Packers: Ranking every first-round pick in Aaron Rodgers era
Since Aaron Rodgers became the Green Bay Packers‘ starting quarterback in 2008, the team has made 16 first-round picks.
In this article, I’ve ranked every one of them.
Green Bay didn’t make first-round picks in 2008 or 2017, but had two first-rounders in 2009, 2019, and 2022.
Here we go.
16. T Derek Sherrod (2011)
Sherrod suffered a significant injury in his rookie season and only started one game for the Packers.
15. DE Datone Jones (2013)
Spent four seasons in Green Bay, but only made nine sacks in the 59 games he played in the regular season.
14. DT Devonte Wyatt (2022)
Far too early to determine whether Wyatt is a good pick. He impressed in limited game time this season, but we need to see more. Stay tuned.
13. CB Damarious Randall (2015)
The Packers moved Randall from safety to corner but it never worked out. He was traded before the end of his rookie contract. Despite that, Randall was a turnover machine, making 10 interceptions with two touchdowns in 39 games.
12. QB Jordan Love (2020)
Love needs an opportunity. If he becomes the Packers’ next franchise quarterback, he’ll soon be near the top of these rankings.
11. CB Eric Stokes (2021)
Stokes impressed in his rookie season with 14 pass defenses. However, he allowed a passer rating of 123.5 this year, according to Pro Football Reference, before suffering a season-ending injury. Stokes has a ton of potential but enters an important third season in 2023.
10. LB Quay Walker (2022)
Too early to say with any certainty, but Walker showed potential in his rookie season. He led the Packers with 121 tackles, and he also forced three fumbles and defended seven passes.
9. EDGE Nick Perry (2012)
A solid pass rusher when healthy, Perry played in 81 games for the Packers and made 32 sacks. He made a career-best 11 sacks in 2016, but had four or fewer in five of his seven seasons.
8. S Darnell Savage (2019)
Savage has started 59 games for the Packers over four seasons. Played at an All-Pro level in the second half of 2020, but has been inconsistent since.
7. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (2014)
Clinton-Dix was an immediate starter in Green Bay’s defense. He made 14 interceptions in four seasons and was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2016, but he struggled to maintain that form. He was traded midway through the 2018 season.
6. EDGE Rashan Gary (2019)
Gary has become a star pass rusher for the Packers. He was on track for a career year in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury. Still only 25 years old, the best is yet to come.
5. T Bryan Bulaga (2010)
When healthy, Bulaga was one of the best right tackles in football, shutting down some star pass rushers. The Packers knew they could put him on an island and he’d be able to win one-on-one. Bulaga made 122 starts for the Packers.
4. DT Kenny Clark (2016)
Clark is a star on defense for the Packers. In seven seasons, he has made 26.5 sacks, 55 quarterback hits, and two Pro Bowls.
3. DT B.J. Raji (2009)
Raji starred in the Packers’ Super Bowl run, famously making a pick-six in the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears. A Pro Bowler in 2011, Raji made 11 sacks during his time in Green Bay.
2. CB Jaire Alexander (2018)
One of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Alexander is a two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, making 58 pass defenses and 10 interceptions in 64 regular-season games.
1. EDGE Clay Matthews (2009)
Without Matthews, the Packers wouldn’t have won a championship in 2010. A leader and dominant pass rusher, Matthews finished his legendary career in Green Bay with 83.5 sacks, 189 quarterback hits, six Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and a Super Bowl ring.