While there's no doubt the 2008 NFL Draft, which took place over the weekend, was entertaining, something occurred early in the second round that left many football fans scratching their heads.
"With the fifth pick in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Jordy Nelson: wide receiver, Kansas State."
As soon as I heard that K-State's All-American was headed to Green Bay, I had a flashback of the 2005 draft, when former Wildcat Darren Sproles was taken by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round. Sproles, like Nelson, was picked up by a team that was already fully stocked at his position.
Unfortunately, that meant Sproles spent much of his career's first three years in the shadows of fellow tailbacks LaDanian Tomlinson and Michael Turner. He never saw any significant playing time at his position. However, an injury sidelined Tomlinson during the 2007 playoffs and gave Sproles his chance, and Turner left San Diego at the end of the season. That leaves Sproles as Tomlinson's primary backup.
Take a look at the Packers' depth chart, and you'll find that Nelson is in a very similar situation. Don't expect to see him playing much offense, as the Packers top three receivers from last season, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones, as well as tight end Donald Lee, are all returning. With four proven sets of hands already on the roster, there doesn't appear to be room for another receiver. Like Sproles, it will probably take an injury or an off-season move for Nelson to see significant playing time in the immediate future.
Because Nelson was drafted so early, it's hard to question other NFL teams for not drafting him. ESPN projected him as a late-second round pick, and there were many undrafted receivers that were believed to be more talented. Many teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, were in need of a solid receiver and would have been a much better fit for Nelson, but it's doubtful that anyone thought he'd be drafted so soon.
My speculation is the Packers were looking for a return specialist, a job Nelson excelled at during his senior season. If that's the case, then it would be one more similarity to Sproles, who has emerged as a solid kick/punt returner for the Chargers.
Whether he's used as a return specialist or not, it appears that Nelson's NFL career will begin the same way that Sproles' did. Barring an unexpected injury or departure, he'll likely spend his early years on special teams. While this might not seem too appealing, hopefully it will motivate him to do what Sproles did as well.
Give 110 percent, make the most of your chances and wait for your big break.
Justin Nutter is a sophomore is print journalism. Please send comments to sports@spub.ksu.edu.
