30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

5. Brian Bosworth, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

Few draft prospects came into the NFL with as much hype and ego as Bosworth, but he was never able to live up to it.

During his college career at Oklahoma, Bosworth was a terrific linebacker on the field and a larger than life personality off it. Regarded as the best tackler in the nation, Bosworth was named a unanimous All-American in 1985 and 1986 and became the only player to ever win two Butkus Awards. Bosworth openly criticized the NCAA and had to sit out a game due to a positive steroid test.

Bosworth entered the supplemental draft in 1987 in an attempt to cut down the number of losing teams who could select him. Seattle picked Bosworth first in the supplemental draft despite the fact that he sent a letter to the team saying he wouldn’t play for them. They signed him to the richest rookie contract in history at the time.

Personality and hype hurt Bosworth’s career. He actually played well to begin his rookie season before Bo Jackson ran him over on a play that has been on highlight reels ever since.

After a significant shoulder injury, Bosworth was forced to retire in 1989, falling far short of expectations. Even if Bosworth stayed healthy, he didn’t seem destined for success in the NFL.

Next: 4. Lawrence Phillips, RB, St. Louis Rams