NFL Draft: Top Booms and Busts

Who shined and who fizzled after the NFL Draft.

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Boom: Deion Sanders - The Hall of Famer cornerback attended Florida State University and was drafted to the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. His on-field confidence helped him earn the nickname “Neon Deion” and “Primetime” — and his stats were as flashy as his infamous touchdown dance. Sanders racked up 53 career interceptions, two Super Bowl Championships (XXIX and XXX) and also enjoyed a 10-season stint in Major League Baseball. (Photo: Allen Steele/Allsport)
Bust: JaMarcus Russell - Drafted no. 1 overall to the Oakland Raiders in 2007, Louisiana State University quarterback JaMarcus Russell famously held out throughout training camp for a six-year, $60 million contract. Two lackluster seasons led to the Raiders benching him in 2009, the last year he played in the NFL, and his eventual release from the team in 2010. A drug arrest that year capped off his fall from grace, although the former star says he is preparing for a comeback in the 2013 season. (Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images) S0915_Bengals_Browns_PS007.jpg

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Bust: Tim Tebow - A look back at football players who either shined or fizzled after being picked up in the NFL Draft. —Britt Middleton.  A first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to the AFC West conference before being picked up by the New York Jets in March 2012. Long criticized for his throwing skills, Tebow saw little on-the-field action and was released by the Jets on April 29 after just one season.  (Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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