Green Bay Packers: 20 best draft picks since the merger

17. Nick Collins

Nick Collins could’ve seen himself rise way up this list if it weren’t for a career-ending neck injury he suffered on Sep. 18 against the Carolina Panthers. Nonetheless, his time with the Packers was short, but sweet. Very sweet.

Collins helped anchor the backend of one of the best defenses in the league in 2010 and ultimately, helped lead them to the Super Bowl. He was best known as a ball-hawk and a playmaker and returned three interceptions for touchdowns in 2008. He even added one to his resume against Ben Roethlisberger in the Super Bowl.

He appeared to just be getting started, having earned a trip to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008-2010 before only playing two games the following season.

Who knows that this former second-round pick could’ve become if he was able to stay healthy and play a career that lasted longer than seven years.