Linebackers are the defensive backbone of any NFL team, but not all highly-rated prospects live up to the hype. Some fail to make the transition from college stardom to NFL success, leaving fans questioning what went wrong. This list highlights ten linebackers whose careers never matched the expectations set for them.
Jarvis Jones
A two-time All-American from Georgia, Jarvis Jones arrived in Pittsburgh with high hopes. Fans envisioned a pass-rushing dynamo, but his four seasons produced just six sacks. Lacking the explosiveness he showed in college, Jones quickly faded from the Steelers’ plans, leaving a lingering sense of “what could have been.”
Aaron Curry
Once dubbed the “safest pick” in the 2009 NFL Draft, Aaron Curry’s transition to the pros didn’t mirror his Wake Forest dominance. Seattle handed him a massive contract, and they expected an immediate impact. Instead, inconsistent play and struggles in coverage cut his NFL career short after four lackluster seasons.
Vernon Gholston
Despite incredible athletic testing at the 2008 NFL Combine, Vernon Gholston’s NFL tape told another story. Drafted sixth overall by the Jets, he logged zero career sacks across three uneventful seasons. Critics questioned his work ethic and passion for football, which made him a cautionary tale for future draft hopefuls.
Darron Lee
Ohio State’s Darron Lee was celebrated for his speed and versatility, traits that the Jets valued in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, his inability to stop the run and struggles in coverage made him a liability. After three underwhelming seasons, his reputation as a disappointment was sealed when New York traded him away.
A.J. Hawk
As the fifth overall pick in 2006, A.J. Hawk brought plenty of fanfare to Green Bay. While he wasn’t a complete bust, his middling production left Packers fans wanting more. Though durable and consistent, Hawk rarely delivered game-changing plays, a fact that made him more reliable than remarkable and, therefore, a letdown for a top-five pick.
Rolando McClain
McClain entered the league with accolades as the 2010 Butkus Award winner, but his off-field troubles derailed his potential. Drafted eighth overall by the Raiders, his inconsistent effort and legal issues led to an abrupt NFL exit. Brief flashes of talent couldn’t salvage a career overshadowed by missed opportunities.
Ernie Sims
After going ninth overall in 2006, Ernie Sims became a tackling machine for Detroit—on paper. His highlight reel, however, was thin. Despite decent stats, Sims’ lack of coverage ability and poor awareness limited his impact. A journeyman career followed, far from the game-changing linebacker the Lions envisioned.
Keith Rivers
Drafted ninth overall in 2008 by Cincinnati, Keith Rivers had the athletic tools to thrive. Yet injuries and inconsistency defined his career. Struggles in run defense and limited playmaking left fans wondering why the Bengals invested in such a high pick. Rivers never reached the potential scouts once raved about.
LaVar Arrington
LaVar Arrington’s arrival in Washington came with sky-high expectations. His athleticism and charisma made him a star, but inconsistency plagued his tenure. While occasional flashes of brilliance kept fans intrigued, nagging injuries and locker-room tension ultimately made him a polarizing figure who underachieved relative to his immense talent.
Brian Bosworth
“The Boz” is the poster child for hype gone wrong. After dominating college, Bosworth’s NFL stint lasted just three seasons, marred by injuries and lackluster performances. More known for his flamboyant persona than his play, he’s a prime example of a career that peaked before the pros even began.
10 NFL Linebackers Who Disappointed After High Draft Picks