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Green Bay Packers: 5 worst NFL Draft picks of all-time

By Josh Criswell

Aug 9, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the sideline during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the sideline during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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24 Sep 1989: Offensive lineman Tony Mandarich of the Green Bay Packers in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Rams won the game, 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport
24 Sep 1989: Offensive lineman Tony Mandarich of the Green Bay Packers in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Rams won the game, 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport /

1. Tony Mandarich (1989: first round, 2nd overall)

Whether it was the hype, the disappointment, the wasted potential or a combination of all three, there really is only one option when it comes to the worst NFL Draft pick in Green Bay Packers history: Tony Mandarich.

When Green Bay selected Mandarich with the second overall pick in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, all signs pointed toward the organization having found a potential All-Pro offensive tackle to anchor the offensive line for years to come.

Coming out of Michigan State, the hype surrounding Mandarich was unreal, and by every indication, he was poised to become the next dominant offensive lineman in the NFL. Michigan State head coach George Perles, who was a defensive coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers for four Super Bowl championships in the 1970’s, glowed when asked about the potential of his star offensive lineman.

"“As a junior he could have started on any of our Super Bowl teams,” Perles told Sports Illustrated prior to the 1989 draft. “He may be the best offensive tackle ever. He’s certainly the best since the game changed the blocking rules. Before that, you had to play without your arms, and it didn’t matter how strong your bench press was. He’s faster than any offensive lineman in pro football. There’s probably nobody faster in the world at his weight. This is a different player. We’ll never have another.”"

Unfortunately for the Packers and Mandarich, he never came close to living up to his potential.

Mandarich lasted just three years in Green Bay and was cut following the 1991 season, as a poor attitude and questionable work ethic amplified shortcomings on the playing field. Steroids played a major role in how the 6-foot-5, 311-pound offensive lineman was able to overpower the opposition at the college level, and drug and alcohol addiction played a heavy factor in his demise.

After getting sober in the mid-1990’s, Mandarich found a second chance with the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he enjoyed two productive season before retiring in 1998.

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