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Wow Sammy Smith was our #9 pick in 1989..
The deal is simple. If Peterson turns out to be the real thing, his new team hits the jackpot. If he's a true franchise back, it's a quick fix. Unlike rookie quarterbacks, running backs are far more equipped for early success. And, unlike rookie receivers, you don't have to figure out creative ways to get them the ball. Just plug your new running back into your offense, hand him the ball, and if he's got the goods, watch him rip off a string of 1,000 yard seasons.
I'm a huge Adrian Peterson fan, and I think he's gonna make it. But unfortunately, if Peterson isn't a franchise back, we'll all know soon enough. Injuries, fumbles, or a poor surrounding cast can doom any highly drafted running back in three or four short seasons. By that time, franchises are ready to move on to the next young horse, and the original guy gets labeled a bust.
With that in mind, this is the NFL Draft's Top 10 all-time busts at running back.
10. Alonzo Highsmith, 1987
First round, 3rd pick, Houston Oilers
If you missed Highsmith's days at the University of Miami, just picture Ray Lewis playing running back, and playing it well, which makes sense since 'Zo was also an incredible H.S. linebacker. In the NFL, he was more apt for the fullback position than featured back, so his days in Houston were quickly numbered when Houston made a full conversion to the Run-and-Shoot during the late 1980s. Highsmith later tried catching on with his college coach Jimmy Johnson in Dallas, and then in Tampa Bay. Neither of those stays were very fruitful, and he never rushed for more than 531 yards or 4 TDs in a season. By the early 1990s, Highsmith quit football and became a lower-tier pro boxer, with a record of 27-1-1.
Notable RBs also available to Oilers in 1987: Christian Okoye (Round 2), Timmy Smith (Round 5), Bo Jackson (Round 7, after sitting out 1986), and Merrill Hoge (Round 10).
Notable NFL players available in Round 1 at any position: LB Shane Conlan, DT Jerome Brown, S Rod Woodson, QB Chris Miller, DE Jason Buck, T Harris Barton, QB Jim Harbaugh, WR Ricky Nattiel, WR Mark Ingram.
Injuries helped contribute to the end of Tim Biakabutuka's NFL career. (Tom Hauck / Getty Images)
9. Tim Biakabutuka, 1996
First round, 8th pick, Carolina
Biakabutuka became a national star at Michigan in 1995, after gashing an undefeated Ohio State team for 313 rushing yards during an upset win, The young Carolina franchise hoped to line up Biakabutuka behind franchise quarterback Kerry Collins, which would almost certainly cement the backfield for the next 10 seasons. It was a good idea in theory, before a young Collins battled personal problems, and Biakabutuka stayed shelved with a ton of injuries, rushing for only 2,530 yards and 14 TDs in six NFL seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Panthers: Eddie George (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Terry Glenn, OT Willie Anderson, WR Marvin Harrison, OG Pete Kendall, DE Duane Clemons, C Jeff Hartings, WR Eric Moulds, OG Jermane Mayberry, LB Ray Lewis.
8. Sammie Smith, 1989
First round, 9th pick, Miami
The Florida State star was drafted by the Dolphins with three main goals. One, take some of the load off Dan Marino. Two, catch passes out of the backfield. Three, protect the ball. He failed at all three. During Smith's first two seasons, he rushed 426 times for 1,490 yards, but fumbled 14 times during those two seasons, which is one fumble per thirty carries. During his third season with Miami, he fumbled once every twenty-seven carries, so as you could imagine, he'd spent his fourth season with the Denver Broncos. Understandably, the Broncos barely let him touch the ball. Smith was out of football by 1996.
Notable RBs also available to the Dolphins: RB/WR Eric Metcalf (Round 1), FB Daryl Johnston (Round 2), Vince Workman (Round 5), Dave Meggett (Round 5), Marion Butts (Round 7), Todd McNair (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: CB Donnell Woolford, DE Trace Armstrong, RB/WR Eric Metcalf, DE Jeff Lageman, OG Andy Heck, DE Wayne Martin, S Steve Atwater, WR Andre Rison, S Louis Oliver.
Tommy Vardell never lived up to his "Touchdown Tommy" nickname. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
7. Tommy Vardell, 1992
First round, 9th pick, Browns
By Vardell's fourth NFL season, his "Touchdown Tommy" moniker was hilarious, since the burly back had rushed for only three touchdowns. In later stints with San Francisco and Detroit, Vardell was a pretty good blocking back, but never lived up to his once immense potential he flashed as a ball carrier at Stanford, rushing for only 1,427 yards in eight NFL seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Browns: Amp Lee (Round 2), Edgar Bennett (Round 4), FB Sam Gash (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: OT Bob Whitfield, OT Ray Roberts, OT Leon Searcy, DE Marco Coleman, DT Chester McGlockton, CB Dale Carter, LB Robert Jones, DE Robert Porcher.
6. (TIE) Curtis Enis, 1998
First round, 5th pick, Chicago
Some Chicago fans might want to see Rashaan Salaam on the list, but Salaam did have one 1,000 yard season with the Bears, a decent value for the 21st pick in the draft. With Enis at the fifth pick, it was a far bigger risk for a far lesser reward, made even more embarrassing by seeing all of the talent that the Bears passed on. Enis delivered a mere 1,497 yards in three seasons, averaging a paltry 3.3 yards per carry. To be fair, he did injure his ACL as a rookie, and pain in his knee forced him to hang it up by age 25, right after trying to resurrect his career with the Browns.
Notable RBs also available to the Bears: Fred Taylor (Round 1), Robert Edwards (Round 1), Ahman Green (Round 3).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DE Grant Wistrom, OT Kyle Turley, DE Greg Ellis, CB Duane Starks, LB Keith Brooking, LB Takeo Spikes, WR Kevin Dyson, DT Vonnie Holliday, G Alan Faneca, WR Randy Moss.
6. (TIE) Brent Fullwood, 1987
First round, 4th pick, Green Bay
Bo Jackson's old backfield buddy at Auburn was never terrible in the NFL, he was always just kind of there, and that's not exactly what you'd want to spend the fourth pick on. Fullwood's career highlight came after rushing for 821 yards in 1989, as he was voted into the Pro Bowl as an injury alternate selection. In fact, that magical '89 season was so huge, he held out for a bigger contract during the summer of 1990. After finally showing up to camp, he averaged 2.8 yards per carry, and got traded midseason to Cleveland. After that trade, Fullwood never carried the ball in the NFL again, and left the game after gaining 1,702 rushing yards in four seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Packers: Christian Okoye (Round 2), Timmy Smith (Round 5), Bo Jackson (Round 7, sat out 1986), and Merrill Hoge (Round 10).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: LB Shane Conlan, DT Jerome Brown, S Rod Woodson, QB Chris Miller, DE Jason Buck, T Harris Barton, QB Jim Harbaugh, WR Ricky Nattiel, WR Mark Ingram.
5. Bo Matthews, 1974
First round, 2nd pick, San Diego
Sometimes listed as large as 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, it's a wonder why Bo's coaches at the University of Colorado kept him at running back in the first place. Matthews was a college fullback, but an intriguing prospect, so this was clearly a case of the Bolts taking the best player on their board regardless of position. Matthews never really caught on in the NFL as a featured ball carrier or blocking back with the Chargers, Giants, and Dolphins. In eight NFL seasons, he gained only 1,566 yards rushing, and caught 75 passes, before spending time with the USFL's Denver Gold.
Notable RBs also available to the Chargers: Mark Van Eeghen (Round 3), WFL Offensive MVP Tommy Reamon (Round 9).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: LB Randy Gradishar, WR Lynn Swann.
4. Blair Thomas, 1990
First round, 2nd pick, N.Y. Jets
A 40 time of 4.4 thrust Thomas to the forefront of the 1990 NFL Draft, far above a number of future NFL workhorses at his position. At only 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Thomas never even developed into one of the top seven or eight most productive backs in his draft class, which is a monumental waste of the number two overall pick. In seven NFL seasons with the Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, and Panthers, Thomas rushed for only 2,236 yard and seven TDs.
Notable RBs also available to the Jets: Emmitt Smith (Round 1), Rodney Hampton (Round 1), Anthony Johnson (Round 2), Harold Green (Round 2), Leroy Hoard (Round 2), Chris Warren (Round 4), Larry Centers (Round 5), Barry Foster (Round 5), Brian Mitchell (Round 5, return man), Johnnie Johnson (Round 7), Terry Allen (Round 9).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DT Cortez Kennedy (the next pick), LB Junior Seau, S Mark Carrier, LB Chris Singleton, OT Richmond Webb, LB James Francis, LB Lamar Lathon, LB Tony Bennett, TE Eric Green.
Lawrence Phillips never lived up to his potential. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
3. Lawrence Phillips, 1996
First round, 6th pick, St. Louis
Unlike a Dan Marino, Warren Sapp, or Randy Moss, Phillips never slipped in the first round of the NFL Draft because of off-the-field question marks. The big I-Back from Nebraska was still selected very high, even though his behavioral red flags gained as much attention as his spectacular touchdown runs. Therefore, in the NFL, it wasn't a shock that Phillips skipped practices, bickered with coaches, beat up civilians, and rushed for only 1,453 yards in three NFL seasons. His potential was unmatched, so he was handed chance after chance to make it with the Rams, Dolphins, NFL Europe, 49ers, Arena League, and CFL. By 2005, he should've been in his prime athletically, but instead was in his prime criminally, ramming his car into three teenagers after a touch football game in Los Angeles.
Notable RBs also available to the Rams: Eddie George (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Terry Glenn, OT Willie Anderson, WR Marvin Harrison, OG Pete Kendall, DE Duane Clemons, C Jeff Hartings, WR Eric Moulds, OG Jermane Mayberry, LB Ray Lewis.
2. (TIE) Leroy Keyes, 1969
First round, 3rd pick, Philadelphia
The runner-up to O.J. Simpson in the 1968 Heisman Trophy voting was a do-it-all, 6-foot-3 halfback/safety that also even threw six touchdown passes out of the halfback option as a senior. In the NFL, Keyes played both ways from the get go, rushing for 361 yards as a rookie. After injuring his leg, Keyes focused primarily on defense, and would rush for only eight more yards. Playing from 1969-73 with Philadelphia and Kansas City, Keyes goes down in the record books as one of the least productive NFL running backs ever drafted in the top five. Keyes finished with a scant total of 369 career rushing yards, but at least he snatched eight interceptions.
Notable RBs also available to the Eagles in 1969: Calvin Hill (Round 1), Ed Podolak (Round 2), Mercury Morris (Round 3), Larry Brown (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DT "Mean" Joe Green (Round 1, next pick), TE Ted Kwalick, DE Bill Stanfill, DE Fred Dryer, OT Rufus Mayes, LB Bob Babich, WR Gene Washington.
2. (TIE) Larry Stegent, 1970
First round, 8th pick, Cardinals
Who's the biggest running back bust from Texas A&M to ever play for the Cardinals? Modern fans would think Leeland McElroy, but nope, it's easily Stegent. Stegs got hurt early on in his career, and would never gain a single rushing yard in the NFL. He did catch one pass for twelve yards though.
Notable RBs also available to the Cardinals in 1970: RB Steve Owens (Round 1), RB Duane Thomas (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Ken Burrough, G Doug Wilkerson, OLB Hacksaw Reynolds, TE Raymond Chester
A preseason ACL tear in 1996 ruined the career of Ki-Jana Carter. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
1. Ki-Jana Carter, 1995
First round, 1st pick, Cincinnati It still bums me out to think of how much potential was lost when Carter shredded his knee during his first NFL preseason game. At Penn State, the guy was amazing. He was built like a bulldog, but still had the explosion to act as a home run threat from anywhere on the field. Undeniably, Carter was deserving of the No. 1 pick at the time, since he was the centerpiece of one of the best college offenses of all-time (that '94 Penn State bunch). Unfortunately, the Ki-Jana Carter that played for the Bengals, Redskins, and Saints was never the same player after that preseason ACL tear, gaining only 1,129 career yards from 1995 to 2004.
Wow Sammy Smith was our #9 pick in 1989..
The deal is simple. If Peterson turns out to be the real thing, his new team hits the jackpot. If he's a true franchise back, it's a quick fix. Unlike rookie quarterbacks, running backs are far more equipped for early success. And, unlike rookie receivers, you don't have to figure out creative ways to get them the ball. Just plug your new running back into your offense, hand him the ball, and if he's got the goods, watch him rip off a string of 1,000 yard seasons.
I'm a huge Adrian Peterson fan, and I think he's gonna make it. But unfortunately, if Peterson isn't a franchise back, we'll all know soon enough. Injuries, fumbles, or a poor surrounding cast can doom any highly drafted running back in three or four short seasons. By that time, franchises are ready to move on to the next young horse, and the original guy gets labeled a bust.
With that in mind, this is the NFL Draft's Top 10 all-time busts at running back.
10. Alonzo Highsmith, 1987
First round, 3rd pick, Houston Oilers
If you missed Highsmith's days at the University of Miami, just picture Ray Lewis playing running back, and playing it well, which makes sense since 'Zo was also an incredible H.S. linebacker. In the NFL, he was more apt for the fullback position than featured back, so his days in Houston were quickly numbered when Houston made a full conversion to the Run-and-Shoot during the late 1980s. Highsmith later tried catching on with his college coach Jimmy Johnson in Dallas, and then in Tampa Bay. Neither of those stays were very fruitful, and he never rushed for more than 531 yards or 4 TDs in a season. By the early 1990s, Highsmith quit football and became a lower-tier pro boxer, with a record of 27-1-1.
Notable RBs also available to Oilers in 1987: Christian Okoye (Round 2), Timmy Smith (Round 5), Bo Jackson (Round 7, after sitting out 1986), and Merrill Hoge (Round 10).
Notable NFL players available in Round 1 at any position: LB Shane Conlan, DT Jerome Brown, S Rod Woodson, QB Chris Miller, DE Jason Buck, T Harris Barton, QB Jim Harbaugh, WR Ricky Nattiel, WR Mark Ingram.
9. Tim Biakabutuka, 1996
First round, 8th pick, Carolina
Biakabutuka became a national star at Michigan in 1995, after gashing an undefeated Ohio State team for 313 rushing yards during an upset win, The young Carolina franchise hoped to line up Biakabutuka behind franchise quarterback Kerry Collins, which would almost certainly cement the backfield for the next 10 seasons. It was a good idea in theory, before a young Collins battled personal problems, and Biakabutuka stayed shelved with a ton of injuries, rushing for only 2,530 yards and 14 TDs in six NFL seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Panthers: Eddie George (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Terry Glenn, OT Willie Anderson, WR Marvin Harrison, OG Pete Kendall, DE Duane Clemons, C Jeff Hartings, WR Eric Moulds, OG Jermane Mayberry, LB Ray Lewis.
8. Sammie Smith, 1989
First round, 9th pick, Miami
The Florida State star was drafted by the Dolphins with three main goals. One, take some of the load off Dan Marino. Two, catch passes out of the backfield. Three, protect the ball. He failed at all three. During Smith's first two seasons, he rushed 426 times for 1,490 yards, but fumbled 14 times during those two seasons, which is one fumble per thirty carries. During his third season with Miami, he fumbled once every twenty-seven carries, so as you could imagine, he'd spent his fourth season with the Denver Broncos. Understandably, the Broncos barely let him touch the ball. Smith was out of football by 1996.
Notable RBs also available to the Dolphins: RB/WR Eric Metcalf (Round 1), FB Daryl Johnston (Round 2), Vince Workman (Round 5), Dave Meggett (Round 5), Marion Butts (Round 7), Todd McNair (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: CB Donnell Woolford, DE Trace Armstrong, RB/WR Eric Metcalf, DE Jeff Lageman, OG Andy Heck, DE Wayne Martin, S Steve Atwater, WR Andre Rison, S Louis Oliver.
7. Tommy Vardell, 1992
First round, 9th pick, Browns
By Vardell's fourth NFL season, his "Touchdown Tommy" moniker was hilarious, since the burly back had rushed for only three touchdowns. In later stints with San Francisco and Detroit, Vardell was a pretty good blocking back, but never lived up to his once immense potential he flashed as a ball carrier at Stanford, rushing for only 1,427 yards in eight NFL seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Browns: Amp Lee (Round 2), Edgar Bennett (Round 4), FB Sam Gash (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: OT Bob Whitfield, OT Ray Roberts, OT Leon Searcy, DE Marco Coleman, DT Chester McGlockton, CB Dale Carter, LB Robert Jones, DE Robert Porcher.
6. (TIE) Curtis Enis, 1998
First round, 5th pick, Chicago
Some Chicago fans might want to see Rashaan Salaam on the list, but Salaam did have one 1,000 yard season with the Bears, a decent value for the 21st pick in the draft. With Enis at the fifth pick, it was a far bigger risk for a far lesser reward, made even more embarrassing by seeing all of the talent that the Bears passed on. Enis delivered a mere 1,497 yards in three seasons, averaging a paltry 3.3 yards per carry. To be fair, he did injure his ACL as a rookie, and pain in his knee forced him to hang it up by age 25, right after trying to resurrect his career with the Browns.
Notable RBs also available to the Bears: Fred Taylor (Round 1), Robert Edwards (Round 1), Ahman Green (Round 3).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DE Grant Wistrom, OT Kyle Turley, DE Greg Ellis, CB Duane Starks, LB Keith Brooking, LB Takeo Spikes, WR Kevin Dyson, DT Vonnie Holliday, G Alan Faneca, WR Randy Moss.
6. (TIE) Brent Fullwood, 1987
First round, 4th pick, Green Bay
Bo Jackson's old backfield buddy at Auburn was never terrible in the NFL, he was always just kind of there, and that's not exactly what you'd want to spend the fourth pick on. Fullwood's career highlight came after rushing for 821 yards in 1989, as he was voted into the Pro Bowl as an injury alternate selection. In fact, that magical '89 season was so huge, he held out for a bigger contract during the summer of 1990. After finally showing up to camp, he averaged 2.8 yards per carry, and got traded midseason to Cleveland. After that trade, Fullwood never carried the ball in the NFL again, and left the game after gaining 1,702 rushing yards in four seasons.
Notable RBs also available to the Packers: Christian Okoye (Round 2), Timmy Smith (Round 5), Bo Jackson (Round 7, sat out 1986), and Merrill Hoge (Round 10).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: LB Shane Conlan, DT Jerome Brown, S Rod Woodson, QB Chris Miller, DE Jason Buck, T Harris Barton, QB Jim Harbaugh, WR Ricky Nattiel, WR Mark Ingram.
5. Bo Matthews, 1974
First round, 2nd pick, San Diego
Sometimes listed as large as 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, it's a wonder why Bo's coaches at the University of Colorado kept him at running back in the first place. Matthews was a college fullback, but an intriguing prospect, so this was clearly a case of the Bolts taking the best player on their board regardless of position. Matthews never really caught on in the NFL as a featured ball carrier or blocking back with the Chargers, Giants, and Dolphins. In eight NFL seasons, he gained only 1,566 yards rushing, and caught 75 passes, before spending time with the USFL's Denver Gold.
Notable RBs also available to the Chargers: Mark Van Eeghen (Round 3), WFL Offensive MVP Tommy Reamon (Round 9).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: LB Randy Gradishar, WR Lynn Swann.
4. Blair Thomas, 1990
First round, 2nd pick, N.Y. Jets
A 40 time of 4.4 thrust Thomas to the forefront of the 1990 NFL Draft, far above a number of future NFL workhorses at his position. At only 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Thomas never even developed into one of the top seven or eight most productive backs in his draft class, which is a monumental waste of the number two overall pick. In seven NFL seasons with the Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, and Panthers, Thomas rushed for only 2,236 yard and seven TDs.
Notable RBs also available to the Jets: Emmitt Smith (Round 1), Rodney Hampton (Round 1), Anthony Johnson (Round 2), Harold Green (Round 2), Leroy Hoard (Round 2), Chris Warren (Round 4), Larry Centers (Round 5), Barry Foster (Round 5), Brian Mitchell (Round 5, return man), Johnnie Johnson (Round 7), Terry Allen (Round 9).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DT Cortez Kennedy (the next pick), LB Junior Seau, S Mark Carrier, LB Chris Singleton, OT Richmond Webb, LB James Francis, LB Lamar Lathon, LB Tony Bennett, TE Eric Green.
3. Lawrence Phillips, 1996
First round, 6th pick, St. Louis
Unlike a Dan Marino, Warren Sapp, or Randy Moss, Phillips never slipped in the first round of the NFL Draft because of off-the-field question marks. The big I-Back from Nebraska was still selected very high, even though his behavioral red flags gained as much attention as his spectacular touchdown runs. Therefore, in the NFL, it wasn't a shock that Phillips skipped practices, bickered with coaches, beat up civilians, and rushed for only 1,453 yards in three NFL seasons. His potential was unmatched, so he was handed chance after chance to make it with the Rams, Dolphins, NFL Europe, 49ers, Arena League, and CFL. By 2005, he should've been in his prime athletically, but instead was in his prime criminally, ramming his car into three teenagers after a touch football game in Los Angeles.
Notable RBs also available to the Rams: Eddie George (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Terry Glenn, OT Willie Anderson, WR Marvin Harrison, OG Pete Kendall, DE Duane Clemons, C Jeff Hartings, WR Eric Moulds, OG Jermane Mayberry, LB Ray Lewis.
2. (TIE) Leroy Keyes, 1969
First round, 3rd pick, Philadelphia
The runner-up to O.J. Simpson in the 1968 Heisman Trophy voting was a do-it-all, 6-foot-3 halfback/safety that also even threw six touchdown passes out of the halfback option as a senior. In the NFL, Keyes played both ways from the get go, rushing for 361 yards as a rookie. After injuring his leg, Keyes focused primarily on defense, and would rush for only eight more yards. Playing from 1969-73 with Philadelphia and Kansas City, Keyes goes down in the record books as one of the least productive NFL running backs ever drafted in the top five. Keyes finished with a scant total of 369 career rushing yards, but at least he snatched eight interceptions.
Notable RBs also available to the Eagles in 1969: Calvin Hill (Round 1), Ed Podolak (Round 2), Mercury Morris (Round 3), Larry Brown (Round 8).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: DT "Mean" Joe Green (Round 1, next pick), TE Ted Kwalick, DE Bill Stanfill, DE Fred Dryer, OT Rufus Mayes, LB Bob Babich, WR Gene Washington.
2. (TIE) Larry Stegent, 1970
First round, 8th pick, Cardinals
Who's the biggest running back bust from Texas A&M to ever play for the Cardinals? Modern fans would think Leeland McElroy, but nope, it's easily Stegent. Stegs got hurt early on in his career, and would never gain a single rushing yard in the NFL. He did catch one pass for twelve yards though.
Notable RBs also available to the Cardinals in 1970: RB Steve Owens (Round 1), RB Duane Thomas (Round 1).
Notable NFL players still available in Round 1 at any position: WR Ken Burrough, G Doug Wilkerson, OLB Hacksaw Reynolds, TE Raymond Chester
1. Ki-Jana Carter, 1995
First round, 1st pick, Cincinnati It still bums me out to think of how much potential was lost when Carter shredded his knee during his first NFL preseason game. At Penn State, the guy was amazing. He was built like a bulldog, but still had the explosion to act as a home run threat from anywhere on the field. Undeniably, Carter was deserving of the No. 1 pick at the time, since he was the centerpiece of one of the best college offenses of all-time (that '94 Penn State bunch). Unfortunately, the Ki-Jana Carter that played for the Bengals, Redskins, and Saints was never the same player after that preseason ACL tear, gaining only 1,129 career yards from 1995 to 2004.
