Packers: Reviewing each of Brian Gutekunst’s first-round picks

As ever, the pressure will be on the Green Bay Packers to land a talented player in the first round.

A lack of activity in free agency means the team will need some immediate contributions from the draft class, along with more help from last year’s class.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has a pretty good track record when it comes to drafting in the first round. While nobody has a clue whether the Jordan Love pick will look like a genius move or a terrible pick until a few years from now, he’s made some good choices with his other first-round selections.

Let’s review.

2018: Jaire Alexander, CB

No. 18 overall

It was impossible for Brian Gutekunst to hit his first pick out of the park in the same way Ted Thompson did by selecting Aaron Rodgers, but he didn’t do so badly either.

Like it is now, cornerback was Green Bay’s biggest need in 2018. Gutekunst hit it out of the park by drafting Jaire Alexander. Alexander made a fast start to his career and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first season.

Three years on, he’s defended 41 passes, intercepted four, and is a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.

2019: Rashan Gary, EDGE

No. 12 overall

Rashan Gary didn’t make as big an impact as Alexander in his rookie year, but that was to be expected. It was said after the draft Gary needed time to develop, meanwhile the Packers spent big money to sign Za’Darius and Preston Smith.

But if Gary’s performances down the stretch in 2020 were a sign of what’s to come, the Packers have to be very excited. Gary made a strong case for a starting job on the edge as he consistently pressured quarterbacks and made an impact.

His best performance came in the playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams. He earned Pro Football Focus’ highest defensive grade for the Packers in that game after making seven pressures. His performance helped Green Bay advance to the NFC Championship Game.

2019: Darnell Savage, S

No. 21 overall

Darnell Savage also saved his best football for late in the 2020 season with 10 pass defenses and four interceptions in the final eight games. Not just one of the Packers’ top defensive players, but also one of the best safeties in the league in the second half of 2020.

If there’s one player on Green Bay’s defense I’d predict to become a first-time Pro Bowler next season, it’s Savage.

In the first round, Gutekunst has found two stars to build around in the secondary.

2020: Jordan Love, QB

No. 26 overall

Perhaps the pick that will define Gutekunst’s run as GM. Gutekunst is hoping Love will begin a new era of great quarterback play, following on from Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. But it could go the complete opposite direction.

If Love never becomes a star quarterback, or even a good starter, this will have been a waste of a pick. Especially at a time when the Packers could’ve strengthened a position of need like wide receiver.

The fact is, we simply don’t know whether this pick was a good one or not. But it’s going to be fun to watch it play out in the coming years.