The Second Overall Pick of the 1998 still haunts fans of the San Diego Chargers. The Colts selected future of Hall of Famer Peyton Manning with the #1 Pick leaving Leaf for the Chargers. He had a great career at Washington State, where he was a finalist for the Heisman during his Junior season. Unfortunately for him and Charger nation he was one of the biggest busts in the history of the NFL draft. Just look at his numbers, 18 starts (4-14), 48% completion percentage, 5.6 yards/attempt, 13 TDs, 33 INTs, 53 sacks. People were wowed by his physical skill but the issue as we found out later was his character. He was never the leader that locker room needed, he alienated himself from the team and was never able to be successful.
Who will be the next Ryan Leaf, in my opinion he is in this years draft and shares his first name. RYAN Mallet, QB, out of Arkansas reminds many of Leaf with his strong arm and 6'7 build. Unfortunately for him, he has lots of character issues. He has been accused of drug use and recently canceled a meeting with an NFL day claiming he was sick, he was allegedly parting late that night. On Thursday April 28th 2011 he will be selected in one of the first two rounds of the draft. My advice is "Don't Do It"! He should not go before the third round and is a project. Whatever you do, do not spend first round money on this man, otherwise his selection will be a disservice to your organization and it's fans. If you need a QB in one of the first two rounds then go for Cam Newton, Blake Gabbert, Andy Dalton (late first, early second), or Jake Locker (second).
I am an NFL nut and take off at least two days of the draft so I can watch, trust me and heed my warning, stay away from the Next LEAF...............
Big Faz.
