As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches and anticipation builds, Packer fans are hoping the team's first round draft pick will turn out to be our next Hall of Famer. History says it's not very likely.


First, some facts you may find surprising

In the 72-year history of the NFL Draft, Green Bay has only had the first overall pick once, in 1959. It would be Vince Lombardi's first draft, and his selection, quarterback Randy Duncan, unfortunately made my previous list of the worst Packers first-round draft picks of the last 50 years.

The Green Bay Packers have 19 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Only three were first round draft choices (Paul Hornung, Herb Adderley and James Lofton). Only two (Adderley and Lofton) were in the last 50 years that this article covers.

The Packers have been very active first-round traders. In 27 of the past 50 years, the Packers have made a trade involving a first round draft choice.

A few disclaimers:

You will not see Jerry Kramer or Paul Hornung on this list as they were drafted before 1959.

You will not see AJ Hawk or Aaron Rodgers on this list as their body of work is too short to pass judgment.

So, without further delay, here is the list:

Nick Barnett, LB—2003—Selected 29th overall

6'2", 236 lbs.

Out of Oregon State University, Nick Barnett was a 4-year varsity player. He entered the starting lineup halfway through his sophomore season and remained a fixture at strong side linebacker for the rest of his collegiate career.

His senior season he averaged over nine tackles a game and was named All-Pacific 10 Conference, after leading the league with 121 tackles (62 solo).

Selected by the Packers with pick 29 of the first round, Barnett was the first Oregon State player taken in the first round in 40 years.

He quickly proved to be worthy of that pick, starting the Packers' first regular season game at middle linebacker. He has been incredibly consistent, still averaging the same nine tackles per game with the Packers that he did in college.

Barnett has lead the Packers in tackles four times and, until last season, has not been affected by injuries.

He has become the leader of the Packers' defense, and at no time did this become more evident than this year. When Barnett got injured, the Packers' defense went downhill immediately. His leadership and contributions were sorely missed.

Ezra Johnson, DE—1977—Selected 28th overall

6'4", 240 lbs.

Out of tiny Morris Brown College, Ezra Johnson was actually the the Packer's second first-round pick that year. Green Bay had received this first-round pick as compensation from the Oakland Raiders for Al Davis signing Ted "The Stork" Hendricks as a limited free agent.

Ezra Johnson played eleven seasons (1977-1987) for the “Green and Gold." 

In only his second pro season, Johnson made the Pro Bowl after a season with an "unofficial" 20.5 sacks. Unfortunately for Johnson, the NFL did not officially begin keeping sack statistics until the 1982 season. The official sack total for his career is 55.5, ignoring the first five years of his career.

Johnson is a member of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame.

Donny Anderson, RB—1965—Selected seventh overall

6'2", 215 lbs.

Out of Texas Tech, Donny Anderson was known as the "Golden Palomino". He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a multiple threat.

While primarily a halfback, Anderson also was a punter, kick returner, defensive back, and even played some quarterback. He signed with Green Bay for a then-record $600,000 contract.

With the Packers, Anderson had an immediate impact during the season leading to their second straight Super Bowl win. In total, he played six solid seasons for the Packers before leaving for St Louis and playing three more years before retiring.

Although remembered more for his running, Anderson had a much larger impact on the NFL as a punter. In 1967, Anderson is credited with originating the idea of hang-time. Before Anderson, punters were only concerned with distance.

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