Worst Draft Picks In NFL History Of All Time

Unfortunately, history shows us that many All-SEC, All-American, and Butkus Award-winning college stars do not always have that same measure of triumph at the professional level, despite initial excitement from those who recruit them to their team. We are reminded of bitter disappointment upon recognizing some of the worst draft picks ever made over time – players destined for extreme heights, who sadly failed to live up to all expectations in practice. Who was the worst NFL draft pick ever?

#1 Andre Ware, QB, Detroit Lions

Are you wondering who is the biggest bust in NFL history? Andre Ware was one of the worst draft picks in NFL history. Despite having an incredible college career, where he broke 26 different passing records during his junior season with Houston, he was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Lions in 1990. Unfortunately, he just couldn't adjust to playing in the NFL and started just six games. His stats weren't great either - 51.6 completion percentage, 1,112 yards, five touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 63.5 quarterback rating - but no one could deny his arm talent. As a youngster, I watched him play and marveled at his ability to make quick decisions under pressure and throw the ball with such accuracy and distance. His potential was undeniable as well as his talent, yet it never reached fruition during his brief NFL career.

#2 Ryan Leaf, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Ryan Leaf entered the 1998 NFL draft as one of its most highly touted prospects, yet his journey to becoming a successful professional left a lot to be desired. His two-year stint with the San Diego Chargers was marred by poor performances and overwhelming disappointment - managing only 15 interceptions on 245 pass attempts with just two meager touchdowns. Despite such adversity, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 but suffered a similar fate there, ending his time in Big D before it could ever really get going with 36 interceptions and 14 touchdowns over three years. After several unsuccessful seasons, Leaf failed to achieve any significant form of greatness and is remembered more for his vexed career rather than anything tangible achieved on the field.

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#3 Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

Trent Richardson's NFL career was all too brief, lasting only three years but ending up with two teams, the Cleveland Browns and then the Indianapolis Colts, spending all of their first-round draft picks on him. Starting in 2012 as an all-draft pick who was being compared to Adrian Peterson, Trent had his moments of success, but he ultimately could not regain or sustain that glory and playing level. After his all too brief stint in the NFL, Richardson went on to play in the CFL where he rushed 48 times for 259 yards and two touchdowns over 4 games before ultimately leaving and circling back to the sport again in 2020 with IFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

#4 Tony Mandarich, OT, Green Bay Packers

Draft picks had high expectations when Tony Mandarich entered the NFL with All-American credentials and a dubbed nickname of "The Incredible Bulk". After two short years in Green Bay, all expectations were extinguished and Mandarich was out of the league. This was an intimidating situation for all drafts picks and questions surrounded if steroid usage was the cause of the rapid decline. Along with Mandarich's misfortune came uncertainty from all potential future draft picks as it seemed no one was exempt from sudden fluctuation.

#4 Tim Couch, QB, Cleveland Browns

One of the biggest pick flops in NFL draft history is former Kentucky alum Tim Couch, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the first overall pick of the 1999 draft. Although Couch had a successful career at Kentucky that included many accolades, he had a dismal performance in five seasons with the Browns, racking up 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions for a win-loss record of 22-37. Unfortunately, Tim Couch aligns right alongside Johnny Manziel’s struggles as one of their worst picks in NFL draft history.

#5 Charles Rogers, WR, Detroit Lions

Charles Rogers was a quarterback from Michigan State University that was highly anticipated to enter the draft prior to the 2003 NFL season. After being awarded USA Today's High School All-America Award in 1999. He followed up with an impressive All-Big Ten selection in both 2001 and 2002 and capped off his stellar college career with the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2002. Unfortunately for Rogers, his professional career was much less successful. He played in only 15 games, catching a mere 43 percent of his passes resulting in 36 receptions and 440 yards along with four touchdowns before hanging up his cleats due to injury.

Who Else Has Been The Top 15 Worst-Ever NFL Draft Picks?

We will not describe all draft picks, since all players have similar circumstances. They showed great promise at the beginning of their journey but did not achieve anything in the NFL. Other unsuccessful draft picks were:

• JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders
• Isaiah Wilson, OT, Tennessee Titans
• Akili Smith, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
• Rick Mirer, QB, Seattle Seahawks
• Brian Bosworth, LB, Seattle Seahawks
• Lawrence Phillips, RB, St. Louis Rams
• Todd Marinovich, QB, Los Angeles Raiders
• Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns
• Jim Druckenmiller, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Summary

The NFL draft can be a tricky business. It takes tremendous skill, knowledge, and luck to pick the right players that will be successful in the league. Sadly, there are often cases that end up as flops, and this list of 15 worst-ever NFL draft picks is proof of that. Each player had immense potential but failed to live up.