Time for new team-building philosophies?

It's time for Brian Gutekunst to pivot his first round draft strategy

Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has been calling the shots on draft night for the Packers since 2018 and features an uncanny ability to find starting-caliber players in the middle to late rounds, making him a dangerous foe when he has picks to work with.

However, the round where Gutekunst has consistently struggled to "hit" on a pick has unfortunately been in the first round.

This does not deflect from the fact that Gutekunst is widely respected around the league for his roster-building strategy. He's been an asset to the Packers by assembling a quality roster in the late years of Aaron Rodgers' career, simultaneously setting up a successful transition into a new era at quarterback with Jordan Love, and turning over an old roster to the youngest in the league.

Some moves haven't panned out, but no GM is perfect, and bringing in rookies to develop into quality starters is far more difficult than social media makes it out to be.

Throughout it all, Gutekunst has stuck to his guns by drafting high-caliber athletes in round one, even if it means avoiding a player who could step in immediately as a more pro-ready starter in favor of someone who may need a few years to develop.

With nine first-round picks under his belt, a tenth coming up in 2025, no Super Bowl appearances since 2011, and only one first-rounder drafted by Gutekunst achieving All-Pro ranks, the Packers' first-round strategy is overdue for a pivot away from what has left much to be desired from their most premium investment in the draft.

Turning the Tide on a New Packers Free Agency Philosophy

Draft and develop isn't a bad philosophy. It's brought the Packers a lot of success over the years. It can also work when you don't have the money to spend for plugging up those positions of need. But right now, the Packers have the money, and they also have the talent where a few key additions could help put them over the proverbial hump.

It's time to put the draft and development aside for a bit and go out and grab the next Charles Woodson, the next Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, and even the next Julius Peppers. Because that move could be what takes the Packers to their next Super Bowl.

6 Positions the Packers Could Add In Free Agency

Before Draft season begins in earnest, free agency will offer the Packers an opportunity to add veterans to a young roster which could use some help in certain areas.

Green Bay has not been shy to dive into the free agent pool under Brian Gutekunst, and the Packers GM has a strong track record for finding quality players on the open market. There may not be a Xavier McKinney or Josh Jacobs in the 2025 class, but we examined the positions which Gutekunst could look to augment from March 12.

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Packers Need to Improve in the Trenches

Coming off the team’s best rushing season in 22 years, the Green Bay Packers have a nice foundation with their offensive line. On the other side of the ball, the defense was 7th in the league defending the run and 3rd in yards per carry. A big credit of that is to the defensive line.

But after another playoff disappointment, for the Packers to compete in the NFC with the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, there is a big need this offseason to improve in the trenches.

On offense, the starting group of Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom was remarkably durable for most of the 2024 season. The five started all but one regular season game, the one exception being the Week 9 loss against the Lions. In that game, first round pick Jordan Morgan got his only start of the year at left guard.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are also question marks about the defensive line group that was up and down over the course of the 2024 season. The defensive line group consisted of four former first-round draft picks in Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness, and also had solid contributions from T.J. Slaton, Kinglsey Enagbare, Karl Brooks, Kolby Wooden, and Brenton Cox Jr.

The offensive and defensive lines were groups that were at times strengths for the 2024 Packers. But to take the next step, the offseason will be important for significant improvements for both of these groups.

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Carry the G Radio The Podcast: Time to compete for championships

Aaron Nagler chats with Bill Schmid of the Packers Radio Network about the start of the Packers offseason, the upcoming Super Bowl between the Eagles and Chiefs and why some of Brian Gutekunst's words at his season-ending presser actually carry some meaning.

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