Packers: Grading every Brian Gutekunst third-round pick

As we continue to analyze Brian Gutekunst’s draft record, we, unfortunately, need to look at each of his third-round picks for the Green Bay Packers.

It’s, uhh, well, not been too good.

In Gutekunst’s defense, the Packers’ problems drafting in the third round didn’t start when he became GM. You could argue Green Bay’s last good third-round pick was Morgan Burnett in 2010.

2018: Oren Burks – D

The Packers hoped Oren Burks would be their answer at inside linebacker. They traded up to make it happen. Burks never became that player, making just four starts in his career and never being more than a backup player on defense.

He did, however, become a core special teams player in his four-year stay with the Packers. Burks signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason.

2019: Jace Sternberger – F

After swinging and missing at the tight end position in free agency, the Packers turned to the draft. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.

Jace Sternberger featured in just six games as a rookie due to injury, catching a grand total of zero passes in the regular season. In 2020, he had just 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown as Robert Tonyan enjoyed a breakout season.

Sternberger was suspended for the first two games in 2021 and then released.

2020: Josiah Deguara – D

The hope is Josiah Deguara will earn a bigger role in Green Bay’s offense this season. So far, he has been just OK.

Deguara was hit with injuries in 2020, including a torn ACL that ended his season early. He returned in 2021, playing in 16 games with two starts. According to Pro Football Reference, he played 35 percent of the Packers’ offensive snaps and 32 percent of the special teams snaps.

Deguara is a good blocker and a capable receiver. He made 25 catches for 245 yards and two touchdowns.

The Packers will be hoping to see more from Deguara in year three.

2021: Amari Rodgers – C-

It’s far too early to give Amari Rodgers a grade, but his rookie season wasn’t good. In his defense, he was drafted to be the Packers’ slot wide receiver. They then traded for Randall Cobb, who took many of those snaps.

Still, Rodgers didn’t make the most of his opportunities. He spent most of his time returning punts and kicks, but made far too many mistakes from poor decision-making to struggling to hold onto the ball.

On offense, Rodgers had four catches for 45 yards.

There’s a reason why Green Bay drafted him. Rodgers was outstanding at Clemson. Hopefully he can make a jump in year two.