Daniel Jones

8 Players in the NFL Draft That Will Definitely Be Busts

Every year in the NFL Draft, the next generation of superstars and steals are selected to help form the foundation for a championship. Perhaps just as frequently, incompetent organizations sink draft capital and money into busts who can't hack it at the NFL level. These eight players might look enticing, but a GM must be wary of. 

8. Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington

The Washington right tackle has been moving up into the Day 2 range despite the fact that his tape is that of a Day 3 tackle. His pass protection is rough to watch, as he lacks the technique and footwork to consistently handle speed rushes. He is a solid athlete, but just as much a major gamble. 

7. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia

The tier of Day 2 receivers is very muddled, as no one has risen from the pack. A solid route runner who was underutilized at Georgia, Riley Ridley could have separated himself based on his athletic testing numbers. A 4.6 40-yard dash and 7.22 3-cone drill affirmed the doubts about his speed and agility, and could kill his draft stock. 

6. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn

Stidham's arm talent is first-round worthy, but everything else about him screams project. He is horrid under pressure, forces the ball into tight coverage, and struggled to go through progressions in a simplistic Auburn pass offense. Some team is going to bite on Stidham based on his potential and will be in for a rude awakening when his rawness is uncovered. 

5. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

Originally considered the best safety in this class, Thompson has been firmly passed by Florida's Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Delaware's Nasir Adderley. He is an expert in zone coverage, but will likely be limited to Cover 3 schemes. On top of that, his tackling and performance in the second half of the season has to set off alarms in NFL war rooms. 

4. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

Dillard is seemingly a lock for the first round, and I just can't understand why. While Dillard is a nimble pass protector, he lacks the nastiness or play strength to establish himself as a dominant run-blocker. Dillard has potential, but is more raw than people think, and could easily be a bust if he has to start early on. 

3. Tre Lamar, LB, Clemson

A big, physical linebacker who throws the game back 30 years with his style, Lamar is getting Day 2 hype. Based on his tape, he should be considered lucky if he even gets drafted. His speed and athleticism are extremely poor, and his change of direction skills looks like he has anchors on his legs. Avoid using a premium pick on Lamar. 

2. Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan

There just aren't that many defensive tackles that have Gary's size and speed. Having said that, he wasn't always the most productive member of the Michigan defensive line, often seceding sacks and tackles for loss to Chase Winovich. Gary will be a fine NFL player, but will be a bust if he goes Top 10. 

1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Someone explain the Daniel Jones first round talk to me, because I just don't see it. Despite a frame straight out of central casting and solid accuracy both short and intermediate, he lacks an amazing arm, makes some puzzlingly poor decisions, and misses deep throws consistently. On top of being a raw prospect to start, Jones would be a very poor first-round selection given his low ceiling.