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3 Biggest NFL Draft Mistakes in Green Bay Packers History

By Scott Rogust

The three biggest NFL Draft mistakes in Packers history.
The three biggest NFL Draft mistakes in Packers history. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers realize that their championship window is closing, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers reaching the twilight of his NFL career. The team didn't really put itself over the edge in free agency this year, but they have the opportunity to do so in the NFL Draft.

But let's hope the Packers don't make mistakes, like these we've seen in years past. They certainly can't afford to do so in 2020.

3. OT Tony Mandarich (1989)

Tony Mandarich was an all-time bust for the Packers.
Tony Mandarich was an all-time bust for the Packers. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Back in 1988, the Packers were a dreadful football team and were so close to securing the first overall pick to select UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman. Instead, they just missed out and watched the Dallas Cowboys secure the franchise QB. So, with the second overall pick, the Packers selected offensive tackle Tony Mandarich, who was known for his impressive physique. As it turns out, that didn't help him when it came to blocking oncoming defenders. Mandarich admitted to steroid use and only went onto become an adequate right tackle ... with the Indianapolis Colts. What makes this pick worse for Green Bay is that they passed up on future Hall of Famers in Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders. Yikes.

2. DE Jamal Reynolds (2001)

'Too Small' Jamal Reynolds was too small for the NFL. Who knew?
'Too Small' Jamal Reynolds was too small for the NFL. Who knew? / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Back in 2001, the Packers were enamored with Florida State defensive end Jamal Reynolds. So much, in fact, that they traded away quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to the Seattle Seahawks in order to swap first-round picks. "Too Small" Jamal was known for being undersized for his position, but he made up for it with his quickness. But that didn't prove to be the case in the NFL. Reynolds never started a game for the Packers and only secured 16 tackles and three sacks before never recording another snap in the league. That's terrible for a top-10 draft pick. As for the Seahawks? They used the 17th overall pick to draft future Hall of Fame guard Steve Hutchinson.

1. DT Justin Harrell (2007)

Justin Harrell was such a hated pick from the get-go by fans, and as it turns out, they were correct in their assessment.
Justin Harrell was such a hated pick from the get-go by fans, and as it turns out, they were correct in their assessment. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

This move was immediately hated by Packer faithful. Justin Harrell entered the draft process coming off torn biceps. Even so, then-general manager Ted Thompson selected the Tennessee defensive tackle with the 16th overall pick, which was instantly greeted with boos. Turns out, the fans were right about this one. Harrell showed up to OTAs out of shape that year and was limited by various injuries throughout his NFL career. Harrell played in just 14 games and recorded 27 tackles and zero sacks. The Packers released him in 2011 and he never played in the league again.