Top NFL Draft Busts at Quarterback

The NFL draft has featured many future stars at the quarterback position. However, there have been just as many NFL draft busts at the position.

JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders selected Russell as the first overall draft pick in 2007 after an impressive collegiate career with LSU. A blend of size, athleticism, and a freakishly strong arm was enough to captivate Al Davis. Russell held out of training camp as a rookie, which was the beginning stages of a hopeless career. He was inaccurate, and was unable to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches. He lacked strong work ethic and leadership qualities required to lead an NFL team. The Raiders finally released the crestfallen and overweight quarterback in 2010.

Ryan Leaf, San Diego Chargers

It is difficult to fathom that Leaf was once in the same class as Peyton Manning as far as quarterback prospects. In 1998, the Chargers picked Leaf second overall, right behind Manning. It is safe to say the Colts made the correct choice with their pick. Meanwhile, the Chargers could have picked anybody and it would have worked out better than the Leaf travesty. Leaf was overconfident in his abilities, but completely ineffective on the field. Leaf had public outbursts, a confrontation with a reporter, and an injury playing a pickup game, which contributed to his entering "bust" status. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, but never materialized as an effective quarterback, not even close.

Tim Couch, Cleveland Browns

Couch was supposed to be the savior for the Browns, who were an expansion franchise in 1999. The new-look Browns made Couch a number one pick. After a stellar career in Kentucky, Couch appeared to have all the credentials to emerge as a star in the NFL. Unfortunately, Couch struggled with inconsistency when he played. He also sustained several injuries. His best season was in 2002 when he led the Browns to the playoffs, but it was backup Kelly Holcomb that led the Browns to a near win against arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. The Browns released Couch following the 2003 season. Injuries and steroid allegations marred Couch's fruitless career.

Heath Shuler, Washington Redskins

Before Peyton Manning, it was Heath Shuler leading the Tennessee Volunteers. However, nothing about the two Volunteer graduates professional careers parallel. Shuler, taken third overall by the Redskins in the 1994 NFL draft, was a complete bust. The Redskins benched Shuler for Gus Frerotte following two inadequate seasons. Shuler never recovered from his disastrous stint in D.C.

Akili Smith, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals picked Smith third overall in the 1999 NFL draft. The athletic quarterback seemingly had plenty of upside. Smith struggled to comprehend the playbook, which was apparent just about every time he took a snap. Smith's career with the Bengals was fleeting, and he was just one of several Bengal quarterback draft busts.

David Carr, Houston Texans

Perhaps if the Texans offensive line protected Carr better, he may have avoided this list. He was the top pick in the 2002 draft. Carr was a gifted quarterback, as he proved in college, but his career began with an expansion team with more problems than solutions. He was sacked 76 times, an NFL record. While he displayed flashes of potential, he was just too erratic, eventually becoming a journeyman backup for teams such as Carolina, New York Giants, and San Francisco.

Rick Mirer, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks made Mirer, the former Notre Dame quarterback, the second overall pick in the `1993 NFL draft. Mirer's arrival to Seattle came on the heels of another draft bust in Dan McGwire. Well, at least the Seahawks were familiar with shoddy quarterbacks. Mirer had a solid rookie season, but followed up with a series of inconsistent performances. Mirer played in the NFL for 12 seasons, but was a journeyman backup or third string for the majority of his disappointing career.

Art Schlichter, Baltimore Colts

After an impressive collegiate career in Ohio State, the Baltimore Colts drafted Schlichter fourth overall in the 1982 NFL draft. Schlichter quickly lost his starting gig to Mike Pagel, and ended his career with a laughable quarterback rating of 42.6. His career is primarily known for his gambling addiction that eventually led to his banishment from the NFL in 1987. A year later, he filed for bankruptcy. Many NFL fans have never heard of the name Art Schlichter, but those folks in Baltimore who cheered his arrival will never forget him.

Mike Phipps, Cleveland Browns

The Browns selected Phipps third overall in the 1970 NFL draft following a remarkable collegiate showing with Purdue. Phipps, despite his talent, was against heavy odds right off the bat, as the Browns traded Pro Bowl and eventual Hall of Fame receiver Paul Warfield in order to pick the kid. It quickly became apparent that Phipps was not going to be what the Browns envisioned when they transacted the imprudent trade. He nearly threw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns.

Andre Ware, Detroit Lions

The Lions selected the Heisman winning Ware seventh overall in the 1990 NFL draft. Ware perfected the run and shoot style that the Houston Cougars exploited in college, but he was not a solid fit in the NFL. He spent most of his career on the sidelines watching Rodney Peete and Erik Kramer take snaps for the Lions.

Honorable mentions include David Klingler (Bengals); Todd Marinovich (Raiders); Jack Thompson (Bengals); Dan McGwire (Seahawks); Cade McNown (Bears); Todd Blackledge (Chiefs); Jerry Tagge (Packers); Kelly Stouffer (Cardinals); Joey Harrington (Lions); Jim Druckenmiller (49ers); Matt Leinart (Cardinals); Alex Smith (49ers); Brady Quinn (Browns)

Resource: AOL News