Chase Young was a game-changer at Ohio State. He was a Heisman Trophy nominee as a defensive player and is widely regarded as a legendary pass rusher. His rookie season in the NFL was promising, garnering him Defensive Rookie of the Year awards. However, injuries, including a ruptured ACL in 2021, impaired his progress.
Montee Ball was among the most productive running backs in NCAA history. At Wisconsin, he tied Barry Sanders’ record for most touchdowns in a season (39) and finished with 83 in his college career. But the NFL was a different story. Ball battled with conditioning and injury.
Mac Jones was practically impeccable during his one year as Alabama’s starting quarterback. He threw for nearly 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, guiding the Crimson Tide to a perfect season. Jones was drafted as a potential replacement for Tom Brady in New England, and his NFL career began with the promise he would make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
Corey Coleman was a Baylor deep-threat nightmare. His 20 touchdown receptions in 2015 gave him the distinction of college football’s leading receiver. However, he never adapted to the NFL. He suffered with drops and injuries, totaling only 718 receiving yards in two seasons with the Browns.
Gilbert was a shutdown cornerback at Oklahoma State who possessed excellent quickness and return ability. Gilbert was drafted ahead of players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Aaron Donald, with the expectation that he would anchor the Browns’ secondary for years. Instead, he played in only 23 games over two seasons, starting three.
“Johnny Football” became a college football sensation. With his electrifying dual-threat abilities, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. His experience at Texas A&M was nothing short of legendary. But in the NFL, his partying habits and lack of preparation caught up with him.
Blackmon was a powerful force at Oklahoma State, racking up over 3,300 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns in just two years. But after being picked by the Jaguars, his career crumbled owing to repeated bans for substance abuse.
JaMarcus Russell possessed all of the physical tools: arm strength, size, and movement, and he was dominant at LSU. His pre-draft anticipation was off the charts, and the Raiders selected him first overall. But he became a tragic story about overstating potential. Russell struggled with weight, work ethic, and leadership.
