Top 5 Worst Draft Picks - 2001 NFL Draft

Part 2 of my series ranking the five worst first round draft picks in each NFL Draft since 2000. This draft looks at first glance like one of the worst overall first rounds in recent memory, with very few impact players selected. With the exception of LaDainian Tomlinson, the #5 overall pick, this draft is riddled with players that have not panned out over the long haul for various reasons.

5. Leonard Davis, Offensive Tackle, #2 Overall Pick, Arizona Cardinals/Gerrard Warren, Defensive Tackle, #3 Overall Pick, Cleveland Browns - While both players have been starters in the NFL and have had their moments of quality football, neither has lived up to his draft position. Davis simply turned out to be too big to play at tackle, and after many rough years in the desert, finally found his niche as a guard with the Dallas Cowboys, playing well enough (and benefitting from the Cowboys' popularity) to make the Pro Bowl in 2007. Warren washed out of Cleveland after just 4 seasons, and went on to an unspectacular pair of injury-riddled season with the Broncos before finally landing in Oakland where is currently plays. Both of these players find their spot on the list thanks to the man at #5. Players selected later: DE Justin Smith (#4), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (#5), DE Richard Seymour (#6).

4. David Terrell, Wide Receiver, #8 Overall Pick, Chicago Bears - Terrell had all the physical tools to be a successful wideout in the league, but never was capable of putting them all together. Despite some flashes of brilliance, Terrell lasted only 4 years with the Bears before being cut. He got looks from the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, but didn't stick and is currently out of football. Players selected later: LB Dan Morgan (#11), DT Marcus Stroud (#13), WR Santana Moss (#16).

3. Jamal Reynolds, Defensive End, #10 Overall Pick, Green Bay Packers - Reynolds struggled to gain a foothold in Green Bay due to the emergence of teammate Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila at the defensive end position. Reynolds lasted just 3 years with the Pack recording only 3 sacks before eventually being traded to the Colts. He failed his physical prior to the trade, however, and the trade was declared void and Reynolds was released by the Packers. He would get another shot with the Browns prior to the 2004 season, but wouldn't make it to the start of the season before being cut and has been out of football since. Players selected later: LB Dan Morgan (#11), DT Marcus Stroud (#13), DT Casey Hampton (#19).

2. Willie Middlebrooks, Cornerback, #24 Overall Pick, Denver Broncos - Perhaps the reason Terrell and Warren got a chance with Denver is because the Broncos own pick from this draft was so bad. In a very unimpressive five-year career with the Broncos, Middlebrooks started just 1 game and dealt with numerous off-field issues, culminating in an arrest on New Year's Eve 2004 after an alleged fight with his girlfriend. Middlebrooks would finally be cut and spend the 2005 season with the 49ers before returning to Denver for the 2006 season. He did not make the Broncos roster in 2006 and signed with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts in 2008. Players selected later: WR Reggie Wayne (#30), TE Todd Heap (#31), WR Chad Johnson (#36).

1. Michael Vick, Quarterback, #1 Overall Pick, Atlanta Falcons - It was very difficult deciding where to slot Mr. Vick in this list, as his on-the-field accomplishments actually aren't too bad. The problem is the damage that he did to the franchise with his conviction for dog fighting in 2007. Since he was officially charged in the summer of '07, the Falcons organization went into a downward spiral. First Vick was found guilty and spent the 2007 season in prison, then head coach Bobby Petrino (in his first year with the team) abruptly resigned to take a college coaching job, and the Falcons went on to a dismal 4-12 record. In Vick's active seasons, the Falcons consistently were among the league leaders in rushing, but their passing offense always struggled. With Vick at the helm, the Falcons found success enough to make the playoffs twice, losing to the Eagles both times, including once in the NFC Championship Game. Players selected later: RB LaDainian Tomlinson (#5), DE Richard Seymour (#6), QB Drew Brees (#32).

Up next: 2002 and the expansion Texans...