The Worst NFL Drafts From All 32 Teams Since the Year 2000
By Erik Lambert
Cincinnati Bengals – 2005
Marvin Lewis actually has a credible history as a talent evaluator during his time as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s why they’ve had a lot of success in the draft. However, Lewis also maintains his reputation for failing to seize the moment as well. Just when it looks like the Bengals are poised for a Super Bowl run, as in one good draft away, they find a way to screw it up. One could argue the 2015 class is heading that way but no doubt the 2005 class reigns supreme there.
It was clear that year the team was poised for a big playoff run. Another quality draft could ensure that. Instead they ended up with a series of underwhelming players. David Pollack and Odell Thurman were teammates at Georgia and equally ineffective linebackers. The most promising player of the class was 3rd round wide receiver Chris Henry. Sadly his career was hampered by off-the-field issues and he later died during a tragic accident while falling out of a truck.