2. JaMarcus Russell – 1st overall to Raiders in 2007:
Russell has a case for being the biggest bust in NFL draft history if not for one illustrious name who takes the cake. But Russell was close, don’t get that twisted. The LSU quarterback had Raider brass in love with his big arm following a huge game in the 2006 Allstate Sugar Bowl his junior season. He was taken first overall and had the hype train rolling. Things did not start out well, however. Russell held out through all of the 2007 training camp until September 12, 2007. He agreed to a six-year contract worth up to $68 million, including $31.5 million guaranteed.
But his performance on the field didn’t even come close to matching the contract he held out for. He did not appear in an actual game until December 2007. He closed out his first year with a laughable 36 completions for 376 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. In his second season, he did show promise. He completed 198 passes for 2,423 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
His third year was when the wheels fell off. As drug use rumors swirled, Russell completed 120 passes for 1,287 yards, three touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He was benched for journeyman Bruce Gradkowski. He finished the season with the lowest completion percentage, fewest passing touchdowns and passing yards, and the lowest quarterback rating, among all qualifying quarterbacks. He reportedly showed up to mini-camp for the 2010 season weighing upward of 300 pounds. The Raiders released him in May 2010, cementing him as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.
