3 overreactions after Packers make intriguing run of draft decisions as narratives heat up quickly
Green Bay made six draft picks, the smallest class since Brian Gutekunst took over as a general manager. The repercussions on the roster are significant.
The Green Bay Packers made six draft picks, the smallest draft class in the general manager Brian Gutekunst era. Still, there’s plenty to discuss and evaluate about the state of the roster. It’s time for our post-draft overreactions.
Two players are now in line to receive contract extensions, but one is a question mark
The Packers didn’t take any wide receivers (or pass-catchers in general) in the draft. So even if they already extended Jayden Reed on Friday, there are good indications about another extension at wide receiver: Christian Watson. He’s entering the final year of his deal after signing a short-term extension last year, so getting a new one done is important. Tight end Tucker Kraft is also a big priority for the front office.
However, things may not be as clear for defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. This offseason, the Packers signed veteran Javon Hargrave to a two-year deal in free agency, then traded up in the third round to select Chris McClellan. Wyatt is playing under his fifth-year option, so it would be cool to reach an extension to lower his cap hit. But Wyatt entered the league as an older prospect, which means he’s already 28 years old. Additionally, despite being an efficient pass rusher, he hasn’t become a complete interior defensive lineman, affecting his value for the defense.
The Packers truly trust Jordan Morgan to be the left tackle
Green Bay made one offensive addition in the draft. Unsurprisingly, it was to the offensive line. However, they took Jager Burton, who’s a center/guard hybrid but hasn’t played at tackle since high school. The front office could have easily decided to re-sign Rasheed Walker as well, as he signed a relatively small deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, but opted not to.
The Packers are showing us they trust Jordan Morgan to be the starting left tackle — otherwise, the options are Darian Kinnard or moving Anthony Belton back to tackle.
The big moves are done
The Packers signed Javon Hargrave, Benjamin St-Juste, and Skyy Moore in free agency. They traded for Zaire Franklin. Now, they drafted six players and signed some undrafted ones. The big moves are done. Unless some exceptional happens like it did last year with Micah Parsons, the Packers will only make minor moves between now and the start of the regular season.
Brian Gutekunst himself has said he’s not a big believer in windows, but in a consistent process to build the roster. So don’t expect him to spend future capital unless it’s a huge, long-term opportunity, or something minor just to manage the edge of the roster.
