NFL Draft: 30 worst No. 1 overall picks in league history

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 12: Jadeveon Clowney #99 of the Tennessee Titans talks with teammates during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 34-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Jadeveon Clowney (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Although it’s difficult to believe now, at one point in time in the NFL Draft, they were all viewed as the most important player to their respective franchise. But, somewhere along the way, it all went terribly wrong.

For as many great stories of a player overcoming the odds and living up to expectations, there are equally as many tales detailing the other sign of the coin. The pristine prospect with all of the talent in the world, set to take the NFL world by storm, only to fail miserably. Over the past few months and in some cases, years, pro scouts and general managers have watched the tape closely and fell in love.

Yet, the moment their name was announced and they donned an NFL jersey for the first time in their respective careers, nothing went according to plan. Their bright future once filled with Pro Bowls and countless Super Bowls – quickly turned into boos from fans and lost front office jobs.

The NFL Draft is essentially a crapshoot. It’s always difficult to know what sort of player any team is truly picking up, but with the first overall pick, said player is expected to carry the franchise or, at the very least, play an important role in elevating them. Several players have gone on to do just that, from Peyton Manning to John Elway, those at the top of the board have come to play.

But, you also have number one overall picks who simply aren’t very good. Believe it or not, the league has seen a bunch of them over the years. But who ranks the worst of them all? Let’s find out.

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