Top 50 NFL Draft Busts: Where Are They Now?

Biggest of the Busts
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  • With the NFL draft coming up this month, we look at the Top 50 NFL draft busts of all time, according to ESPN.com in 2008.

    We answer the question: Where are they now? In all these cases, it's not where they expected to be.

  • Honorable Mention: Other epic busts that were not included in ESPN's 2008 list.

    JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (1st overall, 2007): Russell was out of the league by 2009. He was arrested for “Purple Drank” in July of 2010, has had financial problems, and there were rumors that he was going back to school at LSU and trying to make a comeback. But in reality, it doesn't seem that Russell is doing much of anything just five years removed from being the top pick.

    Brian Bosworth, LB, Oklahoma (Supplemental Draft, 1st round, 1987): Bosworth played in the NFL from 1987-89 but appeared in just 24 games after a star-studded career at Oklahoma. He's reportedly working in real estate and living in Malibu, CA, after a foray into acting.

    Steve Emtman, DT, Washington (1st overall, 1992): ESPN apparently didn't list Emtman as a bust because of his extensive list of injuries but he certainly didn't live up to expectations with eight career sacks. He now resides in Spokane Valley, WA, and is a real estate developer.

    Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Penn State (1st overall, 1995): Another draft picked ruined by injuries, Carter rushed for just 1,144 yards in his entire career. As of 2011, he resides in South Florida and runs an industrial sanitation company called BioGlobe.

    Courtney Brown, DE, Penn State (1st overall, 2000): Brown played until 2006 but wasn't on the field much due to injuries. He was cut by the Denver Broncos in March of 2007 after he failed a physical. Brown resides in Parker, CO.

  • 50. Michael Westbrook, Colorado, WR (No. 4 overall, 1995): After a big rookie season, injuries led to a mediocre career. Today he lives in Mesa, AZ, and runs Michael Westbrook Self-Defense Academy.

    49. Jon Harris, Virginia, DE (No. 25 overall, 1997): Started just eight games in two seasons with the Eagles with two sacks and a fumble recovery. He now resides in Swedesboro, NJ.

    48. David LaFleur, LSU, TE (No. 22 overall, 1997): As a tight end he caught just 85 passes and 12 touchdowns in four seasons with Dallas. He now resides in Sulphur, LA.

    47. Maurice Clarett, Ohio State, RB (No. 101 overall, 2005): Clarett is currently a member of the UFL's Omaha Nighthawks. He hasn't played a game in the NFL since leaving Ohio State after a spectacular freshman year. Clarett seemingly has cleaned up his act after serving prison time for concealed weapon and robbery charges.

    46. Alex Van Dyke , Nevada, WR (No. 31 overall, 1996): Caught just 25 passes and three touchdowns in three seasons with the Jets. He currently owns Going Vertical, a training facility in Sacramento for athletes to improve speed, agility and power.

  • 45. John Clay, Missouri, OT (No. 15 overall, 1987): Played in just 12 games over two seasons before being done. His whereabouts are unknown.

    44. Johnathan Sullivan, Georgia, DT (No. 6 overall, 2003): Played just four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots. In 2006, Sullivan was pulled over in Griffin, GA, for running two red lights and charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.

    43. Mike Mamula, Boston College, DE/LB (No. 7 overall, 1995): Played six seasons in the NFL but was hobbled by injuries. He currently works with Comprehensive Screening Services in Voorhees, NJ.

    42. Akili Smith, Oregon, QB (No. 3 overall, 1995): Started just 17 games over four seasons with the Bengals and threw 13 picks to just five touchdowns during that time. Smith is coaching quarterbacks at St. Augustine H.S. in San Diego, where he's working toward his degree at a community college before finishing it off at Oregon.

    41. Reggie Rembert, West Virginia, WR (No. 28 overall, 1990): Never signed with the team who drafted him (New York Jets) and went to Cincinnati for a mediocre three seasons. He resides in Indianapolis and his son of the same name is a rising redshirt senior wideout at WVU.

  • 40. Cade McNown, UCLA, QB (No. 12 overall, 1999): Pegged as the Chicago Bears' next franchise QB, McNown lasted all of two seasons in the "Windy City." Most recently he was the senior VP of investor development with Thompson National Properties, LLC in Southern California.

    39. Trezelle Jenkins, Michigan, OT (No. 31 overall, 1995): He couldn’t stick in the league after three years and just nine games under his belt. He now owns a Harold’s Chicken Shack in Ferndale, MI.

    38. Dan McGwire, San Diego State, QB (No. 16 overall, 1991): Better known as Mark’s little brother, in two years he didn’t have a start or a touchdown pass. Today he’s the president of Vita H2O Inc., a vitamin water company in Reno, NV.

    37. Patrick Bates, Texas A&M, S (No. 12 overall, 1993): The safety had just one interception in 44 NFL games. His current whereabouts are unknown.

    36. Russell Erxleben, Texas, P/PK (No. 11 overall, 1979): In his first NFL appearance, Erxleben threw a pick-six in overtime after a bad snap. After just five NFL seasons, Erxleben eventually became a currency investor who served time in prison until 2005 for fraud.

  • 35. Mike Elkins, Wake Forest, QB (No. 32 overall, 1989): Played one game and attempted two passes before never playing again. Today he fronts a country music band, “The Mike Elkins Band,” with another former Demon Deacon, Chip Rives.

    34. Craig Powell, Ohio State, LB (No. 30 overall, 1995): Played just 12 games with Cleveland/Baltimore with little impact. He joined the Army after his career and now resides in Youngstown, OH, and works for the nutritional company Unicity.

    33. Leeland McElroy, Texas A&M, RB (No. 32 overall, 1996): Ran for just 729 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons. He currently resides in Garland, TX.

    32. Andre Johnson, Penn State, OT (No. 30 overall, 1996): Never appeared in a game with the Redskins and played just three games his whole career. He’s currently a business owner in Leesburg, VA.

    31. Todd Marinovich, USC, QB (No. 24 overall, 1991): Made just eight regular-season starts in two seasons with the Raiders. Had been arrested in 2009 for failing to show up in court for a drug rehab review. He now works at the Sports Science Lab in Southern California with his infamous father, Marv, and runs the Todd Marinovich Art Gallery.

  • 30. Aaron Gibson, Wisconsin, OT (No. 27 overall, 1999): Played in just 11 games over three seasons before being cut. He was last seen with the af2′s Austin Wranglers in 2007.

    29. Todd Blackledge, Penn State, QB (No. 7 overall, 1983): Never started a full season with the Chiefs before being dealt after five seasons. Today he’s a television analyst for college football on ESPN. He resides in North Canton, OH.

    28. Tony Mandarich, Michigan State, OT (No. 2 overall, 1989): Was a bust in Green Bay but turned his life around in Indianapolis. He wrote a book detailing his hard times with the Packers and owns a modeling photography studio and media company in Scottsdale, AZ.

    27. Walt Patulski, Notre Dame, DE (No. 1 overall, 1972): Had a decent rookie season but put up poor numbers the rest of his career (just four years). He currently resides in Syracuse, NY, and even has a key to the city.

    26. Jack Thompson, Washington State, QB (No. 3 overall, 1979): The “Throwin’ Samoan” could never unseat Ken Anderson, the starter at Cincinnati. Residing in Torrance, CA, he recently helped Washington State and World Vision to help raise money for the tsunami in American Samoa.

  • 25. Tim Worley, Georgia, RB (No. 7 overall, 1989): Injuries and off-the-field issues cut short a career with a promising start. Worley has turned his life around and launched Worley Enterprises, a business based on Christian motivation speaking. He resides near Atlanta.

    24. Tony Sacca, Penn State, QB (No. 46 overall, 1992): Played in just two games and never started in the NFL. He owned Sacca’s Pourhouse Pub in Pennsauken, NJ - which has since closed - and resides in Delran, NJ.

    23. Kelly Stouffer, Colorado State, QB (No. 6 overall, 1987): Sat out his entire rookie season and then started just 16 games over four years. He currently resides on a farm in Rushville, NE.

    22. Blair Thomas, Penn State, RB (No. 2 overall, 1990): Thomas never rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season. He currently resides in King of Prussia, PA, where he is recovering from heart problems. He promotes Emmortal Magnesium Therapy, a natural anti-inflammatory product, and instructs youth football around the country for Junior Ranks.

    21. Steve Niehaus, Notre Dame, DT/DE (No. 2 overall, 1976): Niehaus started just 20 games in three seasons with Seattle and now resides in Fairfield, OH.

  • 20. Curtis Enis, Penn State, RB (No. 5 overall, 1998): In three NFL seasons, his longest run was 29 yards. He’s now the head football coach at Bradford High School in Ohio although his hiring there was very controversial.

    19. Tim Couch, Kentucky, QB (No. 1 overall, 1999): Went 22-37 as a starter and never played again after the 2003 season. He resides in Lexington, KY, and is now a college football analyst with the Big Blue Sports Network and FOX Sports South. He is married to former Playboy playmate Heather Kozar.

    18. Derek Brown, Notre Dame, TE (No. 14 overall, 1992): He caught just 11 passes in 45 NFL games. As of 2010, Brown runs three Quiznos Sub Shops and resides in upstate Rexford, NY.

    17. David Klingler, Houston, QB (No. 6 overall, 1992): Went 4-20 as a starter with 20 interceptions to 15 touchdowns. Klingler has a master’s in theology and is the director of Dallas Theological Seminary's Houston branch, as of 2011.

    16. Peter Warrick, Florida State, WR (No. 4 overall, 2000): Had five mediocre years in the NFL then bounced around other pro leagues, where he was on a roster in the Ultimate Indoor Football League as recently as 2011. Warrick was hired as an assistant at his old high school in Bradenton, FL, last year.

  • 15. Huey Richardson, Florida, LB (No. 15 overall, 1991): Kicked to the curb after just one season in Pittsburgh, he is now a VP of U.S. Institutional Sales with the Permal Group in New York.

    14. Joe Profit, Louisiana Monroe, RB (No. 7 overall, 1971): He ran for just 197 yards in two seasons and retired after his third. Profit earned his doctorate and is in the business of building information technology firms.

    13. Reggie Rogers, Washington, DT (No. 7, 1987): Lasted just two seasons in Detroit, recording one sack, and then returned briefly before retiring in 1992. Rogers, who killed three teenagers while driving under the influence in 1988, was arrested for his sixth DUI in November of 2010. The arrest came just a year and a half after he was sentenced to two years in prison for his fifth DUI. Rogers was sentenced to a year in prison last September.

    12. Andre Ware, Houston, QB (No. 7 overall, 1990): Ware had just six starts in four seasons with eight interceptions. He now works on Houston Texans radio broadcasts and ESPN regional college football.

    11. Jim Druckenmiller, Virginia Tech, QB (No. 26 overall, 1997): Notched just one start in two seasons and was gone. He resides near Memphis and works as a sales rep for ASAP Staffing.

  • 10. Jerry Tagge, Nebraska, QB (No. 11 overall, 1972): Threw 17 interceptions in 18 games in just three seasons with Green Bay. Tagge works as a financial advisor in Omaha, NE, and discovered he had prostate cancer two years ago.

    9. Bo Matthews, Colorado, RB (No. 2 overall, 1974): He ran for 1,372 yards and 11 touchdowns in six seasons. He resides in Denver, CO, and runs The Matthews Center and Bo Matthews Center for Excellence non-profit community development centers.

    8. Mike Junkin, Duke, LB (No. 5 overall, 1987): He lasted just three seasons in the NFL and effectively dropped off the face of the Earth. He now resides in Doylestown, PA.

    7. Johnny “Lam” Jones, Texas, WR (No. 2 overall, 1980): Jones had blazing speed but stone hands and is now residing in Austin, TX, where he’s battling cancer and is an avid photographer.

    6. Keith McCants, Alabama, DE (No. 4 overall, 1990): McCants tallied just 13.5 sacks in six NFL seasons and now resides in St. Petersburg, FL, according to his personal website. He has been arrested several times on drug charges over the years, most recently in 2010.

  • 5. Charles Rogers, Michigan State, WR (No. 2 overall, 2003): Rogers played just two seasons in the NFL but his life has been a mess since. He has had three-alcohol related incidents since 2009 and is currently in legal trouble. He was recently accused by police of threatening to kill his own mother over $100,000.

    4. Heath Shuler, Tennessee, QB (No. 3 overall, 1994): After throwing 21 picks to just five touchdowns over three seasons, Shuler eventually left the league. He has returned to D.C. as a Democratic congressman from North Carolina.

    3. Art Schlichter, Ohio State, QB (No. 4 overall, 1982): After playing in just 13 games, Schlichter was in and out of prisons thanks to a gambling habit. Schlichter was sentenced to 10 years in prison in September of 2011 for his part in a ticket fraud scheme, then tested positive for cocaine to break a pre-sentencing release agreement.

    2. Lawrence Phillips, Nebraska, RB (No 6. overall, 1996): After a shortened career due to major character issues, Phillips was arrested and eventually sentenced to 31 years in prison for domestic violence and assault with his car in a bizarre incident in which he tried to run over kids after a pickup football game in Los Angeles in 2005.

    1. Ryan Leaf (No. 2 overall, 1998): Tossing 36 picks in four disastrous NFL seasons, Leaf moved back to his native Montana and was last month for stealing to feed a prescription medication addiction.

.

11:57 AM on 4/16/2012
  • SHELBY

    i def think Marinovich should be higher….watching the ESPN film about him was heartbreaking….all the talent and hype surrounding him for nothing…he’ll never play a down of pro football again,but hopefully he can use his talents and life experiences to help other guys from making the same mistakes as he did…

    • jmi0112

      Yes tfhis is another story about a good kid put under way too much pressure to soon. He was living out his fathers dream not his own. His heart was never in it. If it was he could of been great. This kid was gifted. As soon as he was out from under his fathers thumb he rebeled. Sad.

  • Craig

    How is Jamarcus Russell Honorable Mention? He should be Top 5 and so should Couch

    • scott

      did you happen to see the #1 bust?

    • Randall McBauls

      the list from 2008 it said, so Russell hadn’t proven how completely terrible he was yet.

      • Randall McBauls

        but this is a pretty awful list none the less.

  • femnutspo

    What? No mention of Ryan Leaf? For me that is the ultimate bust!

    • Anonymous

      did you happen to see the #1 bust?

    • Anonymous

      He is 1

    • Lawrence Bradford

      I think Leaf is #2, behind Jamarcus Russell. But clearly both really Suck…..

  • Anonymous

    OLDIE BUT GOODIE ROCKY THOMPSON

  • scott

    Being a Washington Husky fan, We were amused to see an arrogant ryan leaf have his butt handed to him, but saddened to see what has happened since then…hope he can get well. God bless you and GO DAWGS!!

  • Anonymous

    You have to wonder who the DBags are that made this list. Ever heard of Dimitrius Underwood? Taken #29 overall in 1999 by the vikings and didn’t make it through the first day of practice! I’d call that a bust!

  • dman

    Why are you all concerned about “their” whereabouts? Unless you had some exact talent? You should all be worrying about how to pay your mortgage or car payments next month. Same old story, people sticking their noses in other peoples business. Wake up L____s.

    • Anonymous

      I see your du*b a$$ read it too so shut your hole sissy.!!!

  • dman

    Any really who cares about what Jim Brown has to say anyway. Go thing he wasn’t an “Actor”……

  • Jack

    How about Trung Candidate?

  • What a poorly written article.

    Where abouts unknown? Really? Why do an article if you don’t feel like doing all of the research necessary to make it accurate and interesting?

  • Joe

    Thanks for not mentioning the stupid team that drafted Russel. They are still a bust in the AFC West.

  • brutus68

    Charles White?

  • Anonymous

    I think that most of these guys don’t have the mental toughness needed to make it in the NFl. Also, I think that some of them get a lot of money and just either give up and just go away and do something else. As a HS and some college player I know how hard it is first hand to practice and get up for praying e every day. You have to have an above average. Work ethic. Some guys don’t and work ethic is something that’s not taught you either have it or you don’t.

  • Wilson

    Andre Wadsworth, a No. 3 pick was described as the best DE to come out in ten years and did nothing.

  • Frank

    Anyone notice how many busts are from Penn State? Sad for my favorite school.

  • Dimetrius Underwood

    Dimetrius Underwood. 26th in 99 and left after the first day in training camp true to severe personality disorders

  • I watched every down Brian Bosworth played in the NFL

    He was one of the best linebackers I’ve ever watched. It was injuries that took him out of the NFL..

  • Matt R

    This reads like an Penn State Alumni banquet guest list.

    • http://www.facebook.com/dale.szarejko Dale Szarejko

      F U

    • http://twitter.com/astheleftturns Mike Roush

      Definitely some mindless PSU hate at the very least… to list Tony Sacca among the 50 biggest draft busts of all time with JaMarcus Russell not even making the cut screams agenda.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Don-James/100000093066362 Don James

      Get a life, and perhaps seek serious psychological help,

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GJNY3IIQZSH6J3IIB26GLT7CKE BradS

    anyone remember sammie smith?

  • http://www.facebook.com/lelandwi11iams Leland Williams Jr.

    biggest draft bust:  oj simpson

  • mrkent

    Ironic – a site about draft busts turns out to be a bust itself.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-Hill/625143738 John Hill

      indeed

  • Miami

    What about Yatil Green #7 overall pic.

  • Randy

    You missed Desmond Howard. No one spends two # 1′s for you to become a kick returner. He was a bust as a receiver. Veterans knew it from day one.

  • TonyinTX

    Forgot George Rogers, Hiesman trophy winning running back from Univ of SC in 1981? Drafted by Wash Redskins, traded to NO Saints before he blew his future up his nose.

  • Willis

    How could you leave out Matt Leinart and his storied career with Arizona Cardinals.

  • Glen DeGelnor

    In all fairness, I would like to see a non injury list

  • Glen DeGelnor

    in all fairness, I would like to see a non injury list.

  • Arthur Aragon

    Any one interested in a Autographed Ryan Leaf Football Rookie Season.

  • Guest

    Wadsworth was injured the whole time he was in the NFL. Gator must have posted that one.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005159796194 Onemore Fakefbpage

    Adding injuries is unrealistic – many players careers end due to injury. If it’s after 1 year or 15 doesn’t make it a bust. That’s just chance.

    The only reason I put Leaf ahead of Phillips is because people seriously asked – do we take Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf – they are about equal.

    But where is Ricky Williams ? When someone spends their entire draft on 1 player, they better be a first ballot HOFer.

  • C N Things

    Ryan Leaf – from No. 2 to #729314 with the Montana Department of Corrections.

  • bridad57

    Higher rank should go to busts that simply couldn’t cut it on the playing field. The injury-plagued and character-issue cases belong here as well, but let’s give guys like Bosworth and Mandarich their due. Truly bad picks.

  • Hank

    How is JaMarcus Russell not in the top 10? When the very first name on the list is an obvious top 10 pick why should I continue on. Wait, Joe Schmo was a seventh round pick and never played. He should of made this list.

  • runymede

    I find it incredible that most of these guys are doing well after leaving football. I do not feel bad for these guys with the money they made to go on to other careers.

  • Toots

    Entmann was a flat out beast. The play he made on Danny Marino was amazing… Bust NO Injuries Yes

  • Anonymous

    The Bengals drafted at least six of the players on the list if you count the honorable mentions, and somehow Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson didn’t make the list. Three were quarterbacks, Jack Thompson, David Klingler and Akili Smith. That explains a lot.

  • EB from NJ

    Why rub salt in the wounds of guys who had a tough time? Considering every one of them played the game at a higher level than 99.99% of the population, including the clown who wrote the article, I think they deserve more respect than the mockery that is this article.

  • Patsfan22

    Always forget Andy katzenmoyer

  • Mikey

    Awful lot of ND players, too….. no Miami Hurricanes, however.

  • dkdds

    how Dimitrius Underwood is not on this list is beyond me…1 day of camp and MIA! Never even practiced for the Vikings, let alone able to piece together 2-5 years in the league. Him not #1 is a joke.

 

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