Packers: Reviewing each of Brian Gutekunst’s second-round picks
Green Bay Packers legend Ted Thompson had a phenomenal track record in the second round.
In that round, he found future stars like Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Casey Hayward, and Davante Adams.
Brian Gutekunst has been general manager for three draft classes.
Gutekunst has made some good moves in the first round so far. How much success has he found in the second round?
2018: Josh Jackson, CB
No. 45 overall
Many believed Josh Jackson would be the Packers’ first-round choice in 2018. As it happened, they selected him a round later after already drafting future All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
At the time, this looked to be an incredible move. Unfortunately, that’s not how it’s turned out.
Jackson has started 15 games in three seasons, including five last year when Kevin King missed time with injury, but he has also been a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. After playing almost 70 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in his rookie year, he’s been on the field for less than a third of the snaps since then.
2019: Elgton Jenkins, G
No. 44 overall
This might be the best pick of the entire 2019 NFL Draft. By any team.
According to Pro Football Focus, Elgton Jenkins has been on the field for 1,304 pass-blocking snaps since entering the league. Of those, he’s allowed only one sack.
And it’s not like he’s had the benefit of playing the same position the entire time. Jenkins literally played every position along the offensive line last season alone.
Jenkins made his first Pro Bowl in 2020. The first of many.
2020: AJ Dillon, RB
No. 62 overall
It’s far too early to judge AJ Dillon as he was the third-string running back behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams in his first season. With Williams gone, expect to see more from Dillon in 2021.
You can only make the best of the opportunities you’re given and Dillon did that, averaging 5.3 yards per carry in his rookie season. His 124-yard, two-touchdown day against the Tennessee Titans showed his potential when given a featured role.
Dillon will be a player to watch this season but he looked good in a limited role last year.