30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

9. Art Schlichter, QB, Baltimore Colts

Sims wasn’t the only notable bust of the 1982 NFL draft, or even the biggest. Schlichter barely made it on to the field during his brief NFL career and had tons of problem off of it.

Schlichter was a four-year starter for Ohio State near the end of the Woody Hayes era, throwing for 7.457 yards and 50 touchdowns, with another 35 touchdowns on the ground. In the last three years of his college career, Schlichter finished fourth, sixth and fifth in the Heisman voting, respectively.

Baltimore drafted Schlichter fourth overall in the 1982 draft, one spot ahead of Jim McMahon. Schlichter would go on to start just six games in the NFL, making him one of the most unproductive top quarterback picks of the era.

Rumors swirled in Columbus about Schlichter’s involvement with some well-known gamblers at the local race track. He was said to have a compulsive gambling addiction, although Ohio State’s athletic department found enough evidence to go to the NCAA to resolve the issue. Those fears ultimately proved to be true as Schlichter was suspended for the entire 1983 season for illegal gambling activity.

Schlichter received some playing time in 1984, but couldn’t do much with it, and was released after one start in 1985.  Schlichter threw for just over 1,000 yards in the NFL with a TD:INT ratio of 3:11, although he went on to have a fairly successful career in Arena Football.

Sadly, Schlichter’s gambling addiction got the best of him. He lost millions following his career, and is currently serving the second of two long jail stints.

Next: 8. Vernon Gholston, DE, New York Jets