How to Predict an NFL Draft Bust

Not every player selected in the NFL Draft is going to be a superstar. Many players drafted will play only a couple of seasons in the league. These players are often labeled as “busts.” While it may be surprising when a player chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft has a below-average football career, there are ways to determine if a drafted player will never pan out. Here is how to predict an NFL Draft bust.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch the NFL Combine on TV. This is where future NFL Draft picks show their athletic ability to scouts via numerous trials and tests. When a player completely bombs out at the Combine, it is an indicator that he could turn out to be a bust.
2. Examine how players perform in pressure situations. A player may have had outstanding stats in college, but it's important to remember that some schools play less-than-average opponents about half the time. If a player underachieved in bowl games, for example, it may be proof that he can't handle the pressure of the NFL.
3. Look at the personal life of a player. Many players get out of hand in college. While it's not impossible for a young man to change upon entering the NFL, it's worth noting that these athletes will be receiving millions upon millions of dollars, all the while living under minimum to no supervision. If a player wasn't responsible in college, it just may be indicative of his personality.
4. Study how the player fared against top-tier talent in college. Did a quarterback who averaged four touchdowns a game against below-.500 teams do the same against teams ranked in the top 10? How many yards did a running back average against the best defense in his conference? These are questions to consider when examining the stats of a college player.
5. Know how the player is looked at by college teammates and the media. Not every NFL superstar is what's known as a “team player.” Still, an athlete who was self-centered in college could very well need an attitude adjustment before entering the NFL. Any player who believes he's already an All-Pro before stepping out on the field could end up being a huge bust.
6. Listen to the experts and what they're saying about the upcoming NFL Draft. There's a reason that these guys are known as experts. If a large portion of writers and journalists are considering a certain player to be a bust, there must be a good reason for it.