NFL Draft Busts: 5 Players Teams Will Regret Taking in 2024

Every NFL Draft produces future stars, but for every Patrick Mahomes, there’s a JaMarcus Russell. The 2024 draft class carries several high-risk prospects that could haunt franchises for years. These players have glaring red flags that GMs are overlooking due to combined hype or positional desperation.

In this brutally honest 2,500-word analysis, we reveal:
✔ The 5 most likely 2024 draft busts
✔ Specific flaws teams are ignoring
✔ Which franchises can least afford these mistakes
✔ Historical comps to past draft disasters
✔ Late-round alternatives who are safer bets

With scouting insights from NFL NewsZ and Pro Football Focus’ draft analytics, this is the unvarnished truth about 2024’s riskiest picks.

The Bust Criteria: What Makes These Players Dangerous

We evaluated based on:
Inconsistent tape vs. combine hype
Injury history/durability concerns
Scheme-specific limitations
Overdraft potential due to positional runs

(For full prospect profiles, visit PFF’s draft guide.)

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB (Michigan) – Projected: Top-10

Why He’ll Bust

• “Game manager” alert: Only attempted 22 passes per game

• Struggles vs. pressure: 58.3% completion (ranked 28th in FBS)

• Lacked elite traits: 9.1-yard average depth of target (T-65th)

Nightmare Scenario:

Giants take him at #6, bench Daniel Jones by Week 5, realize he’s Mac Jones 2.0

Historical Comp: Zach Wilson (2021)

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2. Brock Bowers, TE (Georgia) – Projected: Top-15

Why He’ll Bust

• Positional value: No TE drafted top-15 has made Pro Bowl since 2014

• Medical red flags: 2023 ankle surgery + played through shoulder injury

• Blocking limitations: 43.5 PFF run-block grade vs SEC defenses

Nightmare Scenario:

Jets take him at #10 to “help Rodgers,” but he becomes Evan Engram (drops included)

Historical Comp: T.J. Hockenson (2019)

(For more on TE bust rates, see NFL NewsZ’s draft study.)

3. Dallas Turner, EDGE (Alabama) – Projected: Top-8

Why He’ll Bust

• Weight concerns: 247 lbs (lightest 1st-round EDGE since 2016)

• Production came vs weak tackles: 7 sacks vs. SEC’s worst OLs (MTSU, USF)

• Stiff hips: Struggles in space (see: Texas game)

Nightmare Scenario:

Falcons take him at #8, he gets bullied by NFC South tackles

Historical Comp: Arden Key (2018)

4. Troy Fautanu, OL (Washington) – Projected: Late 1st

Why He’ll Bust

• Positional ambiguity: 32″ arms (below OT threshold)

• Balance issues: 15% loss rate vs. power rushers

• Age concern: Will be 24 as rookie

Nightmare Scenario:

Dolphins reach for him at #21, he becomes Austin Jackson 2.0

Historical Comp: Germain Ifedi (2016)

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5. Keon Coleman, WR (FSU) – Projected: 2nd Round

Why He’ll Bust

• Separation struggles: 1.3 yards/route vs. man (bottom 10% in class)

• Body catcher: 11 drops in 2023

• Speed concerns: 4.61s 40-yard dash

Nightmare Scenario:

Panthers take him at #33, he becomes Laquon Treadwell redux

Historical Comp: N’Keal Harry (2019)

Teams That Can’t Afford These Mistakes

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3 Safer Late-Round Alternatives

1. Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington) – Round 2

   • Pro: Best deep ball in class (58% accuracy)

   • Con: Medicals (4 season-ending injuries)

2. T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas) – Round 3

   • Pro: 6’4″, 366 lbs with 82.3 PFF grade

   • Con: DUI arrest pre-draft

3. Blake Corum (RB, Michigan) – Round 4

   • Pro: 27 TDs in 2023, elite vision

   • Con: 5’8″, wear-and-tear concerns

(For sleepers, follow NFL NewsZ’s draft coverage.)

Historical Lessons: Why GMs Keep Making These Mistakes

1. Combine Warriors Over Producers

• Example: John Ross (4.22s 40 > 11 career TDs)

2. Positional Desperation

• Example: 2021 49ers reaching for Trey Lance

3. Ignoring Medicals

• Example: Jaylon Smith (2016 nerve damage)

Final Warning to NFL Teams

The 2024 draft features more trap players than any class since 2013. Smart teams will:
✅ Draft traits over hype
✅ Prioritize proven production
✅ Avoid QB/RB reaches

For live draft analysis and bust alerts, bookmark NFL NewsZ.