The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers’ Five Biggest Draft Busts

By James Yarcho

Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the first quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the first quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A Miami Hurricanes logo is seen on the field before a game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A Miami Hurricanes logo is seen on the field before a game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Number One Bust: QB Vinny Testaverde, Number One Overall – 1987

A guy that played over two decades in the NFL is a bust? Abso-freaking-lutely. Vinny Testaverde was yet another “can’t miss” prospect that the Buccaneers were drooling over come the 1987 draft. Testaverde was dominant at “The U”, passing for over 5,700 yards to go along with his 47 touchdowns. Testaverde was the 1986 recipient of the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, the Walter Camp Award, the Sammy Bough Trophy, the Sporting News Player of the Year, the UPI Player of the Year, the Heisman Trophy, and was a consensus All-American.

The Buccaneers thought he was a slam dunk at number one and would light the NFL stage on fire. Due to the selection of Testaverde, the Bucs traded away Steve Young – who they felt was going to be a bust in the NFL – and they handed the reigns over to the rookie.

Testaverde would throw fifteen touchdowns and thirty-five interceptions in his first full season as a starter. He would finish his six year tenure in Tampa with 79 touchdowns and 112 interceptions, never having more touchdowns than picks in a season.

Testaverde would go on to a long career as a journeyman who would start on occasion as a place holder until the team was able to bring in their quarterback of the future as he bounced around to eight different teams. His longest stints were with Tampa Bay and the New York Jets, having played for both for six seasons.

Drafting Testaverde and having him not pan out is bad enough, but trading a Super Bowl winning Hall of Fame quarterback in the process makes it that much worse.

Next: Bucs, Cook Have Strong Mutual Interest

Who do you feel is the Buccaneers biggest draft bust of all time? Let us know in the comment section, on Twitter, or on Facebook.

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