Number Five Is Alive » Brats & Beer

January 6, 2006
posted under: NFL Draft, Packers

It’s official now that Green Bay will have the fifth pick in the 2006 NFL Draft for the first time since 1992. I know there are those out there who are disappointed the Packers won’t be the first to the podium, but holding the five spot hasn’t been so bad in recent years. Don’t believe me? Perhaps you’ve heard of former Auburn running back Carnell Williams, the fifth pick in 2005 who provided a much needed spark this season for the Buccaneers. Or maybe LaDanian Tomlinson? Yes, the current L.T. was taken by San Diego with a fifth pick in 2001 and rushed for 1,236 yards his rookie year.

What about defensive players, you say? Sean Taylor went to Washington with a fifth pick in 2004. The former Hurricane safety had four interceptions and forced two fumbles in his rookie season. The year before that, Dallas took corner Terence Newman with a number five pick, who turned out to be a solid performer with 11 picks over the last three seasons.

There have been some busts, of course. The Bears taking Curtis Enis comes to mind. Bryant Westbrook had a decent enough rookie year at Detroit, but hardly did anything beyond that (and practically nothing when he got to Green Bay). And then there was Kerry Collins. Sure he went to the Super Bowl with the Giants, but not before imploding with the Panthers.

So don’t fret too badly, Packer Nation. The fifth pick should serve us well.