The Most Bizarre NFL Draft Picks in History

The world of professional football, particularly the NFL draft, is filled with intriguing stories and some that are simply bizarre. NFL teams, driven by their vision and sometimes quirky whims, have picked individuals that, in hindsight, leave many in awe and amazement. Here, we explore some of the most peculiar selections in draft history.

Uncertain Projections

One of the most memorable cases is the draft pick of Matt Cassel by the New York Jets in 2005. Cassel was selected in the seventh round, and his situation was anything but typical. Cassel had never started a game during his four seasons at USC. Instead, he served as a backup to Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. While his story isn't the most bizarre, it certainly stands out as odd. His journey as a backup suggests that NFL teams occasionally lean towards having an abundance of talent even if an athlete hasn't yet been tested in a live game setting.

QBs Gone Wild

The New York Jets had a notable and inexplicable draft choice on their hands in 1983 when they selected Ken O'Brien as the 24th pick in the first round. The choice of a quarterback in the first round isn't itself out of the ordinary, but the twist lies in the fact that just three picks later, the Miami Dolphins selected Dan Marino. Marino, of course, would go on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, entering the Hall of Fame. Ken O'Brien, despite his Pro Bowl appearances, never really challenged Marino or achieved the same level of recognition or success. This draft decision remains a curious anomaly in NFL history, raising questions about whether the Jets miscalculated or had a different vision for their future.

Tragic Drafts

A draft story that's both bizarre and tragically memorable comes from the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 1996, the Montreal Alouettes made news by drafting defensive end (DE) James Eggink from Northern Illinois. However, the Alouettes were stunned to discover after the draft that Eggink had passed away from cancer a few months earlier. This was not the first such draft in the CFL; in 1995, the Ottawa Rough Riders had drafted Derrell Robertson, who had also died the previous December. These stories highlight the unwavering dedication of sports teams, but they also serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.

Super Athletes and Hail Mary Picks

Some draft selections are made purely for the potential of a super athlete, rather than their current football credentials. Former Major League Baseball player Dave Winfield, for instance, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1973, despite having never played college football. Winfield, now one of the Kansas City Royals' historic figures, had been a notorious superstar in baseball, and his selection stands as a testament to the sometimes whimsical nature of NFL draft picks.

Unfulfilled Dreams

Not all draft picks that stand out are for the good. Some of the most bizarre selections involve players who seemed like potential stars but never fulfilled their potential. One such example is the draft pick of Rocky Thompson in the 1970s. The Atlanta Falcons selected him, but no one knew who he was until his name was called. It was a complete mystery to everyone watching the draft, and, as it turned out, his playing days were equally mysterious. He simply couldn't cut it in the NFL, which raises questions about the thought processes of NFL scouts and the decision-making that goes into the draft.

Consequences and Warnings

Even in the most bizarre draft picks, there are always consequences. As of 2015, the Atlanta Falcons faced a unique and unprecedented consequence for a draft choice that never happened. Due to the tampering scandal, the Falcons lost their 2016 fifth-round pick. The incident, which saw the team pumping artificial noise into their stadium, serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties that come with such infractions in the NFL. This loss of a future draft pick reminds us that the consequences of missteps during the draft can be dire.

These bizarre draft picks serve as a cautionary tale for football teams and serve to entertain fans who are electrified by the unknowns in each year's draft process.