In the 2006 NFL Draft, 15 running backs were selected over seven talent-filled rounds. Of the 15 taken, 4 have made Pro Bowls, 3 have eclipsed 3000 career rushing yards, and 2 can be considered top-tier performers. True, hindsight is 20/20, but Laurence Maroney's career as a New England Patriot was far from successful. Fans have been calling for his head for over 2 years, and finally he has been dealt to the Denver Broncos for a fourth round pick. Maroney is probably the biggest bust from the 2006 draft running back class. Reggie Bush was always seen as a scat-back, with many purposes from kick returning to a backfield pass-threat. He has done just that, and helped lead the 2009 Saints to their first Super Bowl Victory. MJD and DeAngelo both have seasons of 15+ touchdown rushes, as well as seasons with over 1390 yards rushing. Addai has been the consistant, but not overly productive back that Indy needed to win the 2008 Super Bowl and has averaged 880 rushing yards in a role-decreasing career. Even LenDale White, Jerious Norwood, Leon Washington, and Jerome Harrison have found spurts of success in limited roles, with Washington making a Pro Bowl appearance as a kick returner.
Maroney's NFL career has seen him sharing time with other running backs, but he always was “going to be” their premier back. That never panned out, regardless of an abundance of opportunity. He never ran for more than 757 yards in 4 seasons with New England, and was unable to play a full season due to injuries. He found fumbling troubles in 2009, and since his shoulder injury in 2008 hasn't come close to being a premier (or even average) running back. With the Patriots' faith in the likes of Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Benjarvis Green-Ellis heading further into the 2010 season, they felt comfortable disposing of Maroney for a fourth-round pick, joining the likes of Matt Leinart, Bobby Carpenter, and Michael Huff as notable first-round busts from the 2006 NFL Draft class. Good bye and good riddance.
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