NFL

Overhyped: First-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Seriously Flopped

Darren - March 2, 2023

NFL

Overhyped: First-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Seriously Flopped

Darren - March 2, 2023

JaMarcus Russell

Nobody expects first overall draft picks to crash out of the NFL after three seasons. But that’s exactly what happened in Russell’s case. First, he held the Raiders to ransom and demanded a rookie record contract. The NFL changed the rules after this because it was so insane. Meanwhile, he never came close to earning a dime of his six-year, $68 million deal (via USA Today).

The former LSU star arrived with massive fanfare but he had zero work ethic. He showed incredible unprofessionalism over his short Raiders career as he ballooned in size. In the end, he finished bottom of all of the quarterback stat charts after a garbage fire of a season. Russell was one of two QB first-round draft picks in 2007 alongside Brady Quinn.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Johnny Manziel

Manziel is one of the most notorious failed NFL quarterbacks ever. The Cleveland Browns thought that he was the answer to their long-term QB problem. In the end, he left them with more questions than ever. Manziel had a great college career with Texas A&M. Some scouts feared that the Aggies star was too small for the league while others questioned his attitude and commitment.

But the Heisman winner arrived with a lot of hype. In the end, he partied more than he played and betrayed the trust of the franchise. His story is one of the most disappointing ever because everybody believed he was brilliant. Substance abuse and a terrible attitude brought his NFL career to an end after only two seasons (via Sportskeeda).

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Zach Wilson

The Jets have made some terrible draft selections over the years, and indeed many have already appeared on this list. After they moved on from Sam Darnold they chose Wilson as his replacement. 2021 was one of the most-stacked quarterback classes of the decade. The Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick. But this still left the likes of Justin Fields, Mac Jones, and Trey Lance on the board.

In the end, the Jets decided to take former BYU star Wilson. Gang Green had some bad draft picks but he was one of the worst. Firstly, he made garbage decisions and threw interceptions like frisbees. Furthermore, his attitude was terrible and he failed to show any maturity. Finally, in 2023, the Jets decided it was time to get an experienced player (via The Mirror).

<< Previous

Overhyped: First-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Seriously Flopped

Overhyped: First-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Seriously Flopped

JaMarcus Russell

Johnny Manziel

Zach Wilson

TOP POSTS