The Green Bay Packers, like every NFL team, have had their share of disappointing draft picks throughout their storied history. While the team has had many successful drafts that produced legendary players, there are a few selections that stand out as some of the worst in Packers’ history.
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The Incredible Bulk
One notorious draft pick that often comes up in discussions of Packers’ missteps is Tony Mandarich. Selected with the second overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, Mandarich was expected to be a cornerstone offensive lineman. However, he failed to live up to the hype and was considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. Mandarich struggled with performance issues and substance abuse problems during his tenure with the Packers, leading to his eventual release after just three disappointing seasons. The Packers missed out on future Hall of Famers such as Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, and Deion Sanders, who were all selected after Mandarich in the first round.
First good, second? Not so much
In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Packers used their first-round pick (24th overall) on quarterback Aaron Rodgers out of California, which turned out to be a franchise-altering decision. However, the Packers’ second-round pick that year, cornerback Ahmad Carroll, did not pan out as expected. Carroll struggled with penalties and inconsistent play, failing to establish himself as a reliable starter. He was eventually released by the Packers after three seasons, marking a disappointing outcome for a high draft selection.
Going back a little
Another notable draft disappointment for the Packers came in 1974 with their first-round pick, Barty Smith. Smith, a running back from the University of Richmond, was selected eighth overall. Despite showing promise early in his career, Smith’s production never reached the levels expected of a first-round pick. He played six seasons with the Packers but was unable to establish himself as a premier running back in the league.
What was he thinking?
In more recent years, the 2015 NFL Draft saw the Packers use their first-round pick (30th overall) on defensive back Damarious Randall. While Randall showed flashes of potential, he struggled with consistency and injuries during his time in Green Bay. After three seasons, Randall was traded to the Cleveland Browns, marking another disappointing outcome for a first-round selection.
It’s important to note that drafting players in the NFL is an inherently risky endeavor, and even the most well-regarded prospects can fail to meet expectations for a variety of reasons. The Packers, like all teams, have experienced their share of draft disappointments, but these setbacks have also been learning opportunities that contribute to the team’s ongoing success. Despite the misses, the Packers have managed to build and maintain a competitive roster through shrewd drafting and player development, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building an NFL team through the draft.