Fansided

30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

By Nathaniel Reeves

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 24: Ryan Leaf
SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 24: Ryan Leaf /
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24 Sep 1989: Offensive lineman Tony Mandarich of the Green Bay Packers in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Rams won the game, 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport
24 Sep 1989: Offensive lineman Tony Mandarich of the Green Bay Packers in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Rams won the game, 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport /

2. Tony Mandarich, OT, Green Bay Packers 

If ever there was a “safe” prospect in the NFL draft, it was Mandarich. However, Mandarich went from best offensive line prospect ever to one of the NFL’s biggest busts very quickly.

Mandarich picked up about every possible accolade during his final college season at Michigan State in 1988. He was named a consensus All-American, won the Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, and finished sixth in the Heisman Voting, an impressive feat given his position.

That generated plenty of buzz, but Mandarich’s combine performance led many to declare him one of the best prospects ever. Mandarich measured in at an impossible 6-6, 330 pounds, ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, and dominated the bench press. Even with his size, Mandarich showed the athleticism of a defensive back, the position he was originally recruited for.

After Troy Aikman went first overall, the Packers predictably selected Mandarich. Mandarich held out until one week before the regular season and was generally seen as having a poor attitude and lackluster work ethic as a rookie.

Green Bay primarily used Mandarich on special teams as a rookie, and he could not crack the starting lineup. Mandarich got a chance to start the majority of games in 1990 and 1991, but never performed better than a below-average offensive lineman.

The Colts gave Mandarich a try in 1996 and he played a little better before retiring in 1998 due to a shoulder injury. Mandarich’s NFL failure has often been blamed on steroid use, but whatever the reason, he has to be considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

Next: 1. Ryan Leaf, QB, San Diego Chargers

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