The Packers will not have a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft for the first time since 1986. This situation leaves fans with mixed feelings about the draft's possibilities.
Pablo Escobar contemplates silently on a bench
For the first time in my entire football-watching life (that part of my brain came online around 1992), the Packers enter the NFL Draft without a first-round pick. Iâm not a Packers historian (paging Jon Meerdink), but I believe that the last time that happened was 1986.
Sure, the Packers have sold off their first round pick during the draft more recently â but that doesnât count. In that situation, fans wake up to a world of possibilities and wait all day only to have their dreams ripped from under them like the old tablecloth trick. For the record, I find it hilarious when that happens.
This is different. For some of you, there may be a strange feeling of emptiness. Perhaps your FOMO is working overtime. Or maybe youâre at peace with the overwhelming meaningless of all things.
Either way, you probably wonât be dialed in to the broadcast the same way you would be in past years. So in the interest of filling that time with something, hereâs a list of things Packers fans can do with their time:
Draft Talk live stream â If you still want the feeling of participating in the party, check out Tyler Brookeâs Draft Talk live stream. Youâll get hours of insights and fun chatter, often with a Packers-specific lens. The stream will also feature a bevy of APC contributors coming and going. The stream starts at 8 pm Eastern.
Draft Talk big board â If a live stream isnât your thing but you still value Tylerâs opinions as much as I do, check out the final Draft Talk podcast of the season, where he, Justis Mosqueda, and APCâs Rcon discuss historical Packers draft trends and their Packers big boards.
â Weâve kept this doc running for weeks now, but in case youâre just crawling out from under a rock in time for day one of the draft, weâve been tracking every prospect the Packers have hosted before this yearâs draft. Historically, this is not a smokescreen, but a true indication of interest (including draftable players, potential UDFAs, and occasional future waiver wire acquisitions over the next few seasons)
The last time the Packers entered the NFL Draft without a first-round pick was in 1986.
Fans are experiencing a range of emotions, from emptiness and FOMO to acceptance of the situation's meaninglessness.
Unlike previous years where they sold off their first-round pick during the draft, this is the first time they will not have one at all.
Cade Cunningham excelled as the Detroit Pistons leveled their playoff series against the Orlando Magic. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the challenge of defending Cunningham, highlighting his unique playing style.
Liverpool eyes âŹ20m Yan Diomande as Salah's successor
New photos of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini spark controversy before NFL Draft.
Is Munetaka Murakami the ultimate fantasy baseball league-winner this season?
Barcelona's interim president criticizes VAR after Torres' goal is disallowed
Arsenal holds the Premier League lead, but City is closing in after a key victory.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Hug your family â Remember them? The people youâre either related to or ones youâve chosen to link up with on purpose? Give âem a hug. A long one. Science has repeatedly shown that hugs improve mental and physical health by reducing cortisol and releasing oxytocin. A 20-second hug triggers a neurochemical response that can lower blood pressure, boost immune function, increase feelings of trust and security, and lower anxiety. Sounds nice!
Pin your hopes on the Packers trading back in â You could also watch the draft as normal, follow it extremely closely, and hope and pray that Brian Gutekunst trades himself back into the first round to deliver you (personally) an exciting first-round pick. You could. But I donât recommend it.
Enjoy your Thursday everybody â see you in round two on Friday night.