History of the Packers 28th Pick

The Packers have the 28th pick in the 2022 NFL draft (assuming they don’t trade it). If history is any indication, they will use the pick on a defensive player. The Packers have picked 28th on five different occasions and have selected a defensive lineman twice, a defensive back twice, and a guard. Let’s take a look at who they have drafted in that slot as well as other notable 28th picks from around the league.

Nick Perry – Defensive End (2012)

The last time they picked 28th was in 2012 when they selected Nick Perry, a defensive lineman/linebacker out of USC. He had an underwhelming career, in part due to his inability to stay healthy. In seven years with the team, he only played in 10 or more games twice. In his healthiest year (2016) he did have 11 sacks but that was the exception rather than the norm. His 32 sacks are tied for 15th all time in Packers history.

Ezra Johnson – Defensive End (1977)

Ezra Johnson played with the Packers for 11 years and had a very solid career. Although he played part of his career before sacks became an official stat, his unofficial total is 82 sacks with the Packers which is 3rd all time in team history.

Tom Brown – DB (1963)

Tom Brown was a 2nd round pick in 1963 but was the 28th overall pick. He played during the Lombardi years (1963-1968) and started 58 games during that time while also being a punt and kickoff returner. He had one interception in the 1966 NFL Championship game against the Cowboys which would send the Packers to Super Bowl I. He also had an interception in the 1967 divisional round game against the Rams which would send the Packers to the Ice Bowl and eventually Super Bowl II.

Ed Blaine – G (1962)

A year before selecting Tom Brown, the Packers took Ed Blaine with the same pick in the 1962 draft. He was also drafted by the  New York Titans (now Jets) with the 29th pick in the AFL draft the same year. He only played one season in Green Bay before being traded to Philadelphia. He was on the 1962 NFL Championship team.

Bobby DIllon – DB (1952)

We saved the best for last. Bobby Dillon was selected in the 3rd round – 28th overall in the 1952 draft. He played eight years in Green Bay and was selected All-Pro 4 times. He had 52 career interceptions – which is still first overall in team history – and 5 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Other Notable 28th Overall Picks

• Marcedes Lewis – TE  (2006)
• Derrick Brooks – LB (1995)
• Darrell Green – DB (1983)