Packers: Many of Ted Thompson’s draft picks key to this year’s success

Ted Thompson had an incredible career with the Green Bay Packers, helping build a Super Bowl roster and many others that came close.

On Thursday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the incredibly sad news that Thompson has passed away.

Thompson made a huge impact in Green Bay, one that is still felt today, three years after he stepped away from the GM role.

His first draft pick was one of the best in franchise history, selecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round. Picking Rodgers helped make the Packers one of the most consistent teams in the league.

But it’s not just Rodgers who is still one of the most important players on this roster.

As the Packers prepare for their second straight NFC Championship Game and fourth since the 2014 season, take one look at the roster and you’ll see many of the biggest contributors were drafted by Thompson.

Rodgers. Aaron Jones. Davante Adams. David Bakhtiari. Corey Linsley. Kenny Clark. Mason Crosby. Jamaal Williams.

This season, four of those players are first-team All-Pros. Four of them are Pro Bowlers.

Thompson was consistently one of the best drafters in the league. Star players like Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, Bryan Bulaga, James Jones, among many others, all helped the Packers win a lot of football games.

By building through the draft, he was able to ensure the Packers’ salary cap remained in a strong position.

With Thompson as GM, the Packers would win a Super Bowl and make the playoffs nine times in 13 seasons. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2019.

It’s awful news to hear that Thompson has passed away. He will be remembered for his contributions to this team over the years, and the impact of his great draft picks is still being felt today as the Packers prepare for the NFC Championship Game.

Thank you, Ted Thompson.