Packers receive rare praise from rival executives in a part of the team even loyal fans often overlook
Brian Gutekunst deserves more respect.
The blockbuster trade to acquire Micah Parsons was certainly a boost in how the fans and national media perceive the Green Bay Packers’ front office, and general manager Brian Gutekunst in particular. However, rare people truly appreciate how this roster has been built over the past several years.
Gutekunst took over in 2018. After moving on from defensive tackle Kenny Clark, every player on the roster has been acquired throughout his tenure. And after years of doubts, counterparts are finally recognizing what Gutekunst can do.
The Athletic created front office rankings to determine how executives are perceived around the league, and the Packers were amongst the best, after the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Rams.
Talent evaluation
Yes, the Packers might have had some issues with first-round picks. But overall, Gutekunst has proved to be a solid evaluator.
“I have a lot of respect for what they do top to bottom,” a rival executive told The Athletic. “They’ve done some things that people questioned, but they do it right. They got the quarterback right. They’re just really good evaluators, and they have some highly respected people in that building.”
The draft is part of that process, and the Packers have had the most draft picks over the past three years. But adding pieces like running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, plus trades like Micah Parsons and Malik Willis were smart moves as well.
“That may be the most impressive group outside of the Eagles over the last few years,” an executive said.
The Packers received a second-place, five third-place, three fourth-place, and two fifth-place votes in the process. The only other NFC North team to receive votes was the Detroit Lions.
A 52-year-old executive, Brian Gutekunst has worked with the Green Bay Packers since 1999. He spent 13 seasons as a scout before being promoted to director of college scouting in 2012. Then, he climbed the ladder fairly quickly, moving up to director of player personnel in 2016 and general manager in 2018.
When the Packers decided to move Ted Thompson to an advisory role, Gutekunst was the choice to replace him over Eliot Wolf, the son of former Packers GM Ron Wolf. Eliot is now the New England Patriots’ executive vice president of player personnel, the top executive in New England—even though head coach Mike Vrabel has the final say over the 53-man roster.
Green Bay Packers News
Packers use open roster spot to reward a deserving offensive player who has been waiting, but it may spell bad news for a star
Brant Banks deserves it.
