30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

25. Jack Thompson, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

While many of Cincinnati’s more infamous failed draft picks came in the 1990s, Thompson is a notable bust from earlier in the franchise’s history.

Thompson broke out as a sophomore at Washington State, and narrowly missed out on All-American honors in all three seasons he was the starting quarterback, 1976-1978. In an era when the passing game wasn’t nearly as prolific, Thompson set a then-NCAA record with 7,818 career passing yards and broke the Pac-10 record for touchdowns.

The Bengals believed that production could translate to success in the NFL and selected Thompson third overall in the 1979 NFL draft. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Dan Hampton went one pick later, and two-time Super Bowl champion Phil Simms was seventh overall.

Thompson didn’t have nearly that level of success, starting just 21 games in his career. The Bengals mostly used Thompson as a backup, and he was ineffective in what little playing time he received.

The Buccaneers signed Thompson in 1983 with the intention of making him the starting quarterback. He nearly reached the 3,000 yard mark, but also threw 21 interceptions to 18 touchdowns.

While Thompson appeared in 51 NFL games and threw for over 5,000 yards — much better numbers than some others on this list — he fell far short of expectations.