Packers Draft Pick History: No precedent for success at pick #226

The Green Bay Packers hold ten draft picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, and for a team that has a storied, 100-year history, they have predictably made selections in the past at every one of these draft slots. Over the next few days leading up to this year’s draft, Acme Packing Company will examine the Packers’ history at each current slot for 2019, as well as run down the names of recent picks around the league at the position.

The Packers’ final selection in the 2019 NFL Draft — at least heading into draft weekend — comes in the seventh round, at number 226 overall. There have been precious few players to make any sort of impact in the NFL when drafted in that spot, and the most notable 226th pick in any draft was actually picked there by an AFL team.

That player, offensive tackle Ernie McMillan, was chosen 226th by the AFL’s Boston Patriots, but he also heard the St. Louis Cardinals call his name in the NFL Draft at 176 overall. McMillan signed with St. Louis, where he went on to a long, productive career that included four Pro Bowl appearances. Interestingly, after 14 years with the Cardinals, McMillan finished his career with one season as the Packers’ starting left tackle in 1975.

Although the Packers and other teams have had some success with seventh-rounders in years past, don’t expect much if the Packers do make a pick at 226 this year.

Packers’ History at #226

1946: Maurice Stacy, B

1980: Kelly Saalfeld, C

Stacy never played in the NFL, while Saalfeld suited up for seven games with the New York Giants in 1980.

Recent History at #226

• 2018: David Williams, RB, Arkansas (Broncos)
• 2017: David Moore, WR, East Central (Seahawks)
• 2016: Jonathan Woodard, DE, Central Arkansas (Jaguars)
• 2015: Bobby Hart, G, Florida State (Giants)
• 2014: Mitchell Van Dyk, OL, Portland State (Rams)
• 2013: Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois (Patriots)
• 2012: David Molk, C, Michigan (Chargers)
• 2011: Greg Romeus, DL, Pittsburgh (Saints)