10 Biggest Rookie Fails in NFL History

The NFL draft has become the most important part of building a franchise that can contend year-in and year-out.  A good draft class can turn your franchise around in no time, but a bad pick, especially in the top 10, can set your franchise back in a hurry.  Here is a list of the 10 biggest rookie fails in NFL history.

San Diego Chargers QB Ryan Leaf

No NFL draft bust list can exist without Ryan Leaf's name on it.  He was thought to be neck and neck with Peyton Manning heading into the draft.  The Indianapolis Colts have to be thanking their lucky stars every night that they went with Manning.

Detroit Lions QB Joey Harrington

Harrington had a better career than Ryan Leaf—not exactly a high bar—but never lived up to the spot where he was picked.

Detroit Lions WR Charles Rogers

The Lions took Charles Rogers second in the 2003 NFL draft.  He ended his career after thre years with 36 catches and four touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Reggie Williams

Williams was the No. 9 pick in the 2004 NFL draft and never had more than 15 catches in a season.

Tennessee Titans CB Adam Pacman Jones

Pacman was taken sixth by the Titans in 2005 and has more arrests than interceptions to his credit in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart

The Cardinals took Leinart with the 10th pick in the 2006 draft, and he couldn't find success even with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

Oakland Raiders QB Jamarcus Russell

Al Davis fell in love with Russell's big arm, but forgot that he couldn't actually play quarterback.

Atlanta Falcons DE Jamaal Anderson

Anderson was another guy who impressed at the combine but couldn't actually play football.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Akili Smith

Smith, the third overall pick in 1999, ended his career with five career touchdown passes.

Cleveland Browns QB Tim Couch

Couch, the 1999 No. 1 pick, ended his career with 67 interceptions and 64 touchdowns.