Analyzing Packers General Manager Ted Thompson’s Draft Success

Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past eight weeks I have been reviewing Ted Thompson’s previous NFL drafts with the Green Bay Packers, beginning with his first in 2005. The conclusion I have reached is, although flippin’ awesome, Ted Thompson has a really difficult job.

He has drafted 75 players during his time with the Packers. In my opinion, based on my look-see analysis nearly 65 percent of the players selected managed to stick around at least two years and make reasonable on-field contributions. To make a baseball comparison of Thompson’s draft success, he hits for a high average, with a lot of doubles, and has home run power that keeps the pitcher honest. That’s a guy you want on your team. He’s going to win you games and you can depend on him.

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Thompson’s first five first round draft picks – not counting 2008 because the Packers’ first pick was in the second round, Jordy Nelson – were really solid. One MVP quarterback, one bust and three intricate pieces to either the offense or the defense.

As for the two most recent, it is too early to tell. Thus far it is a tough call. Both Derek Sherrod and Nick Perry have had their seasons cut short by injury. But they both still have the potential and opportunity to develop into solid players.

One could argue that Thompson’s worst draft class was his first, in 2005. You could also contend that it was his best. Aaron Rodgers was an obvious home run and Packers Nation may not have celebrated Super Bowl XLV without Nick Collins. But other than those two guys it’s pretty slim pickings. Brady Poppinga is the next note-worthy player to emerge from the 2005 draft.

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Thompson’s most consistent draft of his eight is the 2010 draft class.

All seven players selected are still on the team and each of them have made reasonably significant on-field contributions. The knock on this class might be that there have been no stars who have emerged and there is a decent chance that none do.

Many of these guys do have the ability for Pro Bowl seasons, but health has also been a concern for many of these players.

With the past behind and the 2013 draft in front of the Packers it is safe to assume that five of the Packers eight picks will make the team.

Continuing with the seasonally appropriate baseball analogy, it’s possible there might be a home run in the bunch, but it’s likely there will be a lot of doubles and a couple of singles.

However they drop, it will be exciting because the 2013 season is on the horizon.

Below is every draft pick of the Packers under Thompson’s regime. This is provided by NFL.com.

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