New Orleans Saints – Russell Erxleben, 1979 NFL Draft:
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Russell Erxleben might be the sole reason an NFL team will never take a punter in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Saints were apparently enamored with the three-time All-American from the University of Texas, enough so to make him the 11th overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft (which even shocked Erxleben). The Saints tried Erxleben at punter and kicker, which went as well as you might imagine.
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Could Have Drafted: Kellen Winslow Sr.
The pick looks even more egregious in hindsight, considering the San Diego Chargers selected tight end Kellen Winslow just two picks later. The elder Winslow (not to be confused with his son) was one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, and named to the Hall of Fame in 1985.
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