Packer Draft 1978

[smuggler]

When 2 guys are similarly ranked, take the need. When there's a significant difference, take the higher ranked guy.

[pbmax]

When 2 guys are similarly ranked, take the need. When there's a significant difference, take the higher ranked guy.

Or if you are Ted and its more than two players, or they play the same position, you trade down (eg. Montee Ball and Eddie Lacy).

[gbgary]

When 2 guys are similarly ranked, take the need. When there's a significant difference, take the higher ranked guy.

this...unless the need is so glaring...like safety this year.

[Iron Mike]

Mike Hunt (gee, sorry about that name, son!) might have been something if he hadn't gotten hurt.

[Carolina_Packer]

Yeah, it was a good draft, though trading Pureifoy wasn't so hot, nor was losing your fourth rounder. Anderson was very solid, Douglass very good, Lofton great.

I am amazed, though, at how thoroughly the Packers drafted for need. I wonder if that was the general practice in the NFL in those days, or if that's why the Pack sucked so thoroughly in those days? Well, okay, why they were so thoroughly mediocre.

I realize the example I'm bringing up is 3 years later, but my ultimate example of drafting for (perceived) need is Rich Campbell, QB from Cal. They already had Lynn Dickey, who granted was 32, but went on to have some very productive seasons after. They drafted David Whitehurst in the 8th round in 1977 and he had an OK season in his second year when the team had an exciting (for the Packer times) season along with Terdell Middleton having a thousand yard rushing season. When Whitehurst didn't really develop after that and Dickey had injury concerns (always) and the 1980 season was rough, I think Starr though he needed to make a splash by picking a QB. It was a complete reach.

http://www.mynfldraft.com/1981 It's sad to see that two picks later in this draft that the Niners got Ronnie Lott. Think of how fun the Packers offenses were in the early 80's and how brutal the defenses were. Ronnie Lott would have looked awesome in a Packers uniform, and provided some much needed leadership and swagger to the defense. Rich Campbell? Really? Really? Bart, I hope you didn't hurt your shoulder with that reach.

Look at some of the other guys who could have been drafted instead of Campbell in 1981. That is why you do not overdraft a QB just because you need one, or think you do. Lynn Dickey, as it played out, was more than capable of holding down the fort for the next few years, and you draft a development QB later, or in 1982. Ah history.