The NFL Draft has provided plenty of misses over the years, especially in the common draft era — which was instituted in 1967. While many observers remember the Pro Football Hall of Famers who emerged from the top of the draft, there have been plenty of busts along the way — players who have kept their franchise in the doldrums of the NFL (just ask the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1990s and Detroit Lions of the 2000s).
Finding out the great players and busts who emerge from the draft are what makes the event the ultimate reality TV show. Who would have thought Ryan Leaf and JaMarcus Russell would flame out of the league like they did when they were drafted? Same with Tony Mandarich, arguably the most-hyped offensive lineman prospect ever.
We’re not adding salt to the wounds, but every team has drafted a bust in its franchise’s history. Here are the 32 biggest busts — one for each team — in league history. We ranked them from No. 32 to No. 1, with each team having a representative on the list.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bo Jackson, No. 1 overall (1986)
Jackson was far from a bust as a player, but the Buccaneers wasted this pick. Jackson warned the Buccaneers if they drafted him he wasn’t going to play for them and play baseball. Tampa Bay didn’t listen and selected Jackson anyway. Because the Buccaneers sent a jet to pick Jackson up for a physical and visit, Jackson was ruled ineligible by the SEC — which led to the warning he wouldn’t play for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers relinquished Jackson’s rights and the Raiders selected him in the seventh round the following year. Waste of a pick.
31. Dallas Cowboys: TE David LaFleur, No. 22 overall (1997)
Injuries to Jay Novacek forced the Cowboys to seek a tight end in the 1997 draft, trading up with the Eagles to select LaFleur. The second tight end taken in the draft — after Tony Gonzalez — was a massive disappointment, catching just 85 passes for 729 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons. LaFleur did lead NFC tight ends with seven touchdowns in 1999, but he only recorded 322 yards. Injuries to his knee, fibula and back caught up to LaFleur — who was released prior to the 2001 season. He never played in the NFL again.
30. New England Patriots: DL Kenneth Sims, No. 1 overall (1982)
The Patriots had some poor picks in the late 1990s, but none match the minimal impact Sims made with the team when he was selected a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…