10 biggest NFL draft busts in Clemson football history

With the season over, players are declaring for the NFL draft, but these are a few cautionary tales of Tigers who went to the NFL and it didn't quite work out.

By Josh Yourish | Jan 12, 2024, 7:59 AM EST

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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player. Clemson CJ Spiller. . . 2. 2010. No. 9 overall. C.J. Spiller, RB. C.J. Spiller, RB. 16

Spiller was the 2009 ACC Player of the Year for his 1,212 rushing yards, 503 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and the Bills expected him to be the centerpiece of their offense.

In his third year in the NFL, Spiller turned into just that with a Pro Bowl season and 1,703 scrimmage yards. He followed that up with another 1,000 scrimmage yard season in 2013, but in his career, he only scored 12 rushing touchdowns and had 19 fumbles.

In 2010 it was much more common to select a running back in the first round, but today we know it’s rarely a good value proposition, especially not when you end up with an unreliable player like Spiller who never delivered on his enormous potential.

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