Bills Draft Busts, No. 6: DT John McCargo

by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2011 10:00 AM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

With the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaching, we thought it'd be a good idea to run down the Buffalo Bills' ten biggest draft successes and failures. I decided at the last minute to make this an "of my lifetime" series, meaning that the only busts and gems that you'll see listed here every day were picked in 1985 or after.

After passing on Haloti Ngata to select safety Donte Whitner at the top of the 2006 NFL Draft, the Bills tried to rectify the situation at defensive tackle by trading back into the first round to snag Mario Williams' unheralded NC State teammate, John McCargo. Turns out, there wasn't a lot of rectifying accomplished there.

McCargo's rookie season ended after just five games thanks to a season-ending injury. A year later, as a reserve and rotational player, he showed a few flashes of potential, and set career marks with 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In 2008, however, the Bills acquired Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson at defensive tackle, and McCargo would wind up being traded to Indianapolis - a trade later revoked after a back issue caused him to fail Indy's physical. McCargo was promptly returned to Buffalo, where he has toiled on Buffalo's roster for the past two-plus seasons as a complete non-factor.

About the best thing that can be said for McCargo's Bills career is that he miraculously made it through the entirety of his five-year rookie contract signed in 2006. Though he is a well-liked teammate, McCargo is an impending free agent, and is obviously not expected back heading into the 2011 season.

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by MattRichWarren on Apr 8, 2011 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

It’s amazing to me how many of our first rounders we’ve missed on. Even Whitner hasn’t lived up to his billing.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Apr 8, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Even Lee Evans hasn't lived up to his billing.

The last Bill to live up to being a #1 is Nate Clements in 2001. The Bills are 1 for 11 in the 2000s so far.

All your tshirt needs.
Twit wit, minus actual wit.

by twoeightnine on Apr 8, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

McGahee overexcelled. He just stunk as a person.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Things could be worse, but McGahee only cracked 1000 yards 3 times and maxed out at 1247 and never was much of a receiving threat. After 4 years he was a backup (not including the first year he sat out).

That’s not a bust, but you’re certainly looking for a lot more than that from a first rounder.

by Pistol on Apr 8, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

When on the field yes.

But anytime you are traded and a 1st round pick is used (wasted) on your replacement after only three seasons of playing then you’re a bust.

All your tshirt needs.
Twit wit, minus actual wit.

by twoeightnine on Apr 8, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Evans

It is very difficult to gauge Evans due to the fact that the Bills have had QB and O-line problems since he was drafted. Personally, I think Evans is a hell of a wide out and a class person. I can only imagine the stats he would have if had played with Manning or brady.

"I’m a firm believer that all sports will eventually be global. Someday, we may have a quarterback from China named Yao Fling."

Former NFL Commissioner--Paul Tagliabue

by Goose22 on Apr 8, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Blah, blah, blah.

So what? At some point people have to stop making excuses for Lee Evans on account that he’s a class person (who has thrown two QBs under the bus at times) and just admit that he’s not as great as everyone thinks he is. At one point he was the third highest paid WR in the NHL despite the fact that he’s only caught 80+ passes once in his career and 55+ three times in his career.

Of course the main problem is poor QB and line play, that’s why this happened.

A) 81 receptions, 1,190 yards, 11 TDs, 53 1st downs
B) 82 receptions, 1,073 yards, 10 TDs, 61 1st downs

A) Is Lee Evans in his last 29 games.
B) Is Stevie Johnson in his last 16 games.

All your tshirt needs.
Twit wit, minus actual wit.

by twoeightnine on Apr 8, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s why Chan punked Lee out in the press.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Apr 8, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

About the best thing that can be said for McCargo’s Bills career is that he miraculously made it through the entirety of his five-year rookie contract signed in 2006.

Does that not sum up the Buffalo Bills right there?

All your tshirt needs.
Twit wit, minus actual wit.

by twoeightnine on Apr 8, 2011 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

It certainly is astonishing – I can’t think of any other consensus “bust” player that lasted five years with the team that drafted him. Does David Carr count? Losman?

by Krenn on Apr 8, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

I still don’t see Carr as a bust though. He still plays well when called upon today. He’s just never had an offensive line in front of him that was worth a damn and his confidence is shot (much like TE).

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Although when you consider the fact that he went first overall then yes, he’s been very disapointing. But again,. I don’t think that it’s his fault.

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Haloti Ngata...

What could have been… Doh!

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis

by BruceSmith78 on Apr 8, 2011 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

The fact that McBusto ranks only 6th on this list shwo exactly how bad our recent drafts have been.

Hey here’s a prediction. At least 6 of the top ten worst pick will be in the last ten year and at least six of the top ten picks will have been taken between 85 and 93. Who wants to bet that I’m right?

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I'll see your six of ten draft hits between 85 and 93

and raise you to all ten.

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll take that bet!

What do you say, a SirEric type gentleman’s bet?

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

done.

Brian, help me out here. :)

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m liking my chances, I think that either Schobel or Byrd are sure to land on the list. They might be the only none 85-93 players there, but one of them will be.

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

You already lost the bet.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Because of Eric Moulds right?

I thought he was drafted in 93 but it was 96. I should have checked that before I made the bet.

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve got three names post-’93, and none of them are Eric Moulds.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

No Moulds? Huh. Well, my curiosity is more than piqued – can’t wait to see who you picked.

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Schobel, Byrd and Meatball?

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Schobel maybe

but I can’t see Byrd and Meatball as having contributed enough yet (stress yet) to be considered a top 10 draft hit. I could be wrong though.

I propose we alter our bet. Since Brian was kind enough to give us a parameter we can work with, which three post 93 players do you think made his list? I’m going to have to peek at the draft classes between 93 and present before I make my picks. Are you going with the three you already posted?

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh I'm very confident with the 3 that I already posted.

And I agree, since Brian gave everything away before we could have some fun (curse you Brian, curse you! ;-) ) I suggest we each put up 3 players and see which one of us gets more of them right.

So what do you say, bet back on?

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok did some research.

I still don’t get how Moulds didn’t make the cut, but that aside…..

Ruben Brown – Class of 95, I thought it was earlier than that. In my mind a no brainer.

Jay Rimersma – Class of 96, you’ve spoken highly of him in other articles, and he was definitely the last good TE the Bills had.

Kyle Williams – Class of ‘06. He’s been around long enough to make the list I guess.

I don’t think Marcellus Wiley, Antoine Winfield, or Nate Clements were on the Bills long enough to make the list, but they were all great players. Schobel was also pretty good, but not top 10.

by The Adam Bomb on Apr 8, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I just rec’d because you said McBusto, lol :-)

by BuffaloBeliever on Apr 8, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

why?

why do you guys torture yourselves with these posts?

uhhh, I can’t look.

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Apr 8, 2011 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

The Torture Never Stops!!

"I’m a firm believer that all sports will eventually be global. Someday, we may have a quarterback from China named Yao Fling."

Former NFL Commissioner--Paul Tagliabue

by Goose22 on Apr 8, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Do this series for the Super Bowl era...

and watch your jaw hit the floor. It’s definitely the reason this team has been swimming with the fish for much of the modern era.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2011 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

Yah from 2000-2007 the bills have a success rate under 15% on 1st round picks. Somewhere around there I believe.

Rodger Goodell to number one draft pick of 2011
"So whats it like to know your not getting paid till next year oh and do not forget to smile while shaking my hand"

by matthew62 on Apr 8, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Big John

Had injury problems in college that followed him into the NFL. John and the 49ers 1st rd pick Manny Lawson both lived off being on the same college line as Mario Williams. McCargo is a total bust while Lawson is average at best….

Here’s how things snowballed for the Bills management:

They didn’t resign DT Pat Williams in 2005, as we know he went on to be an All-Pro with the Vikings. * Pat was signed by the Bills as a UFA out of College*

Bills signed free agent DT Larry Tripplett from the Colts to shore up line in “06”, move didn’t pan out.

Bills trade up to get back in the 1st rd “06” for McGottago…

Bills release Triplette after the “07” season

Bills trade 3rd & 5th round picks for DT Stroud in “08”

Bills release Stroud after “10” season

The Bills have been chasing to fill the DT position since letting Pat Williams walk. I don’t know if it was a money issue (which I think it was) but they sure spent a hell of a lot more money then they would have if they would have kept PW. A true blunder in management decisions!

"I’m a firm believer that all sports will eventually be global. Someday, we may have a quarterback from China named Yao Fling."

Former NFL Commissioner--Paul Tagliabue

by Goose22 on Apr 8, 2011 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Stop it... I'm in tears.

I loved Fat Pat. Our defense has crumbled since.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Apr 8, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Fat Pat and Sam Adams were the Sh!t when they played for us.

Losing both of them at the same time is what hurt us the most.

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 9, 2011 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Blame Marv Levy........

You can totally blame Marv Levy for this pick. John McCargo never lived up to his potential. The ideal of turning McCargo into the Bill Mass( Kansas City) or Jeff Wright (Buffalo) quick DT failed considerably. Every free agent, lower draft picks or acquired player from a trade produce more numbers, received more playing time, or made the Pro Bowl before he finished an entire season. Whatever Marv Levy’s decision for not picking Haloti Ngata, whether it was his attitude or he wanted lots of money, the Bills organization is paying for it. I can say the same for the defensive backs from Ohio State including Donte Whitner. He will be a All-Star player for some NFC team, not with the Bills or any other AFC team. As far as the begin of the year 2000 decade, blame Tom Donahoe our former Vice-President and General Manager for turning this organization into a loser.

by Anthony7 on Apr 8, 2011 11:52 AM EDT reply actions