The NFL draft will be here before we know it.
We can only imagine what goes on in the mind of Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. Maybe he’ll sit in his war room, salivating minutes before being on the clock, realizing defensive tackle Warren Brinson from the University of Georgia (ESPN’s No. 299 prospect) remains available at pick 23.
Packers fans’ endless frustration would spin as they watch other teams snag reliable, proven talent. The carousel keeps turning.
Why should Packers fans worry about the draft when Gutekunst did the dirty work and filled roster holes via free agency? They fixed their receiver issues by signing Davante Ad— er, I mean, they took a waiver on Cooper Kupp!…*sigh* yeah, they didn’t do anything like that.
Instead, they signed a kick-return specialist in Mecole Hardman, and Keisean Nixon will be the No. 1 corner if they jettison Jaire Alexander.
During the season-ending presser, Gutekunst mentioned it was time to start competing for championships. When a GM makes a statement like that, it creates urgency. Where is this evidence of urgency?
The Packers Weren’t *Completely* Quiet in Free Agency
At an offseason meeting in Florida, Gutekunst said, “I think we were very urgent in free agency. Obviously, we went after a couple top targets. We were able to acquire them and I think that really is going to help our football team.”
He has a point. The Green Bay Packers weren’t totally quiet by adding left guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs.
Strengthening the offensive line and defense usually proves to be a good investment. Since losing Josh Myers in free agency to the New York Jets, the Packers had to do something, and that entails Elgton Jenkins moving from left guard to center. Aaron Banks fills the hole at left guard. As for Hobbs, this allows Keisean Nixon to play outside, while Hobbs plays multiple areas of the field.
Unfortunately, time and time again, the Packers are proven to be the definition of tight bananas when it comes to free agency.
Look back at last season. Josh Jacobs was a great addition, but they could’ve had a two-headed running back room in himself and Aaron Jones. Alas, they didn’t want to shell out just one more million.
Gutekunst Didn’t Do Enough
Let’s come back to that “we were very urgent” comment.
The world knows that one of the Packers’ biggest concerns is wide receiver. The 2025 season would be year three of not having a true No. 1 receiver, and if the goal is to compete for a championship, that problem needed to be addressed.
Were they going to get Tee Higgins? No. However, other free-agent wideouts were very attainable when you consider Aaron Banks’ contract of four years, $77 million. The draft is a perfect place to bolster your men up front, and with Gutey’s love for players from the SEC, there’s bound to be a player — or five — that he could’ve signed for cheap.
Is there a place for that level of stubbornness as an NFL GM? Maybe it “works” for Jerry Jones in Dallas… okay that’s enough said right there. With the NFL Draft nearing, the Packers likely won’t take an offensive weapon in the first round based on Gutekunst’s tendencies.
Emeka Egbuka is slipping to the late first round in many mock drafts, and if they pass up on that opportunity, they will be kicking themselves, especially if they are near the top of the league in dropped balls again.
The Packers have other issues to address, though, such as edge rusher and the defensive line. Since Gutekunst has allocated 33 of his 72 career picks to defensive players, he’ll likely tackle those issues in the coming week. That said, it seems the team intends for the receiver position to make massive strides annually. And it’ll have to be a massive step forward considering where the receivers fell in line with the rest of the league last year.
Ultimately, no one knows what will happen April 24-26 at Lambeau. Maybe with more of a spotlight on the Packers, as the draft theater will sit on Lombardi & Oneida in Green Bay, Gutekunst could surprise everyone in Titletown with a pick we want!
Regardless of what happens, regardless of his comments, this offseason has been undoubtedly lethargic.
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