Build through the Draft? Not with 1st rnd picks

by Jackson Jeff on Mar 31, 2009 2:28 PM CDT

The first round of the NFL draft has not been very helpful to the Packers in recent years. Out of the last ten drafts the first round has only produced 3 starters for us, 5 that are still on team and 3 that are out of the NFL. Here's a rundown of last ten drafts

1999 #25 pick Antuan Edwards: started in only 18 games in 5 years with Packers, out of football in 2005.

2000 #14 pick Bubba Franks: started in 94 games in 7 years was Pro Bowler early in career but faded off very considerably, still UFA as of now.

2001 #10 Jamal Reynolds: never started in one game and only played in 18 in 3 years, out of football in 2004.

2002 #20 Javon Walker: started in 18 games in 4 years, missed almost entire last season with the Packers though. Had fantastic 2004 season but hasn't done much since leaving Green Bay in 2006.

2003 #29 Nick Barnett: winner. Had started in every game except 9 in 5 years, solid player.

2004 #25 Ahmad Carroll: started in 28 games in 3 years, left Packers in 2006, was playing on special teams for the Jets last year.

2005 #24 Aaron Rodgers: Couldn't have asked for better numbers out of Rodgers last year but did have a problem closing out a couple games, have to wait and see if he is for real/

2006 #5 AJ Hawk: has started every game but not a great impact like he should be. Had 82 tackles in rookie year and the number has dropped every year since.

2007 #16 Justin Harrell: bust! Has played in a couple games and looks like he could be out again this year.

2008 #36(no 1st round pick) Jordy Nelson: had 33 receptions last year and has some speed as a return man but don't ever see him any better then a number 3 receiver.

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I wouldn’t exactly call Harrell a bust. He was never expected to do well in the first place. To boot, if Ted Thompson could read draft guides, he’d have caught the injury prone mentality of him long before the draft.

And Carroll, just….wow I’m glad he’s not here. Though echoes of “Illegal hands to the face, #28” may still be heard in the depths of space.

Also, I like Jordy. I think he can develop into a great #2 option with Jennings at the helm though. Just got to give him the opportunities to get the ball.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on Apr 1, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions

I absolutely love Jordy..

I think he will be a solid #2 WR behind Jennings whenever DD hangs ’em up. I think DD and Jordys play are really alike. They both will go over the middle and try to fight for that extra yard. He will be good i dont know if he will ever be as good as DD but he will be a solid player for years to come.

by bizzle4 on Apr 2, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Plus, he can do the dirty work really well. He seemed to come in and block on certain run plays, and really did well in the time he had. Definitely a Jordy fan, I think he can do really well.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on Apr 2, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Not bad

Rodgers great 2008 season really saves this batch of 1st round picks. I’m not going to get into a big history lesson about it, but the Packers haven’t done a great job with 1st round picks since the Lombardi era. Although trading a 1st round pick for Favre, and using another one Rodgers, has solidified the QB spot over the last decade.

Too bad about Walker and Reynolds; Javon’s promising NFL career was derailed by injuries and Jamal never had a chance. Both Florida State players were hit with knee injuries.

by Brandon on Apr 1, 2009 11:06 PM CDT reply actions

I dont think you can call Javon a bust..

He was good while in a GB uniform. But his head also got to big. I think even with the injury he could have still been a impact WR on GB the following year but he wanted the money..

by bizzle4 on Apr 2, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

comments

Personally I don’t think any of us know if Harrell is a bust or not! Kinda hard to judge a guy that hasn’t been on the field. We’ll see this year, w/ an offseason program under his belt. If he doesn’t get on the field this year, cut ties and move on. Either way Harrell was the #3 rated DT in that draft, so its not like it was a reach!!!

Rodgers was a great pick considering he fell into the Packers lap, after being considered for the #1 overall pick!!! And I think he’ll be the starter in GB for the next decade! If he wins a SB, I would put him up there w/ #4!

At least Thompson isn’t making the mistake of trading up into the 3rd rd to pick a freakin punter!!!

Javon Walkers career started going south the minute he let Rosenhaus into his camp and actually listened to him!!!

by Strohman on Apr 1, 2009 11:26 PM CDT reply actions

I remember I almost threw my TV out the window when Sander was picked.

by juggernaut400 on Apr 2, 2009 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions

No impact playr

There are obviously busts, but not more than on most other teams. What is truly striking, is that not one of those players can be said to be one of the five best at their position in the NFL. The first round should yield a great player once in a while, not just good ones.

by hythlodaeus on Apr 2, 2009 2:14 AM CDT reply actions

You have to look at..

We only had two top ten picks in those given drafts. And Rodgers give him time he will be a great. This was practically his rookie season. Looking at some other “rookie QB” and a true rookie QB. Comparing Cassel, Matt Ryan and Rodgers. Rodgers had more/better attempts, completions, completion %, Touchdowns, yards, passer rating, rushing touchdowns. So not too bad for Rodgers. Since the other two guys both led their teams to the playoffs

by bizzle4 on Apr 2, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions