The Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers decision in the 2005 NFL Draft has been one 49ers fans have harped on for years. What could’ve been…
But only now have we heard from the man that influenced the choice that forever affected the 49ers and Packers franchises.
Former NFL executive Scot McCloughan on Friday was asked which player he most regrets passing on in the draft. His answer:
While Smith has been a steady starting quarterback in the pros, which is no easy feat, Rodgers is in the conversation for greatest all-time. The 49ers under then head coach Mike Nolan held the No. 1 overall selection that year, and had their pick of the litter. But they went with the Utah quarterback over the homegrown, Niners die hard from Cal.
Rodgers had a storybook first-round tumble afterward, until Green Bay scooped him up at No. 24 overall as the heir apparent to Pro Football Hall of Famer and gridiron legend Brett Favre.
Now, the decision in the past, but McCloughan's admission adds to and perhaps closes the loop on the tale.
Media courtesy AP