Build through the Draft? Not with 1st rnd picks

Jackson Jeff — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:05:36 -0000

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.

State of the Packers 09

Jackson Jeff — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:59:04 -0000

After a dissapointing 6-10 2008 season, we can a look at a few positive notes, Aaron Rodgers had a great year throwing for over 4000 yards his first year of starting and we can look at........well I guess that was the only positive note last year. Now that the whole Brett Favre debacle is over, Mr Thompson should have got down to buisness this offseason, but once again he has decided to build through the draft as our only 2 pickups have been Anthony Smith and Duke Preston. A couple of backups at best. My mouth dropped when Thompson said last week we have no glaring needs at any position. Are you serious?? Was he watching the same team I was last year? If I recall, Mr Thompson, you produced your thrid losing season in 4 years. And your one winning season was mostly Brett Favre not your ridiculous draft picks. Ok to not just bash you I will give you props on a few things. Greg Jennings was a great find in the second round and has turned into a pro bowl reciever and Charles Woodson was a great signing he has had some of his best years here, but beyond that what have you brought to the table? Now about your "no glaring needs" statment. We are in Desparate need of a Defensive End, now that Kampman is playing linebacker next year who do we have, Cullen Jenkins who is coming off a couple injuries, Ryan Pickett who might not be the right size for a 3-4 defense, Mike Montgumery who also is not the right size or a starting caliber player, Justen Harrell your "gem" you found in the first round of the draft a few years back has turned into the biggest bust we in Green Bay have seen since Jamal Reynolds was taken with the 10th pick back in the 2001 draft and Johnny Jolly who could be doing some jail time. You really dropped the ball on Chris Canty, who actually seemed interested to come here. Then we have the Offensive Line, its starting to look very doubtful Mark Tauscher will be back and Chad Clifton is a 10 year vet who I believe lead the offensive line in penalties last year that leaves you with Tony Moll, who is more suited for a guard and Breno Giacomini who is coming off ankle surgury. You can probably get a good offensive tackle in the draft, as long as you dont trade down like you enjoy doing, last years Outland trophy winner Andre Smith of Alabama should be available at the number nine pick and is a great pass blocker and could play either on the left or the right side. We could also use some depth at outside linebacker and in the defensive backfield, but not as serious as our lines. But probably one of the biggest needs is a punter! Why you ever got rid of Jon Ryan is beyond me and his replacements Derrick Frost and Jeremy Kapinos where absolutly aweful as a result opposing teams allways started in good field position. So Mr Thompson I will end with this, the youngest team in the NFL thing is not working and you need veterans and leaders which rookies and younger guys cant be yet. I remember the last big splash the Packers made in the Free Agent market back in 1993 when we were able to snare the biggest name out there in Hall of Famer Reggie White, his leadership helped the Packers go to two Super Bowls and win one for us. Open your eyes and put on your sunglasses Mr Thompson cause the glare is blinding.

SB Nation User Blog: Jackson Jeff

Build through the Draft? Not with 1st rnd picks

State of the Packers 09