NFL: 50 worst first-round draft picks of the 2010’s
With the 2019 draft class closing out the decade, let's dive back and take a look at the 50 worst NFL first-round picks of the 2010's.
By Cole Thompson - July 10, 2019
ProFootballNetwork.com
Photo Credit: USA Today
10. QB Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2011
With the recent news by Jack Del Rio, this pick gets better and better. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up for the Mizzou product, who put up average numbers in college. That was the same result in the NFL as Blaine Gabbert struggled to build a connection with his roster down in Duval. He would throw 22 touchdowns against 24 interceptions and win just five games as a starter in three seasons.
Still, he somehow manages to find work as a backup, so let’s give him credit there.
9. CB Dee Milliner, New York Jets, 2013
Alabama has been known as a pipeline to the NFL. Dee Milliner is just another case of talent who peaked in college. Considered by many as the top cornerback that draft, the Jets used the ninth overall pick of the Crimson Tide corner. Milliner struggled to make an early impact and dealt with consistent injury problems, making him a frequent visitor to the IR list. He last played a snap in 2015 when he was a member of the special teams unit.
8. QB Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos, 2016
Paxton Lynch was expected to become the heir apparent to Peyton Manning following out in Denver. John Elway loved the Memphis product so much; he traded up six spots to select him. Lynch lasted two seasons in Denver and made just four starts, throwing for 792 yards. He’s now trying to win the backup role in Seattle behind Russell Wilson.
7. CB Justin Gilbert, Cleveland Browns, 2014
While another 2014 pick might be ranked worse, the selection of Justin Gilbert was just as bad. After an All-American season at Oklahoma State, the Browns used the eighth pick to select the well-rounded corner. Gilbert’s time in Cleveland was better remembered for his liability in coverage. In two years, the corner collected 42 tackles and one interception. He’s now out of the NFL.
6. RB Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns, 2012
The Browns won and lost with this pick. Trent Richardson was expected to become the next elite running back in the NFL after a successful career at Alabama. Drafted third overall, the former Crimson Tide rushed for 950 yards during his rookie season. The Browns then traded him a year later to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round pick.
Richardson never saw the same success once in Indianapolis. Struggling after contact, gaining weight and becoming a liability with the ball in his hand, Richardson rushed for under 600 yards the next three seasons before being out of the NFL. At least he led the short-lived AAF in touchdowns this past season before it folded.
5. OT Derek Sherod, Green Bay Packers, 2011
With the final pick of the first round, the Packers hoped to find Aaron Rodgers more protection with Derek Sherod. The Mississippi State product never got a handle of the playbook, was primarily a depth player and made one start in four seasons. He was out of the NFL after the Packers released him in November of 2014.
4. QB Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns, 2014
As bad as the Richardson pick turned out, Cleveland got out of that mess quickly. Looking to find a replacement for Weeden, the Browns turned to the likes of Johnny Manziel with the 24th overall selection. Manziel’s party lifestyle was one problem, but his on-field play was horrendous as well. He was out after two years and now will likely get one final chance to correct his mistakes with the XFL in 2020.
3. WR AJ Jenkins, San Fransisco 49ers, 2012
Entering our top three, I’ll make this one quick. Everyone thought that AJ Jenkins would be a mid-level pick when the 49ers selected him out of Illinois. He never made a catch with the organization. Following two dreaded years in Kansas City, Jenkins finished his career with 17 catches, 223 yards, and zero touchdowns.
Yep, zero.
2. DE Dion Jordan, Miami Dolphins, 2013
This was in the running for the worst pick of all-time. In the end, there’s a few worse. Miami traded a pair of draft picks with Oakland to move into the top three and selected the Oregon pass rusher. Expecting to find their Jason Taylor replacement, Miami ran into a laundry list of problems with Dion Jordan.
Collecting 45 tackles and three sacks in two seasons, Jordan was suspended for six games in 2014 and the entire 2015 and 16 season due to violating the league’s PED policy. Jordan is now looking for work after two seasons with the Seahawks.
1. WR Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2012
We’ve finally come to the winner. While some players struggle to succeed due to skill and others struggle due to injuries, Justin Blackmon‘s off the field issues take the cake for the worst first-round draft pick of this decade. The Jaguars traded up with Tampa to select the Oklahoma State product as Blaine Gabbert’s go-to target. His rookie season was successful, making 64 catches for five touchdowns.
Troubles came calling heading into 2013. He received a four-game suspension to begin the year due to the league’s substance-abuse policy. Blackmon would play in four games that season, ending with just one touchdown. Later that season, he’d be suspended indefinitely without pay. Since then, the NFL has banned Blackmon from the NFL permanently due to his multiple run-ins with substance abuse and the law.
Talent alone, Blackmon deserved a second chance following his suspension. In the end, he goes down as the worst draft pick of all-time.
Showing up at number 26 on the list.....
26. CB Vernon Hargreaves, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2016
Vernon Hargreaves was expected to make an immediate impact on the Bucs secondary after a strong career with Florida. In three dismal seasons, the former Gator has been a liability in coverage and limited in production. So far, Hargreaves has collected just one interception and 15 pass breakups. At Florida, he finished with at least three picks each year.
For all 50 picks...
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-50-worst-draft-pick-of-the-2010s/
