Yesterday, I proposed my simple theory of how to draft in the NFL’s first round. Round 1 draft picks should only be used for players who play game-changing positions. The game-changing positions are QB, WR and CB, or an extraordinary left tackle, running back or pass rusher.
It’s time to test the theory out on Green Bay Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson’s first-round picks from 2005 to the present. Here are all of Thompson’s first round draft choices for the Packers.
- 2016: Kenny Clark, DT
- 2015: Damarious Randall, S
- 2014: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S
- 2013: Datone Jones, DE
- 2012: Nick Perry, LB
- 2011: Derek Sherrod, T
- 2010: Bryan Bulaga, T
- 2009: B.J. Raji, NT
- 2009: Clay Matthews, LB
- 2007: Justin Harrell, DT
- 2006: A.J. Hawk, LB
- 2005: Aaron Rodgers, QB
I’ve listed Randall as a safety, as that was his position in college (and still should be!).
According to the theory, the Packers should not have used a first-round choice on Kenny Clark, Damarious Randall, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Datone Jones, Nick Perry, Derek Sherrod, Bryan Bulaga, B.J. Raji, Justin Herrell or A.J. Hawk.
The only “extraordinary” exception I made was for Clay Matthews, who fit the description of an extraordinary pass rusher. Nick Perry did not merit that rating.
There you have it. Ten out of GM Thompson’s 13 choices did not meet my game-changer criteria due to the positions they played. Who have achieved the most success – who have turned out to be game-changers for the Packers?
It’s hard to argue with this list: Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. They just happen to be the two players who meet my criteria as being game-changers.
So, will Ted Thompson once again screw things up in a couple of months?