By Flint Wheeler
The draft bust is much more heralded than the draft steal, but names on each list should be familiar for the most part. We’ve looked at the guessing game that is the NFL draft, and as promised, it’s time to take a look at the most notable draft busts and steals.
Busts
5. Andre Ware QB Detroit (7th overall in 1990)
The Heisman winner was another holdout quarterback who just couldn’t adjust to the NFL. He played in just 14 NFL games and started only six. He now works on the radio for the Houston Texans. Ware completed just 83 passes for 1,112 yards and five touchdowns in the NFL, giving him a guaranteed place on this list.
4. Heath Shuler QB Washington (3rd overall in 1994)
Holding out in his rookie season did damage, and he never became the great passer that scouts had anticipated. He tossed only 15 touchdown passes and amassed 33 interceptions in his career, and his ’97 in New Orleans cemented his bust status as he threw 14 picks and two touchdowns. Shuler went into real-estate after his NFL career, and is seeking election as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in a North Carolina district.
3. Tony Mandarich OT Green Bay (2nd overall in 1989)
Drafted ahead of Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, and Deion Sanders, Mandarich did little in the pros. The dreaded ‘S’ word—steroids—came up as a reason for his poor performance, but Mandarich has always denied those allegations. He played three decent seasons for the Colts in the late 90s, and served as an analyst for a sports network in Canada in 2005, but is now off the sporting map entirely.
2. Akili Smith QB Cincinnati (3rd overall in 1999)
Another tough quarterback selection. Smith attended the same high school as Marcus Allen and Terrell Davis, but could not make it at the NFL level, as those running backs did. He started just 17 games, completed less than half of his passes, and totaled five touchdowns to 13 interceptions.
1. Ryan Leaf QB San Diego (2nd overall in 1998)
It often goes unmentioned, but the Chargers traded two 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick, Eric Metcalf, and Patrick Sapp to move up just one spot to grab Leaf. And while the draft picks traded away didn’t amount to much in the long run, those picks might have been put to better use by the Bolts. Leaf currently works as the quarterbacks coach for West Texas A&M University, as of today.
Don’t fret NFL fans. Though the NFL draft appears a hopeless endeavor because of the busts, there is still hope for your team at the draft.
Steals
5. Tedy Bruschi LB New England (86th overall in 1996)
Bruschi, a Pro Bowl linebacker, has become a hard-nosed defensive leader in New England, and is known as one of the top linebackers in all of football. Bruschi has a nose for the ball and has been an integral part of three Super Bowl teams. He suffered a minor stroke in February and even that couldn’t keep him from getting on the field for nine games last season.
4. Rudi Johnson RB Cincinnati (100th overall in 2001)
Replacing Corey Dillon is no easy task, but Rudi Johnson is finding his stride. Paired with quarterback Carson Palmer, Johnson has found life a bit easier, and has taken every opportunity to post strong numbers.
3. Joe Horn WR Kansas City (135th overall in 1996)
For a junior college player who had just six dollars to his name—he claims to have bought a Jerry Rice workout video for $3.99 with the money—at one point in time, Horn has become one of the top receivers in the game. Since signing with New Orleans, he has been selected to three Pro Bowls and posted over 1,200 yards receiving in four separate seasons.
2. Zach Thomas LB Miami (154th overall in 1996)
Thomas is known as a defensive leader and has been a fixture of the Miami defense since he entered the league in ’96. He’s been credited with less than 128 tackles only once, when he missed five games 2000 and still posted a total of 99. His career total of more than 1,400 credited tackles is eye-opening, and he has also been a member of six Pro Bowl teams. Thomas is considered probably the best linebacker in Dolphins’ history, and will likely have a place in Canton.
1. Tom Brady QB New England (199th overall in 2000)
He is always in the discussion when it comes to NFL draft steals. In almost five seasons as a starter, he has over 18,000 passing yards to go with 123 touchdowns and only 66 interceptions. His record as a starter is a whopping 58-20. Still only 29 years old, Brady has plenty of football left in him.
