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

By George Stockburger

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26: Robert Griffin III (R) from Baylor holds up a jersey as he stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after Griffin was selected #2 overall by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 26, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26: Robert Griffin III (R) from Baylor holds up a jersey as he stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after Griffin was selected #2 overall by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 26, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 30: Strong safety Matt Elam #26 of the Baltimore Ravens is kicked by wide receiver Eddie Royal #11 of the San Diego Chargers as they collide in the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 30, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 30: Strong safety Matt Elam #26 of the Baltimore Ravens is kicked by wide receiver Eddie Royal #11 of the San Diego Chargers as they collide in the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 30, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

. Matt Elam. . team. 26. . 2013, 32nd overall

Florida safety Matt Elam was drafted in 2013 with the 32nd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Elam was a top safety in the 2013 NFL Draft, as he was a First Team All American and All-SEC in 2012 for the Florida Gators.

In his rookie season, he started in 15 games but due to poor performance, Elam did not start with the Ravens after 2013.

In 2015, Elam was put on injured reserve due to a torn bicep and the Ravens decided to not pick up his fifth-year option in 2016. That season, Elam had a knee injury in camp that deterred his final season with the Ravens.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 02: Head coach Will Muschamp and Matt Elam #22 of the Florida Gators react after a flag on the play against the Louisville Cardinals during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 02: Head coach Will Muschamp and Matt Elam #22 of the Florida Gators react after a flag on the play against the Louisville Cardinals during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

He was arrested in 2017 twice, which sealed his fate as a bust for the Ravens. In 2018, the Saskatchewan Roughriders from the Canadian Football League signed him after his charges for his second arrest were dropped.

Although Elam was suited to play more strong safety, Elam played more free safety with the Ravens and did not get a chance to start due to the safeties the Ravens had already had or brought in through free agency. He still struggled mightily regardless in his career with tackling and covering pass catchers as a free safety.

Even though the Ravens did not give Elam the best chance to succeed, he is still considered the biggest bust for the Baltimore Ravens in recent memory.

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