A year out from the 2021 NFL draft, here are five sophomore players that already appear to be busts.
Being a rookie in the NFL has become a much harder task than in previous years.
Originally, rookies were given time to develop for a year or two before being asked to take on a huge role with their team.
That is no longer the case, as teams expect contributions early and often.
Unfortunately for these five rookies from the 2021 draft class, they already look like potential busts due to their poor rookie seasons and tough outlook in 2022.
2021 NFL Draft potential bust #5: Alex Leatherwood, OL, Raiders
It was a mild surprise when the Raiders took Alabama lineman Alex Leatherwood in the middle of the first round. Most expected him to be a late first or, likely, a day two pick. This was due to a variety of reasons, most notably his needing some time to develop into an interior option.
Yet the Raiders took a chance on him.
It worked out before when they grabbed Kolton Miller early, but the results don’t seem that great so far. Leatherwood was one of the worst-rated starting linemen in the league.
He couldn’t find a home along the interior of the line (where most saw his best fit as a player) and it now appears that he will be given right tackle duties in 2022.
While there is a chance that he improves, don’t be surprised to see similar struggles from Leatherwood as he had as a rookie.
2021 NFL Draft potential bust no. 4: D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Seattle Seahawks
The past few NFL drafts have been exceptionally deep at receiver. 2021 featured some prominent names that should be dominant in the league for a long time.
The same can’t be said for the trio on this list, as there is a good chance they don’t pan out given how their rookie seasons played out.
The first to be noted is Seahawks receiver D’Wayne Eskridge
Eskridge only appeared in about a third of the offensive snaps for the team and played in only 10 games. The former second-round pick had all of 123 scrimmage yards and one single touchdown to show for his efforts.
It wasn’t like he had stiff competition either. While DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are great players, Freddie Swan isn’t an elite player. That said, Eskridge couldn’t beat him out for playing time.
Unfortunately for Eskridge, his path to NFL success isn’t going to get any easier. He goes from Russell Wilson at quarterback to either Drew Lock or Geno Smith.
Odds are he won’t be able to make the necessary leaps many want him to take this season. The writing is on the wall for Eskridge, and it doesn’t look good.
2021 NFL Draft potential bust no. 3: Zaven Collins, LB, Arizona Cardinals
Zaven Collins was a player I had high hopes for entering the 2021 season. A freak athlete for a player his size, Collins was paired next to an equally freaky Isaiah Simmons.
Unfortunately, his rookie season didn’t go as expected. He never truly got the chance to take on the role of a starter and he leaves some questions about the position going forward.
While playing at Tulsa, Collins was a dynamic defender. He used his speed to play sideline to sideline, he had the natural ability to rush the passer, and he was sound in coverage.
His processing looked slow as a rookie. He needed more time than most to diagnose a play and was usually reacting instead of anticipating.
This led to a lackluster season for the former first-round pick.
Of the names on this list, Collins does have the best chance to bounce back. He has a relatively unopposed starting job, and he has a good line in front of him to open up plays.
If he can process faster and use his natural traits, he could rebound into a decent player. It’s up in the air though right now, and there is a real chance he flames out.
2021 NFL Draft potential bust no. 2: Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
Arguably the most shocking pick amongst the first two rounds of the draft, most saw Tutu Atwell as a day three option.
While a fun player to watch in college, he was severely undersized and had questions about how he would hold up as a professional player. Those issues came into fruition, as Atwell played just 10 offensive snaps despite being the Rams’ second-round pick.
Atwell did get some work as a return man, but for a second-round pick and the Rams’ first pick of the draft, you ideally want more than that. Can he turn it around this year?
Possibly, but the odds of him seeing a lot of work doesn’t seem great. Atwell can only realistically be used out of the slot and Cooper Kupp primarily plays there. He may see his snaps increase, but it won’t be by a huge margin.
The NFL has seen the size requirements for receivers shrink over the past few years. One just has to look at Tyreek Hill as an example of that. Despite being undersized, he has excelled as a receiver.
Atwell doesn’t have that game-breaking speed though, and as a result, he can’t be counted on for much outside of being a return man. For a second-round pick, that is less than ideal.
2021 NFL Draft potential bust no. 1: Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants
The top name on this list should come as a shock to nobody. Kadarius Toney seemed like a fine first-round pick for the Giants last year.
While injuries limited him on the field, his sharp route running made him a hard player to cover. He was effective when on the field and was an impact receiver for a relatively tame Giants passing attack.
Then came the offseason, and the Giants made it known that they were actively searching for a trade partner for the former first-round pick.
There appeared to be some attitude concerns with the former Florida product as he was absent from some of the Giants’ offseason programs. He hasn’t been traded yet, but the fact that those rumors are already spreading isn’t ideal, to say the least.
If Toney can keep his head on straight, he does have star potential. Things seem bleak right now, but he showed last year what he can do when he’s on the field.
That said, it seems like it will either be boom or bust for the former first-round pick. He has the talent to succeed, but he needs to avoid the off-the-field drama to become successful.
The NFL is a harsh landscape for early picks that don’t produce. While there already appear to be some stars from the 2021 NFL draft class, there are also some that don’t appear like great fits. All five of these players can turn it around still, but as of now, the early returns don’t look great for these players.