NFL 2014 Predictions: 10 Players Who Could Become Busts This Season

The NFL can be a cruel league sometimes. Let’s rephrase that — the NFL always has been a cruel league.

A handful of talented, dedicated players are able to separate themselves from the riff-raff and carve out successful careers. For everyone else, their time to shine in the NFL spotlight is either fleeting or nonexistent.

In the case of an undrafted rookie or a fringe special-teamer, that’s to be expected. Where a bust comes in, however, is when coaches, front offices, writers and fans project a player into that first category before he even has a chance to step on the field.

Busts can take many shapes and forms, but for now, let’s keep the focus on 2014. The following list examines 10 players who we believe have a high risk of failing to meet the expectations of fans and coaches this season.

Because not everyone can live up to the hype.