Why is Vince Young the Biggest QB Bust of the BCS Era?

Recently, CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli compiled a list of the five biggest NFL Draft QB busts of the BCS Era. Somehow, Vince Young ended up in the top-ranked spot. Yes, you read that correctly. Vince Young is a bigger bust than some of the most notorious names in the modern draft era. To even have Young in the top five is absolutely ridiculous. Now, I am far from a Vince Young enthusiast, and as a USC fan, the 2006 Rose Bowl still brings up bad memories for me. But to call him a bust is completely unfair.

Young entered the NFL with sky-high expectations after a stellar career with the Texas Longhorns and was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2006. He was selected to two Pro Bowls, and captained the team to three winning records in his three seasons as the main starter. Injuries and conflicts with Jeff Fisher ultimately led to Young’s career being shortened to just six seasons, but there were glimpses of the star-power displayed with the Longhorns. Still, Young is labeled a bust, but in no way, shape, or form is he the biggest bust of the BCS Era. Here are the top three QB busts of the BCS Era.

3. Robert Griffin III

Just to draft RGIII, the Washington Redskins traded their next 3(!!!) first round picks, and their 2012 second-round pick. Griffin enjoyed early success, guiding the 2012 Redskins to a playoff appearance, but as is the story with most of the players on this list, injuries ultimately ruined a promising career. Griffin finds himself on this list due to the massive price that Washington paid to move up in the draft, and for his other-worldly expectations coming out of Baylor. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, Consensus All-American, and 2011 AP College Football Player of the Year was expected to lead the Redskins for at least a decade, but lasted parts of three seasons instead.

2. JaMarcus Russell

The first overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft enjoyed a successful three seasons with LSU, and was considered the Raiders quarterback for the foreseeable future when he signed a massive six-year $68.5 million deal. The hype did not last long, as Russell eventually ballooned to over 290 pounds by 2010, after being drafted at 260 pounds. Russell was the starting quarterback for the 2008 season and part of the 2009 season totaling 16 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 24 starts during that time. Russell was ultimately released before the 2010 season, and has since attempted two unsuccessful comeback tours, in 2013 and 2016, and has not played a down in the NFL since 2009. Shortly after releasing Russell, the Raiders field a grievance, seeking $9.55 million  from Russell, claiming that amount was given to Russell in advance of the 2010-2012 seasons, the final three of his rookie contract. Russell was also arrested in 2010, and has seemingly been out of the news since his failed 2016 comeback attempt.

1. Ryan Leaf

Somehow, Leaf escaped the top spot in CBS Sports’s list, but could not escape the honor of topping my list of QB busts. Leaf was selected one spot after Peyton Manning in the 1998 draft following a largely successful career at Washington State. While injuries can ruin careers, injuries mixed with conflicts with coaching staffs almost always ensure that a career will never get off the ground. In 21 starts across three seasons, Leaf threw for just 14 touchdowns, while totaling an ugly 36 interceptions. Barf. After football, Leaf ventured into the business world, eventually returned to coaching, encountered numerous legal troubles, and is now a published author. Leaf has also been featured in a fantastic E:60, which I consider to be a must-watch for football fans.

Now, while Vince Young is clearly a bust, he should not be mentioned in the same breath as these three. Despite the 2006 Rose Bowl, I always enjoyed watching Vince Young play. I enjoy defending him in situations like this.