Every NFL team's most overrated player of all time

Every NFL team’s most overrated player of all time

22 Oct 2000: Quarterback Steve Beuerlein #7 of the Carolina Panthers scrambles with the ball during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 34-16.Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport /

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SAN DIEGO – SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers fights against the block of tackle Eugene Monroe #75 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers: Shawne Merriman

Poor Shawne Merriman. He had all the makings of an elite edge rusher, and the Chargers were excited about what they had in him early on.

Merriman was a Pro Bowler in 2005 as a rookie out of Maryland. He had 11 sacks and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2006, Merriman led the NFL in sacks with 17. He made his second consecutive Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro for the first time. Merriman missed four games in 2006, which was a sign of things to come.

In 2008, Merriman played in just one game. The following season, he only missed one game but he clearly wasn’t the same player. He only netted four sacks, and he would miss 13 games in 2010. He landed in Buffalo for the 2011 season where, again, injuries plagued Merriman. He played in only five games in 2011 and in just 10 games in 2012 before calling it a career.

Merriman had all the talent you could want in a young pass rusher, he just couldn’t stay healthy. His peak was his first three years in the league, and unfortunately for him, he was unable to stay on the field.

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