Worst Picks From 2007 NFL Draft
Underachieving Rookies With a Lot to Work on in 2008
Their careers are still young, but some of the most anticipated picks from last year's draft were major disappointments in their first seasons.
It’s too early to fairly label anyone from the NFL draft class of 2007 a failure. It’s like complaining about a small balance in your retirement fund at 30. But while some players are drafted as long-term investments, others are expected to yield an immediate return.
Part I of the 2007 Draft Evaluation Series gave props to the picks who delivered right away. Part II identifies the ones who might need a Congressional stimulus package to get going in 2008.
1. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders (1st overall): He’s not in the Ryan Leaf category yet, but Russell’s rookie season was as disappointing as that of any top-tier pick in recent memory. It wasn’t not so much that he struggled as a first-year quarterback – most do – it was the absence of any substance to back up the hype. Even if he can throw a football from here to Singapore on his knees, it was arrogant for a 22-year old who had proven nothing in the NFL to miss all of training camp because of a contract hold out. By the time the former LSU star signed a record-setting six-year, $68 million deal a week into the season, he was too far behind for head coach Lane Kiffin to even think about playing him. Russell’s first real action came in a 49-11 loss at Jacksonville in Week 16, in which he was 7-23 for 83 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He may yet become a productive passer, but he stunted his own growth by being greedy.
2. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Atlanta Falcons (8th overall): There is always a learning curve when a defensive lineman faces NFL-caliber blocking for the first time, but for such a highly-touted pass-rusher to not register a single sack in his rookie season was very disappointing. And at 6-6, 280 pounds, it’s not as if he got pushed around by bigger guys. The first-team All-SEC pick at Arkansas amassed 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss as a junior. But he had only 30 total tackles with Atlanta in 2007 and never had more than four in a game. In Anderson’s defense, the D-line of the 4-12 Falcons wasn’t the best place to learn, and he is still only 21 years old. The team just expected him to contribute sooner.
3. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina Panthers (45th overall): It may seem odd for a second-rounder to make the list, but Jarrett’s experience at Southern Cal made him the most polished wide receiver in the draft, other than Calvin Johnson, who went second overall. He played in 38 games at USC, catching a school-record 216 passes and a Pac-10-record 41 touchdowns. The only reason he wasn’t a sure-fire first-round selection was his mediocre time in the 40-yard dash – 4.6 seconds. Because of all that playing time in a premiere program, Carolina expected Jarrett to immediately challenge for the No. 2 receiver spot. In fact, the team released veteran Keyshawn Johnson days after taking Jarrett. But he didn’t come close to reaching the bar set for him by the Panthers, tallying six receptions, 73 yards and no TDs.
