Back in 2008, Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm, who many considered the best quarterback in the draft, slipped to the Green Bay Packers in the second round. Ted Thompson pounced, setting up what could have been a competition between Aaron Rodgers and Brohm.
As you will probably recall, Brett Favre had “retired” and Rodgers hadn’t yet started a game.
Brohm was coming off a senior season in which he threw for 4,024 yards and 30 touchdowns.
What did the talking heads have to say?
Merril Hoge: “I do like Brohm better than Aaron Rodgers with where Rodgers is right now in his career.”
Toddy McShay: “I honestly think Brian Brohm, two years from now, could be the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. It would not shock me at all… I think Brian Brohm’s upside is greater than that of Aaron Rodgers.”
Brian Brohm looked shellshocked at the speed of the NFL game during his first preseason.
He was kept on the roster in 2008, but the second-string job was handed to seventh-round pick Matt Flynn, who clearly outplayed Brohm that preseason.
In 2009, the Brohm was again horrible in the preseason. The Packers cut him, put him on the practice squad and he was claimed by the Buffalo Bills. Brohm never threw a pass for the Packers, spent one season as a third-string QB and then was released the following training camp, something unheard of for a second-round pick in his second season.
Brohm lasted two years in Buffalo, played in three games, threw for 252 yards, no touchdowns and five interceptions.
Fortunately, Aaron Rodgers turned out to be okay.