The 5 Worst Quarterbacks in NFL History

They were superstars in college, had the adoration of fans, but just couldn't make it work in the NFL. Throughout history, there have been those NFL quarterbacks with high expectations that become nothing other than the latest bust. Why this happens, nobody knows. Sometimes great quarterbacks are drafted on bad teams with bad coaching. In other cases, they simply can't make the adjustment to a faster game in the NFL. Quarterbacks must be aware of so much on the field, and while they may have had an easy time in college against lesser opponents, in the NFL, it is the best of the best. So, who are the Top 5 worst NFL quarterbacks in history?

Todd Blackledge of the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers

Coming in at #5 is Todd Blackledge of the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 1983 draft that saw the likes of hall of famers Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and John Elway, as well as Tony Eason and Ken O'Brien, Blackledge was seen as another can't miss quarterback in a draft of superstars at the position. Taken 7^th overall, Blackledge never lived up to the hype he established while at Penn State. While he had a winning record of 15-14, he was an abysmal quarterback with poor decision making, bad footwork, and a propensity to miss the open receiver. He couldn't read defenses and couldn't find receivers. He finished his career with 29 touchdowns to 38 interceptions, and a horrible 60.2% career quarterback rating. His career completion percentage was worse at 48.1%.

Dave Brown of the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals

You can't have a lit of the 5 worst quarterbacks in NFL history without mentioning Duke's Dave Brown. Brown was actually a prototypical quarterback standing 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 230 lbs. During his 10 year NFL career, he lowered the bar on quarterback play by only once having more touchdowns than interceptions in a season. In 1995, he had 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and seemed on an upswing. Only the year after, he plummeted to 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Brown's problem was a lack of ability to locate receivers and an inability to hit them when they were open. His career record was 26-34, and had a career rating of 67.9%, which was jacked up thanks to the end of his career. Brown simply had no way of using that tall frame to his advantage, and eventually was relegated to becoming a career backup.

Heath Shuler of the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints

In 1994, three years removed from a Super Bowl victory, but in the midst of a rebuilding period, the Washington Redskins drafted Heath Shuler 3^rd overall after a horrible 4-12 season. The product of Tennessee was seen as the heir apparent, and the Redskins quarterback of the future. However, it simply wasn't meant to be. Shuler was a complete wreck in the pocket, had happy feet, threw off his back foot, and when he couldn't immediately identify a receiver, he'd panic. He lasted 4 years in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest busts all time. He finished his career with an 8-14 record, a 54.3% quarterback rating with 15 touchdowns to 33 interceptions. His average yards passing per game was a horrible 127 yards, which is a testimony to his inability to locate receivers.

Ryan Leaf of the San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys

Likely the number one bust on everyone's list of all-time NFL busts, Ryan Leaf was actually the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. The first, was Peyton Manning. At the time, many pundits were torn as to who was indeed better. While Manning had the pedigree, Leaf had the frame standing 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 245 lbs. Leaf was suppose to be the can't miss prospect who would take the Chargers to the next level. However, it never happened. Leaf was a complete mess on the field and a disaster off it. He fought with fans, the media and players. Fans hated him almost as much as the media, and Leaf finished his career with a 4-17 record, 14 touchdowns to 36 interceptions and a career 50% quarterback rating. He was out of football within 4 years.

JaMarcus Russell of the Oakland Raiders

The first overall pick of the 2007 draft is quickly becoming the worst quarterback of all time, and the biggest bust in NFL history. It's hard to know where to start with Russell, he overthrows receivers, throws into double and triple coverage, can't find receivers, and throws as many interceptions as he can. His career completion percentage is a horrible 48.8% and his 2009 quarterback rating was 50%. During his three years in Oakland, the product of LSU has a career quarterback rating of 65.2%, hardly the mark of a first pick overall. The 6 foot 6 inch and 265 lb quarterback is still playing, and only time will tell if he'll be able to turn it around, or forever remain the worst quarterback of all time.

Without a doubt, each of these players deserves a spot on the list of the 5 worst quarterbacks in NFL History. While some had ability, they simply couldn't transcend the NFL game and will forever be remembered as NFL rejects.