The Packers Drafts from 1990–1999

1990

Welcome to the ’90s, sports fans! The Pack was feeling back after a super encouraging 1989 season. Lindy Infante was definitely back for a third season, Bob Harlan was now president and Tom Braatz and company would have their best draft to date, though they didn’t hit on either of their two first round pick, which had to have stung.

With the 18th pick of the draft, they took linebacker Tony Bennett from Mississippi. Bennett played four seasons in Green Bay, a total of 56 out of a possible 64 games and the man racked up 36 sacks — there are only six other Packers who tallied more sacks than Bennett. Not bad. But not great. With the next pick they drafted Darrell Thompson, running back from Minnesota (Chip Lohmiller’s alma mater). Here’s the bummer. Emmitt Smith was drafted with the pick before the Packers took those two guys.

During his five seasons Darrell Thompson gained 1,640 yards rushing, 330 yards receiving, and scored 8 touchdowns. In 15 seasons in the league, Emmitt Smith gained 18,355 rushing yards, 3,224 receiving yards and 175 total touchdowns. Now, granted, I don’t know if Smith would’ve put up those numbers behind Green Bay’s o-line — and while playing half his games in Green Bay instead of Texas. But, the gap between the two is so wide it’s hard to ignore the thought. If only Smith fell. If only Braatz traded up…