We began a series yesterday that will lead us up to the NFL Draft at the end of the month. First we will count down the top 10 draft busts (which, as RedBirdRevival noted in the last post, can be a bit depressing). After that, we will look at the top 10 successes the Cardinals have had with the draft.
Yesterday was number 10 (with a mention of an honorable mention -- the famous Tony "the ball is too big in the pros" Sacca). Cody Brown was that number 10.
The Cardinals' ninth biggest draft bust since 1990 is none other than Chuck Levy.
Levy was a University of Arizona standout, known for big plays in the return game in particular. The Cardinals selected him in the second round (38th selection overall) wanting to add depth to their running game and a dynamic returner on special teams. At the time, the team had Garrison Hearst, who had yet to live up to his number three overall status and Ronald Moore, a surprise performer from the previous year's draft class in the fourth round.
Levy's career was stunted with drug problems. He lasted only one year in Arizona, logging three carries for 15 yards and four receptions for 35 yards. He never provided that spark or boost to the return game, which was supposed to be the facet of the game he would have the greatest effect.
He returned 26 kicks that year, averaging less than 20 yards per return. The longest one he broke off was 31 yards and he never found the end zone. He was suspended for the 1995 season for positive drug tests and did not make the team in 1996.
He resurfaced in San Francisco, playing there in 1997 and 1998. He did find the endzone twice in his career, once rushing and once on a punt return for the 49ers.
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