Key Takeaways:
– In 1996, the Green Bay Packers missed the chance to draft Ray Lewis during the NFL Draft, Eliot Wolf discloses
– Ray Lewis was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens one pick before the Packers’ turn
– Eliot Wolf, former Packers director, remembers the disappointment of that draft day
– Drafting opportunities missed by the Packers includes superstar T.J. Watt in 2017 NFL Draft
– The Packers also lost the chance to trade for stars including Marshawn Lynch and Randy Moss
Green Bay Packers Almost Signed Ray Lewis
A recent revelation confirms that the Green Bay Packers fell short in drafting football legend Ray Lewis in the 1996 NFL Draft. The disclosure came from an interview conducted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter with the Packers’ ex-director, Eliot Wolf.
The Unlucky Packers Day
The scenario unfolded during the 1996 NFL Draft when the Packers had their sights on linebacker Ray Lewis. They were already in talks with him over the phone, gearing up to pick him as pack number 27. However, the Baltimore Ravens stole the thunder by selecting Lewis at No. 26. Wolf, who was present in the Packers’ boardroom, recalls the intense disappointment that ensued.
The Packers’ Draft Mishaps
The Packers’ dearth of star linebackers in modern times is no secret. Their fortunes could have taken a different turn had they managed to secure Lewis in their squad. Alas, the team’s missed opportunities don’t end with Lewis.
Notable draft mishaps include their preference for Kevin King over T.J. Watt in the 2017 NFL Draft. Instead of opting for the Pittsburgh Steelers sensation, the Packers traded back to secure King. Other recent instances include choosing Darnell Savage over A.J. Brown, and Josh Myers instead of Creed Humphrey.
Aiming for Blockbuster Trades
Even as the Packers faltered on their draft choices, they also missed the chance of some significant trades. During their 2010 Super Bowl season, they nearly secured a trade for Buffalo Bills’ running back Marshawn Lynch in exchange for their own A.J. Hawk. An eventual deal with Minnesota Vikings’ star Randy Moss also fell through when the New England Patriots unexpectedly jumped in.
Ray Lewis’ Hall of Fame Career
Lewis’s career testifies to the huge missed opportunity for the Packers. Undoubtedly one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, the player emerged as an all-time steal for the Ravens. Despite doubts about his size at the NFL level, Lewis proved his mettle.
Surpassing the concerns, Lewis broke records with 156 solo tackles in his sophomore season. The Ravens stalwart spearheaded the NFL tackles three times, was twice named the Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls. He was also a 13-time Pro Bowler and 10-time All-Pro. As such, Lewis’s exemplary career’s legacy, despite its fair share of controversy, remains unsurpassed.
Therefore, a tumultuous mixture of miss-outs and near-successes has characterized the Packers’ history unevenly. Having lost on multiple golden opportunities including the addition of Lewis, they hold a track record that its fans may find hard to swallow.