1. Dimitrius Underwood – DE
First Round (29th overall) – 1999
Not only did Underwood never appear in a single regular season game for the Vikings, but he also didn’t even play in a preseason contest for Minnesota either.
There were a number of red flags surrounding the defensive lineman coming out of Michigan State, but the Vikings were so in love with his potential that they didn’t care. Minnesota quickly realized why many were skeptical of Underwood’s chances to succeed in the NFL.
After one training camp practice with the Vikings, the young defensive end left the team and the state of Minnesota. That’s it, one practice and he was done as a member of the Vikings forever.
Just two days prior to his exit, Underwood had agreed to a five-year deal with Minnesota worth $5.3 million. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t see any of that money.
It was later revealed that Underwood’s issues extended way beyond the football field. He struggled mightily with his mental health and it ultimately prevented him from reaching any sort of potential he had in the NFL.