Best of the Packers: Top 10 defensive linemen since 1960
By Phil Watson
Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (79) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
10. Ryan Pickett (2006-13)
The Green Bay Packers added some size to the defensive line in March 2006 when they signed former St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett to a four-year, $14 million contract.
Pickett didn’t disappoint, with 64 tackles in his first season in Green Bay, playing the right side of the interior line. He switched over to the left side in 2007 and, with the arrival of defensive coordinator Dom Capers and the 3-4 alignment, played both on the nose and at left end over the next five seasons.
Pickett was a space eater, a run-stopper. He logged just 3½ sacks during his eight years with the Packers, posting 319 tackles and deflecting 18 passes.
Part of the 2010 Super Bowl championship team, when he started 12 games and finished with 32 tackles, a sack and a pass defensed, Pickett left the Packers after the 2013 season, signing with the Houston Texans last September.
Currently an unrestricted free agent, Pickett has played 14 seasons in the NFL since being taken with the 29th overall pick by the Rams out of Ohio State in the 2001 NFL Draft.
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