Richard Burrier drafts (backup) Anthony Thomas in the 3rd round of the draft , 2004
Heading into the 2004 draft, great things were expected from Rich Burrier. The fact is no one more set up for success in 2004 than the man they called Bruiser.
He had just won the title the year before and thanks to a new keeper rule, was able to keep not only the league’s best player (Tomlinson) with the last pick in the first round, he could also keep Peyton Manning, the league’s top quarterback and arguable the league’s second best player. He basically had the league’s two best players without even making a draft pick. Only a idiot could screw this draft up.
So in the third round, Rich needed to take a running back (this being the era where running backs always flew off the board first), but there already weren’t a lot left; Chris Brown (Titans), Duce Staley (Steelers), Curtis Martin (Jets), Eddie George (Cowboys), Warrick Dunn (Falcons) and Tiki Barber (Giants). However, Rich (for reasons only known to him and his God) took Chicago Bears running back, Anthony ‘A-Train’ Thomas….Chicago Bears’ BACKUP running back, Anthony Thomas.
Quick history; Thomas in 2001 was the rookie of the year with 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns (he was a late starter for Eric). However, in 2002 he fell apart (Neatock drafted him), so in 2003, Thomas Jones was brought in and declared the starter.
Once Burrier announced his pick, the draft room was silent for a split second before a load roar overcame the room. Rich fumbled his way trying to explain why he took the Bears’ backup RB in the third round, but he really had no defense.
To this day, the A-Train in the third round is the worst pick in league history. Rich quickly cut him and later traded for rookie Kevin Jones, who help get Rich into the playoffs, but to this day, he still can’t live down this pick.
SIDE NOTE: Because the A-Train pick was so bad, we tend to overlook the fact that Rich also made the second worst pick in that year’s draft. Trying to quickly make up for the A-Train pick, Rich drafted Charlie Garner (Bucs) with the very next pick. Garner of course finished the season as the 95th ranked RB.
Despite the continue regular season success Burrier would have, some argue that Rich’s potential dynasty ended with those two picks.
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