The 11 Biggest Wastes of Talent in NFL History

The 11 Biggest Wastes of Talent in NFL History

11) Tony Mandarich, OT, Green Bay/Indianapolis

Mandarich was the second player taken in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was hailed as the second coming of Anthony Munoz, but Mandarich fell well short of that. His career as a Packer was a complete disaster. He did redeem himself somewhat towards the end of his career. After a five-year battle with drug addiction, Mandarich returned to the NFL in 1996 and played three years with the Indianapolis Colts. Years later, Mandarich would admit to steroid use.

10) David Boston, WR, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, Miami Diolphins

Boston’s career got off to a great start in 1999 with the Arizona Cardinals. He totaled 209 receptions for 3,227 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first three years. then his troubles began as he missed half of the next year due to injury and then signed a massive (at the time) seven-year deal worth $47 million with the San Diego Chargers. He never could get along with coach Marty Schottenheimer and he got into a fight with the Chargers strength and conditioning coach and was sent packing to Miami. He then, not surprisingly, tested positive for steroids and was suspended four games by the league and additionally was busted for a DUI in 2007. He never took another snap after limited action with Miami in 2005.

9) Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns

Manziel I am not sure ever could have been a great NFL QB, but in college he was unreal. He went to a situation in Cleveland that had low expectations for the QB position. Manziel makes this list because he never even gave himself a shot to succeed in Cleveland. Let’s face it, Manziel’s problem was that he never grew up and he constantly sabotaged himself.

8) JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders

Russell was an absolute beast behind center. Standing at 6’6”, 260 lbs., Russell had the ability to shed tacklers with size and speed and throw the ball 70 yards. There may have never been a QB with Russell’s physical skill set, but there has probably never been a QB outside of Ryan Leaf that had a worse work ethic. From his attitude to his weight issues, he set the Raiders back for at least 5 years with his immaturity.

7) Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

6) Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

5) Ryan Leaf, QB,  San Diego Chargers

4) Marcus Dupree, RB, Los Angeles Rams

3) Lawrence Phillips, RB, Los Angeles Rams

2) Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers

1) Art Schlichter, QB, Baltimore Colts