2011 NFL Draft: Biggest Draft Busts in the History of Each NFL Franchise

When I kept seeing these names, the same thought kept racing through my head.

"Oh my gosh! I remember him in college. He was incredible!"

Each of them flamed out in incredible fashion once they reached the NFL. Their names are familiar ones: Todd Marinovich, Tim Couch, Tony Mandarich, Ryan Leaf. When determining the biggest busts for each team, some were challenging. Take Marinovich, for example. Do you take him over JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft? Both were extremely talented, both had lots of hype, lots of potential.

Now for you ultra-serious ones, let's go ahead and establish that you could flip-flop many of these names for countless others. I don't think there's a definitive set of standards for awfulness.

These players, however, met my criteria. Here are the top draft busts for every NFL team:

Atlanta: Aundray Bruce, 1st Overall, 1988

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12 Nov 1989: Defensive back Aundray Bruce of the Atlanta Falcons in action during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 45-3. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

You would think a linebacker/defensive end who was 6'5'', 265 pounds would be a stud, right?

Bruce definitely didn't live up to the hype. The former Auburn player made 35 starts in four years with the Falcons, finishing with 176 tackles, 16 sacks and three interceptions. He then went to the Raiders and never had more than 25 tackles in a season.

For those wondering who Atlanta passed up that year in the draft: Five picks later there was some receiver named Tim Brown they could have nabbed.

Arizona: Andre Wadsworth, Third Overall, 1998

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6 Dec 1998: Andre Wadsworth #90 of the Arizona Cardinals sits on the bench as he steams during the game against the New York Giants at the Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsp

Here's the first of the many studs I remember from their college days. 

Wadsworth (6'4'', 278) was unstoppable at Florida State, but the former defensive end lasted just three seasons and had 72 tackles, eight sacks and one interception for Arizona.

Baltimore: Kyle Boller, 19th Overall, 2003

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Brian Billick of the Baltimore Ravens talks with quarterback Kyle Boller #7 while taking on the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium December 16, 2007 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Ravens 22-16 for their first

I remember all the hype about Boller. He was the kid with the golden arm from Cal, but I never drank the Kool Aid.

Boller played for five seasons with the Ravens, completing nearly 57 percent of his passes for 7,846 yards, with 45 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. He had a quarterback rating of 71.9.

After leaving Baltimore, Boller spent 2009 with the Rams, then last year with the Raiders.

Buffalo: Tony Hunter, 12th Overall, 1983

Since I was six when Hunter was drafted, I have zero memory of him from his days at Notre Dame. I do know, however, that the tight end played two years for the Bills, had 69 catches for 733 yards and five touchdowns.

Carolina: Rae Carruth, 27th Overall, 1997

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17 Oct 1999: Rae Carruth #89 of the Carolina Panthers smilles on the field during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 31-29. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport

I remember how impressive Carruth was at Colorado, but the wide receiver had just 804 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons with the team.

Of course, he's now in prison after shooting his then-pregnant girlfriend. I've heard of a lot of atrocious things in my time as a sportswriter, but this was one of the worst.

Chicago: Curtis Enis, Fifth Overall, 1998

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

17 Sep 2000: A close up of Curtis Enis #44 of the Chicago Bears as he looks on from the sidelines during the game against the New York Giants at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants defeated the Bears 14-7.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Al

Apologies to David Terrell and Cade McNown for being left off, but I've got to go with Enis here.

I vividly remember Enis (6'0'', 242 pounds) from his days at Penn State, but the running back lasted only three seasons in the NFL, averaging under four yards per carry and rushing for 1,497 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Cincinnati: David Klingler, Sixth Overall, 1992

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback David Klingler #7 of the Cincinnati Bengals holds a football during the game against the Houston Oilers at Riverfront Stadium on November 13, 1994 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Oilers defeated the Bengals 35-5. (Photo

I'm sure you Akili Smith fans are offended for my slight here.

But I'm going with Klingler on this one. Back at Houston, he threw for 54 touchdowns in one season, but at Cincinnati, he finished with only 16 in four seasons.  He also had a quarterback rating of 65.1.

I knew Klingler was talented, but I wasn't completely sold on him coming out of Houston. I did think another quarterback, though, would do much better from that school—wait for it...

Cleveland: Tim Couch, 1st Overall, 1999

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 30: Referee Ed Hochuli #85 looks to help Quarterback Tim Couch #2 of the Cleveland Browns as he lays hurt during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 30 2003 at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeate

Now we get to someone I saw in person.

Back in college, I watched Couch up close when Kentucky played at LSU, and saw how smooth he was rolling out of the pocket and what a great delivery he had. He could throw the short and intermediate passes and hit receivers on deep balls with precision. The guy was the truth.

But in the NFL, not so much: In five seasons with the Browns, he completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 11,131 yards with 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions. 

Dallas: David LaFleur, 22nd Overall, 1997

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18 Oct 1998: Tight end David LaFleur #89 of the Dallas Cowboys in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Cowboys 13-12. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

This was another tough one. Do you go with LaFleur over Bobby Carpenter? I think so, but by a hair.

LaFleur was at LSU when I was, and I knew back then it could be feast or famine for him in the pros. See, LaFleur's problem was that he would often drop easy catches. He had the perfect size for a tight end (6'7'', 272 pounds) but that didn't mean anything with the Cowboys.

In four seasons, he had 85 receptions for 729 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Denver: Tommy Maddox, 25th Overall, 1992

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DETROIT - AUGUST 9: Quarterback Tommy Maddox #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the pre-season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on August 9, 2003 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Steelers 26-13. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/

I will say this first off: You will not meet a nicer and classier gentleman.

Maddox became a great story when he made a comeback in 2002 with the Steelers as a backup quarterback, leaving his life as an insurance salesman.

Coming out of UCLA, though, he was supposedly the heir apparent to John Elway—think about that for a second. Just sounds absurd looking back, doesn't it? In two years with the Broncos, he started four games, throwing for 758 yards and just six touchdowns. 

Detroit: Andre Ware, 7th Overall, 1990

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6 Dec 1992: Quarterback Andre Ware of the Detroit Lions looks to pass the ball during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 38-10.

The former Heisman Trophy winner put up some nasty numbers in college, but he did absolutely nothing in the pros. In four seasons, he completed just 83 of 161 passes for 1,112 yards and five touchdowns.

Ware will always be in that elite group of quarterback busts I grew up with that includes Heath Shuler, David Klingler and Todd Marinovich.

Green Bay: Tony Mandarich, 2nd Overall, 1989

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8 Oct 1989: Offensive lineman Tony Mandarich of the Green Bay Packers moves down the field during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

I don't think we need to re-hash what an incredible bust this offensive lineman was.

Here's something I didn't realize, though. The next three picks after him that year: Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders.

Houston: David Carr, 1st Overall, 2002

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback David Carr #8 of the Houston Texans looks to pass during their game against the Cleveland Browns on December 31, 2006 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Browns 14-6. (Photo by Lisa Blumen

Confession time: I too bought into the Carr hype that year when he came out of Fresno State.

I'd watched him in college and I thought he would make a great franchise quarterback. Big problem: His offensive line was non existent. Opposing defenses tore him apart, totaling 249 sacks in Carr's five years with the Texans.

Somehow he did manage to throw for over 2,000 yards each season. Pretty lousy, but incredible when you consider what he had around him.

Indianapolis: Steve Emtman, 1st Overall, 1992

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4 Oct 1992: Defensive lineman Steve Emtman of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Colts won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

I vaguely remember how hyped the former Washington defensive end was.

But he suffered a knee injury just over halfway into his rookie year and made only 10 starts over the next six years for three different teams.

Jacksonville: Matt Jones, 21st Overall, 2005

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 23: Matt Jones #18 of the Jacksonville Jaguars fumbles after making a reception against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at Jacksonville Municipal stadium on November 23, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Gree

Here's the thing about Jacksonville: The Jaguars have had plenty of highly-touted players (Reggie Williams, Tony Boselli, R. Jay Soward, Kevin Hardy) who didn't live up to the hype.

But I remember thinking Jones would be a solid player. He had been a great quarterback at Arkansas, but I figured he could make the switch to wide receiver. That really didn't happen, and he also got into trouble with drugs.

Kansas City: Ryan Sims, 6th Overall, 2002

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Defensive tackle Ryan Sims #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks on the field during the game against the New England Patriots on November 22, 2004 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Patriots won 27-19. (Pho

The defensive lineman out of North Carolina was supposed to anchor the Chiefs line for years to come. One website said Sims "could be the Chiefs worst draft pick of all-time."

In five seasons, he had 65 total tackles and five sacks. He was so unproductive that he was traded to Tampa Bay for a seventh round pick.

Miami: Sammie Smith, 9th Overall, 1989

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1989-1990: Running back Sammie Smith of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball. Mandatory Credit: T. G. Higgins /Allsport

The former Florida State running back lasted just three years with the Dolphins, never averaging above 3.7 yards per carry. He finished with 1,881 yards and 15 touchdowns during that span and had to endure chants of "Sammie Sucks" by fans.

Minnesota: Dimitrius Underwood, 29th Overall, 1999

The former Michigan State defensive end had all sorts of potential, but he walked out of training camp after the first day due to conflicts between football and his faith.

This is one of the saddest stories I've heard. Underwood battled mental illness and it was evident twice when he tried to commit suicide, the first time by slitting his throat. 

He had left football, but he returned with the Dolphins and later with the Cowboys. His career never panned out, but in the big picture, he had much bigger problems to face. 

New England: Hart Lee Dykes, 15th Overall, 1989

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26 Nov 1989: Defensive back Terry McDaniel of the Los Angeles Raiders (right) and New England Patriots wide receiver Hart Lee Dykes look for the ball during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won the game

Yup, this is a player I remember pretty well growing up in Oklahoma. He was a great receiver at Oklahoma State, but lasted just two years in the NFL, finishing with 83 catches for 1,344 yards and seven touchdowns.

New Orleans: Ricky Williams, 5th Overall, 1999

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17 Dec 2001: Ricky Williams of the New Orleans Saints gains yardage against the St.Louis Rams during the game at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Rams won 34-21. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones/Getty Images

Ricky was an absolute beast at Texas. I watched him plenty and remember my dad saying he probably was Texas' best running back since Earl Campbell.

The Saints mortgaged their future in that draft to nab Williams, but the support system surrounding him was awful and he didn't turn the franchise around.

In three years with the Saints, he had 16 touchdowns and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. He also had 1,092 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

New York Giants: Ron Dayne, 11th Overall, 2000

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Ron Dayne #27 of the New York Giants runs with the ball before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium/Frank Kush Field on November 14, 2004 in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 17-14. (P

The former Wisconsin running back and Heisman Trophy winner had all the makings of being a bruising, punishing power back.

But in four years he had 2,067 yards and 16 touchdowns. Even more shocking: He averaged only 3.5 yards per carry. 

New York Jets: Blair Thomas, 2nd Overall, 1990

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 2: Running back Blair Thomas #32 of the New York Jets looks on from the sideline during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on December 2, 1990 in San Diego, California. The San Diego Chargers won 38-17

In four seasons, Thomas had only seven touchdowns.

The former Penn State running back is considered one of the greatest busts in NFL history. What's even more shocking is that, in this same draft, the Cowboys landed another running back—a kid from Florida named Emmitt Smith.

Oakland/Los Angeles: Todd Marinovich, 24th Overall, 1991

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4 Oct 1992: Quarterback Todd Marinovich of the Los Angeles Raiders looks on during a game against the New York Giants at the Los Angeles Memorial Stadium in os Angeles, California. The Cowboys won the game, 13-10Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport

He had been engineered for this very opportunity since he was a child by an obsessive, overly-driven father. At 6'4'', 215 pounds, Marinovich was the prototype for a quarterback.

But the former USC star lasted just two years with the Raiders. He threw for 1,345 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also dealing with serious drug issues during and after his career.

Nine picks later, in the second round, Atlanta drafted Brett Favre.

Philadelphia: Michael Haddix, 8th Overall, 1983

The former Mississippi State running back lasted six years with the Eagles, rushing for 1,189 yards and three touchdowns. He also averaged three yards per carry.

Pittsburgh: Tim Worley, 7th Overall, 1989

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

1989-1990: Running back Tim Worley of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won the game 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

The former Georgia running back lasted four years with the Steelers, rushing for 1,338 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 196 yards receiving.

Worley was the fourth bust in that first round, joining Sammie Smith, Tony Mandarich and Hart Lee Dykes.

Seattle: Brian Bosworth, 1st Overall, Supplemental Draft, 1987

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

18 Dec 1988: Linebacker Brian Bosworth of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Seahawks won the game, 43-37.

Growing up in Oklahoma, I knew about the Boz and watched him terrorize offenses. He was one of the most vicious linebackers Oklahoma ever had.

Towards the end of his college career, he was busted for steroids and became extremely cocky by the time he reached the NFL. I found it repulsive and the Boz had only four sacks in three years with the Seahawks.

Ironically, his most memorable play wasn't a good one. You know which one I'm talking about. It's when a certain legendary player named Bo Jackson steamrolled him.  

Saint Louis: Lawrence Phillips, 6th Overall, 1996

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

31 Aug 1997: Running back Lawrence Phillips of the St. Louis Rams runs through the New Orleans defense to score a touchdown during the Rams 38-24 win at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

The Nebraska running back was part of the great Cornhuskers teams of the late 1990s and was a machine in college. He also happened to have behavior issues and was arrested for domestic violence. That didn't change in the pros. Phillips was released a year after St. Louis drafted him and is currently serving time in prison.

San Diego: Ryan Leaf, 2nd Overall, 1998

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

24 Dec 2000: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers passes the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 34-21.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Alls

Imagine not only producing on the field, but coming across like a petulant child in the media and behaving in a way in which teammates didn't want anything to do with you.

That was Leaf in a nutshell.

San Francisco: JJ Stokes, 10th Overall, 1995

Craig Jones/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 12: Wide receiver JJ Stokes #83 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Derrick Brooks #55, Ronde Barber #20 and Shelton Quarles #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1

Remember how he was called "the next Jerry Rice?"

Pretty silly when you look back at it. The former UCLA receiver lasted eight years with the 49ers, never broke 1,000 yards in a season and averaged less than four catches a game.

Tampa Bay: Vinny Testaverde, 1st Overall, 1987

Allen Steele/Getty Images

23 Oct 1988: Quarterback Vinny Testverde of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass the ball during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won the game, 49-20. Mandatory Credit: All

Vinny was incredible in college at Miami, and I'll give him credit for sticking around in the NFL. But it sure did start out rough in Tampa, where he was sacked 197 times in six years with the Bucs. He also completed 52 percent of his passes for 77 touchdowns and 112 interceptions.

Tennessee: Adam Jones, 6th Overall, 2005

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 31: Pacman Jones #32 of the Tennessee Titans returns a punt for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the NFL game on December 31, 2006 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Pacman was extremely talented and should have had an incredible career. Instead, he found it much easier to be a punk and "make it rain."

Jones was suspended for all of 2007 and part of 2008 due to issues with the law. He denied all the allegations against him (didn't you find him credible, too?) and briefly experimented as a pro wrestler.

Washington: Heath Shuler, 3rd Overall, 1994

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26 Nov 1995: Quarterback Heath Shuler #5 of the Washington Redskins sets to throw during the NFC match up against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 14-7 at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Allspor

The former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback was another hyped phenom coming out of college, but he lasted three years with the Redkins. In that span, he threw for 2,403 yards, 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

I'll tip my cap to Shuler, though, who is now a congressman in Washington D.C.