Packers Have Done Well with the 29th Overall Pick in the First Round

The Green Bay Packers have the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Packers have selected 29th overall in the first round twice before and they had success with both of those picks.

Here is a look back at the two players the Packers selected with the 29th pick of the first round in their history:

LB Nick Barnett, 2003

The Packers selected Oregon State’s Nick Barnett with the 29th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. Barnett stepped in and became the starting middle linebacker as a rookie and led the team with 112 total tackles.

Barnett made his first career NFL interception in his second pro game, picking off Detroit’s Joey Harrington in the Packers 31-6 home win over the Lions.

Barnett never made the Pro Bowl, but he did play at a consistently high level for the Packers during his eight-year tenure with the team. He recorded more than 100 tackles in a season six times and only failed to reach that mark when his seasons were cut short by injuries.

Teammate Brady Poppinga felt that Barnett deserved to go to the Pro Bowl after the 2007 campaign. “In my opinion, he’s probably the best linebacker in the NFL this year,” Poppinga said.

Head coach Mike McCarthy also appreciated Barnett’s contributions to the defense. “I can't say enough positive things about Nick,” McCarthy told reporters. “You can make the case that he's the most consistent player on our defense, also. He puts up the numbers week in and week out. I love the energy that he brings to practice. Nick Barnett is a big part of our success.”

In 2005, Barnett picked off a pass by Todd Bouman of the Saints and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest pick-six of the season in the NFL and was part of Green Bay’s 52-3 rout of New Orleans.

Barnett was a versatile player who provided the Packers with leadership. He recorded 20.5 sacks during his time with the Packers and intercepted nine passes. He also forced six fumbles and recovered seven.

He was injured early in the 2010 season and was on the injured reserve when the Packers won Super Bowl XLV.

The Packers released him before the 2011 season and Barnett played two seasons with the Bills and one with the Redskins before retiring after the 2013 season.

S George Teague, 1993

In 1993, the Packers selected safety George Teague out of Alabama with the 29th overall pick. They had already selected linebacker Wayne Simmons with the 15th pick earlier that day.

Teague stepped in and became a contributor as a rookie. He started 12 games for the Packers in 1993 and the Pack qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 11 years that season. Teague recorded his first career NFL interception in the Packers playoff-clinching 28-0 win over the Los Angeles Raiders in the season’s next to last game. Like Barnett, Teague was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team after his first NFL season.

In the playoffs, Teague made his biggest play in a Packers uniform. The Packers were trailing 17-14 and the Lions were deep in Green Bay territory and to extend their lead in the third quarter. Lions quarterback Erik Kramer threw a pass towards Ty Hallock in the end zone but Teague picked it off and returned it 101 yards for a touchdown that put the Packers ahead 21-17. It was the longest interception return for a touchdown in NFL history and gave the Packers a 14-point swing.

“I don’t know if you saw me running down the sideline with him,” Packers head coach Mike Holmgren said after the game. “That was a big, big play, maybe the play of the game.”

Teague played three seasons with the Packers and remained a starter in each of those campaigns. He came up with another big playoff interception in 1995, intercepting Jeff George of the Falcons in the game’s first possession in the Packers 37-20 win over the Falcons.

Teague played nine seasons in the NFL, spending five years with Dallas and one with Miami before retiring after the 2001 season.

He intercepted six passes in three years with the Packers and recovered three fumbles. He developed into a solid NFL safety and was part of the Packers road to success in the mid-90s even though he left the team the season before they won Super Bowl XXXI.

Today, Teague is coaching high school football in Texas.

Both Barnett and Teague were solid first-round picks by the Packers who went on to productive NFL careers and helped the Packers have playoff success.

How will the Packers do with the 29th overall pick in 2021? Will they hold on to that pick or will Brian Gutekunst make a trade up to select a specific player or trade back to get more picks? We will all find out Thursday night but thus far, the Packers have done well when using the 29th pick in the first round of the draft.

 

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Comments (46)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
splitpea1's picture

April 24, 2021 at 01:49 pm

We didn't pick him, but Ryan Pickett was selected in this slot. However, the last couple picks of the first round from the past two decades haven't yielded much in the way of notable defensive tackles; Pickett and Malcolm Brown are the cream of the crop(s). It's a good thing we drafted K. Clark at 27 and re-signed him--or else we'd really be hurting inside!

We'll soon find out, but I think the Packers either stay put or maneuver slightly to take one of the prize CB prospects, which isn't a bad idea as long as isn't a big move up.

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Turophile's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:14 am

I'm looking for a double down on defensive linemen.

Yeah, I know it is a poor year for them, but while there are few good D linemen there are some. I'd be up for taking Levi Onwuzurike in round one AND Tommy Togiai in round 2.

Add those two to Clark and with Keke to help spell guys, and the Packers should (finally) have a decent D line. Of course there is never a guarantee with drafted players, it's all projection at this point.

Doubling down on D linemen means leaving other positions until later, but there ARE some good CB's (ie ones that I like) to be had after round 2 and even OTs like Little or Christensen can be there.

The bottom line is this. Do you think a double down on the D line makes you a better team in the future, than, going with the first two picks at WR, CB, OT, or even LB. I like the idea of a good D line helping the pass rush of the Smiths and Gary, plus making it easier for CBs to do their job.

As for the history of that pick, well it's meaningless, imo. It's what they do with THIS pick that matters, even assuming they stay at #29, which I think they do, while many others do not.

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splitpea1's picture

April 25, 2021 at 11:28 am

I would love to see them double down, but in Rounds 2-4. I like the versatility of the two USC guys, Tufele and Tuipulotu. However, I'm not sure Gute is going to wait that long for a CB. If King gets injured, we're going to need somebody ready to step right in, because the coaching staff may not have enough confidence in anyone else on the current roster.

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Turophile's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:10 pm

I'd be happy to see the Packers take Paulson Adebo, Trill Williams, Shakur Brown or Tay Gowan, who, depending on the player, will go in the 3rd to 6th rounds.

I wouldn't expect King to get injured, but they will deal with it if they have to. It just means a rookie gets to see the field earlier. Is it a risk, yes it is, but so is not drafting a DL early. It's all about weighing the risk. Not drafting an OT early can be a risk with Bakhtiari re-habbing an ACL, same with avoiding an early WR, if Adams gets injured.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:57 pm

I doubt the Packers pick two IDLs with their first two picks in a draft where that position is so thin. They are very likely to pick one on Day 3 and possibly in the first two days of the draft but it has not been a position that the team has prioritized in recent years. We'll see. Hopefully, they do upgrade the position. Thanks for the comment, Turophile.

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Turophile's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:13 pm

Yeah, its a poor year for the DL. BUT, the Packers are situated quite nicely for where a couple of the better prospects fall, so never say never :)

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:55 pm

I think both of those are possible although the trading to grab the CB he wants is more consistent with Gute's approach so far in his first three drafts. Thanks for the comment, splitpea1.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 04:17 pm

Hi Gil, you gotta admit, Gutey has done pretty darn well selecting DBs, and, with this years' CB class, i feel quite confident he'll pick 1 good one (meaning will see the field/contribute) and one developmental. Look, i hope between Gray and the new DC, they can harness something out of Josh Jackson-this is his last year if he doesn't get on the field...release him and possibly get a comp DP out of it. Don't be surprised if he picks Holland, as he appears to be a fine star position player, which is where GB is weak. I'd love both Newsome & Holland and then we'd be cook'n. Not in the cards though, i'd love @ least 1 of them!!

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PhantomII's picture

April 24, 2021 at 08:23 pm

Barnett was decent LB, but I can't help and remember 4th and 26 against the Eagles and him not staying with his man. Probably why I despise players out of position and soft coverage use so vehemently (Pettine). Any of these:

@ #29: Onwuzurike DT / Collins LB / R. Moore WR / E. Moore WR / Marshall WR / Campbell CB

(TRADE) Pick #25: Newsome II CB / Samuel CB / Stokes CB /Barmore DL / Bateman WR / Etienne RB / Tucker OT / Jenkins OT / Darrisaw OT

(TRADE) Pick #21: Paye Edge / Surtain II CB / Horn CB / Moerhing S / Koramoah ILB-S / Toney WR

I can't help but envision Etienne-Jones-Dillon on the field in ML illusion of complexity: one or both quick RB's
to slot locations and then throwing it to one of them with their speed or Dillon running it up the middle. Pick
your poison. He could replace Jones in a couple years also.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Sherman called for zone. Donatelle was dialing up for pressure. More Sharper's fault than Barnett. That game was decided by Sherman's gutless decision to not go for the fourth and one running play with the best Offensive line in the NFL that season. Larry Beightol was ready to put a hit on him.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:02 pm

That 4th and 26 is such a bad memory. Feels like it was only yesterday. The players you listed at each of those spots, trading up or staying put, are all realistic. We shall see how Gute handles the draft. Thanks for the comment, PhantomII.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 04:26 pm

Phantom: concur with trading up for Newsome or Jenkins. Have a funny feeling though, both positions are heavy with talent this year; if you could get either one of these 2 players by trading up in the 2nd round (somehow), i'd love it. I don't see either player sliding into the second though.

Barnett was a better value than Hawk, no doubt about it. Had a better career overall than ole run up-field AJ. Once AJ left GB, na-da but Nick played well for the Bills in his twilight.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 24, 2021 at 03:18 pm

Fond memories of Barnett and Teague - 2 fine players. This draft is particularly intriguing because of the wealth at OT, CB and WR - meaning that even at 29 the Packers will have an opportunity to select a blue chip player - capable of contributing in their first year. I have little certainty of what Gutekunst will do with #29 or whom he'll select. Almost anything seems possible this year, but, at the very least, it should be a compelling and entertaining 3 days.

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Slim11's picture

April 24, 2021 at 06:30 pm

I met Teague at a fundraiser in Texas several years ago.. He was my nephew’s coach at Carrollton Christian Academy.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:03 pm

Agreed, Alberta_Packer. It's good that the areas this draft is deep in like OT, CB and WR, match up well with some of the Packers biggest needs. Thanks as always for commenting.

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mnbadger's picture

April 25, 2021 at 07:32 am

both players were solid NFL performers, but neither were game changers. We should expect the same at 29 this year. GPG

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:05 pm

That's reasonable, mnbadger. I'm sure most fans would be happy with a player who is a solid starter for 5-6 years with the 29th overall pick, especially on a team that is a contender and may not need much to get them to a title. Thanks for commenting.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 04:41 pm

we really don't know that, but it's likely. A brilliant move (one of his only really good 1st round draft moves by TT, besides maybe Jordie & Devante in the second, was CM3. Chosen 26th, TT traded up for him as GB created 2 first round picks in 2009. It was well worth it!!! I'm not trying to hate TT, i just think Gutey has done better thus far, AND, that includes his free agency moves.

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mnbadger's picture

April 25, 2021 at 07:32 am

both players were solid NFL performers, but neither were game changers. We should expect the same at 29 this year. GPG

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Savage57's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:13 am

I'm trying to find some shred of meaningfulness in comparing the 29th player selected from drafts in '93 and '03, with who might be there in '21, how they're rated, the Packers board, etc., and I just can't.

What am I missing?

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:06 pm

Just basically a look back for historical context. Obviously a lot of things are different now. Hopefully, Gute makes a good pick this year. Thanks for the comment, Savage57.

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Roadrunner23's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:21 am

Just get someone good at #29 no matter the position BPA Gutey BPA

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:08 pm

BPA is usually the safe way to go. There are many players that could help the team at 29...but what if the BPA is a quarterback? Just asking. Thanks for commenting, nostradanus.

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Stroh's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:59 pm

You just described why they drafted Love last year. It's highly likely he was the last player with a 1st grade. Just as Rodgers was. Otherwise he wouldn't trade up for him.

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4zone's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:51 am

We could use the next Randall Cobb. Something we've been missing for a long time. You always need at both lines and could use another corner. We have a good team where DL, CB and WR could use some upgrades but shoot we were close last year. We've been in the hunt year after year in GB which shows just how good this organization is built.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:09 pm

I agree the team is well built and not enough people give Gute and Ted Thompson credit for that. As for the next Cobb, I'd love to see a WR with a different body type and skill set and someone who can play in the slot fits the bill. They may choose to go that route in the second or third round but we'll see. Thanks for the comment, 4zone.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 04:46 pm

So right!!! Love GB organization and how they roll, but also particularly how they assess players to draft. GB known for not picking problem players, even if they are available. For me, i can't stress this enough....Gutey calls it, "how they are wired".. Americas' true team!

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HarryHodag's picture

April 25, 2021 at 08:58 am

A helpful link to give some perspective on the draft can be found at the GB Packers website:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/draft.htm

It gives me an opportunity to list whether players drafted were a 'hit', 'miss', or unknown.

I gave players a 'hit' if they were good players for the Packers and left for other teams.

I think Gute has 'hit' far more than 'missed'. That is one reason why the team has a positive record under Gute/LaFleur.

I'm confident the Packers will have a good draft.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:10 pm

I think he has hit more than missed as well. And remember even the best GMs hit on about 50 percent of their picks. Thanks for the commennt, HarryHodag. Hoping for the best in this year's draft.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 04:55 pm

amen! And, i'd add: what's there not to like with MLF going 26-6 and 11-1? Just to remind some fans that think this phenomenal first time HC hasn't been a home run. And, who doesn't like the way he's created the new locker room attitude and week to week 0-0 reset approach?! I love what MLF has done and he consistently gives his players so much credit but he needs to be given credit as having created big success after MM became complacent. How'd you like 'them Cowboys' ???????

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Stroh's picture

April 25, 2021 at 09:10 pm

LaFleur has certainly been a quality hire. I'd stop short of phenomenal because he's been thoroughly out coached in both NFCCG and a couple other big regular season games.

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stockholder's picture

April 25, 2021 at 09:33 am

The packers have done well. But this is the year to trade Down. I'd much rather have 2 for 1 this year. Why? The OTs have flaws. And I think Liam Eichenberg is the most sound Tech. among the OTs. CB.- Trading up for Newsome just doesn't work. His equals will be Kelvin Joseph, Adebo, and Kary Vincent for the slot. And I just don't think any of them will compare to Alexander. So why not get the extra top 100 player? I believe the Packers could cheat themselves staying at 29, ( for a OT and CB.) And they surely won't start.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:23 pm

Joseph will have to be had at #29. He is moving up boards. I liked him, especially as he can glue to a wide and covered the "Bama guys soundly. 4.38 at his Pro Day, better CB than Newsome. The V-tech guy is damaged goods, don't go there.

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stockholder's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm

I have Joseph later. His tackling ability needs to be better. Also his make -up speed is questionable at times. 1 scout says he can be to relaxed.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:15 pm

He may be there at 29 but I wonder if Gute stays at 29. He always makes a first round trade, sometimes more than one. Will be a very interesting draft this year. Thanks for the comment, jannesbjornson.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:12 pm

There are several good arguments for trading up and trading down. Gute usually makes some kind of trade, but obviously a lot will depend on how the board falls. Thanks for the comment, stockholder, always good to hear from you.

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hobowilly's picture

April 25, 2021 at 05:04 pm

We shall see my friend. You may disagree, but i have faith in Gutey (needless to say he has the experience to do the right thing and has supplanted TT quite well); Further, i can't agree more, "the packers have done well" and i'd point to their GM selection, and then hit a bullseye with Mr. Matt LaFleur as the two top reasons. GPG.

SH, if you had your druthers, if GB stayed @ 29, what 3 players would be on your list for GB to snag??

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PatrickGB's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:12 pm

As much as I wish that there were starting caliber DT’s in this draft at the end of the first two rounds I don’t read that there really are. Like many, I see that as a need. But there are some starting quality CB’s available at 29. King and Jackson are probably in their last years as are many WR’s. Then I also read that there are some quality offensive linemen available too.The team may be even tighter with the cap next year so I can see those positions targeted in the first two rounds. Perhaps Jenkins in the first and Stokes in the second.
Of course with Gutie who knows? Unlike TT, Gutie is more unpredictable.

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stockholder's picture

April 25, 2021 at 12:38 pm

Compare Raji's combine to McNeils. McNeil is #2 in my top 50.

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:14 pm

hmmm

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GilMartin's picture

April 25, 2021 at 01:13 pm

He is a little harder to figure out although he has made a trade in the first round in each of his 3 years running the Packers draft. We'll see how they approach this year's draft. Thanks for the comment, PatrickGB.

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beerandbrats's picture

April 25, 2021 at 05:53 pm

What if the Packers offer Jordan Love during this 2021 QB frenzy? Atlanta at 4, Carolina at 8, Denver at 9 and the Pats at 15? We would obviously need to replace JL and re-write the plan for the future but the question is, is JL more valuable to us now or in the future?

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beerandbrats's picture

April 25, 2021 at 06:19 pm

In my own stupid opinion, take the best player available with the Jordan Love trade (results in an MVP season for AR and at least a top 15 pick), take Mac Jones with 29. JL is still an unknown hit or miss and a flashpoint. Mac Jones would be the perfect understudy for AR, with no time table.

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beerandbrats's picture

April 25, 2021 at 06:28 pm

And sign AB!

AB + Davante Adams = in-defensible!

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beerandbrats's picture

April 25, 2021 at 06:51 pm

Yes, yes I did just provide the Packers with the SB blueprint! No need to thank me. Just doing my job as a stockholder. ;-)

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