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July 25, 2008 12:32:31 PM CDT

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Biggest Busts of the NFL Draft

Posted Apr 18, 08 10:42 AM CDT in Sports 

(Newser) – Hype is mounting for this year's NFL draft class, but plenty of hopes are dashed each year.  ESPN catalogs the top 50 picks who fizzled:

  1. Ryan Leaf: drafted No. 2, behind Peyton Manning, but racked up 14 TDs to 65 sacks in 4 seasons
  2. Lawrence Phillips: had troubles with the law and with his own attitude

  1. Art Schlichter: played in just 13 games in 1982 while wrestling with gambling problems
  2. Heath Shuler: threw 21 interceptions to 5 TDs in 3 years before leaving the league
  3. Charles Rogers: began the Lions' tradition of drafting underwhelming wide receivers.
To see the full list, click the link below.

Source ESPN

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Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning smiles before the 2008 Pro Bowl. Selected just before Ryan Leaf, Manning couldn't have had a more different career than his draft classmate.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Cowboy quarterback Ryan Leaf may have been the worst disappointment in the history of the NFL draft, especially when compared with draft classmate Peyton Manning.   (KRT Photos)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers walks off the field after their 20-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Rogers's career was cut short by injuries and drug problems.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Matt Ryan, quarterback for Boston College, is expected to be selected early in this year's NFL draft. Only time will tell if he will join the ranks of busts like Ryan Leaf and Lawrence Phillips.   (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
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