Packers: Ranking 10 best and worst moves of Gutekunst’s tenure

Brian Gutekunst has now been the GM of the Green Bay Packers for three full seasons.

What are his best and worst moves in charge?

Let’s look at the best, and worst, 10.

No. 10 best: Signing Chandon Sullivan

Brian Gutekunst brought Chandon Sullivan in off the street after he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. Sullivan has become the team’s main slot cornerback since being signed by the Packers, and for the most part has been serviceable. Sullivan doesn’t seem to be a real option as an outside cornerback, but as a backup and primary slot defender, he’s adequate for this defense.

Kevin King was deserving of every bit of criticism he got for his poor 2020 season and unwatchable NFC Championship game performance, but Sullivan wasn’t much better against the Buccaneers.

He is a better football player than he is a cornerback, in that he seems to have a strong nose for the football, is a decent tackler and can pop through into the backfield from time to time. But line him up against a premier receiver, and there could be trouble. All told, Sullivan looks like he could be a solid NFL defensive back for the foreseeable future.

No. 10 worst: 2018 receiver class

The Packers have needed wide receiver help for ages. Gutekunst has not had a good time figuring this one out. In his first draft as general manager, he drafted J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown all in the fifth round or later. None of them are good enough to be any team’s third best wide receiver.

Gutekunst then famously passed on wide receivers in each of the next two drafts despite repeated signs that help was needed on the outside.

Keep in mind, the Packers have an offensive head coach and one of the most well-regarded offensive coordinators in the business. This is no schematic issue, and certainly not a quarterback one. This was punctuated when St. Brown dropped a crucial two-point conversion attempt in the second half against the Buccaneers.