Packers receive long-overdue recognition for organizational strength that keeps producing results and helps sustain their success
Despite the lack of first-round success, general manager Brian Gutekunst has generated a lot of draft value for Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers have had a high volume of picks over the past few years, but the 2023 class is the epitome of what general manager Brian Gutekunst wants to build. In one draft class, the Packers selected 13 players, with two highly-productive pieces (Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft) and several other contributors.
The reality is they couldn’t get a star, at least not for now, in first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. And that’s part of Gutekunst’s shortcomings as a decision-makers. But even then, PFF named the Packers’ 2023 class one of the best after three seasons.
The impact is undeniable
“Green Bay’s crop features the second-most total snaps (6,625) behind the Rams and quality contributors from top to bottom — including tight end Tucker Kraft, receiver Jayden Reed and corner Carrington Valentine, the latter of whom has arguably become the best product from the 2023 seventh round. All three will return to the 2026 Packers, but a few other useful players from this class have since gone elsewhere.
“This Packers class undeniably lacks the star power of the top four in our rankings. Yet this group has provided major flexibility to a franchise which, at the time, was transitioning from a period of several large contracts — including Aaron Rodgers — into a new era led by Jordan Love.” — Daire Carragher
That’s just how the Packers have done
Several picks, a lot of Days 2 and 3 value, and lack of success in the first round. This is about the 2023 class, but it could also summarize the entirety of Gutekunst’s period as a GM. With the 13th overall pick, the Packers took Lukas Van Ness with cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the board.
On the other hand, it’s nearly impossible to generate more value after that first round. The Packers got tight end Tucker Kraft (a rising star), wide receiver Jayden Reed (who got a contract extension), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (a seventh-round starter at a premium position). Defensive tackle Karl Brooks and tight end Luke Musgrave are also talented backups.
The Packers were also able to trade Colby Wooden (for linebacker Zaire Franklin) and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (for a 2026 fifth- and a 2027 sixth-round pick), generating extra value for the future.
It’s undeniably a good class, and the number of picks is what makes it special. It’s not a coincidence that Green Bay is already accumulating picks for 2027 after making just six selections this year. And not having a first-rounder once again might not hurt as much as it would do to many other teams.