2021 Green Bay Packers Draft Class

Well, despite the Aaron Rodgers “I want to leave Green Bay” atomic blast, the Packers’ conducted business like normal and participated in the 2021 NFL Draft, which was held in Cleveland this year. Their continuing success on the field relegated them to a near-end-of-the-list spot at #29, at which they picked CB Eric Stokes from the University of Georgia in the first round. 

From the Associated Press: “Stokes, a 6-foot-1 cornerback, went 29th overall Thursday night. He had a team-high four interceptions for Georgia last season and returned two of them for touchdowns. You basically get a person that's hungrier than ever and is coming in to just do anything he can to help the team, Stokes said. It doesn't matter what it is. I'm going to make sure that I learn, come in and do everything I can do and just keep improving as a player, because I know for a fact that I really want to help this team win, so I'm going to do everything in my power to (help that)."

The Rest of the New Green Bay Packers

Lombardi Denies Retirement

Three days after the 1967 NFL Championship Game, known to history as “The Ice Bowl,” the Associated Press published this report in which Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi stated a television report that he would retire after this season was “completely without verification.” That report came from Minneapolis sportscaster Hal Scott, brother of CBS broadcast announcer Ray Scott, who worked the Packers games in that era. Hal Scott said that Lombardi would retire from coaching, but retain his general manager position, which is what really did happen. At the time of this article, the Packers had yet to play the AFL champions Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II.

2021 NFL Draft Information

2021 NFL Draft: Dates, schedule, start time, TV channel, draft order, how to watch

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

When is the 2021 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft 2021 will begin on Thursday, April 29 and end on Saturday, May 1. The first round will take place on Thursday with rounds two and three airing on Friday. The last four rounds will air on Saturday.

What time does the NFL Draft start this year?

The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft will start live on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. and go until approximately 11:30 p.m. ET. Friday’s TV coverage of the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft will start at 7:00 p.m. ET while Saturday’s will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET.

How can I watch the 2021 NFL Draft live?

ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will once again air all seven rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. ESPN coverage will be led by Mike Greenberg in his debut as host, joining Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick and Booger McFarland with insight from Adam Schefter, Chris Mortensen and Suzy Kolber. ABC’s coverage will feature commentary from Rece Davis, Maria Taylor, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Todd McShay, Jesse Palmer and David Pollack. On NFL Network, Rich Eisen, Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis and David Shaw will be on the main set with Kurt Warner, Joel Klatt, Ian Rapoport and Melissa Stark also contributing.

Where can I live stream the NFL Draft?

In addition to ESPN, ABC and NFL Network airing the draft live on broadcast TV, you can live stream the NFL Draft on the ESPN app or the NFL Mobile app. You can also watch the draft using streaming services such as Sling TV, fuboTV or YouTube TV.

Where will the NFL Draft take place this year?

The 2021 NFL Draft will be hosted in various locations across Cleveland, OH including FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Last year, the 2020 NFL Draft was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic with NFL teams making their selections from home. According to NFL.com, this year “a select number of prospects will take the stage in Cleveland while fans, media, NFL Network, ESPN and ABC crews will also be on-site as the league welcomes the new rookie class.”

Green Bay Packers Picks in 2021

Round 1 • Pick 29 (29)

Round 2 • Pick 30 (62)

Round 3 • Pick 29 (92)

Round 4 • Pick 30 (135)

Round 4 • Pick 37 (142) • Compensatory Selection for loss of LB Blake Matrinez

Round 5 • Pick 29 (173)

Round 5 • Pick 34 (178) • Compensatory Selection for loss of T Bryan Bulaga

Round 6 • Pick 30 (214)

Round 6 • Pick 36 (220) • Compensatory Selection for loss of Kyler Fackrell

Round 7 • Pick 29 (256)

Season Ticket Holder Update

An update on 2021’s games sent to season ticket holders this past Tuesday (April 13th).

Bobby Dillon to Be Honored

Former Packers S Bobby Dillon will be recognized with eight other deceased members of the 2020 Pro Football Hall fo Fame Centennial Class at this year’s NFL Draft. The others being recognized are Winston Hill, Alex Karras, Steve Sabol, Duke Slater, Mac Speedie, Ed Sprinkle and George Young. Also being honored that night is Bill Nunn from the Class of 2021. Dillon played for Green Bay from 1952-59.

We’ve lost two more of Vince Lombardi’s 1960’s Green Bay Packers. QB John Roach (left), age 87, was Bart Starr’s backup from 1961-63 and won two championship rings. WR William “Red” Mack (right), age 83, played one year in Green Bay (1966), and won a ring in Super Bowl I. Our condolences to their families and friends. 

Looking Ahead...

This graphic is pretty self-explanatory. These are the players who will be unrestricted free agents in Spring 2022, so you can get used to the idea now.

Also, with the 17-game regular season becoming a reality in 2021, all the season records you’ve become used to without thinking about it are going to change. No more 13-3, 10-6, or 8-8, etc. 

Vince Lombardi on Football

While looking through the April 1, 1974 back issue of TIME magazine today, we saw this ad for “Vince Lombardi on Football.” We have two versions of this fine book: the boxed two-volume set seen below, and the single volume version seen below that. It really is a great find if you come across one. You won’t be disappointed.