Biggest Potential Draft Busts

Every year the song remains the same, a highly touted prospect falls flat on his face. On average, roughly half of all 1st round draft picks will be considered busts by the time they’re due for a contract extension; some never even make it to the end of their first contract. Some will be workout warriors, some won’t have the smarts, some will be injury prone and some simply won’t put the work in necessary to survive in the league. We’re going to highlight a few players with big time bust potential in this article, and pray the Eagles stay far away from them.

Caleb Farley

Virginia Tech CB

Farley was viewed by many as a top 15 lock and some had him rated above Surtain and Horn as the best CB in his class. A previously unreported back issue has caused him to drop into the 18-25 range in some mocks and as far as the 2nd round in others.While he had shown flashes of brilliance as a cover corner, he can be a bit stiff at times which could’ve been caused by the back injury and his 2017 ACL tear.Putting injuries aside, there are concerns about his technique and polish at the next level . He was always the best athlete on the field and is fairly new to the cornerback position, so there are nuances of the game that he doesn’t have. Sunday’s aren’t the time to start mastering your technique.He’s also not a very willing or effective tackler, most corners aren’t great tacklers but he can be a downright liability.Between opting out of this season, the back and knee issues, and his over reliance on athleticism as opposed to technique; Farley has a lot of makings of a bust.

Gregory Rousseau

Miami DE

Another name in a long list of 2020 opt outs, Gregory Rousseau had top 10 pick written all over him coming into last season. He is an athletic specimen but much like the aforementioned Farley, most people think he is over reliant on his natural gifts. He lacks technique and strength, two things absolutely necessary to succeed at the next level. He is a liability against the run, regularly getting blown off the ball. While he put up super flashy sack numbers in 2019 it was his only full season of college ball, so he could very well be a one year wonder. He doesn’t have much in the way of pass rushing moves and he won’t be able to us his speed as effectively against pro offensive tackles. If he can put it all together and add tons of strength he could be a perennial double digit sack guy, but he is way too reminiscent of Dion Jordan to touch anywhere in the top 20.

Devonta Smith

Alabama WR

I’m sure everyone knows the story. Smith burst onto the scene this year and put up unprecedented numbers, putting a cherry on top of his historic campaign with national title and a Heisman Trophy. He has really good hands and is absolutely dynamic in the open field. Unfortunately for Smith, the problems start after that. Smith is 165lbs in clothes, that is a major red flag, no WR that small has ever been picked in the top 15. The potential for him getting bullied at the line and in the redzone will limit what he can do for an NFL offense. When you’re picking somebody in the top half of the first round, you expect an every down contributor. Defenses in the league are smart and athletic enough to shade a safety to his side to take away the deep ball, and I’m afraid he won’t be good for much else. He is an absolute liability in the run game and when he is on the field, defenses will know a potential run won’t be coming to his side.

Not to mention he is a one year wonder. Coming from a program where he was surrounded by first round talents at the receiver position, his first chance to shine was this year. He could end up being the next Desean Jackson, or he could be the next John Ross. Only time will tell what his career brings, he is all but guaranteed to be a top 20 pick; whatever team selects him will be doing so on a wing and a prayer.