NFL draft mistakes: JaMarcus Russell heads the list of No. 1 pick letdowns

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Draft is often billed as the ultimate launchpad for future stars, especially for the coveted No. 1 overall pick. Teams hope that top selection will transform their franchise. But history has shown us that even the most hyped prospects can fall flat. Since 2000, several No. 1 picks have failed to meet expectations and none more spectacularly than

JaMarcus Russell

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Worst No. 1 NFL draft picks since 2000

1. JaMarcus Russell (2007)

Taken by the Raiders, Russell had all the tools — arm strength, size, and hype. What he lacked was work ethic. He played just three seasons, finishing with a 7-18 record and minimal production. Making matters worse, future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Adrian Peterson were taken right after him. He remains the poster child for draft busts.
2. Courtney Brown (2000)
Cleveland took Brown with hopes of anchoring their defense. Instead, injuries wrecked his career. He managed just 19 sacks in six seasons and never became the disruptive force many projected.
3. David Carr (2002)
The Texans’ first-ever pick was sacked a record 76 times his rookie year. That trend continued, stalling his development. While Carr wasn’t entirely to blame, he never bounced back and ended up a career backup.
4. Sam Bradford (2010)
Bradford had a promising start, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. But injuries derailed his momentum. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never became the long-term answer for any team, cycling through the Rams, Eagles, and Vikings.
5. Jameis Winston (2015)
Winston showed promise with big numbers and big mistakes. He became the first QB to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a season. Tampa Bay let him go in 2020, and Tom Brady promptly led them to a Super Bowl.
6. Eric Fisher (2013)
While Fisher had a solid career and two Pro Bowl nods, the Chiefs could have done better. With future All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson going No. 4, Fisher’s pick feels like a missed opportunity in a weak draft class.
7. Jadeveon Clowney (2014)
Clowney’s raw athleticism made him a can’t-miss prospect, but he never hit double-digit sacks in a season. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his career, especially when compared to others in his class like Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack.
8. Baker Mayfield (2018)
Mayfield’s fiery personality and early success gave the Browns hope, especially when he led them to a rare playoff win. But inconsistency and injuries saw him fall behind stars like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, who were taken later in the same round.
9. Bryce Young (2023)
Still early in his career, Young struggled out of the gate with a 2-16 start before showing some progress late in 2024. Unfortunately for him, the QB picked right after C.J. Stroud has already become a star, making the comparison tougher.
10. Travon Walker (2022)
The Jaguars banked on Walker’s upside, but Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 pick, has clearly outperformed him so far. Walker may still develop, but early returns haven't matched his draft billing.
Also Read: NFL Draft 2025: Will Johnson rising as 49ers target secondary help, Dolphins navigate Jalen Ramsey trade dilemma
Owning the No. 1 overall pick is both a privilege and a gamble. Some teams strike gold. Others land in the history books for all the wrong reasons. As the Tennessee Titans prepare to make the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they’d be wise to remember this list and do everything they can to avoid being on the next one.