5. Kellen Moore (Boise State)
Kellen Moore was arguably the best QB to play on The Blue. A 4-year starter and Heisman finalist, Moore led Boise State to a BCS bowl victory and compiled a 50-3 record under center. But in the NFL, Moore has yet to be active for a regular season NFL game; however, he has made several appearances for the Lions in the preseason. On March 6, 2015, the Lions signed Moore to a two-year contract worth $1.825 million.
4. Ty Detmer (BYU)
Detmer won the 1990 Heisman Trophy after throwing for 5,188 yards and 41 touchdowns. Upon graduation, Detmer had etched his name at the top of the NCAA’s all-time leading passer list. In the NFL, he fumbled. In 14 total seasons in the NFL (six different teams), Detmer played in 54 games (with 25 starts), totaling 6,351 yards passing with 34 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. Detmer did not officially retire from football at the time of his release from Atlanta, but he has not played since then.
3. Todd Marinovich (USC)
After an up-and-down college career at USC due to coaching styles, drug use, and pressure, Marinovich was drafted by Oakland in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. After three failed drug tests, and failed physical examinations in 1999, his NFL career was over. Despite showing flashes of brilliance playing for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League, Marinovich’s career continued to fall apart with arrests and suspensions for heroin addiction.
2. JaMarcus Russell (LSU)
The Raiders looked at all of Russell’s physical tools but willfully ignored his lack of experience and questionable work ethic. Russell refused to stay in shape, could not learn the playbook, and could not hit the broad side of a barn. With a 66.3 passer rating, Russell left the NFL after three years with a 7-18 record, 18 touchdowns and a staggering 38 turnovers. But hey, at least he walked away with almost $40 million dollars of Al Davis’ money.
1. Ryan Leaf (WSU)
Following his junior season at Washington State, in which he was a Heisman finalist, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the second pick of the draft. In his four-year NFL career, he recorded only 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions and a total of 3,666 passing yards. Although, with the Bills recent problems at quarterback, Leaf’s agent is probably trying to get Doug Whaley (GM) and Rex Ryan (coach) to answer his calls.
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