The Washington Redskins have had some wonderful luck in the NFL Draft over the years (see: Monk, Art) but they’ve also had their fair share of draft busts who’ve broken our hearts with heaping spoonfuls of potential unfulfilled. Here’s our list of The 3 Biggest Draft Busts In Washington Redskins History.
3. CB Tory Nixon (#33 in 1985)
The Redskins spent a second-round pick on Nixon in hopes that he'd sure up their secondary, but he ran afoul of then-head coach Joe Gibbs both due to his shoddy attitude and his leaky coverage work in the preseason. Sensing disaster afoot, the Redskins dealt him before he could play a regular season game, picking up just a sixth-round pick in return. Oops.
2. QB Heath Shuler (#3 in 1994)
Shuler's NFL career started with him holding out, and that may have been the high point. The former Tennessee standout was badly outplayed by sixth-round pick Gus Frerotte coming out of camp, and when he did get on the field, he put together reverse masterpieces like his five-interception performance against the Cardinals. Shuler would go on to become a congressman from North Carolina (2007-13), but no amount of politicking will erase the stench of a top-three bust.
1. WR Desmond Howard (#4 in 1992)
A prime example of the Heisman Trophy curse, Howard came out of Michigan look like the young big-play savior the Redskins needed with their veteran wide receiving corps getting up there in age. The exact opposite took place, however, as Howard caught just ten passes in 48 games. The fact that former GM Charley Casserly gave up the team's two first-round picks (#6, #28) and a third-round selection to trade up for him only further twists the dagger. An all-time draft disappointment.
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