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10 biggest NFL draft busts in Oklahoma football history

Oklahoma has produced plenty of first-round draft picks, and most of them have gone on to have successful careers, but a few underwhelmed in the NFL.

By Josh Yourish

New Orleans Saints tackle Willie Roaf (77) blocks New York Giants DE Cedric Jones
New Orleans Saints tackle Willie Roaf (77) blocks New York Giants DE Cedric Jones / RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
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Jim Files. . Jim Files, LB. 5. 31. . Jim Files, LB. player. 1970. No. 13 overall

Jim Files started every game of his four-year NFL career and as a rookie, he finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. That season was likely his peak, but he was a mainstay in the middle of New York’s defense from 1970-73, though not an overly impactful one. 

Then, as a 25-year-old, Files decided that football wasn’t for him and he retired from the NFL to join the ministry. He claimed that he lost enthusiasm for the game which led to his decline in play until he finally walked away. 

With the 13th pick, the Giants got a starting linebacker who showed promise as a rookie but faded away. That’s not exactly the return on investment you’re hoping for, especially as the player that you selected was about the reach his physical prime in his late 20s. 

Yes, Files started every game of his career, but he made this list because he simply gave up on football and had no interest in competing. 

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