The Ten Biggest Atlanta Falcons Draft Busts: Tony Smith

by Dave Choate on Apr 6, 2011 10:00 PM EDT in Editorial

In this series of sponsored posts, we'll be looking at the ten worst and ten best Atlanta Falcons draft picks of all time. Let's start with the worst. Today's choice is former running back Tony Smith.

I'm going to level with you: This isn't going to be the last running back on this list.

The Falcons have not had the best track record when it comes to first round backs. Everyone remembers Steve Broussard, who didn't do a whole hell of a lot, and we've already covered Bubba Bean. Yet for all his flaws, Bean is topped by former Southern Mississippi back Tony Smith.

Smith was the 19th overall selection in the 1992 draft, and I was very much sold on his future as a starry-eyed eight-year-old. Unfortunately for me, Smith was unquestionably a complete bust, fumbling nine times in three seasons and managing a mediocre 3.8 yards per carry in on 87 carries in '92. He handled punts for the team for two seasons after that, but he never came close to offering any real value.

What made the pick sting even more is that it's the one the Falcons got for giving Brett Favre to Green Bay. Oof.

I could have put Smith lower on this list given my high expectations for him, but this is probably a fair spot. Offer up your opinion and take a look at our sponsored message after the jump.

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Tony Smith was on my Top 5 specifically due to his ties to the Bret Favre debacle. Tony Smith benefitted from playing with Favre at Southern Mississippi although he managed to have a solid senior career on his own. As stated on here numerous times—-I was at Auburn during Favre Southern Miss years and I have never seen a more determine QB to the point where I started rooting for him to win. Tony Smith showed flashes of brilliance during that time period but he just appeared too small for the NFL. Reminded me of a Norwood—-damn good running back but just not quite NFL calibre for the long term. I still believe he’s #5 bust or lower.

by JCush on Apr 6, 2011 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

Still smarting from this pick

I was excited about trading a 2nd round pick from a weak draft for a 1st rounder in a strong one. Easy math right? The kid was productive in college and a perfect fit for the red gun. Then reality set in, he fumbled, he blew assignments, he was injury prone, he was slow to pick up the offense. His only highlight I can recall was a dismal Monday night thumping courtesy of the Steelers when he ran back a kickoff for a TD. Other than that I cannot think of a single highlight. He might have finished just outside of the top ten had it not been he was the back half of the Favre trade and that was the ultimate insult to injury.

by Don Emery on Apr 6, 2011 10:51 PM EDT reply actions