2024 NFL Draft Busts: Ranking Riskiest Prospects From This Year’s Class
Optimism rules the days after every NFL Draft. Teams and their fans want to believe each pick will work out, and that each player somehow will reach their potential. Of course, it never works out that way. The reality is most drafted players won’t pan out, and some picks will be considered disastrous. But who are the top potential NFL Draft busts from the 2024 class? Let’s get into a few.
Drake Maye — QB, New England Patriots
Drake Maye, who was drafted third overall, might go on to be the best quarterback in this draft. He’s got the arm talent, athleticism, and size to become a superstar for the Patriots. However, Maye is flawed and inexperienced, with his disappointing final season at UNC raising concerns about his ability to play quarterback in the pros. Don’t take our word for it. Take Bill Belichick’s:
Michael Penix Jr. — QB, Atlanta Falcons
Regardless of what you think about Maye, it’s hard to argue that he was overdrafted. The same can’t be said for Michael Penix Jr., who went eighth overall to the Falcons despite many viewing him as a Day 2 talent. The lefty QB has plenty of arm talent and is a natural leader. But his checkered medical history — multiple ACL tears — and inconsistent pocket presence are concerning. Penix also will turn 24 next month, meaning he might be 26 by the time he finally supplants Kirk Cousins, who signed a lucrative contract but isn’t guaranteed anything past 2025.
Bo Nix — QB, Denver Broncos
Broncos head coach Sean Payton reportedly feels as strongly about Nix as he did Patrick Mahomes. We’ll see about that. Most draft experts placed a Day 2 grade on Nix, who was No. 35 on the Pro Football Network Big Board. The Oregon product has enough potential to develop into a strong NFL starter, but there isn’t much “star” in his game. He’s less of a gunslinger and more of an efficient distributor who excels with intermediate throws. No matter how you slice it, Nix feels like a reach as the 12th overall pick.
Laiatu Latu — EDGE, Indianapolis Colts
Laiatu Latu was arguably the best pure pass rusher available in the draft. Colts general manager Chris Ballard, who used the 15th pick on Latu, will tell you all about it.
Brian Thomas Jr. — WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr. isn’t on this list because of where he was drafted. The Jaguars might’ve found great value in using the 23rd overall pick on Thomas, who felt like someone teams could’ve reached for in the middle of Round 1. No, Thomas is on this list because of who he is as a prospect. The LSU product is undeniably fast and capable of making big plays, but he’s not a polished route runner and has issues against tight, physical coverage. He also struggled with drops in college.
Braden Fiske — DT, Los Angeles Rams
Unlike Penix and Nix, Braden Fiske didn’t make this list because of where he was drafted. And, unlike Thomas, he’s not on this list because of questions about his overall ability. Rather, Fiske is on here because of how he was drafted by the Rams. Los Angeles traded up in Round 2 to select Fiske with the 39th overall pick. In return, the Carolina Panthers received pick Nos. 52 and 155, plus a second-rounder in 2025. That’s a major overpay.
T’Vondre Sweat — DT, Tennessee Titans
This is a tough one. On talent alone, T’Vondre Sweat could’ve been a first-round pick. However, concerns about his weight management and a recent DWI arrest caused Sweat’s stock to plummet ahead of the draft. Many believed he’d slip into Round 3; we had him 131st on our board. And yet, the Titans drafted Sweat with the 38th overall pick. That’s a major gamble on a player with legitimate off-field concerns and major bust potential.
