How Has Brian Gutekunst Done In the First Round Since Becoming Packers GM?

The NFL Draft is the lifeblood of most NFL teams and that is even more true of the Green Bay Packers who tend to build primarily through the draft. But how has Brian Gutekunst fared in the first round of the draft since he became GM in 2018?

Here is a look at the first-round picks made by Gutekunst and what impact they have had on the team:

2018 CB Jaire Alexander, 18th Overall Pick

Gutekunst traded back and got an extra first-round pick in 2019, then traded up and grabbed Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Alexander has become one of the better cover corners in the league and has been named to two Pro Bowls since joining the Packers. His speed and confidence set the tone for the defense.

Alexander has proven to be a great pick and the fact that Gutekunst got an extra first rounder in the deal makes it even better.

2019 Edge Rashan Gary, 13th Overall Pick

Many fans were disappointed when the Packers selected Gary especially since the Packers had just signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith as free agents that same offseason, but Gary has improved each season since joining the Packers and is now the team’s best pass rusher.

The former Michigan star has a great work ethic and plenty of football intelligence. He is currently rehabbing a season-ending knee injury suffered in the team’s Week 9 loss to the Lions. Prior to that, he was on pace to earn Pro Bowl honors. 

Gary hopes to return early in the 2023 season. The Packers are looking to sign him to an extension.

2019 S Darnell Savage, 21st Overall Pick

Savage has had an up and down first four seasons with the Packers. At times, the former Maryland star has been very effective, especially late in the 2020 campaign. However, at other times, he has struggled in coverage and to make tackles.

He’s been a starter all four years with the Packers but was benched midway through last season due to poor play and missing tackles.

He is expected to start at safety again in 2023 and the Packers are counting on him to have a bounce back season as he plays on his fifth-year option deal.

2020 QB Jordan Love, 26th Overall Pick

This is the pick that will determine the future of Gutekunst as GM and the future of the Packers for the next few years.

Love was a controversial pick in 2020 and like his predecessor, he served as the backup behind a future Hall of Fame quarterback for his first three NFL seasons. Love got one start when Rodgers was placed on the Covid list in 2021.

So far, Love has handled a difficult situation gracefully and has tried to improve his footwork and ability to read defenses. He is already working with Aaron Jones, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs this offseason.

Love will become the starter in 2023 and his legacy will be determined in the next few seasons.

2021 CB Eric Stokes, 29th Overall Pick

Stokes had a great rookie year and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He did a great job in press coverage and opposing quarterbacks completed less than half of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Stokes according to pro-football-reference.com.

Stokes has great speed and he worked hard in his first season to adjust to the NFL game. He was pressed into starting duty early in 2021 when Kevin King and Jaire Alexander got hurt and Stokes proved equal to the task.

In 2022, he had a sophomore slump and he struggled in coverage. The soft zones employed by defensive coordinator Joe Barry didn’t play to Stokes’ strengths and his play dropped off significantly.

Stokes suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9 and will have to fight his way back into the lineup once he’s healthy again in 2023.

This is an important season for Stokes. The former Georgia star is now at a crossroads in his career.

2022 ILB Quay Walker, 22nd Overall Pick

Walker was the first inside linebacker the Packers drafted in nearly 20 years and the former Georgia star became an instant starter in training camp.

Although he had his share of growing pains, Walker’s game improved as the season progressed. He led the Packers in tackles with 121 including 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss. Walker has great speed and can run down ball carriers on the other side of the field as a result.

The rookie was ejected from two games for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and needs to learn to keep his temper in check in the future.

Walker has a lot of potential and the Packers are hoping he continues to develop in his second NFL season.

2022 DL Devonte Wyatt, 28th Overall Pick

Unlike his former college teammate, Wyatt didn’t start any games as a rookie. He barely saw the field early in the season but saw more action in the final few games especially after veteran Dean Lowry was lost for the year due to injury.

Wyatt played in 16 games and played only 23 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Late in the season, he showed flashes of ability and recorded 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and showed the ability to get penetration against opposing offensive lines.

Wyatt is likely to start in 2023 and should see a much bigger role in the defense. The Packers are counting on him to be a major contributor on what is now a thin defensive line.

 

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3 points
 

Comments (37)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
mnbadger's picture

April 06, 2023 at 12:14 pm

BG's 1st round grade should be pretty high. The pressure is on to continue that success in 2023 draft.
I trust him. I also wish him the best of luck, which plays a role in all decisions as so many factors are outside of the GM's control.
Bring on the draft. We're already planning our appetizer and beverage choices.
GPG!

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Coldworld's picture

April 06, 2023 at 12:28 pm

Savage is a question at this point but was ok for 3 years of the 4 so far. Stokes was an all rookie then a slump and injury. The jury is out. Wyatt is too early to comment as is Walker really, but even with those that’s not a bad haul, especially when considering most are later picks (20+) and only Gary was just in the top half.

Love is an unknown that we are about to find out about that could radically change the opinion, but even before that, probably above average pluses in Gary and Jaire if one discounts the last year as too early and Stokes as yet to be determined.

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NJ-RICK's picture

April 06, 2023 at 12:20 pm

I disagree, but I hope the Packers do well no matter what...

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NJ-RICK's picture

April 06, 2023 at 12:20 pm

I disagree, but I hope the Packers do well no matter what...

-1 points
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splitpea1's picture

April 06, 2023 at 12:46 pm

Correction: Gary was the 12th overall pick, and Christian Wilkins was 13th. I would argue that the latter would have been the better selection and would have served us well during our last couple of playoff appearances, but Gary turned out to be a fine pick and we need him back ASAP.

The final grade on the 2020-2022 picks is obviously yet to be determined.

There are a lot of fans plotting fun little draft scenarios, but as we all know, we should expect the unexpected from Gute--in the first round or anywhere else. I read that the Packers were bringing in Hendon Hooker for a visit: a very intelligent and studious guy (already an author), but a prospect who looks almost old enough to be a coach. So who knows what kind of surprises Gute has up his sleeve?

4 points
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golfpacker1's picture

April 06, 2023 at 01:58 pm

Hooker is a smokescreen to make teams think we are interested in him. He is a pretty good QB and closer to playing than Richardson or Levis. I predict someone will trade up to get him, hopefully to #15 with us.

We definitely don't need an early QB. A later developmental QB would be fine. Someone with potential and upside like Tyson Bagent-Shepard. Small school QB. He was invited to the combine and was impressive. Threw for 17000 yards, 159 TD passes, 70% completion rate.

UDFA camp QB invite-Adrian Martinez-Nebraska, Kansas State.

2 points
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MooPack's picture

April 06, 2023 at 01:08 pm

6 1st rounders at all levels of the defense.
DL, ILB, OLB, 2 CBs, and a S.
And a QB. Time to end the Defensive heavy run of picks and get the Offense restocked with better talent.

9 points
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4thand10's picture

April 06, 2023 at 01:35 pm

I would say 1 more DL because it will take 2 to replace what Clark does if he goes down. The rest …TEs RB and OL. I say RBs because Jones only has a yr or 2 left on his body.

0 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

April 07, 2023 at 02:05 am

People are neglecting edge rusher. Those traits get picked early.

2 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

April 07, 2023 at 07:44 am

How long before all 11 starters on D are 1st rounders? (And the D still ranks 22nd?)

3 points
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golfpacker1's picture

April 06, 2023 at 01:59 pm

Watson should have been a 1st round pick instead of Wyatt.

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cdoemel's picture

April 06, 2023 at 04:23 pm

Who fucking cares?!? Jesus! We got ‘em both. I don’t understand the nit picking

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Tingham's picture

April 06, 2023 at 06:23 pm

Well I would rather have the 5th year option on Watson.

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Coldworld's picture

April 06, 2023 at 06:30 pm

If he’s really good then they will need redo his contract anyway. I wouldn’t let the option year concern you too much.

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golfpacker1's picture

April 07, 2023 at 09:17 am

"Lighten Up Francis". Don't be an internet tough guy. I was stating my opinion. If it offends you to hear opinions then don't read them,

We needed WRs in the at least last 3 drafts and we almost blew a chance for Watson by drafting Wyatt. And compounded the mistake by wasting a 2nd round pick to move up. We could have stayed right where we were at and drafted a great DT in Travis Jones-U-Conn. Easily as good as Wyatt and a cheaper pick.

That was my opinion and because I liked Watson and Jones, I was stating my preference for the order we picked them in. I'm sure other Packer fans like who we picked and when we picked them, but I won't get upset if they state it.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 06, 2023 at 10:40 pm

He should have been the #22. Wyatt was fine as the #29.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 06, 2023 at 02:39 pm

No matter what you see. I see failure.
Alexander turned out. But he's No Woodson.
And what ever credit you give him.
Love was an asinine pick.
Much like his failure to draft a DL .
(Or go after one well before last year.)
He knew how to use Free Agency.
So imagine what the DL would have looked.
Had he taken a DL over a heart throb.
Gary vs Wilkins.
Stokes vs Barman.
And here's just another.
Wyatt vs Watson.
When he could of had Jones.
All were Rookies of the year.
And don't tell me he didn't need one.
Especially after Daniels.
So now Lowrey and Reed left.
Leaving the cupboard bare at another position.
And This doesn't even include Nelson or CM3.
Trust Gutey? Not Me? He's made more
mistakes then Sherman.
Yet- the praise continues. And the blame goes to #12.
Gutey should be sued for Mal -practice.

-11 points
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lou's picture

April 06, 2023 at 04:14 pm

He's not Charles Woodson, maybe you should consult Justin Jefferson in that regard.

2 points
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Oppy's picture

April 06, 2023 at 06:27 pm

I can't be civil any longer.

"But he's no Woodson."

You are emotionally a child. Grow the eff up. You are a twit.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 06, 2023 at 06:34 pm

Wyatt versus Watson? You are seriously slamming the guy for not picking a guy he got in the second in the first round? Fishing even with the benefit of hindsight.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

April 06, 2023 at 07:15 pm

I agreed with golf packer.
And you still would have
got Jones in the 2nd.
And kept one 2nd.
jones was Rookie of the year as I predicted.

-2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 06, 2023 at 10:47 pm

All rookie team, not rookie of the year. Those Honors went to Hutchinson and Garett Wilson. I had Abe Lucas for the #59. He also made the All rookie squad. Mc Bride,or Alec Pierce would have been the other two pick @ #53. Belichick passed over Walker for a reason. They could have used a three or four on another ILB who crashes the gaps. They had Campbell to chase.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 07, 2023 at 09:14 am

There is nothing more pointless about complaining about which order we got a player we wanted if we got him and we did. It doesn’t matter who says it.

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golfpacker1's picture

April 07, 2023 at 09:24 am

Add in the bomb of not moving Rodgers and signing him to the cap killer contract.

0 points
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Lphill's picture

April 06, 2023 at 02:52 pm

Wyatt should have received more playing time last season, no reason to spoon feed him.

11 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

April 06, 2023 at 05:51 pm

Who knows what goes on in the mind of Joe Barry?

4 points
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greengold's picture

April 06, 2023 at 10:43 pm

Ask Dom Capers.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 06, 2023 at 10:54 pm

Nothing.

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

April 07, 2023 at 02:07 am

Not even the Shadow knows!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 07, 2023 at 09:12 am

Gray?

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

April 06, 2023 at 05:50 pm

7 First Round selections. All 7 are either starting or are on the depth chart to start. That's good grade in my book.

5 points
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Packers2020's picture

April 07, 2023 at 08:22 am

I do not think you can give a good grade to Gute at this point. It is incomplete.

Alexander- Good
Gary- Good
Savage- Crap
Love- Unknown
Stokes- Unknown
Walker- Unknown
Wyatt- Unknown

In the next two years, we will know if Love, Stokes, Walker, and Wyatt were good picks like Alexander and Gary or crap picks like Savage.

0 points
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Grandfathered's picture

April 06, 2023 at 11:39 pm

I don't understand what Gil means when he says that Stokes is at the "crossroads of his career". He's 24. He has strengths that the pack can play to, but needs to learn soft coverages. Hopefully he recovers from his ankle, but It seems early to say he's at a crossroads.

3 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

April 07, 2023 at 02:08 am

Or Joe Barry needs to learn strategy other than soft. Like tough maybe?

3 points
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Oppy's picture

April 07, 2023 at 07:41 am

This article should be renamed: "Brian Gutekunst: Definitely a better NFL Pro Personnel Evaluator Than You Are, Draftnik."

Not because I think this article has any of that implication, but just because I think a lot of draftniks need the reminder.

0 points
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golfpacker1's picture

April 07, 2023 at 09:26 am

Sometimes. But it looks like Stockholder and I had a better evaluation about Jones. And we are just stating we would have picked Watson in the 1st so we didn't miss out on him like we did for example Tee Higgins.

0 points
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Oppy's picture

April 07, 2023 at 05:49 pm

I would like to see a "put it in stone" article that remains pinned the day before the draft, where all the draftniks can place their personal big boards for the entire draft.

Then, when the team with the pick just before each Packers pick is on the clock, that draftnik goes back to the thread where they posted their big board, and puts up their first and second choices for that pick. The reason they post this before the Packers are on the clock is 1) it ensures they are actually predicting and not reacting to the Packers selection, and 2) By putting up their two top choices during the pick before the Packers are on the clock, it allows the draftnik to prevent having made a prediction that was no longer available, while still allowing them a back up option in case the previous team takes their preferred selection right before the Packers pick.

I'd like to see this tended to for all seven rounds of the draft.

Draftniks operate in a vacuum first and foremost, they generally operate based only on criteria of a single moment in time, no concerns for the roster next year let alone 4 years out, salary cap, etc and so forth..They often have multiple "big boards" they conveniently reference depending on which way the wind blows, and always brag about their supposed "picks" that hit but never talk about those that didn't. They also often have multiple mock drafts they use as their basis for these supposed hits, in other words, they can omit the the 6 different picks they made at #21 overall in those other mocks, but love to talk about the #21 they took in that -one- mock draft that is now a pro bowler.

I would love for the draftnik blowhards to put it out there in stone. Show us your personal talent evalutation for the draft. Show us, with time stamped posts, who you're taking at each pick in real time during the draft. Now, in 3 or 4 years when you want to blast the GM or brag about your pocket-gm aptitude, you can proudly point back to where you put it down for the record, and likewise, you can't hide from your failures, either.

What do you think? I think draftniks that are true hobbyists would love to do such a thing. I think the blow-hard BS guys who legitimately think they're as good or better than the pros would actually be the ones to shrink away from the challenge.

1 points
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