There was a time when NFL teams couldn’t resist the temptation of taking a flashy running back in the first round. Some of those picks turned out great, but others? Not so much.
This list is for the teams that got a little too excited. These are the backs who went way too early in the draft and didn’t exactly return first-round value, whether due to injuries, system fit, or just not living up to the hype.
13. Rashaad Penny
The Seahawks shocked everyone by taking Penny in the first round when most had him pegged as a Day 2 guy. Injuries immediately derailed his momentum, and he never became the lead back they hoped for.
12. Jahvid Best
Best had blazing speed and electrifying highlights, which convinced the Lions to grab him early in 2010. But concussions ended his career after just two seasons, leaving Detroit with more questions than answers.
11. William Green
Cleveland thought they were getting a workhorse back when they picked Green in the top 20. Instead, he struggled with consistency and off-the-field issues, fading quickly from the league.
10. Felix Jones
Dallas loved his speed and took him in the first round, even though he was a part-time player in college. He had some splashy moments but never justified being picked ahead of more complete backs.
9. Chris Perry
The Bengals spent a first-rounder on Perry, thinking he’d be their next big thing. Injuries kept him sidelined for most of his short NFL stint, and he became an afterthought pretty fast.
8. Bishop Sankey
The Titans made Sankey the first running back off the board in 2014, which raised some eyebrows. He never looked the part of an NFL starter and was out of the league in just a couple of years.
7. Cadillac Williams
He came out of the gate on fire with the Bucs, but it didn’t last long. Injuries piled up, and he couldn’t maintain that early promise, making his top-five selection feel like a reach.
6. Knowshon Moreno
Denver picked Moreno 12th overall, hoping for a do-it-all back. He had one great season but was mostly underwhelming considering how high he went.
5. Ronnie Brown
Brown had a few solid years and a memorable “Wildcat” stretch, but he never lived up to the second overall pick hype. He was good, just not that good.
4. Trent Richardson
Everyone remembers the Browns reaching for Richardson at No. 3 overall in 2012. He had a strong rookie year but completely fell off the map after that, becoming the poster boy for draft busts.
3. Lawrence Phillips
Phillips had all the talent in the world, but red flags were everywhere heading into the draft. The Rams took the risk anyway, and it backfired in spectacular fashion.
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2. Curtis Enis
Chicago thought they had their franchise back when they took Enis fifth overall in 1998. He never stayed healthy or productive, and the pick quickly became a cautionary tale.
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1. Ki-Jana Carter
The Bengals took Carter first overall in 1995, hoping for a game-changer. He tore his ACL in his first preseason game and never recovered, making him one of the most infamous draft misfires ever.
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