Matt Leinart and 10 Top College QBs Who Couldn't Cut it in Pros
Matt Leinart's star-crossed college career vaulted him into the national spotlight as both a celebrity and a can't-miss NFL prospect.
According to an Arizona Republic report, he might soon find himself out of a job just three years after the Cardinals drafted him 10th overall, ahead of both Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers.
Even if he is released, Leinart probably isn't done quite yet in the NFL. But at this point, the odds are against him having much if any success as a pro quarterback.
He certainly wouldn't be the first College Football star to flop in the NFL. Here's a look at 10 accomplished college quarterbacks of the last 20 years who were never able to cut it in the pros.
Honorable Mention: Rick Mirer
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Mirer used his place in the spotlight at Notre Dame to work his up to the No. 2 spot in the 1993 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Seahawks.
The early results were foreshadowing of the futility that was still to come.
In is rookie season in Seattle, Mirer tossed 12 touchdowns but threw 17 interceptions while completing barely over 50 percent of his passes.
It never really got any better. During his eight-year career, Mirer totaled more interceptions than touchdowns in six different seasons.
He officially retired from football 10 years after being drafted and currently runs a winery in Napa Valley.
No. 10: Jason White
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The 2003 Heisman Trophy winner went undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft, so not much was expected of him on the pro level.
Still, his success at Oklahoma made many people believe he would find a way to make an NFL roster.
He was never able to overcome his weak throwing arm, and retired from football in 2005.
No. 9: Troy Smith
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Troy Smith's problem at the NFL level hasn't really been his arm, but has instead been more because of his size and lack of opportunities.
The 2006 Heisman Trophy winner was a dynamic player at Ohio State, where he showcased his ability to beat teams by running and passing.
Listed at 6'0", Smith wasn't considered much of a pro prospect and slipped to the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
He has managed to appear in just 14 games during his first three seasons with the Ravens, and seems destined for a long career as a second- or third-string quarterback.
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No. 8: Timmy Chang
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Chang put up ridiculous numbers in June Jones' run-and-shoot offense in Hawaii, and it was difficult for many to believe he wouldn't have a good shot to catch on in the NFL sooner or later.
He finished his college career with an NCAA record 16,910 total yards, 17,072 passing yards and 131 touchdowns. Not bad at all.
His lack of mobility, as evidenced by his career negative rushing totals, and lack of overall talent kept him for being drafted in 2005.
He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent time in the CFL before being arrested in Hawaii on suspicion of robbery in 2009.
Talk about a fall from grace.
No. 7: Matt Leinart
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Why isn't Leinart ranked higher? Simply because his career isn't over quite yet.
A change of scenery could at least enable to him stay in the NFL as a backup, and he could even emerge as a starting quarterback down the road.
It's just not likely he will ever be anything more than a game manager, which isn't why NFL teams draft a quarterback 10th overall.
No. 6: Tim Couch
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Tim Couch was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft after he lit up the SEC at Kentucky. It quickly became apparent that he might never become the player the Browns thought he would be.
Couch's career with the Browns could have been worse, but he struggled with turnovers, a problem that also plagued him at Kentucky.
He put together two solid seasons in 2001 and 2002, but was released by Cleveland in 2004.
He signed with the Packers but his career was cut short by a string of shoulder injuries.
Much of his health issues were due to taking an absolute beating during his career with the Browns.
No. 5: Akili Smith
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Smith was known for being a tremendous athlete in college and was expected to save the Bengals and make Cincinnati fans forget the name David Klingler.
It didn't quite work out as planned.
Smith only started one season at Oregon, but his 32 touchdown passes and obvious physical tools made the Bengals' brass believers.
He started just 17 games during his four years in Cincinnati and never really seemed to grasp the concept of running plays correctly.
It's a good thing he has gotten into coaching, currently serving as a graduate assistant to Jeff Tedford at Cal.
No. 4: David Carr
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Much like Tim Couch, Carr was a No. 1 pick who was absolutely ruined by his offensive line.
The strong-armed Carr lit up defenses at Fresno State and was tabbed to lead the expansion Houston Texans to immediate success.
His numbers weren't horrible, but the Texans were never able to win consistently with him at the helm.
He will likely stick in the NFL as a backup, but clearly will never live up to the hype of a top overall selection.
No. 3: Heath Shuler
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Here's a fun debate. Which highly touted Washington Redskin was a bigger bust, Michael Westbrook or Heath Shuler?
The former Tennessee Heisman runner-up was selected by the 'Skins as the third overall pick of the 1994 NFL Draft. He held out of training camp and gave fans a sign of what was to come.
After starting 18 games in his first three seasons, he was traded to the Saints. A foot injury would eventually end his playing career.
Shuler is currently a member of Congress, representing North Carolina in the House.
No. 2: JaMarcus Russell
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Despite his incredible arm strength and young age, Russell's NFL career might very well be over before it ever really began.
The top overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft didn't have much going for him besides a hefty contract when he headed to Oakland.
A porous offensive line, limited talent at receiver and the unstable nature of an Al Davis-run organization held him back.
Then of course there was Russell's lack of leadership, poor work ethic, and apparent lack of mental strength and focus that didn't help matters either.
His laziness was widely rumored during his playing days at LSU, but was always hidden by his raw talent. That clearly isn't the case any longer.
No. 1: Ryan Leaf
11 of 11If you were starting a franchise back in 1998, you probably wouldn't have minded getting stuck with Ryan Leaf once Peyton Manning was selected No. 1 overall.
How quickly things can change.
Leaf's college career didn't provide any hint that he would be a historic bust and ultimately a very troubled figure.
He led Washington State to the first Pac-10 Championship in school history and was a Heisman finalist.
His tenure in the NFL was marred by his famous blowups in the locker room with the media and teammates and his many mistakes on the field.
His career lowlight came in the third start of his rookie season, when he completed just 1-of-15 passes and fumbled three times against the Chiefs.
He was out of the NFL by 2002 and got into coaching, but was caught stealing painkillers and eventually entered drug rehab in Canada.
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