blacksaint

Posted Sep 27th 2007
by Michael David Smith


In 1989, the Green Bay Packers chose Michigan State offensive lineman Tony Mandarich with the second pick in the NFL draft, and everyone agreed that he was a sure thing. Instead, he became one of the biggest busts in history.

In 2006, the New Orleans Saints chose USC running back Reggie Bush with the second pick in the NFL draft, and everyone agreed that he was a sure thing. Now Mike Freeman of Spotsline argues that Bush is starting to resemble Mandarich.

"Mandarich is without question the most overrated draft prospect in the history of sports. And this is where Bush comes in. He's not so far behind Mandarich when it comes to creating a magnanimous image that isn't real. Not so far at all."

Freeman is certainly correct that Bush is overrated right now. In fact, it's so widely agreed upon that Bush is overrated that I'm not sure how much longer he can stay overrated. I do still think Bush can be a good NFL player, but I really don't think he'll ever become a great one. And given the expectations people had for him when he entered the league, that makes him a disappointment.

"To even mention Bush and Mandarich in the same breath is so damn disrespectful. No Bush is not the next Barry Sanders like a lot of people said he was going to be, but he's not a bust either. He still broke the rookie record for receptions that stood for over 20 years. Mandarich didn't do a damn thing, you media guys hype a player up and when he don't live up to your expectations you call them a bust. Well I got one thing to say to that. Reggie, take this oppotunity and shove it up their asses, and shut all of them the "F" up!"

FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

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