NFL Draft: Every team’s biggest first round bust of last ten years

David Wilson had all of the talent in the world, proved he could produce as a valuable offensive piece and an elite special-teamer, but he just couldn’t stay on the field.

The Giants spent the thirty-second overall pick on Wilson in 2012, expecting him to deliver as a ball-carrier as well as a return specialist. His career at Virginia Tech left him as one of the most sought-after halfbacks on the board.

He played between 2012-2013, earning second-team all-pro honors in 2012. In those two years, he racked up a promising 504 rushing yards on just 115 attempts, as well as 1,755 total return yards, reaching the end zone seven times.

After stumbling out of the gate a bit, as he fumbled his second-career carry against the Cowboys, he turned it on later in the year. On December 9th, 2012, Wilson absolutely tore up the Saints, accounting for a whopping 327 all-purpose yards, good for first the team’s history books.

However, despite the early success, Wilson had his career thrown off track thanks to injury. His career was cut short thanks to a neck injury suffered against the Eagles during a Week 5 matchup in 2013.

Wilson’s injury was diagnosed as spinal stenosis, which would end his season, and eventually his career. He officially retired from professional football in August 2014, a decision that limited his career to just twenty-one games.

He returned to track and field after his football career, something he also competed in as a collegiate athlete.