[tps_title]2. 1956[/tps_title]
This should go down as the finest moment of Lisle Blackbourn’s life. In 1956, he drafted two future Hall of Famers and basically laid part of the foundation for Lombardi’s dynasty.
In the second round, Blackbourn drafted one of the best tackles to ever play the game — Forrest Gregg. Nine Pro Bowls, seven-time first-team All Pro, enough said.
In the 17th round, the Packers added a quarterback named Bart Starr. Four Pro Bowls, one first-team All Pro, an NFL MVP, two Super Bowl MVPs and the play caller of Lombardi’s offense.
Also part of this class were tackle Bob Skoronski, who played 11 seasons in Green Bay and made one Pro Bowl, and defensive back Hank Greminger, who was a starter for most of his 11 seasons with the Packers.
All of the 50s drafts were the work of wonder boy jack vainisi.
You’re correct. That’s why he’s in the Packers Hall.
Were the drafts in the late 50’s and early 60’s that great, or were those players just lucky enough to play under Vince Lombardi?
How many of these guys go to the Hall of Fame without winning multiple championships under Lombardi?
I know Bart Starr, for one, never gets anywhere near the Hall until Lombardi walked through that door. Even a spectacular athlete like Herb Adderley probably never makes the Hall without being switched to CB under Lombardi.
I think a great case can be made that 2010 is Ted Thompson’s best draft. No Pro Bowls as of yet, and likely no Hall of Famers from this group. However, 7 picks (the least of any Thompson draft) and all 7 are still on the team. All 7 have started multiple games for the Packers, including 5 of the 7 being starters right now.
That wouldn’t be very impressive if the team wasn’t very good. However, the Packers have the best record in the NFL since these guys were drafted. They’ve won one Super Bowl, two division titles, and 5 playoff games in 3 seasons.