Packers: Brian Gutekunst’s three best moves as general manager

1. Drafting Jaire Alexander and receiving an extra first-round pick

As great a move as signing the Smith Bros. has been, his work on the opening night of the 2018 NFL Draft takes first place. Not only did Gutekunst land a future All-Pro with his first ever pick as general manager, but he also brought back an additional first-rounder in the process. It’s a move that is still quite amazing.

Green Bay initially owned the 14th pick of the draft, one many expected it’d use to address the need at cornerback. Gutekunst opted to trade down 13 positions to 27th. New Orleans was the team to move up, but had to give up its 2019 first-round pick to make the deal and select edge rusher Marcus Davenport.

Gutekunst, aware that Seattle would be looking to move down and acquire additional picks, traded back up to the 18th pick where he selected Alexander.

Gutekunst’s work to move around the draft board, get the player he wanted and bring back an additional first-round pick was an outstanding piece of business. As it’s turned out, Alexander is one of the most talented young cornerbacks in the NFL with a huge future ahead of him. He’s second in the NFL with 11 passes defended this season.

With the additional first-rounder received from New Orleans, Gutekunst traded up to select Darnell Savage. He’s made a nice start to his career in Green Bay. He rarely comes off the field and in seven games has 25 tackles, three passes defended and an interception.

By moving down from the 14th pick then back up to 18th, Gutekunst landed a star at a position of need and was also able to draft Savage in the first round a year later.