Green Bay Packers: Evaluating Brian Gutekunst’s First-Round Draft Successes and Failures

The Hit-or-Miss Nature of Gutekunst’s Drafting Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has had a rollercoaster tenure when it comes to first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Like most general managers, he has experienced both triumphs and disappointments, but Packers fans have often been vocal about the inconsistencies in his selections.

His legacy in the draft, however, hinges on one major decision: selecting Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. If Love evolves into a consistent top-10 quarterback, Gutekunst’s past draft missteps may become irrelevant. Early indications suggest that Love has the potential to justify the pick, and if he does, Gutekunst’s foresight will be praised.

Questionable First-Round Picks Under Gutekunst While Gutekunst has shown strategic vision, some of his first-round picks have raised concerns. Safety Darnell Savage, cornerback Eric Stokes, linebacker Quay Walker, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, and pass-rusher Lukas Van Ness have all been inconsistent, if not outright disappointments. The jury is still out on the Packers’ 2024 first-round pick, offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, who missed much of his rookie season due to injury.

2025: A Crucial Draft for the Packers The Packers are on the brink of becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender. While free agency and trades will play a crucial role in strengthening the roster, the 2025 NFL Draft remains a key opportunity for Gutekunst to address the team’s pressing needs. With the 23rd overall pick, Green Bay could look to add a pass-rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, or defensive lineman.

Here’s a ranking of the top five potential first-round draft targets for the Packers in 2025.

5. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Despite the Packers’ clear need for a top-tier wide receiver, history suggests they are unlikely to select one in the first round. The franchise has not drafted a first-round receiver since Javon Walker in 2002.

Egbuka, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound standout from Ohio State, would be an ideal addition. In his last college season, he recorded 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. Given the Packers’ current receiver situation—where Christian Watson’s durability is a concern, and Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed are better suited as secondary options—Egbuka could be the elite playmaker they need.

4. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame Gutekunst has a preference for big, physical cornerbacks, and Benjamin Morrison fits that mold. While he has the potential to be drafted earlier than Green Bay’s 23rd pick, a midseason hip injury that required surgery may push him down the draft board.

Morrison was a standout at Notre Dame, recording six interceptions as a freshman and three more in his sophomore season. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him a strong candidate to bolster the Packers’ secondary.

3. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee The Packers are in dire need of a dominant edge rusher. Rashan Gary is solid but not a game-changer, and Lukas Van Ness has yet to prove he was worth a first-round selection.

Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 243-pound pass-rusher from Tennessee, would provide the disruption Green Bay’s defense needs. Over the past two seasons, he amassed 28 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

2. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Jaire Alexander’s injury history and uncertain future with the team make cornerback a high-priority position for the Packers. Texas’ Jahdae Barron is a seasoned player with an impressive track record, recording eight interceptions and 23 passes defended in his college career.

If Green Bay wants an immediate starter at cornerback, Barron is an excellent option. His ability to read offenses and make big plays would complement a secondary featuring safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams.

1. Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall Improving the pass rush is arguably the Packers’ biggest need in the 2025 draft, and Mike Green from Marshall could be the perfect solution.

Leading all of college football with 17 sacks last season, Green is an explosive, 6-foot-4, 248-pound pass-rusher who thrives in aggressive defensive schemes. Adding him alongside Gary, Walker, and emerging linebacker Edgerrin Cooper would significantly enhance Green Bay’s defensive front.

Final Thoughts The Packers’ success in the 2025 NFL season may heavily depend on Gutekunst’s ability to make the right first-round selection. Whether it’s an edge rusher, a wide receiver, or a cornerback, the right pick could elevate Green Bay from a playoff contender to a legitimate Super Bowl threat. If Gutekunst can hit a home run in this draft, he might finally silence his critics once and for all.