10 biggest NFL draft busts in UCLA football history
By Josh Yourish
Cade McNown, QB. . . Cade McNown, QB. 2. player. 57. Cade McNown. 1999. No. 12 overall
At least the Broncos had a Hall of Fame quarterback on their roster when they missed on Maddox. The Bears were in search of a starter when they selected McNown 12th overall in 1999. He was coming off an All-American season with over 3,000 passing yards and threw for over 10,000 yards in his four-year career.
McNown spent more time at UCLA than he did in the NFL, just two seasons compared to his four as the Bruins quarterback. The Bears started McNown for six games in 1999 after he finally wrestled the job away from Shane Matthews and Jim Miller.
In those six games, he went 2-4, completed 54% of his passes, and had 10 interceptions to eight touchdowns. In 2000, McNown began the year as the Bears starter. In Week 1 we went 27 for 41 passing for 290 yards and touchdowns with two picks in a 30-27 loss to Minnesota. It was a sign of encouragement, but then Chicago lost 41-0 in Week 2 to Tampa Bay.
McNown went 1-8 in his nine starts that season and finished his career 3-12 with 16 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. McNown was released and the Bears went 13-3 with Jim Miller at quarterback in 2001.