PMTPMT DB

Bust Watch

Every player, team, or idea the crew declared a bust — tracking which calls aged well and which ones they'd rather forget.

45 takes

Win
#PMT-2016-0504-9639
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Green Bay Packers drafted a serial killer and he's the biggest bust in NFL history

People forget that the Green Bay Packers drafted a serial killer. In 1974, they drafted a legit serial killer. His name is Randy Woodfield... Would you say he's like the biggest bust in NFL draft history?

The Packers did draft Randy Woodfield in the 17th round of the 1974 draft. Calling a 17th-round pick who never played a 'bust' is comedic exaggeration.
Void
#PMT-2016-0504-9641
Big CatBig Cat

Ryan Leaf and Johnny Manziel are bigger busts than a serial killer

I think Ryan Leaf and Johnny Manziel still are bigger [busts].

This is a subjective ranking of draft failures.
Loss
Take Slip·Sep 19, 2016
#PMT-2016-0919-14388
Big CatBig Cat

It's time to ask if Andrew Luck is a bust

Is it time to ask, is Andrew Luck a bust? Andrew Luck has caused me so many gambling woes, and the latest one this week where he was just throwing the game away... I can't really tell you anything from [the weekend] except that I hate Andrew Luck. Like, that's my biggest takeaway.

Andrew Luck was never a bust, despite his early retirement. He was an elite QB for his entire career when healthy.
Void
Take Slip·Jun 28, 2017
#PMT-2017-0628-17394
Big CatBig Cat

Reggie Bush was a bust in the NFL

Reggie Bush, who's been pretty much a bust. So it's Reggie Bush, Lendell White, Vince Young, and Matt Leinart. Wow.

Bush had a productive 11-year career with over 5,000 rushing yards and a Super Bowl ring, but failed to meet 'generational talent' expectations.
Loss
Take Slip·May 4, 2018
#PMT-2018-0504-6549
Big CatBig Cat

I think all the quarterbacks drafted in the first round have very high bust potential

Darnold, Rosen, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Baker, you could tell me in three years all out of the league, and I would be like, yeah, okay. Because it's one of those things in the NFL, you just talk yourself into these guys.

While Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold were largely busts, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson became superstars, and Baker Mayfield has had a productive career, making the 'all out of the league' claim very wrong.
Loss
Take Slip·Jun 22, 2018
#PMT-2018-0622-12595
Big CatBig Cat

Zion Williamson will be a big time bust

Zion Williamson, bust. Big time bust. That guy stinks. He's got no explosiveness. That's what I'm saying because he's got a ton of explosiveness. So if you just say it's not NBA explosiveness, people are like, wow, that guy knows something that we don't know.

Hot TakeCBBScorchingSarcastic
Zion was one of the most explosive players in NBA history when healthy and was the #1 overall pick.
Loss
Take Slip·Jun 25, 2018
#PMT-2018-0625-13777
Big CatBig Cat

Harry Kane is a bust because he only scores from point-blank range

Harry Kane, still a bust in my mind [because] he just only scores from like two feet out. He basically didn't even have to [try for the hat trick]. He just showed up, and I could have gotten that hat trick.

Harry Kane went on to win the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup with 6 goals, though many were penalties or close-range finishes, making the take technically incorrect regarding him being a 'bust'.
Win
Take Slip·Aug 17, 2018
#PMT-2018-0817-13473
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston will officially be labeled a bust this year

One of those two guys [Mariota or Winston] is going to suck again and we go bust, bust, bust.

Both players eventually lost their starting jobs with their original teams. Winston was replaced after 2019 and Mariota was benched for Tannehill in 2019.
Open
Take Slip·May 1, 2019
#PMT-2019-0501-15415
Kirk GoldsberryKirk Goldsberry

Zion Williamson is a bust-proof prospect

The best shots in the league are still near the rim, and he's going to be able to get there. He's a big boy, and he's athletic. He's a bust-proof, in my opinion.

Zion has been an All-Star and incredibly efficient, but his career has been plagued by injuries, preventing him from reaching 'bust-proof' status for many analysts.
Open
#PMT-2019-0719-15849
HankHank

Bronny James Jr. will be a bust

You are forgetting that this is all about a mountain of greatness. Not predicting future greatness. I still went with Bronny James Jr. Plus, he's going to be a bust.

Bronny James' NBA career is in its infancy as of 2024. However, his limited production in college and as a rookie has led many critics to lean towards Hank's take.
Loss
#PMT-2019-0802-19476
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Noah Fant is a bust

Noah Fant, no offense. Looks like bust. I'm putting the bust tag right now on Noah Fant. Bad attitude. I told you about bad attitude. More like no effect on this game. Got him. Trash. Bust. Burn. Put it on the board.

Fant had a productive career with over 3,000 receiving yards but never reached elite status; calling him a 'bust' after one preseason game is factually incorrect as he became a solid NFL starter.
Loss
Take Slip·Aug 16, 2019
#PMT-2019-0816-12883
Big CatBig Cat

Kyler Murray is an absolute bust

Kyler Murray looks pretty bad. [...] We're ready to declare after this first half maybe Kyler Murray's a bust. [...] Kyler Murray is an absolute bust.

Kyler Murray won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and became a multi-time Pro Bowler.
Win
#PMT-2019-0911-10046
Uncle ChapsUncle Chaps

I always thought Nick Foles was going to be a huge bust in Jacksonville

To be completely honest, my excitement about the Nick Foles era was completely fake. It was fake. I thought that he was going to be a bust. I thought that he was going to be a huge bust in Jacksonville where everything was perfect for him in the Eagle system.

Foles' tenure in Jacksonville was a disaster; he played in only 4 games, threw 3 TDs vs 2 INTs, and was traded away for a 4th-round pick after one season.
Loss
Take Slip·Dec 16, 2019
#PMT-2019-1216-6973
Big CatBig Cat

Zion Williamson is a Duke bust

Might be out for the whole year. Jesus Christ, dude. Bust. Fucking bust. Another Duke bust.

Zion Williamson became a multi-time All-Star. While injuries have hampered his career, calling him a 'bust' is factually incorrect based on performance.
Loss
Take Slip·Jan 24, 2020
#PMT-2020-0124-4138
Big CatBig Cat

Zion Williamson is a bonafide bust

Zion is a bust. Parentheses: I went to sleep at halftime.

Zion had an incredible second half in his debut and became an All-Star, proving this satirical take incorrect.
Void
Take Slip·Oct 28, 2020
#PMT-2020-1028-3534
Big CatBig Cat

Patrick Mahomes would have been a bust if he were drafted by the Chicago Bears

This is why I've always said when everyone's like well, we could have Patrick Mahomes. Patrick Mahomes would have got hit by a bus if he had been a Chicago Bear. There is just it's never going to be in the cards for the Bears to be able to move the football.

While hypothetical, Mahomes' elite talent suggests he would have likely succeeded regardless, though the Bears' history of QB development supports Big Cat's point.
Loss
Take Slip·Jan 4, 2021
#PMT-2021-0104-18472
Big CatBig Cat

Tua Tagovailoa has bust tendencies and the Dolphins should draft a quarterback at number three

To [Tua], I think it might be a bust. Well, he has, he has bust tendencies right now... You're not going to be back in the top three for a long time. Take the quarterback and Tua still has a ton of value. Like if you want to trade Tua, I bet you can get a second round pick for him at least.

Tua was not a bust; he eventually led the league in passer rating (2022) and passing yards (2023). The Dolphins did not draft a QB at #3.
Loss
Take Slip·Feb 15, 2021
#PMT-2021-0215-2788
Billy FootballBilly Football

Trevor Lawrence gives off Paxton Lynch vibes and could be a bust

Trevor Lawrence kind of gives me Paxton Lynch vibes... Your best case scenario with Trevor Lawrence is Tom Brady. Your worst case scenario is Paxton Lynch... His throwing motion reminds me a lot of Paxton Lynch's... they kind of like are built the same.

Trevor Lawrence has established himself as a franchise quarterback in the NFL, far exceeding Paxton Lynch's career.
Loss
Take Slip·Apr 26, 2021
#PMT-2021-0426-2464
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Bears will draft Kyle Trask and he will be a bust

I'm calling it right now. They're going to draft Kyle Trask, and then he's going to stink, and [Big Cat's] life will be made a living hell by a quarterback who sucks that looks exactly like Billy Football.

The Bears did not draft Kyle Trask; they traded up for Justin Fields. Trask was drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round.
Win
Take Slip·Apr 28, 2021
#PMT-2021-0428-11053
Big CatBig Cat

Mac Jones will be a bust because he is crying in his DUI mugshot

I like my quarterbacks when they get a mug shot to not have a little cry in their eyes. Oh, he's sad in it? Yeah, look it up. He's got a tiny bit of cry in his eyes. So I'm saying bust just on that. Just based on that.

Mac Jones was benched and eventually traded by the Patriots after three seasons, largely considered a bust for a first-round pick.
Loss
Take Slip·Apr 28, 2021
#PMT-2021-0428-11058
Steven CheahSteven Cheah

Justin Fields is the Red Star guy of the draft who will not bust

My red star guy, honestly, Justin Fields. I think everyone's overthinking Justin Fields. The fact that he's not going to be a top three quarterback... This is my guy. I am sure he's going to do good. He's the guy we should draft on our team. I'm fully vouching for this guy.

Fields struggled with the Bears and was eventually traded to the Steelers, making the 'not bust' label highly debatable.
Win
#PMT-2021-0616-15148
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Tua Tagovailoa's training camp interceptions will fuel the 'Alabama QBs are busts' narrative all season

Tua threw approximately 300 interceptions in practice yesterday. And so now... there's going to be reporters that fire up a tweet every single time he throws an interception in training camp. It's going to snowball, and then that's going to feed right back into the Alabama quarterbacks can't play.

Tua did face intense scrutiny throughout the 2021 season, with his interceptions and performance frequently compared to other young QBs.
Loss
Take Slip·Sep 13, 2021
#PMT-2021-0913-18766
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Trevor Lawrence is officially a bust

I have one note for that game. Trevor Lawrence, all capitals, bust. I'm more of the mindset that it's fun to say that Trevor Lawrence is a bust.

While Lawrence hasn't lived up to 'generational' hype yet, he is far from a 'bust', having led the Jaguars to a playoff win in 2022.
Loss
Take Slip·Sep 20, 2021
#PMT-2021-0920-16302
Big CatBig Cat

Trevor Lawrence is officially a bust right now

Not sold on Trevor Lawrence, but I'm still saying bust right now. He's playing like a bus driver. Lawrence is a bust.

Lawrence eventually led the Jaguars to a playoff win the following year, largely shedding the 'bust' label.
Loss
Take Slip·Nov 1, 2021
#PMT-2021-1101-1548
Big CatBig Cat

Trevor Lawrence is showing bust-like tendencies

I'm not going to say [Trevor Lawrence] is a bust just yet, but he's showing me bust-like tendencies. I can't really judge anything in this system and the whole Urban [Meyer] environment.

While Lawrence struggled in his rookie year, he improved significantly under Doug Pederson, making a Pro Bowl and leading a playoff comeback in 2022.
Open
#PMT-2021-1101-1550
Billy FootballBilly Football

Arch Manning might be a bust because his high school competition is mid-tier

Is he a bust? Is Arch Manning a bust... To have the discussion. No, because he's lost in high school, which I think is important for a quarterback's progression point... [but] his league's a little, like it's kind of mid tier.

Arch Manning is still in his collegiate career at Texas and has not yet established himself as a full-time starter or draft prospect.
Loss
Take Slip·Nov 22, 2021
#PMT-2021-1122-3289
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Trevor Lawrence has 'bust smells' coming from him

This is just, it's becoming a situation where it's impossible to evaluate them. I'm going to need at least three years of tape on Trevor Lawrence before I make a definitive declaration. But he's, there's some bus smells coming from him.

While Lawrence struggled mightily as a rookie, he led the Jaguars to a playoff win and a division title the following year (2022), proving he wasn't a bust.
Loss
Take Slip·Dec 27, 2021
#PMT-2021-1227-5197
Big CatBig Cat

Trevor Lawrence might be a bust after his late-game spike play

That spike he had on third down, what the fuck was that? That was crazy... he burned third down with the, with the spike. It's like, why wouldn't you, why don't you throw it to the end zone? It was crazy... that one made me think, like he might actually be a bust.

Lawrence led the Jaguars to a division title and a playoff win the following year, largely shedding the 'bust' label.
Loss
Take Slip·Feb 2, 2022
#PMT-2022-0202-1220
Uncle ChapsUncle Chaps

I will get my big toenails removed if Trevor Lawrence doesn't reach an AFC Championship on his rookie contract

I'm so confident that Trevor Lawrence isn't a bust. If they don't make the AFC Championship on his rookie contract, I will get... five years... I will go both of my big toenails removed.

Trevor Lawrence never made an AFC Championship Game during his rookie contract (2021-2024). Uncle Chaps' toenails are safe.
Win
Take Slip·Mar 9, 2022
#PMT-2022-0309-17868
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Aaron Rodgers' new contract with the Packers is a bust if he doesn't win three of the next four Super Bowls

I think that if Aaron Rogers doesn't win three out of the four next Superbowl's, this contract is kind of a bust. If it is, if it is 50 million, if he is the highest paid player in the history of the NFL... you would assume that the highest paid player ever would also be a player capable of leading you to dynasty.

The Rodgers contract was a bust — he won zero more Super Bowls, played one more season in Green Bay, and was traded to the Jets where he tore his Achilles in his first series.
Open
Take Slip·Mar 16, 2022·Picks
#PMT-2022-0316-1452
Billy FootballBilly Football

Malik Willis will either be a Hall of Famer or a complete bust

Like he could actually like, you know, it's either going to translate and he's going to be like Patrick Mahomes or it's not. One of those things where it's... so like hall-of-famer or bust. Exactly. Yep. I like that.

Too early to call 'bust' vs 'Hall of Famer' definitively, but the 'Hall of Famer' path looks extremely unlikely.
Void
Take Slip·Apr 6, 2022
#PMT-2022-0406-12304
Big CatBig Cat

LeBron James' Lakers tenure has been a bust (excluding the Bubble title)

Would you say LeBron's time in LA has been a complete bust because we don't count the Mickey Mouse championship? And do you as a Lakers fan feel disgraced because you basically threw Kobe aside and started loving LeBron? They are right now out of the playoffs... it's been hard defending it.

The Lakers did miss the playoffs/play-in entirely in 2022, though calling a tenure with a championship a 'bust' is highly subjective and depends on how much weight is given to the 'Bubble'.
Loss
Take Slip·Apr 27, 2022·Picks
#PMT-2022-0427-1366
Steven CheahSteven Cheah

Trayvon Walker will be a bust

I want to say Trayvon Walker, just because like I'm a traits over production guy and that's what the whole draft is... we haven't seen it on field... What are we doing here? ... I would say if I would pick one bust, it would be him.

Travon Walker had a breakout 2024 season with 10.5 sacks and 61 tackles, his best year as a pro. He has not been a bust — he showed significant improvement and was a productive edge rusher.
Loss
Take Slip·Jun 24, 2022
#PMT-2022-0624-9828
Jake MarshJake Marsh

All Duke players from the 2022 draft will be busts

All the Duke guys are going to be a bust. They can't win when it matters most because they lose when all the pressures on them... they did lose in the Final Four. They did send out their Hall of Fame coach out with a loss.

Paolo Banchero won Rookie of the Year and became an All-Star, Mark Williams has shown promise, and while others are role players, calling the entire class 'busts' is already proven wrong by Banchero's success.
Loss
Take Slip·Oct 31, 2022
#PMT-2022-1031-1638
Big CatBig Cat

Trevor Lawrence is officially back in the bust category

Trevor Lawrence is now back officially into the bust category. ... This is as rock bottom as you can be if you're a Jaguars fan because you have the guy that was supposed to be the next Peyton Manning, the surest like sure thing. Oh, and then you might miss.

Lawrence led the Jaguars to a playoff win later this same season (2022) and earned a Pro Bowl nod, significantly rehabilitating his image.
Win
Take Slip·Dec 12, 2022
#PMT-2022-1212-16876
Big CatBig Cat

Trevor Lawrence has officially arrived as a franchise quarterback

Trevor Lawrence, can we say it has officially arrived? ... I am firmly in the Trevor Lawrence is your franchise quarterback. Yeah. Like I'm, I'm set with that. He's no longer a bust. I've seen enough. If you can do the right things, I'm now in the Jaguars can fail Trevor Lawrence. Trevor Lawrence can't fail the Jaguars territory.

Lawrence led the Jaguars to a playoff win that same season and secured a massive contract extension in 2024, confirming his franchise status.
Win
Take Slip·Apr 24, 2023
#PMT-2023-0424-14162
Big CatBig Cat

The Kawhi Leonard and Paul George pairing is in the running for biggest bust of a dream pairing ever

The Clippers dream team is, they're in the running for like biggest bust of a dream pairing ever. Right?

The duo eventually split in 2024 (George to Sixers) without ever reaching an NBA Finals.
Loss
Take Slip·Jul 10, 2023
#PMT-2023-0710-13519
Big CatBig Cat

It would be extremely funny if Victor Wembanyama turned out to be a bust

I know that we're a Victor Wembanyama podcast. We've staked our reputation on it. Everyone will remember this. It would be so fucking funny if he was a bust.

Wembanyama went on to have an incredible Rookie of the Year season, making him definitively not a bust so far.
Loss
Take Slip·Jul 14, 2023·Next Up
#PMT-2023-0714-5037
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Victor Wembanyama is a bust

Victor Wembanyama from France. The Frenchman not played in Summer League. Bust. Oh, okay. I like that take.

Wembanyama went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year and had one of the most statistically dominant rookie seasons in history.
Win
Take Slip·Aug 28, 2023
#PMT-2023-0828-2470
Big CatBig Cat

The 49ers trade for Trey Lance is one of the worst busts in NFL history

Find another team that trades three first round picks and misses that badly on a quarterback and still is potentially a Super Bowl team... but that has to be one of the worst bust slash trades in, in NFL history.

Trey Lance was traded for a 4th round pick after starting only 4 games for the 49ers, having cost three 1st-rounders. It is statistically one of the worst ROI trades in NFL history.
Open
#PMT-2023-1220-12086
Big CatBig Cat

Dylan Raiola is already a bust after his commitment poem

What is this? So fellow fans await with hope in the air for Dylan to choose his purpose to declare in a weekend's decision, destiny calls to fulfill his purpose. Where a new dynasty enthralls... He's already a bust in my eyes. I'm happy for Nebraska fans, but you can't be feeling good about that poem.

Raiola is a true freshman in 2024; his career is just beginning.
Loss
Take Slip·Apr 8, 2024
#PMT-2024-0408-7491
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Caitlin Clark is a bust because she can't win the big one

Are we sure Caitlin Clark is actually good. Ooh Bust can't win the can't win the big one.

Clark went #1 overall in the WNBA draft and has had an historic rookie season, proving she is far from a bust.
Open
Take Slip·Apr 15, 2024
#PMT-2024-0415-3117
Big CatBig Cat

If Scottie Scheffler doesn't win at least five Green Jackets, his career is a bust

Scotty's just, he's, he's only 27 years old. How over under, what would be a disappointment in terms of total major? Yeah. If he doesn't win five green jackets. I think his career was a bust. Yeah. I'd say he got two right now at 27. I think he has to get to 10 majors.

Hot TakeGolfScorchingSarcastic
Scheffler has two Green Jackets (2022, 2024) and multiple other majors including the 2024 PGA Championship. He's well ahead of pace at age 28, but five Masters wins remains a historic bar.
Void
Take Slip·Jul 14, 2025
#PMT-2025-0714-19816
MaxMax

I want the Brewers' pitcher Brody Brecht to be the biggest bust in MLB history after he was selected over Ranger Suárez

I now hate this guy. I now want this guy to be the biggest bust in MLB history. Ranger Suárez has a 1.94 in 13 games... How do you possibly look at that and be like, this guy is more deserving than Ranger Suárez?

This is a subjective desire for a player's failure. Whether Suarez was more 'deserving' is also subjective.
Open
#PMT-2025-0716-19180
MaxMax

Paul George will be the biggest bust in Philadelphia sports history

Paul George, Playoff P, Pre-season P has injured himself again... he's probably gonna go down as the biggest bust in Philly history. Him and Andrew Bynum... Ben Simmons... Markelle Fultz. Playoff P is in the running right now for biggest bust.

Paul George's 'bust' status will depend on his availability and performance over the course of his 76ers contract.