Detroit Lions — Charles Rogers (2003):
One of the studs the Lions drafted to catch passes from Joey Harrington turned out to be a world-class draft bust. The warning signs were there; after a prolific career at Michigan State, the Lions remained undeterred in taking Charles Rogers with the #2 overall pick in the 2003 draft, despite the fact that he had twice tested positive for banned substances while at Michigan State, and also tested positive for a masking agent just days before the 2003 NFL Draft.
There was also the incident where a girlfriend had stabbed him (with a fork) in 1999. He did show flashes of his incredible talent while in Detroit, but the issues never went away. He fought with cornerback Dre Bly in a bye week practice, and ended up breaking his clavicle (collar bone) in the skirmish, ending his rookie season after just five games.
The next year, he broke his collarbone again in just the third play from scrimmage in the Lions season opener, sidelining him for the rest of the season. The team allowed Rogers to rehab away from the Lions facility — even excusing him from having to attend team meetings or practices, or watch film — and that’s where his recreational use of marijuana exploded. At one point, he was so badly out of shape that his recorded time in the 40 yard dash went from 4.28 seconds to 4.8 seconds. After just three seasons in the NFL, Rogers was released by the Lions.