was never able to lead the Redskins or any team and put up numbers of 3,691 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.
6. Akili Smith, Cincinnati, 3rd overall (1999)
Players drafted behind him: Edgerrin James, Ricky Williams, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey
Reason: While attending Oregon, Smith was a Heisman Trophy candidate and many scouts thought that he would take his success to the NFL. That was not the case as Smith was overrated and could never be a high profile Quarterback in the league. He was also on a horrible Bengals team that had struggled for a few years due to horrible draft choices and luck. He also didn't have much competition in Jeff Blake. He started only 22 games in his career, throwing for 2,212 yards with 5 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Bengals' dreams were dashed and Smith only lasted 4 years in the NFL (all with the Bengals).
5. Brian Bosworth, Seattle, 1987 (Supplemental Draft Pick)
Players drafted behind him: N/A
Reason: Bosworth had so much hype coming out of Oklahoma. He was the best college linebacker some had ever seen, and was also known for his antics and crazy personality. Whoever drafted Bosworth was getting a steal, right? Wrong. In his rookie campaign, Bosworth registered 4 sacks, which is mildly decent for a first year player. However, two seasons later, he was out of the NFL and he would never coming back. I chose him this high simply because of the hype that surrounded him.
4. Tim Couch, Cleveland, 1999 (1st overall)
Players drafted behind him: Edgerrin James, Ricky Williams, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey
Reason: After finally getting a franchise back in Cleveland, they decided to take the most prolific passer in the SEC, Tim Couch. The Browns were awarded the #1 overall pick due to the three year hiatus, where Cleveland did not have a team from 1996-98. After throwing for 4,611 yards and 38 TD's in 1998, there was really no doubt that Cleveland would take him first. However, Cleveland had a different style than that of Kentucky, so Couch's game was nothing less than bad. After three disappointing seasons, Couch led the Browns to the playoffs for the first time since they'd been back in Cleveland. But, Couch broke his leg in the final game of the season and was forced to stand on the sidelines and watch Kelly Holcomb lead the team. The next year, with a new coach at the helm, Holcomb was effectively made the starter and the Tim Couch era in Cleveland was over. Couch tried to come back with the Packers in 2004 and Jacksonville in 2007, but he wasn't able to compete for the starting job. He finished his career with 11,131 passing yards with 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. His career was over in 2007 and he has not returned to the league.
3. Jamarcus Russell, Oakland, 2007 (1st overall)
Players drafted behind him: Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Darrelle Revis, Calvin Johnson
Reason: When I heard Russell was entering the draft, I thought he was going to be a third or fourth round selection. It turns out that Al Davis wants to draft the strong armed QB from LSU. Why? Nobody knows. I think that it was because of the 2007 Sugar Bowl where Russell and the Tigers beat Notre Dame and the next high profiled QB, Brady Quinn. The final score was a blowout in LSU's favor, 41-14. Unfortunately, Russell had on-the-field issues with commitment and attitude problems. He would never be able to successfully lead a team, but Al Davis thought otherwise and again, a Raiders draft was ruined. Russell would be a turnover machine in his Raiders seasons, throwing 23 interceptions and fumbling 25 times total. He was released on May 6, 2010 when Al Davis finally came to his senses. As of now, Russell has thrown for 4,083 yards with 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in three total seasons.
2. Tony Mandarich, Green Bay, 1989 (2nd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders
Reason: Known as "The Incredible Bulk" in his days at Michigan State, Mandarich was not what many people thought he was. He would turn out to not get playing time at all in his rookie season, and when he would, he'd be on special teams. Mandarich eventually said that he was addicted to painkillers and the Packers released him after the 1991 season. He would also attempt to come back in 1996 with the Indianapolis Colts after a 5 year hiatus. He spent three lackluster seasons in Indianapolis, but somehow, he did better with the Colts than the Packers. Mandarich was soon transformed from "The Incredible Bulk" to "The Incredible Bust". His addiction to steroids and painkillers destroyed his NFL career and he was never able to recover.
1. Ryan Leaf, San Diego, 1998 (2nd overall)
Players drafted behind him: Charles Woodson, Randy Moss, Alan Faneca
Reason: Go figure, huh? Leading up to the draft, it was either going to be Peyton Manning from Tennessee or Ryan Leaf from Washington State. The Colts held the #1 overall pick and chose Manning, fortunately. The Chargers had the next pick and chose Ryan Leaf. Manning turned out to be the best player in the draft and Leaf becamse the biggest bust of all time. His off-the-field issues successfully ruined his career and he was oblivious to what he was doing. Yelling at a camera man didn't help his cause either. In 1998, Leaf was handed the starting job, but was benched 9 games into the season after throwing two touchdown and thirteen interceptions. He was replaced by underachiever, Craig Whelihan. Leaf injured his shoulder in 1999 and was forced to miss the entire season. In 2000, he started nine games again and threw for 1,883 yards with eleven touchdowns and eighteen interceptions. After the 2000 season, he left for the Dallas Cowboys and started only three games. His final career statistics are 3,666 passing yards (48.4% completion pct.), 14 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. Leaf is by far the biggest bust in NFL history.
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