Rookies

[Smidgeon]

I just have a couple quick questions for those who know their Packers history: When was the last time one of GB's first round picks looked this good in his first season? It seems that year in and year out GB drafts a talented player who doesn't make an immediate impact (read: few flashes during the first year), but this year we have 2 that are flashing more than rarely. When was the last time even one did that? How about the last time any rookie did that?

For reference, the first round draft picks from the last 30 years:

Year Pick Player Name Position
2009 9 B. J. Raji Defensive tackle
2009 26 Clay Matthews III Linebacker
2008 -- No pick --
2007 16 Justin Harrell Defensive tackle
2006 5 A. J. Hawk Linebacker
2005 24 Aaron Rodgers Quarterback
2004 25 Ahmad Carroll Cornerback
2003 29 Nick Barnett Linebacker
2002 20 Javon Walker Wide receiver
2001 10 Jamal Reynolds Defensive end
2000 14 Bubba Franks Tight end
1999 25 Antuan Edwards Safety
1998 19 Vonnie Holliday Defensive end
1997 30 Ross Verba Guard
1996 27 John Michels Offensive tackle
1995 32 Craig Newsome Cornerback
1994 16 Aaron Taylor Guard
1993 15 Wayne Simmons Linebacker
1993 29 George Teague Safety
1992 5 Terrell Buckley Cornerback
1991 19 Vinnie Clark Cornerback
1990 18 Tony Bennett Linebacker
1990 19 Darrell Thompson Running Back
1989 2 Tony Mandarich Offensive tackle
1988 7 Sterling Sharpe Wide receiver
1987 4 Brent Fullwood Running back
1986 -- No pick --
1985 7 Ken Ruettgers Offensive tackle
1984 12 Alphonso Carreker Defensive end
1983 11 Tim Lewis Cornerback
1982 22 Ron Hallstrom Guard
1981 6 Rich Campbell Quarterback
1980 4 Bruce Clark Defensive tackle
1980 26 George Cumby Linebacker

[ND72]

I just have a couple quick questions for those who know their Packers history: When was the last time one of GB's first round picks looked this good in his first season? It seems that year in and year out GB drafts a talented player who doesn't make an immediate impact (read: few flashes during the first year), but this year we have 2 that are flashing more than rarely. When was the last time even one did that? How about the last time any rookie did that?

For reference, the first round draft picks from the last 30 years:

Year Pick Player Name Position
2009 9 B. J. Raji Defensive tackle
2009 26 Clay Matthews III Linebacker
2008 -- No pick --
2007 16 Justin Harrell Defensive tackle
2006 5 A. J. Hawk Linebacker
2005 24 Aaron Rodgers Quarterback
2004 25 Ahmad Carroll Cornerback
2003 29 Nick Barnett Linebacker
2002 20 Javon Walker Wide receiver
2001 10 Jamal Reynolds Defensive end
2000 14 Bubba Franks Tight end
1999 25 Antuan Edwards Safety
1998 19 Vonnie Holliday Defensive end
1997 30 Ross Verba Guard
1996 27 John Michels Offensive tackle
1995 32 Craig Newsome Cornerback
1994 16 Aaron Taylor Guard
1993 15 Wayne Simmons Linebacker
1993 29 George Teague Safety
1992 5 Terrell Buckley Cornerback
1991 19 Vinnie Clark Cornerback
1990 18 Tony Bennett Linebacker
1990 19 Darrell Thompson Running Back
1989 2 Tony Mandarich Offensive tackle
1988 7 Sterling Sharpe Wide receiver
1987 4 Brent Fullwood Running back
1986 -- No pick --
1985 7 Ken Ruettgers Offensive tackle
1984 12 Alphonso Carreker Defensive end
1983 11 Tim Lewis Cornerback
1982 22 Ron Hallstrom Guard
1981 6 Rich Campbell Quarterback
1980 4 Bruce Clark Defensive tackle
1980 26 George Cumby Linebacker


Vonnie HOliday was a productive Rookie....BUT, Reggie White was the 1998 Defensive Player of the year. I have to say that I am excited with the 2 guys we got this year. Matthews looks like a future star in the making, and Raji is really starting to come on right now, and it's a great time to see him step up. The last 2 games I've seen Raji push some guys back, and read plays like a 10 year vetran DT does. Those 2 are some definate strong points in the start of our 3-4 future.

[Sparkey]

I just have a couple quick questions for those who know their Packers history: When was the last time one of GB's first round picks looked this good in his first season? It seems that year in and year out GB drafts a talented player who doesn't make an immediate impact (read: few flashes during the first year), but this year we have 2 that are flashing more than rarely. When was the last time even one did that? How about the last time any rookie did that?

For reference, the first round draft picks from the last 30 years:

Year Pick Player Name Position
2009 9 B. J. Raji Defensive tackle
2009 26 Clay Matthews III Linebacker
2008 -- No pick --
2007 16 Justin Harrell Defensive tackle
2006 5 A. J. Hawk Linebacker
2005 24 Aaron Rodgers Quarterback
2004 25 Ahmad Carroll Cornerback
2003 29 Nick Barnett Linebacker
2002 20 Javon Walker Wide receiver
2001 10 Jamal Reynolds Defensive end
2000 14 Bubba Franks Tight end
1999 25 Antuan Edwards Safety
1998 19 Vonnie Holliday Defensive end
1997 30 Ross Verba Guard
1996 27 John Michels Offensive tackle
1995 32 Craig Newsome Cornerback
1994 16 Aaron Taylor Guard
1993 15 Wayne Simmons Linebacker
1993 29 George Teague Safety
1992 5 Terrell Buckley Cornerback
1991 19 Vinnie Clark Cornerback
1990 18 Tony Bennett Linebacker
1990 19 Darrell Thompson Running Back
1989 2 Tony Mandarich Offensive tackle
1988 7 Sterling Sharpe Wide receiver
1987 4 Brent Fullwood Running back
1986 -- No pick --
1985 7 Ken Ruettgers Offensive tackle
1984 12 Alphonso Carreker Defensive end
1983 11 Tim Lewis Cornerback
1982 22 Ron Hallstrom Guard
1981 6 Rich Campbell Quarterback
1980 4 Bruce Clark Defensive tackle
1980 26 George Cumby Linebacker


I think Newsome was the most recent and he, in no way, had anywhere near the impact that Matthews has had.

You know, if you really look at this draft; Matthews is playing like a future star, Raji is starting too look like a beast on the line and even 7th rounder Jones is making a nice contribution. Really, an exceptional start for this years draft class.

[ND72]

I just have a couple quick questions for those who know their Packers history: When was the last time one of GB's first round picks looked this good in his first season? It seems that year in and year out GB drafts a talented player who doesn't make an immediate impact (read: few flashes during the first year), but this year we have 2 that are flashing more than rarely. When was the last time even one did that? How about the last time any rookie did that?

For reference, the first round draft picks from the last 30 years:

Year Pick Player Name Position
2009 9 B. J. Raji Defensive tackle
2009 26 Clay Matthews III Linebacker
2008 -- No pick --
2007 16 Justin Harrell Defensive tackle
2006 5 A. J. Hawk Linebacker
2005 24 Aaron Rodgers Quarterback
2004 25 Ahmad Carroll Cornerback
2003 29 Nick Barnett Linebacker
2002 20 Javon Walker Wide receiver
2001 10 Jamal Reynolds Defensive end
2000 14 Bubba Franks Tight end
1999 25 Antuan Edwards Safety
1998 19 Vonnie Holliday Defensive end
1997 30 Ross Verba Guard
1996 27 John Michels Offensive tackle
1995 32 Craig Newsome Cornerback
1994 16 Aaron Taylor Guard
1993 15 Wayne Simmons Linebacker
1993 29 George Teague Safety
1992 5 Terrell Buckley Cornerback
1991 19 Vinnie Clark Cornerback
1990 18 Tony Bennett Linebacker
1990 19 Darrell Thompson Running Back
1989 2 Tony Mandarich Offensive tackle
1988 7 Sterling Sharpe Wide receiver
1987 4 Brent Fullwood Running back
1986 -- No pick --
1985 7 Ken Ruettgers Offensive tackle
1984 12 Alphonso Carreker Defensive end
1983 11 Tim Lewis Cornerback
1982 22 Ron Hallstrom Guard
1981 6 Rich Campbell Quarterback
1980 4 Bruce Clark Defensive tackle
1980 26 George Cumby Linebacker


I think Newsome was the most recent and he, in no way, had anywhere near the impact that Matthews has had.

You know, if you really look at this draft; Matthews is playing like a future star, Raji is starting too look like a beast on the line and even 7th rounder Jones is making a nice contribution. Really, an exceptional start for this years draft class.

George Teague, Wayne Simmons, Aaron Taylor, and Craig Newsome. We had a couple real good picks there.

[Fritz]

Not sure about Teague. He really didn't last that long in Green Bay - he ended up in Dallas after only a few years. I'm not sure why.

Newsome was a very good pick - they plugged him into the starting line up right away, and he was solid and consistent there until he was injured.

Simmons was a beast but out of control so I don't know ho long he lasted. Aaron Taylor was a good player. John Michels - whiff. Ross Verba - average.

[Freak Out]

Holy shit....I remember the Cumby draft. :shock:

[red]

terrell buckly


man returned his first punt for a td didn't he? i think he also had an int in his first game

then he got injured after the game and never played again

[Patler]

I just have a couple quick questions for those who know their Packers history: When was the last time one of GB's first round picks looked this good in his first season? It seems that year in and year out GB drafts a talented player who doesn't make an immediate impact (read: few flashes during the first year), but this year we have 2 that are flashing more than rarely. When was the last time even one did that? How about the last time any rookie did that?


Any rookie or rookies?
Clifton and Tauscher came in and stabilized the two key O-line positions as rookies. Virtually unheard of for a team to have two rookie OT's start and play as well as they did. As big or bigger impacts than Mathews and Raji.

Two others that made huge first year impacts were a long time ago, with Willie Buchanon and Chester Marcol in 1972. Buchanon was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Marcol finished 2nd in the voting for offense. Marcol lead the NFL in scoring, with 128 points.

Others that come to mind from long ago: Brockington was R.O.Y, John Anderson just played very well. Mike Butler, Tim Lewis, Sterling Sharpe.

More recently, Jennings, Crosby, Collins and Barnett had pretty productive rookie years; showing very good potential. I would argue Hawk did too, but may have regressed in impact since then. For rookies, all played well.

[cheesner]

Of all these only Tim Lewis, to the best of my memory, looked like a potential superstar. Unfortunately he hurt his neck and never played again.

Matthews and to a lesser extent, Raji, both look like potential superstars.

[digitaldean]

terrell buckly


man returned his first punt for a td didn't he? i think he also had an int in his first game

then he got injured after the game and never played again

T-BUCK :crazy:

I still remember wanting to throw a brick through my buddy's TV when they passed on Troy Vincent!!!

About as bright as taking Rich Campbell over Ronnie Lott.