NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

One NFL player you wish never played for your favorite team

By Randy Gurzi

22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ
22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – CIRCA 1988:Aundray Bruce of the Atlanta Falcons against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Coliseum circa 1988 in Los Angeles, California on November 20th, 1988. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons: Aundray Bruce, OLB

The Atlanta Falcons were in the midst of a rough patch in the mid-to-late 1980s as they missed the postseason several years in a row. Looking to end that futility, they used the No. 1 overall pick on Auburn linebacker Aundray Bruce as they aimed to bolster their defense.

Bruce started out playing well with six sacks in each of his first two seasons. However, he started to slow down after that as he had 40 tackles and four sacks in his third season with them. He then recorded no sacks in year four and was spending time on offense as well playing some tight end — finishing the year with one catch for 11 yards.

While versatility is nice, turning a No. 1 overall pick into a spot-duty tight end is not an ideal situation. It was clear by then the Falcons were ready to move on and by 1992, he was no longer with the team and joined the Los Angeles Raiders.

Bruce finished his career with the Falcons with 176 tackles, 14 sacks, and three picks. Those numbers aren’t terrible but when a player is taken No. 1 overall, much more is expected. He played another seven seasons with the Raiders but continued to decline in production and had 99 tackles and 16 sacks in that span as well.

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