Draft steals, busts

By Joe McAdory

Published: April 23, 2009

With the NFL Draft breathing down our necks, I thought I’d discuss which former Auburn players I thought were the best draft steals and worst draft busts. I may miss somebody. That’s what happens when you write stuff like this off the top of your head.

Draft steals
1. OL Steve Wallace—Mammoth offensive lineman protected Joe Montana and opened holes for Roger Craig.
2. DL Gerald Robinson—Man from Notasulga was a fixture in opponents’ backfield.
3. RB Bo Jackson—By the Raiders, not the Bucs. Al Davis took a chance Bo would resume his hobby after baseball season and was right. Even with hip injury, it’s hard to say this mid-round pick was wasted.
Honorable mention: DB Roderick Hood. OK, he wasn’t drafted, which makes this seasoned NFL player even more special. Played key roles with Eagles and Cardinals over the last few years, helping the Cards reach the Super Bowl.

Draft busts
1. RB Brent Fullwood—Never remotely lived up to his billing in the pros after an incredible college career.
2. LB Aundray Bruce—When you’re chosen No. 1 overall, it’s hard to live up to that hype anyway. Bruce was expected to be the second coming of LT. Instead, he was just another player.
3. RB Carnell Williams—Great potential here, as evidenced by the top-five pick by the Bucs, but Caddy’s injury problems robbed us from knowing how good he could have been.
Honorable mention: Pat Sullivan. Hey, the quarterback won the Heisman Trophy but he never came close to all-star status in the pros.