Recent BUSTS

[Don Wassall]

He was one of the most hyped up players in recent memory - probably the same level as another black "generational" DE bust Clowney.

I was channel surfing the other day and noticed ESPN, or could have been the NFL Network, there's no difference between the two, was showing an "all time busts" program. I checked the year it was made and it was '04 which of course meant it was yet another time-honored re-run of the one centered around Shuler, Mandarich, Bosworth, Mamula, Leaf & Co. There's a reason it hasn't been updated since, as anyone taking a look through this thread would quickly see.

 

[Don Wassall]

Yet another first round sumo bust. But, but Tony Manderich.

Saints did not exercise the fifth-year option on OG Cesar Ruiz.​

Ruiz will enter a contract year with the Saints in 2023 after the team opted to decline his fifth-year option. The former 24th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has started 40 games for the Saints over the last three years but was sidelined for the final three games of last season with a foot injury. Ruiz would have been due $14.175 million on his fifth-year option, which seems like a steep price to pay for a player who has provided average guard play at best.

 

[Leonardfan]

Yet another first round sumo bust. But, but Tony Manderich.

Saints did not exercise the fifth-year option on OG Cesar Ruiz.​

Ruiz will enter a contract year with the Saints in 2023 after the team opted to decline his fifth-year option. The former 24th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has started 40 games for the Saints over the last three years but was sidelined for the final three games of last season with a foot injury. Ruiz would have been due $14.175 million on his fifth-year option, which seems like a steep price to pay for a player who has provided average guard play at best.

I’m seeing some others also not getting picked up Don. Funny how no one wants to talk about the high rate of black 1st rounders not getting 5th year options. While it may not be a sign of the player as a bust it’s certainly a sign of a player being a disappointment and not worthy of the first round draft pick used on him. It’s important that we track these things here and call them out. The beat goes on but at the same time we should call this out and monitor it.

 

[Warhawk_46]

He was one of the most hyped up players in recent memory - probably the same level as another black "generational" DE bust Clowney.

I seem to recall the “experts” all claiming how he was an even better prospect than the Bosa Brothers (all three came out of Ohio St.).

 

[Don Wassall]

Here's another one. Queen hasn't been a colossal bust but has come nowhere close to living up to his first round pedigree and all the hype surrounding it about how he was "NFL ready" and could effortlessly run sideline to sideline making tons of tackles.

Ravens did not exercise the fifth-year option on LB Patrick Queen.​

Just one day after The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec said Queen could be "a potential trade candidate", the Ravens further stoked those rumors by declining his fifth-year option. The selection of Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson with the 86th overall pick, combined with the extension of Roquan Smith has made Queen somewhat expendable heading into 2023. Queen hasn't fully lived up to the expectations that made him the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but put together his best year as a professional in 2022. He'll enter 2023 on a prove-it year, in hopes of earning a long-term extension next offseason.

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/2024-fifth-year-option-tracker/

So far 7 affletes have not had their option picked up with several still pending.

 

[Don Wassall]

https://nfltraderumors.co/2024-fifth-year-option-tracker/

So far 7 affletes have not had their option picked up with several still pending.

Weenieworld, which recently described Will Levis as "elderly," is still in love with Simmons, making all kinds of excuses for his disappointing play. If he wasn't the most hyped player of his draft he was pretty darn close. Another "NFL ready" player who wasn't but who only needs a new coach to "unlock his full potential." Oh dat upside:

Cardinals did not exercise the fifth-year option on LB Isaiah Simmons.​

The former eighth overall pick now enters a contract year in a new system under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon in Arizona. Simmons played all around the formation while at Clemson but has been grossly mishandled as a member of the Cardinals. His elite athleticism has led to plus grades in coverage and when in on the pass rush, with the biggest hole in his game coming against the run. Naturally, that athletic profile led former Cardinals coaches to try and fit him into the mold of an inside linebacker, which has decidedly stunted his growth as a professional. Most notably, Simmons missed 12 tackles a season ago. It will be up to Gannon to unlock his full potential in 2023.

 

[Leonardfan]

Weenieworld, which recently described Will Levis as "elderly," is still in love with Simmons, making all kinds of excuses for his disappointing play. If he wasn't the most hyped player of his draft he was pretty darn close. Another "NFL ready" player who wasn't but who only needs a new coach to "unlock his full potential." Oh dat upside:

Cardinals did not exercise the fifth-year option on LB Isaiah Simmons.​

The former eighth overall pick now enters a contract year in a new system under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon in Arizona. Simmons played all around the formation while at Clemson but has been grossly mishandled as a member of the Cardinals. His elite athleticism has led to plus grades in coverage and when in on the pass rush, with the biggest hole in his game coming against the run. Naturally, that athletic profile led former Cardinals coaches to try and fit him into the mold of an inside linebacker, which has decidedly stunted his growth as a professional. Most notably, Simmons missed 12 tackles a season ago. It will be up to Gannon to unlock his full potential in 2023.

Notice how Hooker was never referred to as "ederly" or had his age disparaged.

 

[Bucky]

Notice how it’s on caste cuck head coaches to unlock Simmons potential. Not Simmons himself. Self responsibility is a White Thang I suppose.

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/dolphins-...kson-cb-noah-igbinoghenes-fifth-year-options/

Dat upsiiideee

 

[Don Wassall]

All first round picks in 2020, all busts:

Vikings declined to exercise Jalen Reagor's fifth-year option.​

Reagor, the wideout who was picked one spot ahead of Justin Jefferson and now plays on Jefferson's team, was targeted just 13 times last year and has mainly settled in as a punt returner in Minnesota. Punt returners do not often get large sums of guaranteed money. Reagor is not a sure bet to make Minnesota's roster this offseason and will not be of any fantasy use if he does.

Chargers declined to exercise LB Kenneth Murray's fifth-year option.​

An ankle that required offseason surgery sapped Murray's 2021 season and he didn't start playing better until down the stretch in 2022. It was an easy option to decline for the Chargers. Murray could still re-establish himself as a potential starter somewhere with a better 2023 season.

49ers declined to exercise DL Javon Kinlaw's fifth-year option.​

Kinlaw has played just 10 regular season games in two years and has yet to rebound from a 2021 ACL tear to become the same player he was as a prospect. Declining the option was a formality. The 49ers brought in Javon Hargrave to take Kinlaw's place in the starting lineup this offseason.

Dolphins declined to exercise CB Noah Igbinoghene's fifth-year option.​

Igbinoghene has started just five games and played 603 defensive snaps since being picked 30th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. We don't even have a blurb for him between now and the day he was picked, which speaks to his invisibility. He again figures to just be depth for Miami after the Jalen Ramsey trade solidified their secondary.

Dolphins declined to exercise OT Austin Jackson's fifth-year option.​

Jackson played in just two games last season after undergoing ankle surgery and has been woeful in his first three years when actually healthy enough to play. Declining this option was a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Jackson is set to enter the season as the team's starting right tackle, as he was last year before the ankle kept him out most of the year.

Jets declined to exercise LT Mekhi Becton's fifth-year option.​

Becton played like a franchise left tackle in his rookie season, but has played in just one game since after fracturing his kneecap in 2022 and a 2021 knee surgery to clean up damage cartilage. He has also battled his weight, sometimes coming in as high as 400 pounds. It makes plenty of sense that the Jets wouldn't be ready to commit a high salary to him in 2024, even as he does look like one of the team's best options to start at tackle in 2023.

 

[Bucky]

Bust o plenty in that draft class!

 

[Leon Sandcastle]

Chargers declined to exercise LB Kenneth Murray's fifth-year option.
An ankle that required offseason surgery sapped Murray's 2021 season and he didn't start playing better until down the stretch in 2022. It was an easy option to decline for the Chargers. Murray could still re-establish himself as a potential starter somewhere with a better 2023 season.

If I recall correctly, Murray was a low risk, "can't miss" prospect who was supposedly one of the safest bust-proof picks in the draft that year. Really interesting how those alleged high-floor guys seem to flame out at about the same rate as anyone else.

Other notable examples include Calvin Pryor, Laquon Treadwell, Solomon Thomas, and Clelin Ferrell (although Ferrell was expected to be taken in the mid first, rather than #4 overall, but still would've been a disappointment there anyway).

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/patriots-waive-wr-lynn-bowden-jr/

Another hyped up SEC afflete that ends up doing nothing in the NFL.

 

[Bucky]

https://nfltraderumors.co/patriots-waive-wr-lynn-bowden-jr/

Another hyped up SEC afflete that ends up doing nothing in the NFL.

“The next Randall Cobb”

 

[Don Wassall]

This guy wasn't drafted until the 4th round (by the Cardinals the same year they took Andy Isabella in the second round) so he may not strictly qualify for this thread, but the year he was drafted fantasy sites were drooling over him as the "next Randy Moss" because of his size-speed combo and had him as the top receiver to draft for dynasty fantasy teams. He was a total bust, but of course is still around trying to reach his "upside":

Steelers signed WR Hakeem Butler to a one-year contract.​

Butler, 27, who had converted to tight end with the Eagles in 2020, tore up the XFL this spring for the St. Louis BattleHawks. Butler ranked second in receptions (51) and receiving yards (599) during the XFL's 2023 season. He dominated targets and catches for the BattleHawks, using his large frame efficiently. Butler has a shot to make the Steelers roster this season but would likely be the team's No. 4 wideout, at best.

 

[Bucky]

Oh ya next Randy Moss with a 10ypc average LOL. Dat upside

 

[Don Wassall]

Former first round draft pick of the Steelers in 2016. Total bust but still in the league.

Seahawks re-signed CB Artie Burns to a one-year contract.​

Burns appeared in just one game in 2022, playing 16 defensive snaps in Week 5. The former first-round pick played four seasons for the Steelers before missing the 2020 season with a torn ACL. He was then signed by the Bears and played in a utility role in the secondary during the 2021 season. Expect Burns to be utilized in a similar fashion with the Seahawks for the coming season, with multiple injuries being his likeliest path to playing time.

 

[Don Wassall]

Drafted in the third round in 2020. Bust.

Commanders waived CB Cameron Dantzler.​

He was claimed off waivers from the Vikings on March 13th and does not live to see June with Washington. The former third-rounder will likely draw interest on waivers on the last year of his rookie deal, as he did when Minnesota waived him earlier this year. If he doesn't get claimed, he'll likely resurface on a different depth chart.

 

[Don Wassall]

Two huge first round busts still getting opportunities to show how much they suck:

Ravens signed WR Laquon Treadwell, formerly of the Seahawks, to a one-year contract.​

The Ravens continue to bolster their wide receiver corps heading into this season, but Treadwell is little more than added depth on a roster that boasts Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman, Laquon Treadwell, and Nelson Agholor. After being released by the Jaguars last August, Treadwell caught on with the Seahawks last December, appearing in six games while catching six passes for 42 yards. He'll compete with Devin Duvernay, James Proche, and a slew of players hoping to crack the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp.

Colts signed WR Breshad Perriman, formerly of the Buccaneers, to a contract.​

Perriman has made his rounds through the league since being released from the Ravens after the 2017 season. He spent the last two seasons with the Buccaneers, totaling 20 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns over that span, and is little more than a one-dimensional deep threat. The former No. 26 overall pick will turn 30 in September and isn't expected to compete for any key role; however, his ability to break off a big play could result in a long score or two if he finds his way onto the field.

 

[Don Wassall]

Another huge first round bust trying to hang on, this one originally drafted by The Genius, who's incapable of drafting a quality wide receiver in the early rounds and who now wants nothing to do with the "overachievers" at the position who along with Tom Brady made the Patriots' offense what it was for so many years.

Free agent WR N'Keal Harry visited with the Cowboys.​

Harry was one of several players the Cowboys hosted for workouts on Monday. Wide receiver Lynn Bowden, quarterback Bryce Perkins, and cornerbacks Jordan Miller and Thakarius Keyes joined the former first-round pick as Harry looks to latch on with a team before training camp. Harry appeared in eight games for the Bears last season, catching seven passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Through four seasons, Harry has never gone for more than 309 yards and has a career receiving line of 64-714-5 in 40 career games. If he happens to sign on with the Cowboys, he'd be nothing more than added receiver depth.

 

[white lightning]

Another huge first round bust trying to hang on, this one originally drafted by The Genius, who's incapable of drafting a quality wide receiver in the early rounds and who now wants nothing to do with the "overachievers" at the position who along with Tom Brady made the Patriots' offense what it was for so many years.

Free agent WR N'Keal Harry visited with the Cowboys.​

Harry was one of several players the Cowboys hosted for workouts on Monday. Wide receiver Lynn Bowden, quarterback Bryce Perkins, and cornerbacks Jordan Miller and Thakarius Keyes joined the former first-round pick as Harry looks to latch on with a team before training camp. Harry appeared in eight games for the Bears last season, catching seven passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Through four seasons, Harry has never gone for more than 309 yards and has a career receiving line of 64-714-5 in 40 career games. If he happens to sign on with the Cowboys, he'd be nothing more than added receiver depth.

Why do teams sign these guys over and over. It's like a worn down cheap brand of tire that wasn't that good even when it was new. Lol.

Have the Cowboys ever had a white receiver since the 1980's? I can't remember one and that's 40 plus years. I can't stand the Cowboys.

 

[Don Wassall]

Cole Beasley played 7 seasons with the Cowboys.

 

[white lightning]

Cole Beasley played 7 seasons with the Cowboys.

How in the world did I forget him? Yes indeed. I'm curious to research and see if they are any others. They have had many good white
tightends including the Legend Jason Witten who has the 2nd most career receiving yards of any nfl tightend ever! Also many good
fullbacks. I remember seeing some of Cole Beasleys dunks on a basketball court while his teammates watched in awe! Fast, elusive,
great hands and Beasley can jump out of the gym!

 

[HaywoodZarathustra]

"Ravens signed WR Laquon Treadwell, formerly of the Seahawks, to a one-year contract."​

Treadwell can't get separation from defensive backs to save his life. He's timed with a sundial. Incredible that anyone would want him.