2009: Aaron Curry, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Determining the biggest bust from the 2009 NFL Draft class is probably the hardest decision we had to make as we were compiling this list. In addition to the Seahawks selecting Aaron Curry with the #4 pick, the Raiders infamously reached for receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with the #7 pick, and the Buffalo Bills ended up with Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin at #11. Leading up to the draft, Curry was labeled as the can’t-miss prospect out of Wake Forest—the best player to ever come out of that program.
Though, after four disappointing years, he retired before the start of the 2013 season, and he officially became a draft bust. Here’s a fun fact… Since 2000, only three linebackers have been taken in the first four picks of a draft: LaVar Arrington, Aaron Curry, and Von Miller. The Seahawks passed up on linebacker Clay Matthews, All-Pro center Alex Mack, and electrifying running back LeSean McCoy.