Florida State University has produced countless NFL stars over the years, but not every Seminole player has lived up to the hype when it came to the draft. Despite impressive college careers, some FSU athletes have struggled to make an impact at the professional level, becoming what are often considered draft “busts.” Here’s a look at the 10 biggest NFL Draft busts in FSU football history.
- Peter Warrick (2000, 4th overall – Cincinnati Bengals) – One of the most electrifying college players in FSU history, Warrick never quite lived up to expectations in the NFL. Despite a stellar college career, his time with the Bengals was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field issues.
- Deion Sanders (1989, 5th overall – Atlanta Falcons) – While “Prime Time” went on to become one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time, his early years were marked by struggles. He almost didn’t make a major impact in his first few seasons, though he eventually turned things around.
- Chris Weinke (2001, 4th round – Carolina Panthers) – A Heisman Trophy winner, Weinke’s pro career never lived up to his college success. At age 28, he was already considered a “mature” prospect and failed to find a lasting starting role.
- Lawrence Timmons (2007, 1st round – Pittsburgh Steelers) – Timmons had a solid career but was often criticized for underperforming compared to other top linebackers. Despite a Super Bowl win with Pittsburgh, his play didn’t match his first-round selection.
- Andrew Wilson (2015, 5th round – Denver Broncos) – As a promising tight end at FSU, Wilson never developed into a consistent threat in the NFL, struggling to find his role on the Broncos’ roster.
- Jameis Winston (2015, 1st overall – Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – While Winston has had some success, including a Pro Bowl season, his inconsistency and off-field issues have led many to consider him a draft disappointment, especially given his number one overall status.
Other names on the list include Demarcus Walker, Cameron Erving, and Karlos Williams, all of whom failed to meet expectations after being selected in high rounds. Though they showed flashes of promise, their careers didn’t pan out as hoped, leading to their inclusion in this list of FSU’s most notable NFL draft busts.
