30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

30. Mike Williams, WR, Detroit Lions

Williams had one of the more interesting pre-draft stories in recent memory, but was unable to do much of anything once he made it to the NFL.

The 6-5, 242 pound wide reciever used his size and athleticism to put together a remarkable college career with the USC Trojans. Williams totaled an incredible 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman in 2002. He improved on those numbers the next year and was named a consensus All-American.

Although only a sophomore, Williams decided to declare for the 2004 NFL draft and hired an agent. Williams was following in the footsteps of Ohio State’s Maurice Clarett, who won a legal case earlier in the year stating the league could not bar players from entering based on the amount of time they’d been out of high school. However, the ruling would be overturned a few months later, meaning Williams had to sit out the 2004 season entirely.

The Detroit Lions still liked Williams enough to pick him at No. 10 overall in the 2005 draft. While many criticized the Lions for using three straight first round picks on wide receivers (one of whom will also appear on this list), Williams had all the skills to be a productive wide receiver in the NFL.

Missing 2004 seemed negatively impact Williams career, as he was never much of a factor in Detroit. Williams totaled 350 yards in his rookie season and had just eight catches the next year before being traded to the Oakland Raiders.

The only thing saving Williams from moving further up the list is a solid 2010 season with the Seattle Seahawks, where he put up 751 yards. Williams received a three-year contract extension for his efforts, but only caught 18 passes the next season before being released.

Next: 29. Todd Blackledge, QB, Kansas City Chiefs