[Bette]

One of the worst drafts in San Diego history continues to ripple well beyond Southern California. Leaf's quick demise affected the quarterback fortunes of 4 franchises, demonstrating the consequences of draft-day mistakes.
If Ryan Leaf had done as well as expected in the 1998 draft, Michael Vick might not have ended in Atlanta, and maybe things would have ended differently for him in San Diego. In 2001, the Chargers were leery of taking a quarterback early, and so Vick went to Atlanta.
Because of their failure with Leaf, the Chargers armed Drew Brees with a strong ground game and a world class tight end. Brees took full advantage of this and it eventually earned him a long term contract in New Orleans.
Eli Manning balked at going to San Diego, supposedly because of concerns about the team's ability to win.
Leaf would have been in his prime when Phillip Rivers was acquired by the Chargers in a draft day trade.
And the man responsible for this pick, Bobby Beathard general manager in the 1990's, would be fielding fewer questions about Leaf and more about his building 7 Super Bowl teams in 4 decades.

ESPN - Leaf's San Diego failure had ripple effect - NFL

According to Beathard, Leaf had the talent, but was self-destructive and immature.
Leaf has also furnished many a columnist with fodder for his writing.

[Dusty]

Ryan Leaf is the standard to which all busts are compared to. I mean what more can be said? He was given second chances by other teams like the Cowboys and always cut because like Akili Smith and Heath Shuler they all were college stars and NFL duds.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Bette

According to Beathard, Leaf had the talent, but was self-destructive and immature.
Leaf has also furnished many a columnist with fodder for his writing.

That's big of Beathard....the fact that they made him a starter right away despite his maturity also contributed...not that he wants to share the respnonsibility.

[Dusty]

These major moves on draft day always have sort of a ripple effect. I mean I can only imagine the ripple effect for the Saints giving up their whole draft for Ricky Williams. It's interesting and I can't wait till the end of this month to see if there is any wheeling and dealing.