2011 NFL Draft: Grading the Green Bay Packers' Last 6 Draft Classes
Building a Champion: Grading Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson's Draft Picks Since 2005
No one will claim it to be top secret, but the Green Bay Packers prefer to build their roster through the draft.
The team has historically shied away from big-money free agents, and GM Ted Thompson clearly works under the idea of drafting and developing players.
With a Super Bowl victory in Dallas just over a month ago, the "Packers way" finally proved its worth.
Let's grade every Thompson pick from the beginning of his reign as Packers GM in 2005 to identify how he has built a Super Bowl winning roster from scratch.
2005: 1st Round
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First Round (No. 24 overall): Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal
Drafted to be the heir apparent to Brett Favre, Rodgers has succeeded every expectation placed on him since the time he arrived in Green Bay.
The Super Bowl XLV MVP has thrown for 12,723 yards and 87 touchdowns in 54 career games, and Rodgers is currently the highest rated passer in NFL history (98.4).
As Thompson's first ever draft pick, Rodgers was always going to be tied to the success or failure of his tenure in Green Bay. However, he clearly has to rank as Thompson's best draft pick to date.
Grade: A
2005: 2nd Round
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Second Round (51): Nick Collins, S, Bethune Cookman
Collins was an under the radar prospect in 2005, but Thompson hit another home run with his selection in the second round.
Now one of the NFL's premier play-making safeties, Collins has started all but three games (93) since coming to Green Bay. He has 21 interceptions and five touchdown returns in those contests.
Collins has also been selected to three Pro Bowls, and his interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLV gave the Packers a 14-0 lead.
Grade: A
2005: Other Picks
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Terrence Murphy (Round 2, 58 overall): Could have been special as a receiver and in the return game, but a neck injury put an end to his career after just three games. (C-)
Marviel Underwood (4, 115): Saw action in all 16 games his rookie year but never played another down in the NFL after 2005. (D+)
Brady Poppinga (4, 125): The only active Packer found after the first two rounds, Poppinga has five sacks and two interceptions in 81 games. (B-)
Junius Coston (5, 143): Started seven games for the Packers in 2007 but hasn't played in a regular season game since. (C-)
Michael Hawkins (5, 167): Started one game in 2005 and had some promise, but major knee injuries derailed his career. (C-)
Michael Montgomery (6, 180): Saw action in 58 games (eight starts, five sacks) and was only recently released. (C+)
Craig Bragg (6, 195): Was never more than a practice squad receiver and failed to appear in an NFL game. (F)
Kurt Campbell (7, 245): Small school (Albany) defensive back prospect who also never appeared in an NFL game. (F)
Will Whitticker (7, 246): Started 14 games at right guard for the Packers in 2005, but didn't play again after that season. (C)
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2005 Analysis
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Despite some of Thompson's late round misses, the Packers first two picks—Aaron Rodgers and Nick Collins—more than make up for it.
Rodgers is the centerpiece of the franchise and one of the NFL's premier signal callers, and Collins is an important part of the Packers defense.
In the end, the Packers found four solid contributors in 2005 (Rodgers, Collins, Poppinga, Montgomery), and three of the 11 picks are still on the active roster six years later.
The misses on Murphy and Hawkins were more injury-related than a draft issue, and Underwood, Coston and Whitticker all contributed in Green Bay at one point or another.
It wasn't the perfect draft class, but 2005 was one of the most important in Packers history.
2005 Overall Grade: A-
2006: 1st Round
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First Round (No. 5 overall): A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
The Packers took Hawk fifth overall in 2006 to help upgrade a defense that allowed 344 points the year before.
While it would be hard for any linebacker to live up to that high of draft choice, Hawk has slowly become an important part of the Packers defense and was re-signed this week to a five year deal.
He may never make a Pro Bowl roster or an All-Pro list, but Hawk averages over 100 tackles per season and has eight career interceptions.
Grade: B
2006: 2nd Round
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Second Round (47; 52): Daryn Colledge, T, Boise State; Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
Thompson ensured that the 2006 draft would be a success when he took both Colledge and Jennings in the second round.
While not the most consistent offensive lineman, Colledge has been a fixture on the Packers offensive line with 73 career starts at left guard.
However, the selection of Jennings is what makes this whole draft class.
A special player the second he stepped on the field, Jennings has evolved into one of the NFL's best receivers.
His 40 touchdowns leads the Packers since 2006, and Jennings' two touchdown catches in Super Bowl XLV helped the Packers win their fourth Lombardi trophy.
Grade: A-
2006: Other Picks
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Abdul Hodge (Round 3, 67 overall): Started one game for the Packers in 2006, but bounced around the league after that season. (C-)
Jason Spitz (3, 75): Has 45 career starts in Green Bay, but hasn't been in the starting five linemen since 2009 and might not be back next season. (B)
Cory Rodgers (4, 104): The receiver was let go during final cuts in 2006 and never played a down in the NFL. (F)
Will Blackmon (4, 115): While a constant run of injuries eventually led to his release, Blackmon was probably the Packers best return man since Allen Rossum. (B-)
Ingle Martin (5, 148): Saw action in one game his rookie year but has been a career third-string quarterback elsewhere. (D+)
Tony Moll (5, 165): He wasn't terrible at offensive tackle in 18 career starts and was later traded to Baltimore for Derrick Martin. (C)
Johnny Jolly (6, 183): An incredible value in the sixth round (39 starts), only legal issues has kept Jolly from realizing his true potential. (B+)
Tyrone Culver (6, 185): Played in 14 games his rookie season, and later caught on with the Miami Dolphins. (C-)
Dave Tollefson (7, 253): Never saw the field in Green Bay but has had a productive career with the New York Giants (47 games, five sacks). (C-)
2006 Analysis
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Some will argue that Hawk's selection at No. 5 overall brings down this class, but it ranks among Thompson's best in terms of impact players.
Hawk is steady and reliable at middle linebacker, and Colledge—if re-signed—will be starting his sixth straight season on the Packers offensive line.
Jennings is clearly the gem of the class, and finding a franchise receiver in the second round deserves the highest of praise.
The late round additions of Spitz, Blackmon and Jolly help round out a very good class for Thompson.
2006 Overall Grade: B+
2007: 1st Round
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First round (No. 16 overall): Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
It probably goes without saying that Harrell is the worst of Thompson's first round picks.
Already injury prone at Tennessee, the 16th overall pick brought the injury bug with him to Green Bay and he's been unable to shake it.
Harrell has played in just 14 career games (two starts) in four seasons and has yet to record a sack.
His story is a sad one, but there's no way you can justify calling Harrell anything but a bust in Green Bay so far.
Grade: D
2007: 2nd Round
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Second round (63): Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
The Packers were in search of a ground game after the departure of Ahman Green in 2007, and Jackson was the guy they thought could fill the hole.
While Jackson has failed in that task, he's proven himself to be a valuable part to the Packers offense.
Jackson has appeared in 52 games (16 starts), primarily as the third down running back, and has scored nine career touchdowns.
He has plenty of value to the Packers offense, but Jackson's production doesn't match up with how high he was selected in 2007.
Grade: C+
2007: Other Picks
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James Jones (3rd round, 78 overall): His recent battles with drops has him out of favor with some fans, but Jones has been a productive part (2,069 yards, 13 TD's) of the Packers aerial attack. (B+)
Aaron Rouse (3, 89): Some will remember his 99-yard interception return of Peyton Manning in 2008, but he never matched talent with potential and currently plays in the UFL. (C-)
Allen Barbre (4, 199): Won the right offensive tackle job in 2009, but was overmatched in that role and no longer has a roster spot. (C)
David Clowney (5, 157): While still one of the fastest players in the NFL, Clowney never saw the field for the Packers. (F)
Korey Hall (6, 192): Has started 26 games for the Packers at fullback and is one of the team's best special teamers. (B)
Desmond Bishop (6, 193): Finally broke out this season (99 tackles) after injuries opened up a starting spot, and he figures to be the long-term answer at one middle linebacker spot. (A-)
Mason Crosby (6, 194): Has been inconsistent but possesses a big leg and should be the Packers starting kicker for the fifth year in a row next season. (B)
Deshawn Wynn (7, 228): Had some talent running the football but could never stay healthy long enough to prove it over the course of a season. (C+)
Clark Harris (7, 243): The tight end never played a down with the Packers but has seen time with other teams. (F)
2007 Analysis
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Only the late round finds of James Jones, Desmond Bishop and Mason Crosby saved this class from being a huge disaster.
The 2007 first and second round picks combined to be Thompson's worst mistakes in his draft history.
Harrell has been unable to stay healthy, and Jackson never materialized as the Packers' answer at running back.
However, Jones has progressed into a solid receiver despite the drops and both Crosby and Bishop should be starters at their positions moving forward.
Still, the 2007 draft is far from the highlight of Thompson's draft classes in Green Bay.
2007 Overall Grade: C-
2008: 2nd Round
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Second round (36, 56, 60): Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State; Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville; Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
The Packers traded back into the second round of the 2008 draft, voiding them of a first rounder but allowing them to select three times in the second.
However, only Nelson recent rise kept the Packers from striking out with their three second round draft picks in 2008.
Nelson, who should figure into the offense more moving forward, exploded in the playoffs and had 140 yards receiving in Super Bowl XLV.
Brohm, on the other hand, never panned out in Green Bay and was picked up off the practice squad by the Buffalo Bills.
Lee has also been a disappointment, but he still has time to prove his worth in the second round.
Three picks in the second round was certainly something the Packers couldn't pass up, but they might have been better served picking a player in the first round.
Grade: C-
2008: Other Picks
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Jermichael Finley (3rd round, 91 overall): A knee injury kept him from having a breakout season, but Finley might still be the most talented tight end in the NFL. (A)
Jeremy Thompson (4, 102): Played in 15 games and showed some flashes, but a neck injury forced Thompson to retire. (C+)
Josh Sitton (4, 135): A 34-game starter at right guard, Sitton is simply one of Thompson's best picks regardless of where he was selected. (A)
Breno Giacomini (5, 150): The coaching staff gave him a long leash but he only played in one game as a Packer. (C-)
Matt Flynn (7, 209): A surprise in the seventh round who has progressed into a trusted backup quarterback who may have trade value moving forward. (B+)
Brett Swain (7, 217): A solid special teamer who saw time as the No. 5 receiver in 2010. (C+)
2008 Anaylsis
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In terms of superstar potential, the Packers 2008 draft ranks right up there with Thompson's 2005 and 2009 classes.
Nelson showed flashes of being a great No. 2 option at receiver, but it was the third and fourth rounders who have the highest ceilings.
If Finley can stay healthy, there's no telling what kind of numbers he and Aaron Rodgers could put up in the Packers offense.
On the offensive line, Sitton is one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL and should be a Pro Bowler for the foreseeable future.
The '08 class certainly got off to a shaky start in the second round, but the Packers have potentially found two superstars in the middle rounds of the draft.
2008 Overall Grade: B
2009 1st Round
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First round (No. 9, 26): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College; Clay Matthews, LB, USC
In the Packers conversion to a 3-4 defense before the 2009 season, two needs were most pressing: Outside linebacker and nose tackle.
It's safe to say the Packers emphatically crossed those two needs off the list after picking Raji and Matthews in the first round of the 2009 draft.
Raji has a personality that matches his talent on the field, and Matthews has 23.5 sacks in 28 career games.
The two defenders have helped the Packers smoothly transition into the 3-4 defense. Heading into year three, Green Bay will once again lean on both Matthews and Raji to anchor a top-5 defense.
Grade: A
2009: Other Picks
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T.J Lang (4th round, 109 overall): A versatile offensive lineman, Lang will be in the running to replace Daryn Colledge should he leave in free agency. (B)
Quinn Johnson (5, 145): A bruising fullback who has played in 20 career games and is probably the Packers best lead blocker. (C+)
Jamon Meredith (5, 162): Showed promise in the early stages but never got off the practice squad until the Bills claimed him in '09. (D+)
Jarius Wynn (6, 182): Contributed to an injured defensive line throughout the 2010 season and should have a roster spot moving forward. (C+)
Brandon Underwood (6, 187): The Packers coaches have held high hopes for him, but he's been a disappointment thus far and now faces legal issues. (C-)
Brad Jones (7, 218): Had four sacks filling in for Aaron Kampman in 2009 but injured his shoulder last season and will need to fight for a roster spot next year. (B)
2009 Analysis
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Simply put, there's no way the Packers would have won Super Bowl XLV without the 2009 draft class.
Raji and Matthews are such key cogs to the Packers defense that it makes the inadequacies of the later rounds a moot point.
Raji is one of the better pass rushers from the nose tackle position, and Matthews had a pretty good case for defensive player of the year in 2010.
If Jones and Lang become quality contributors next season, this class could cement its status as the best of the Thompson era.
2009 Overall Grade: A-
2010 1st Round
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First round (No. 23 overall): Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
After a year in which Aaron Rodgers was sacked 50 times, the Packers made it a priority to get the offensive line some help.
Many didn't think Bulaga would last until the 23rd pick, but Green Bay found a little luck in the 2010 draft.
Bulaga would start 16 games (four postseason) for the Packers, and Rodgers' sack totals went down by 19 this season.
While he had his struggles throughout the course of the season, Bulaga was an important player for the Packers during their Super Bowl season.
Grade: B+
2010: 2nd Round
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Second round (56): Mike Neal, DE, Purdue
The selection of Neal in the second round puzzled many during the draft, but he quickly showed why the Packers targeted him so early in the 2010 draft.
Neal was a disruptive force during the preseason and in the two regular season games he played in before his season-ending shoulder injury.
If in fact the Packers lose Cullen Jenkins this offseason, Neal should be able to step in and be a major contributor for Green Bay next season.
Grade: B-
2010: Other Picks
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Morgan Burnett (3rd round, 71 overall): In his limited time before a season-ending injury, Burnett showed plenty of potential to be a long-term answer at safety. (B)
Andrew Quarless (5, 154): He was thrust into action before he was ready, but Quarless showed some flashes and could be a solid No. 2 tight end. (B-)
Marshall Newhouse (5, 169): He never saw the field in year one, but Newhouse is a versatile offensive lineman who the Packers think could be a starter. (C+)
James Starks (6, 193): Everyone clamored for him to get carries after Ryan Grant went down, and Starks didn't disappoint towards the end of the season and into the playoff run. (A-)
C.J. Wilson (7, 230): He made the team and played in 15 games while filling in for numerous injuries on the defensive line. (C+)
2010 Analysis
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It might be too soon to truly gauge the Packers 2010 draft, but early returns say this class could be the deepest of Thompson's six drafts.
As should be the case in any draft, the first two picks will be key contributors in the future.
Bulaga should be a starter at either tackle position moving forward, and Neal will be the starter if Cullen Jenkins isn't retained.
However, the lower rounds give the Packers plenty of starting potential as well.
Burnett, Quarless, Newhouse and Starks all have the talent to be starters, and it's possible that both Burnett and Starks will be big players for the Packers next season.
The 2010 draft class might lack an identifiable star at the moment, but this was the deepest draft Thompson has ever assembled for Green Bay.
2010 Overall Grade: B+
Report Card
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2005 Draft
Grade: A-
Stars: Aaron Rodgers, Nick Collins
Contributors: Brady Poppinga
2006 Draft
Grade: B+
Stars: Greg Jennings
Contributors: A.J. Hawk, Daryn Colledge, Johnny Jolly
2007 Draft
Grade: C-
Stars: N/A
Contributors: James Jones, Desmond Bishop, Brandon Jackson, Korey Hall, Mason Crosby
2008 Draft
Grade: B
Stars: Jermichael Finley, Josh Sitton
Contributors: Jordy Nelson, Pat Lee, Matt Flynn
2009 Draft
Grade: A-
Stars: B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews
Contributors: T.J. Lang, Brad Jones, Brandon Underwood, Quinn Johnson, Jarius Wynn
2010 Draft
Grade: B+
Stars: N/A
Contributors: Bryan Bulaga, Mike Neal, Andrew Quarless, Morgan Burnett, James Starks,
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