5 NFL QBs who never lived up to the hype
Almost every NFL quarterback prospect comes with a certain amount of risk, but some of them get so hyped that they get labeled as a "can't miss" propsect. These players almost always get selected toward the top of the NFL Draft the year they come out of college because of the importance that quarterbacks have on the future of a franchise.
While, sometimes, these hyped-up quarterbacks go on to become NFL legends, it doesn't always work out that way. The "can't miss" title doesn't always live up to its name as some of the prospects labeled with it go on to fail. Here are five quarterbacks who never lived up to their extremely high expectations.
Hyped NFL QBs who failed to meet expectations
#1 - Ryan Leaf
Ryan Leaf is one of the most infamous players in NFL history to be labeled a bust because of how highly he was rated as a prospect. He shared a draft class with the legendary Peyton Manning, and many scouts believed Leaf was the better quarterback. When the Indianapolis Colts selected Manning, instead of Leaf, with the first overall pick, most thought it was the wrong choice.
Former NFL QB Ryan Leaf tells @CartonRoberts how being labeled a "bust" affected his mental health on.sny.tv/kt7qaYa https://t.co/4qArBnQm2s
Turns out the Colts couldn't have been more right. Peyton Manning is one of the greatest of all time, winning five NFL MVP awards and two Super Bowl rings, while Leaf lasted just 18 games. He has a 4-14 record with 36 interceptions.
#2 - Akili Smith
Akili Smith was considered an extremely special talent when coming out of college. His elite athelticism and style of play was supposed to usher in the next generation of quarterbacks.
Throwback: The day we upset UW and the nation realized that @akili_smith was the truth.
UO vs. UW 1997
Look at the footwork. 👀 https://t.co/juIbCL8Ot8
While mobility became a desired trait for teams in search of a quarterback, Akili Smith never worked out the way the Cincinnati Bengals had hoped when they drafted him third overall. He has won just three of his 18 starts while throwing just five touchdowns and 13 interceptions.