The Denver Broncos have had their share of ups and downs in the NFL Draft. Over the next few weeks, we'll look at the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We'll start with the Top-10 Draft Busts in Broncos history, followed by the Top-10 Draft picks in team history. Agree or disagree, this will help us pass the time as we march full-steam ahead towards the 2011 NFL Draft.
We move on to #7, but before we talk about the next bust on the list please keep in mind a couple of things. First, this is completely subjective. There is no right or wrong list, and we each have our own definition of a 'bust'. This list will obviously have a ton of influence from the Dan Reeves/Mike Shanahan eras as well. They were, afterall, running the Broncos for nearly half of the team's history. Lastly, the NFL Draft has taken on a life of its own. It is hard to compare a player selected in 1971 with one selected in 2004 because the scouting of players now is completely different than it was back then. Teams spend millions on scouting departments whose single-mission is to get it right in the Draft.
That's my opinion, however. I would love to for all of you to create your own lists! That's what MHR is all about!
#7 - Darius Watts, WR - Marshall(2004, 2nd Round, #54 Overall)
Watts was another attempt at a wide receiver to put alongside Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie, who was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2002 Draft. The Broncos had been searching for a #3 receiver for years(another one of those busts is coming up later in the list) and Watts was expected to become the guy. He had broken many of Randy Moss' records at Marshall and there were high hopes.
The Broncos overlooked one key attribute a receiver needs - he couldn't catch the ball.
Things started off well for Watts as a rookie when he played in all 16 games, making 31 receptions for 385 yards and a touchdown. It didn't last, however, and Watts inability to hold onto the football cost him in 2005 when he appeared in just 2 games and was inactive for the final 10 games of the season. The Broncos cut ties with Watts for good during the preseason in 2006.
His totals as a Denver Broncos receiver? 33 catches, 407 yards and 1 touchdown. After spending time with the New York Giants, Watts won an ArenaBowl championship with the Philadelphia Soul in 2008. With the Soul, Watts made 38 receptions for 376 yards and five touchdowns in one year.
The lists rolls on tomorrow....
Are You Smarter Than The Experts?
Correctly predict the first 32 picks of the 2011 NFL Draft and you’ll win $10,000,000!
BEST ROUND EVER IN PRIMETIME
Enter at facebook.com/BudLight
Here We Go
Enjoy Responsibly ©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Bud Light® Beer, St. Louis, MO. ©2011 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. No Purchase Necessary. Contest open to U.S. residents (except CA) 21+. Contest begins 12AM CDT on 4/1 and ends 5:59:59PM CDT on 4/28. See Official Rules for complete details. Void where prohibited.