2011 NFL Draft: JaMarcus Russell and Every Team's Best and Worst Pick Since 2001
The NFL draft is now less than a month away. This is the time of year when experts, analysts and fans speculate on the prospective draft picks—who will be the best and who is bound to fail in the NFL.
There is also a lot of nostalgia coming into every draft—reflecting on the best and worst picks from drafts of the past.
This list fits the latter.
Here are each team's best and worst picks, limited to within the past 10 years.
Enjoy and please feel free to add comments if you agree or disagree.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Best: Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald was selected third overall in the 2004 NFL draft. It turned out to be a great move for the Cardinals, as Fitzgerald already ranks fourth in most receiving yards per game in league history.
So far in his career with the Cards, he has been selected to five Pro Bowls and was named the MVP of the game in 2009.
Fitzgerald played a large role in the team's 2008 NFC championship as well. He tied a league record of three touchdowns in a single playoff game and is the only player to accomplish that in one half of a game.
Worst: Matt Leinart
Two years later, the Cardinals did not do as well in the NFL draft. They selected Matt Leinart of USC 10th overall.
During his junior year at Southern Cal, Leinart led the Trojans to the BCS title and won the Heisman Trophy. He decided to remain at USC for his senior year, and unfortunately for him, his draft value plummeted along with his productivity.
Still, the Cardinals saw potential in him and drafted him in the first round of the 2006 draft. Leinart did not live up to expectations, spending the majority of his four years as a Cardinal playing the backup role. He was finally released by the team on September 4, 2010.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Best: Matt Ryan
There were a lot of disenfranchised Falcons fans following Michael Vick's arrest and departure from Atlanta, seeing their team's chances for a championship fall.
Fortunately for the Falcons faithful, the team drafted Matt Ryan third overall in the 2008 NFL draft. Ryan started his rookie season and with his excellent rookie effort was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Sporting News Rookie of the Year and won the ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
This year, Ryan's likeness is a contender for the cover of the Madden 12 video game following another superb season in 2010, just his third season in the pros.
Worst: Jimmy Williams
Williams was exceptional as cornerback at Virginia Tech, playing a central role in the team's ACC championship. He was a nominee for the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football.
The Falcons drafted Williams in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. He started in five games that season, accumulating 24 tackles.
Then, during the offseason Williams was found in possession of marijuana in Richmond, Virginia. He was suspended by the league for violating the substance abuse policy. He was released by the Falcons as well.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Best: Ed Reed
Ed Reed was selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. In his time with the Ravens, Reed has become a formidable presence on the Ravens defense.
Reed has been selected to seven Pro Bowls, was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and was the 2004 AFC Defensive Player of the Year.
Reed also boasts the longest interception return in league history and has led the league in interceptions three times and interception yards twice.
Worst: Kyle Boller
Boller was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft. Boller was expected to become the franchise quarterback who would lead them to another Super Bowl.
As it turned out, Boller wouldn't even lead them to a playoff win, let alone a Super Bowl championship.
During his five years in Baltimore, Boller had 45 touchdowns, 44 interceptions and 19 lost fumbles. His passing completion was a mediocre 57 percent.
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Best: Willis McGahee
After an injury in the Fiesta Bowl, McGahee's draft value decreased. However, the Bills took a chance on him and drafted him in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft.
He was unable to play until 2004 but quickly positioned himself as the team's starting running back. He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2004.
He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his seasons with the Bills, but his production fell in his last season with the team due to injuries. He was traded to Baltimore.
Worst: Mike Williams (offensive lineman)
Williams was selected fourth overall in the 2002 NFL draft. He was expected to be a powerhouse in the league after playing college ball at the respected University of Texas.
He did not fulfill those expectations though. He was shuffled around the offensive line in the hopes of finding the perfect spot for him, but nothing improved.
He was cut by the team in 2006.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Best: Steve Smith
Steve Smith was selected in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft. Since then, Smith has proven himself to be one of the greatest wide receivers currently in the NFL.
He has led the league in catches, touchdowns and receiving yards. He has also been named to four Pro Bowls.
Worst: Keary Colbert
Colbert was a standout receiver while at the University of Southern California. The Panthers selected him in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft.
Unfortunately, Colbert seemed to peak in college. He played well in his first year, taking the place of the injured Steve Smith.
He couldn't parlay that success into further seasons, struggling through three more seasons with the Panthers.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Best: Devin Hester
Hester was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. He was originally meant to play cornerback but proved himself to be a star kick returner and eventually wide receiver.
In just five seasons in the NFL, Hester is already the league leader in kick/punt returns for touchdowns with 14 total.
He has been voted to three Pro Bowls.
Worst: David Terrell
Terrell was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, in the 2001 NFL draft.
He was expected to be a high-producing receiver for the Bears. His best numbers in a season were 699 yards and one touchdown. Not quite as advertised.
He was cut by the Bears in 2004 and couldn't find a permanent place anywhere else.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Best: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
The Bengals got Houshmandzadeh as a steal. He was drafted in the seventh round in the 2001 NFL draft but has played as if he could have been a much higher pick.
His best statistical season came in 2007, when he broke a Bengals record with 112 receptions, along with 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 112 receptions were enough to tie with Wes Welker for the league lead that year.
Houshmandzadeh was also voted to his first Pro Bowl.
Worst: Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer was a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Southern California in 2002. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NFL draft.
A lot was expected of Palmer, as is the case with such high-profile picks, and he has not lived up to them.
He has a career passing percentage of 62.9 and a quarterback rating of 86.9.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Best: Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas was selected in the first round, third overall, of the 2007 NFL draft.
Thomas quickly showed himself as a dominant force on the Browns' offensive line, as well as one of the most productive members of the 2007 draft.
He was the first Browns offensive tackle to be voted to a Pro Bowl since 1980. He accomplished this during his rookie season and has been voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls.
Worst: Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn was a standout player at Notre Dame. He entered the 2007 NFL draft expected to be selected high in the first round; thus he was invited to attend the draft.
Quinn was not selected as high as was anticipated. He was selected 22nd overall in the first round by the Browns.
He has yet to accomplish much in his NFL career, playing backup for most of it. He has 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions, along with a 66.8 quarterback rating.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Best: Jason Witten
Witten was selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft.
Witten has proven himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. His first three seasons in the league, Witten recorded at least 60 receptions each season.
He has made seven Pro Bowl appearances.
Worst: Bobby Carpenter
Carpenter was the Cowboys' first-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft.
Despite being a first-round pick, Carpenter was never able to clinch a starting role for the Cowboys.
In his career, he has accumulated only 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The Cowboys traded Carpenter during the 2010 offseason.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Best: Tim Tebow
This choice may seem premature; however, most fans maintain that Tebow will be a standout in the NFL.
Even though he was not a starter in his rookie season, Tebow accumulated an 82.1 quarterback rating, including six rushing touchdowns.
Of course, only time will tell about Tebow.
Worst: Maurice Clarett
Clarett was a standout as a freshman running back at Ohio State as part of its BCS championship team. He seemed poised to have a great career at OSU and eventually in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Clarett ran into off-the-field problems that resulted in his expulsion from the university.
He then tried to challenge the draft eligibility requirements but was unsuccessful. He was able to enter the 2005 NFL draft, and surprisingly the Broncos selected him with the last pick of the third round.
However, Clarett did not achieve success in the NFL and encountered more legal issues.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Best: Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson was drafted second overall in the 2007 NFL draft. Dubbed "Megatron" by Detroit fans and coaches, Johnson has quickly become a fan favorite.
Johnson is talented as a large receiver who is speedy.
He was selected to his first Pro Bowl this past season.
Worst: Charles Rogers
Rogers was selected second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2003 NFL draft. He was off to a good start his rookie season, but it ended early because of a collarbone injury.
Rogers returned the next season hoping to make a comeback, but he broke his collarbone yet again.
While recovering, Rogers became addicted to painkillers, leading to abuse of other substances as well. He was suspended by the NFL under its substance abuse policy.
He was then released by the Lions.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Best: Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. He spent his first three seasons not seeing much playing time as Brett Favre's backup.
Following Favre's departure from the team, Rodgers proved that he was capable of stepping into Favre's shoes.
In just his third season as the starting quarterback, Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl championship and was named MVP.
Worst: Jamal Reynolds
Reynolds was drafted 10th overall in the 2001 NFL draft.
By 2004, Reynolds had only made appearances in 13 games with only three sacks in those games.
The Packers attempted a trade, but Reynolds could not pass a physical examination, so the Packers released him.
To add insult to injury, the Packers had traded up in order to acquire Reynolds. In the process, they gave up Matt Hasselbeck.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Best: DeMeco Ryans
Ryans was selected in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.
Ryans proved himself quickly, earning the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Ryans has also been named to two Pro Bowls.
Worst: David Carr
Carr was drafted first overall in the 2002 NFL draft.
Carr started all but a few games during five years with the Texans. He had a good start, playing well in his first couple of seasons.
However, his numbers did dip from season to season.
In 2006, the Texans traded for Matt Schaub and decided to release Carr.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Best: Dwight Freeney
Freeney was the Colts' first pick in the 2002 NFL draft.
He has since become a central part of the Indianapolis Colts defense. He played a large role on the Colts' Super Bowl winning team, as well as their AFC championship-winning team.
He is the Colts' all-time leader in sacks and has led the league in sacks as well.
He was the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and has been named to six Pro Bowls.
Worst: Vincent Burns
Burns was the Colts' third-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft.
The team had high expectations for him, but injuries got in the way.
Burns never played a down for the Colts or any other team in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Best: Maurice Jones-Drew
Jones-Drew was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. He had a fantastic rookie year, taking the Jaguars' records in yardage in a single game and yardage in a season.
He finished runner-up in the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He has been selected to two Pro Bowls as well.
Some say that he has yet to reach his potential. If that is true, that would be great news for the Jags.
Worst: Matt Jones
And now for a less successful Jones.
Jones was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Jaguars.
Jones had played quarterback throughout his career, but the Jaguars drafted him to be a wide receiver. Despite minimal experience, Jones actually had a decent couple of years.
However, his production began to drop. Then his production drop happened to coincide with violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy, leading to league discipline and eventually legal discipline.
Jones was released by the Jaguars in 2009.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Best: Larry Johnson
Larry Johnson was the Chiefs' first pick in the 2003 NFL draft. His time in Kansas City got off to a rocky start. First, Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil was opposed to drafting Johnson. Their relationship did not start off well either.
However, with injuries to starting running backs, Johnson received an opportunity, and he took it.
Johnson started in nine games that year, rushing for at least 100 yards in all of them. He also set a franchise record for yards in a single season.
He was named to the Pro Bowl twice with the Chiefs. He also holds the NFL all-time single-season rushing attempts record.
Worst: Ryan Sims
Ryan Sims was the Chiefs' first-round draft pick in the 2002 NFL draft.
He signed a lucrative contract but never really produced in proportion to what he earned.
In five years with the Chiefs, Sims had 54 tackles, five sacks and one interception. Once Herm Edwards took over the head coaching position, Sims was history—traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Best: Jake Long
Long was selected first overall in the 2008 NFL draft, just the third offensive tackle to be drafted first overall in NFL history.
Long was regarded as one of the best offensive tackles in the country, and the Dolphins hoped he would be able to help decrease the number of sacks allowed.
In 2009, Long was rated the second-best OT in the league, allowing only four sacks all season. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in all three of his seasons in the NFL.
Worst: Jamar Fletcher
Fletcher was the Dolphins' first-round pick of the 2001 NFL draft.
They really did not get much out of him, trading him to the Chargers after only three seasons.
Fletcher never found a place on another team either, moving around from team to team the past few years.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Best: Adrian Peterson
Peterson was drafted seventh overall by the Vikings in the 2007 NFL draft.
He has quickly become one of the best running backs in the league. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons and was named the MVP of the 2008 Pro Bowl.
He was the FedEx Ground Player of the Year in 2008 and won the ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete that year as well.
He holds many NFL records already despite having only completed four seasons in the pros. He's sure to set more before he's finished.
Worst: Troy Williamson
Williamson was drafted seventh overall in the 2005 NFL draft. He was expected to fill the shoes vacated by Randy Moss, who had just been traded.
It didn't happen.
Williamson tied for the second-most dropped passes that season. He blamed it on poor hand-eye coordination caused by problems with his depth perception.
He was traded after the 2007 season.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Best: Asante Samuel
Samuel was drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft.
He ended up playing a large role on the Patriots' excellent defense. He won two Super Bowl rings with the team. He played in a third with the team as well.
He was named to two Pro Bowls while with the Patriots.
Worst: Chad Jackson
The Patriots traded up 16 spots in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft in order to draft Chad Jackson.
Unfortunately, Jackson did not end up playing much for the Patriots due to injuries.
He was released in 2008. The Patriots gave and passed up a lot to get virtually nothing in return.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Best: Marques Colston
The Saints found a hidden gem in Colston. They drafted him in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft.
He was the Rookie of the Month for October 2006. He also holds the NFL record for the most receptions for a player in his first two seasons.
Colston helped the Saints win their first Super Bowl with seven receptions for 83 yards.
Worst: Antonio Pittman
The Saints selected Pittman in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft.
He would not play a single game for the Saints, getting cut before the season started.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Best: Justin Tuck
Tuck was selected in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.
He has since become one of the dominant forces on the Giants' defense, as well as one of the defensive leaders since Michael Strahan's retirement.
He was a big part of the Giants' Super Bowl win as well. He has been named to two Pro Bowls.
Worst: Jeremy Shockey
This choice is debatable, but Shockey did not fit well within the Giants. It seemed like he did for a while; after all, he put up good numbers.
However, Shockey frequently had conflicts with teammates. His final seasons with the Giants were especially full of conflict.
Shockey felt that he was not being thrown to enough, and he did not get along with coach Tom Coughlin or, it seemed, quarterback Eli Manning.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Best: Mark Sanchez
The Jets traded up to claim Mark Sanchez in the 2009 NFL draft.
He started out slow but came back to lead the Jets to the AFC Championship Game. He became the second rookie quarterback to lead his team to two wins in the playoffs.
This past season, he led the team in an upset over the Patriots.
It will be interesting to see what else Sanchez can accomplish once he hits his prime.
Worst: Vernon Gholston
Vernon Gholston was drafted No. 6 overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the New York Jets.
At the beginning of the month, Gholston was cut by the Jets. He had yet to record a single sack in the NFL in three seasons.
He is the only defensive end drafted within the top 10 overall of a draft to not record a single sack.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Best: Nnamdi Asomugha
The Raiders took Asomugha in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft.
Despite playing on a weak Raiders team, Asomugha has earned the reputation as one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
He has been selected to four Pro Bowls in his career as well.
Worst: JaMarcus Russell
The Oakland Raiders selected Russell as the first overall pick of the 2007 NFL draft. Russell demanded a $61 million contract before he would report to them.
In just two starting seasons for the Raiders, Russell had abysmal numbers.
He was released by the team in 2009, finishing with a 52.1 percent pass completion, interceptions outnumbering touchdowns 23-18, a passer rating of 65.2 and 15 lost fumbles.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Best: Brian Westbrook
Westbrook was selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft.
He has made a name for himself as one of the best running backs currently in the league.
While with the Eagles, he was selected to two Pro Bowls.
Worst: Jerome McDougle
The Eagles traded up 15 spots to draft McDougle in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft.
He would struggle with various injuries throughout his time with the Eagles.
While he appeared in 33 games, he did not start any.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Best and Worst: Ben Roethlisberger
Statistically, it is hard to beat Big Ben in the last 10 years as the Steelers' best pick. He's led the team to three Super Bowl appearances, two of which culminated in championships.
However, Ben has also brought negative publicity to the organization with his previous off-the-feild troubles.
His talent made it hard for the Steelers to deal with him. Should they get rid of him to set an example or keep him assuming he's their best chance at a championship?
He came back this past year following a suspension and played very well. Hopefully, he continues to only make news because of what he does on the field.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Best: LaDainian Tomlinson
LT was drafted fifth overall by the Chargers in the 2001 NFL draft.
He will go down as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
He has been named to five Pro Bowls during his career. He has been the NFL MVP and won the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award as well.
Worst
If your name isn't Ryan Leaf and you were drafted by the San Diego Chargers, it seems the world will forget that you weren't a very good draft pick.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Best: Frank Gore
Gore was drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.
in 2006, he was the NFC rushing champion.
He has been named to two Pro Bowls so far in his career.
Worst: Alex Smith
Alex Smith had the misfortune of being drafted first overall in the 2005 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, a franchise rich in quarterback history. Joe Montana and then Steve Young—those are hard shoes to follow.
Add in the pressure already associated with being a No. 1 pick, and it is no surprise that Smith did not deliver what fans and the organization wanted to see.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Best: Lofa Tatupu
Tatupu was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft.
There were some questions about how effective a linebacker Tatupu would be since he was considered undersized. However, he immediately began silencing critics.
He was voted to his first Pro Bowl his rookie season and has been voted to two more since.
Worst: Koren Robinson
The Seattle Seahawks selected Robinson ninth overall in the 2001 NFL draft.
He missed training camp and most of his rookie season, but when he came the next year, he played outstanding.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, he ran into trouble off the field, and it started to affect him with the team.
He was released by the team in 2004.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Best: Sam Bradford
Bradford was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2010 NFL draft.
He was coming into a mediocre team but managed to set the record for most completions by a rookie in NFL history. In doing so, Bradford won the Rookie of the Year award.
He should be even better in years to come.
Worst: Jimmy Kennedy
The Rams selected Kennedy as their first-round pick in the 2003 NFL draft.
Since the Rams had recently drafted other defensive tackles, Kennedy did not see a lot of starts. Since he didn't get a lot of starts, he couldn't accumulate good statistics and earn his draft placement.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Best: Josh Freeman
Freeman was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
He started some games late in the 2009 season. In his first one he helped the team to a win following an 11-game losing streak.
In 2010, he became the starting quarterback, helping the team to a winning record.
Worst: Chris Simms
Simms was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft.
For the first couple of seasons, Simms was the backup quarterback. He finally got his chance to start and played well.
Then he suffered a ruptured spleen, a life-threatening injury. It seemed doubtful that Simms would return to play football, but he would—just not with the Bucs.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Best: Chris Johnson
Johnson was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft.
He has proven himself already to be one of the great current running backs in the league and should remain one for a long time.
He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in every season so far and was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.
Worst: Adam "Pacman" Jones
Jones opted out of his senior year at WVU and entered the 2005 NFL draft, where he was selected sixth overall by the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans' trouble with Jones started early. First, he missed training camp while in a contract dispute with the team. The dispute was over a clause in his contract that he would give up bonuses if ever convicted of a crime, following an incident at WVU.
Over the summer of 2005, Jones again got into trouble with the law. He went on to have a successful rookie season that year, though, after agreeing to the terms the Titans had laid out.
He was later released after violating those terms.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Best: Chris Cooley
Cooley was selected in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft.
He consistently ranks among the team leaders in points and is one of the best tight ends in the NFC.
He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2006 and voted to the game in 2007 and 2008.
Worst: Rod Gardner
Gardner was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft, 15th overall.
He spent four years with the Redskins. He wasn't horrible, but he wasn't great either. He definitely didn’t post the type of numbers one would hope to see from a first-round wide receiver.
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