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NFLSU: The 10 biggest LSU Tigers NFL Draft busts

By John Fye

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 1987; Jacksonville, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; LSU Tigers receiver Wendell Davis (82) in action against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 1987 Gator Bowl. LSU defeated South Carolina 30-13. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 1987; Jacksonville, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; LSU Tigers receiver Wendell Davis (82) in action against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 1987 Gator Bowl. LSU defeated South Carolina 30-13. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8 – Wendell Davis, WR

Selected 27th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1988 NFL Draft

It’s a coincidence that wide receivers drafted near the end of the 1st round named ‘Davis’ appear back-to-back on our list. Either way, Wendell Davis’s story is similar to Craig Davis’s. He was an LSU Tigers stud that never lived up to the 1st round-pick potential.

In fairness to Wendell, his NFL career was cut short due to a severe injury. Davis tore both knees after his cleat was caught in the Veterans Stadium turf during a 1993 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent several months in leg casts and confined to a wheelchair.

Davis rehabbed throughout 1994 and attempted a comeback with the Indianapolis Colts in 1995. But, unfortunately, he never regained the speed and quickness required of NFL wide receivers. Davis is one of a few former LSU Tigers that ended up as an NFL Draft bust because of injury.

One can argue Wendell Davis wasn’t meeting the expectations of a 27th-overall draft pick prior to his injury. However, the LSU alum caught 61 passes for 945 yards and six touchdowns in his 4th season. Davis followed up with 54 catches for 734 yards in season five. Hardly WR1 numbers, but a solid NFL pro nonetheless.

Davis finished with 183 receptions, 2,708 yards, and 19 touchdowns in his three seasons with the LSU Tigers.

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