I get the poll but I have to question several of these being on the list. The poll is about who is the biggest NFL bust, not who did great in college but didn't make it on Sundays. Rocker is a prime example. Unreal in college but drafted in the 3rd round already means the pro scouts don't think that much of your chances of that success translating to the NFL game. Nick Fairley and Mark Ingram have both just started their careers. For me, it's Jamarcus Russell. Discuss....add to the list....oh, and you know where it was copypasta'd from.
Assuming Rolando McClain is really done, his retirement today at the age of 23 pushes McClain into the conversation of biggest NFL busts. Those who knew McClain when he grew up in Decatur worried this day could happen.
McClain isn't alone as an NFL bust connected to the state of Alabama. For whatever reason, these local players didn't (or so far haven't) lived up to expectations once they reached the NFL. Vote below for your biggest Alabama-connected NFL bust. Are we missing any candidates? Let us know.
JaMarcus Russell, Mobile: The No. 1 draft pick in 2007 was released after three seasons with the Raiders. He threw 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and was later arrested on drug charges.
Rolando McClain, Decatur/Alabama: The No. 8 pick in 2010 kept getting arrested and was suspended for clashing with his coach. The Raiders released him, the Ravens signed him, and now he is apparently retired.
Keith McCants, Mobile/Alabama: The No. 4 pick in the 1990 draft entered the NFL with a bad knee and lasted six seasons with minimal impact. Through the years, he has had multiple drug-related arrests and has been broke.
Aundray Bruce, Montgomery/Auburn: The No. 1 pick in 1988 started only 42 games and had 32 sacks as a linebacker with the Falcons and Raiders over 11 years. That's not horrific production, but it's not No. 1 pick production, either.
Brent Fullwood, Auburn: The No. 4 pick in 1987 lasted only four years in the NFL. Fullwood averaged 37 rushing yards a game and 3.9 yards per carry with the Packers.
Nick Fairley, Mobile/Auburn: The jury is still out on the No. 13 pick of 2011. Fairley has had off-the-field problems. He did have 5.5 sacks in 13 games last season with the Lions.
Tracy Rocker, Auburn: The Lombardi and Outland Trophy winner in college, Rocker was a third-round pick in 1989 so he doesn't rise to other bust levels. But despite making the NFL-All Rookie team, his NFL career lasted only two seasons.
Mark Ingram, Alabama: The jury is also still out on the 2011 No. 28 pick and Heisman Trophy winner. Ingram has fought injuries while rushing for 1,076 yards and 3.9 yards per carry in two years with the Saints.
Pat White, Daphne: A second-round pick in 2009 as a Wildcat quarterback, White was released by the Dolphins by 2010. He suffered from concussions, tried baseball again, spent time in the United Football League and was recently signed by the Redskins.
Pat Sullivan, Birmingham/Auburn: Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy in college and was a second-round pick in 1972. But he played only four NFL seasons as a Falcons backup, throwing five touchdowns and 16 interceptions with a career QB rating of 36.5.
Chad Jackson, Hoover: The Patriots traded up to get Jackson early in the second round of the 2006 draft. He played two injury-plagued seasons before he was released and didn't catch on with two other teams.
Lawyer Tillman, Mobile/Auburn: The Browns traded a first-round pick to take Tillman with the first pick of the second round in 1989. His career was quickly ended by injuries. He only played 10 games in three years before a brief comeback try with the Panthers.