The Most Disappointing Number One Overall Picks in the History of the NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers found their new franchise quarterback in the form of Alabama Crimson Tide standout Bryce Young, and they will be hoping that their newest star can propel them back to the heights that Cam Newton took them to throughout the mid-2010s.

It was the Houston Texans however that stole the show. They drafted in a new quarterback of their own when they selected C.J. Stroud second overall, before shocking everyone when they traded for the third overall pick as well. With this selection, they brought in linebacker Will Anderson Jr., and the Lone Star State outfit will be hoping that their newest duo can help them improve on what was a dismal 2022 campaign.

Despite both the Panthers and the Texans’ impressing in the draft, they still aren't considered Lombardi contenders for the upcoming campaign. The Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning champions after Patrick Mahomes' masterclass at Super Bowl LVII in February, and they are the favorites for the trophy once again this season. If you like to bet on Super Bowl odds, then you can back the Missouri-based outfit at +600.

Some players simply don't live up to the hype, even when they were selected first overall in the yearly draft. Let's look back at some of the worst draft choices in recent memory, from quick drops to underwhelming rookie seasons.

JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders (2007)

It was anticipated that all would change when JaMarcus Russell was taken by the Oakland Raiders as the first overall choice in the 2007 NFL Draft. His size and arm power delighted everyone and astounded them. The reality, however, didn't quite turn out that way, as history has demonstrated.

The former Louisiana State prodigy struggled immensely with his work ethic, which saw him blow up in weight and ultimately began to affect his decision-making on the field. He played for the Raiders for three years before being released in 2010, however, started just 25 of the games during that time frame. Although there are many examples of first-round draft picks falling short of expectations, Russell's time in the NFL will be remembered as a complete failure.

Courtney Brown, DE, Cleveland Browns (2000)

Grand expectations come with being the first overall pick in the NFL draft, and unfortunately for Courtney Brown, he fell short of them. Brown had tremendous skill when he left Penn State, but his career was hindered by setbacks brought on by injuries and subpar on-field performances.

His career statistics are dismal for a man who was anticipated to be a stout defender. He concluded the season with only 19 sacks and 142 tackles, well below the figures one might anticipate from the first overall pick in the draft. Even though injuries contributed to Brown's dismal career, it's difficult to avoid calling him one of the worst first-round decisions in NFL Draft history.

Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (1995)

Being chosen as the first overall pick in the NFL draft is the fulfillment of a goal for many football players. Ki-Jana Carter, though, described it as a nightmare. The Cincinnati Bengals selected Carter in the 1995 draft on a record-breaking deal, but his career was dogged by setbacks and lackluster performances.

He only participated in 59 games over the course of seven seasons, rushing for 1,144 yards and 20 touchdowns. These stats pale in comparison to other running backs selected in later rounds. It's disappointing to think that Carter had the potential to achieve greatness, but his career was cut short due to uncontrollable factors.

Tim Couch, QB, Cleveland Browns (1999)

Being the first pick in the draft obviously carries a lot of pressure, but for Tim Couch, things didn't quite work out as he had hoped. The Cleveland Browns chose Couch first overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, but he ultimately fell short of their hopes. Despite compiling some respectable stats, Couch battled injuries and failed to turn the Browns into a competitive squad.

David Carr, QB, Houston Texans (2002)

David Carr's career in the NFL was marred by disappointment and unfulfilled potential. There were great expectations for the former Fresno State star when he was selected first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. However, Carr struggled mightily behind a weak offensive line in Houston, and his career never quite recovered.

He was able to play for a few more franchises, but he never achieved the success he had hoped for. It's difficult to avoid the conclusion that the now-43-year-old was one of the most underwhelming first-round selections in NFL Draft history after looking back on his career. The demands of the professional ranks were simply too great for him to meet, despite his stellar collegiate record.