30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

10. Akili Smith, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

After nearly a decade of disappointment, the Bengals needed a franchise quarterback to turn the team around in 1999. After a spectacular senior season, Smith looked the logical choice for Cincinnati in the first round of the draft.

Smith started out his college career with two years at a JUCO in the San Diego area before transferring to Oregon for his upperclassmen years. Even as a junior, Smith was on nobody’s draft radar, as he shared quarterback duties with Jason Maas.

In 1998 as a senior, however, Smith broke out in a major way. Smith threw for over 3,700 yards and 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions while leading the nation with 10.1 yards per pass attempt.

Smith quickly flew up the draft boards after that, and ended up as one of the top prospects in what looked like a loaded class of quarterbacks. After Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb went first and second, the Bengals grabbed Smith at No. 3 overall.

Smith would start just 17 games over four seasons with the Bengals before retirement. While Smith was able to use his athleticism, his poor accuracy and decision-making were his downfall in the NFL.

The Bengals gave Smith 11 starts in 2000, and he only completed 44.2 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and six interceptions. Smith didn’t get much experience in college, and it appears he just wasn’t ready for the NFL despite being drafted so high,

Next: 9. Art Schlichter, QB, Baltimore Colts