30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

3. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders

While Russell wasn’t generally regarded as a completely safe pick, few could have seen him failing so badly.

After redshirting his freshman season at LSU, Russell took over as starting quarterback in 2005 and put together two terrific seasons. Russell completed over 60 percent of his passes both seasons, and finished with career TD:INT ratio of 52:21.

While there were holes in Russell’s game, his arm strength and 6-6, 265 pound frame interested a number of teams. The Raiders took a gamble on that athleticism working in the NFL, and selected Russell first overall in the 2007 draft. Despite the risk, few questioned the Raiders for taking Russell so high. Considering Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson were also available, that is saying something.

Russell’s accuracy and decision-making faded in the NFL, and no amount of size or athleticism could make up for that. Used sparingly as a rookie, Russell started 15 games in 2008, completing 53.8 percent of his passes for 2,423 yards and 13 touchdowns. The next year was even worse. Russell’s 3:11 TD:INT ratio signaled the end of his career in Oakland.

In addition, Russell ballooned up to nearly 300 pounds before the 2009 season, and was later arrested on a drug offense, although he was not indicted. Russell’s sheer drop off from college to the NFL, coupled with his inability to produce as the first overall pick, makes him the biggest bust of the last decade.

Next: 2. Tony Mandarich, OT, Green Bay Packers