5. Biggest NFL Draft busts of all-time – Cincinnati Bengals RB Ki-Jana Carter
There may not be a bigger bust at running back in the history of the NFL Draft than Ki-Jana Carter. The Cincinnati Bengals fell in love with Carter after a stellar collegiate career at Penn State which was highlighted by a stellar junior season where he ran for 1,539 yards and 23 touchdowns.
That showing helped Carter become a Heisman Trophy finalist and sent his draft stock to the moon. The Bengals decided they had to have Carter, trading up to the first overall pick to select him as the focal point of their offense.
Investing in running backs is always a dicey proposition since they are injury-prone, a fate that haunted Carter’s career. The Bengals lost Carter before his rookie season even began after Carter tore ligaments in his knee and two more serious injuries cost him even more time.
All of the various ailments took a toll on Carter, who rushed for only 1,144 yards and 20 touchdowns in a 10-year NFL career. Carter’s injury-caused flameout did have a profound impact on the NFL, however, since no running back has ever gone with the first overall pick since then.