Predicting the 5 Biggest NFL Draft Busts From the 2019 Class

Cover Photo: Getty Images
No matter who they are, no prospect is a sure thing. In fact, we've seen several highly-touted prospects crash and burn at the next level. The 2019 NFL Draft is loaded with talented players, but there are a few who, despite their gifts, could go down as a draft bust. Here are this year's five prospects with the highest bust potential.
1. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Kyler Murray has been the rumored number one pick for months now, but with that hype comes plenty of bust potential. There's no doubting that the Oklahoma product is a dynamic playmaker, but poor mechanics, his size and durability are a huge concern based on his playing style. Also, the fact that he has just one full year of starting experience in college is also a red flag. Adjusting to the NFL isn't easy for any rookie signal-caller, but the 21-year-old star faces huge expectations to live up to after winning the Heisman last year.
2. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
D.K. Metcalf skyrocketed up the draft board thanks to a monster workout at the combine, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be great at the next level. The Ole Miss product didn't produce as one would expect at the collegiate level, finishing with 1,228 yards receiving in three seasons. He also has a concerning injury history and recorded the third-worst agility scores of any wideout at the combine. If he's unable to adjust in the NFL or the injury bug keeps biting, becoming a bust like Charles Rogers isn't out of the realm of possibility for Metcalf.
3. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Jawaan Taylor is an absolute monster and has all the measurable traits necessary to have a successful career as an NFL offensive lineman. However, him playing offensive tackle, as many project, could be his undoing. The Florida product has poor mechanics and doesn't have the nimble feet necessary to consistently mirror pass-rushers off the snap. Refining his technique will be key if the 21-year-old wants to stick at the next level.
4. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Dwayne Haskins had a season for the ages in 2018, tossing 50 touchdowns with 4,831 yards passing. The future seems bright for the Ohio State product, but there's a tremendous amount of bust potential as well. Haskins was a one-year starter in college before declaring for the draft. He is also expected to be a Top 10 pick. There's going to be an adjustment curve for him at the next level and, if he's thrown into the fire too early, it may overwhelm him.
5. Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
Rashan Gary is an athletic freak with tremendous upside, but he's incredibly raw and his failure to produce elite numbers at Michigan (9.5 career sacks) has scouts concerned about his NFL potential. He also has some injury issues with a shoulder ailment potentially needing surgery after his rookie season. If he's unable adjust to the next level, the Michigan product could end up like Vernon Gholston, who had a better body of work coming out of school, but eerily similar pre-draft measurables.
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Mike Esposito is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Mike Esposito also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username espo6891. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.