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Green Bay Packers: Top five draft classes under Ted Thompson

By Freddie Boston

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the third quarter at Levi
October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the third quarter at Levi /

No. 2: 2009

1 B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
2 Clay Matthews, LB, USC
4 T.J. Lang, OG, Eastern Michigan
5 Quinn Johnson, RB, Louisiana Tech
5 Jamon Meredith, T, South Carolina
6 Jarius Wynn, DE, Georgia
6 Brandon Underwood, DB, Cincinnati
7 Brad Jones, LB, Colorado

It’s still a little jarring to see B.J. Raji’s name not lit up in bold. His time in Green Bay came to an abrupt end when he announced his retirement (for one year at least) earlier this offseason. But we can’t forget his contributions to the defense over the years, particularly early on in his career. Raji’s pick-six in the NFC Championship Game at Chicago is one of the all-time great plays in my mind.

Then just look at the next two picks by the Packers. Clay Matthews is an All-Pro linebacker who is at his best when rushing off the edge, but he is a team player and became an excellent option inside when asked to do so.

T.J. Lang is another fine example of an offensive linemen picked up by Ted Thompson in the mid-rounds who turned out to be a rock. Lang, along with Sitton, still form the league’s best tandem at guard to this day.

Due to the top three picks of this draft, it is one of the best under Thompson.

Next: No. 1

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