Packers: Top five wide receivers in franchise history
By Jesse Fry
5. Jordy Nelson
When Jordy Nelson was drafted in 2008, it was seen as more of a luxury pick than a need. The Packers already had Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones.
What he ended up becoming was one of Ted Thompson’s second-round gems at wide receiver. Just two years prior, Thompson found another second-round steal in Jennings who also has a very good case to be in this spot (the tiebreaker went to Nelson because of more time in uniform and better stats).
Nelson formed a bond with Rodgers no other receiver has had. Nelson knew where to be, when to be there, and would almost always make the catch.
Nelson was a smooth route runner and had sneaky speed to get past defenders. Nelson made a living off beating defenders deep, making every route look the same before exploding past them for big gains. He was also the consummate pro and was all about team success and had no problem moving around the field to help others out.
Nelson ended his Packers career with 550 receptions for 7,848 and 69 touchdowns and is number five on the Packers all-time receiving leaders.
If not for missing an entire season because of a knee injury, there is little doubt Nelson would be higher on this list.