30 biggest draft busts in NFL history

24. Walt Patulski, DE, Buffalo Bills

The No. 1 overall pick in every draft is saddled with the burden sky-high expectations and put under much more pressure than even the second pick. Patulski is an example of a No. 1 pick that had a solid (if brief) NFL career, but fell far short of expectations.

As a star defensive end at Notre Dame from 1969-1971, Patulski piled up the accolades. He recorded 74 tackles in 1971, including 17 for loss. Those numbers were good enough to earn him All-American honors and the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman.

At 6-6 260 pounds and with good speed for his size, Patulksi was a very gifted athlete for the era, and dominated in college. The Bills believed that athleticism would translate well to the NFL, selecting him first overall in the 1972 draft.

Patulski initially made an impact, leading the Bills with five sacks his rookie season and adding seven more in 1973. However, his numbers fell off quickly after that, and the Bills never got the dominant run defender they were hoping for.

Buffalo traded Patulski to the St. Louis Cardinals following the 1975 season, but he played only one more year before retiring due to a knee injury. While Patulski had some productive moments, he just didn’t have the longevity to avoid the bust label.

Next: 23. Jason Smith, OT, St. Louis Rams