Off-Topic Forum

I've heard it suggested but I'm not connected enough to know if there's any truth to it or not. On paper, it makes sence. An unhappy high draft pick who still has potential to become good, but miserable in current situation and ran off to Europe...it literally describes both of them! 

These few come to mind. The team that drafted the player and draft order is listed.

Doug Wickenheiser Montreal Canadiens 1st 

Alexandre Daigle Ottawa Senators 1st 

Patrik Stefan Atlanta Thrashers 1st 

Pavel Brendl New York Rangers 4th 

I can think of several for the Cardinals, but I think I'll go with Rick Ankiel. Big pitching arm with a big bat! Fantastic 1st season and then just lost it. No control on pitches and no timing with the bat. He soon converted to outfielder and had a few mediocre years with other teams.

Carolina Panthers: EVERY QB drafted between Kerry Collins (1995) and Cam Newton (2011). Other than QB, WR's Rae Carruth and Dwayne Jarrett come to mind quickly. Rae fatally shot his pregnant girlfriend on a Charlotte road from another vehicle after his first season. Rae just recently was released from prison after 20 years. His unborn son survived and is grown now.

Jarrett was supposed to be a #1 or #2 WR for many years to come. He couldn't even make it to the #3 spot. The Panthers kept him around for several years hoping he'd get better, but he never did. When they didn't re-sign him, he went to another team that he also didn't play for in a single game that season and then was released. He never got signed again (that I know of). His biggest problem was drops and route-running. When he WAS in the right place and the ball came his way, he'd drop it. Steve Smith was the Panthers #1 WR then and he rarely ever dropped a pass. He was a foot shorter than Dwayne.

For someone who had success but not for my team, I have to go with Left Tackle Matt Kalil. He was drafted #4 overall in 2012 by the Vikings. He was quite good there. In 2017, the Panthers signed him to a huge contract (for an OL) of $55M for 5 years. He was terrible at protecting Cam Newton that year, but started every game. He got injured right before the 2018 season started and the Panthers released him after the season. The Texans signed him in 2019, but I don't know how he did. I know he's not there now.

Raiders : Todd Marinovich

Mentioning Ankiel makes me remember Dontrelle Willis, another one undone by the yips.

I remember Willis. At least he got a WS ring! He was up-and-down from one game to the next, but mostly consistent over a season for several years. Ankiel completely lost it early and never got it back.

Kozlov is an odd player to put on this sort of list. He played 18 years in the NHL and scored over 800 career points (sixth most in his draft class).

As a Washington State Cougar alumni, I would have to state that very skilled Ryan Leaf had a difficult transition to the NFL.

Is this thread open to Cleveland fans? If so, is there a limit to how many Browns names can be posted?

Cubs: Mark Prior. And it sends that he almost got there, too.

Packers: Tony Mandarich was already mentioned, but I can't think of any worse possible pick.

Jazz: Deron Williams or Dante Exum.