Like all Power 5 leagues, the SEC’s had its share of NFL draft busts. Here’s the five most memorable from the first round in recent years:
1. JaMarcus Russell, LSU, QB (No. 1 overall in 2007) — Out of shape and often uninspired, Russell struggled through three seasons in Oakland after signing a six-year contract worth up to $68 million ($31.5 million guaranteed) as the No. 1 pick in 2007. He posted 18 career touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Russell skipped his senior season at LSU as the projected top pick thanks to his unmatched arm strength and size. Alongside then-coach Lane Kiffin, Raiders owner Al Davis fell in love with the quarterback at the combine and stuck to his promise at No. 1 a few months later. Russell was one of four first-round picks from LSU that year.
2. Heath Shuler, Tennessee, QB (No. 3 overall in 1994) — Shuler’s flashy, gunslinger skill set with the Vols never translated to the professional ranks where he started 18 games (with 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions) over three seasons with the Washington Redskins. He was picked three spots ahead of Trent Dilfer who helped the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl title in 2000 behind the NFL’s best defense. Shuler’s career passer rating was 54.3. At least Shuler’s political career worked out as a state representative.
3. Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE (No. 8 overall in 2008) — A two-time All-SEC edge rusher for Urban Meyer in Gainesville, Harvey never got it going in Jacksonville after signing a 5-year deal that included $17 million guaranteed as a first-round pick. Struggling to shed blocks and managing only eight sacks in 47 games with the Jaguars, he was waived after the 2010 campaign.
4. Tim Couch, Kentucky, QB (No. 1 overall in 1999) — The SEC’s Player of the Year in 1998 as the leader of the Wildcats’ pass-heavy Air Raid scheme, Couch was Cleveland’s top pick the following season and faced immense pressure to turnaround a struggling franchise. His career numbers were mediocre at best as the Browns’ starting quarterback for five seasons — 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions.
5. Troy Williamson, South Carolina, WR (No. 7 overall in 2005) — In need of a star on the outside after losing Randy Moss to Oakland, the Minnesota Vikings thought they had landed a premiere pass catcher in Williamson following a successful stint with the Gamecocks. Instead, they received a receiver who struggled with drops and managed just three touchdowns over three seasons as a starter. Williamson was dealt to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick in 2008, but rarely saw the field. He was released in 2010 after making just 87 catches in 49 career games.
