Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: 5 worst draft picks of all-time

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
DENVER – DECEMBER 30: Troy Williamson #82 of the Monnesota Vikings drops a wide pass reception in the second quarter of the football game at Invesco Field at Mile High December 30, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
DENVER – DECEMBER 30: Troy Williamson #82 of the Monnesota Vikings drops a wide pass reception in the second quarter of the football game at Invesco Field at Mile High December 30, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Back before his college days, Troy Williamson was Mr. Everything. He was All-State, All-American, state champion, player of the year and Mr. Football all rolled into one. He chose to attend South Carolina and the big-time recruit had three successful years with the Gamecocks — a hometown selection.

In his first year with the Gamecocks, he showed serious big play ability by catching just 17 passes for 491 yards and four touchdowns — a 28.9 yards per catch average. Obviously that wasn’t sustainable for his three-year career with South Carolina, but he got better with age.

Williamson’s third and final season with the Gamecocks turned out to be his best. He caught 43 passes for 835 yards and seven touchdowns. He rose up draft boards and the Vikings, who desperately needed a receiver, decided to jump at the opportunity to pick the 6-foot-1 deep threat at No. 7 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Boy, was that ever a mistake.

The South Carolina-native turned out to be a one-year wonder, and that one season happened to be when he was still in college. Williamson played three years with the Vikings and his best season resulted in 37 catches for 455 yards. He was a flash in the pan and the pan was cold by the time his professional career rolled around.

You can bet Minnesota wishes they had that pick back. Roddy White and Vincent Jackson were selected after Williamson.

Home/Minnesota Vikings