Why the Packers’ front office is one of the best in the NFL
The Green Bay Packers‘ front office has been near the top of the league for a long time.
After over two decades of near irrelevancy after the departure of Vince Lombardi, the team found success.
It started with the hiring of general manager Ron Wolf in 1991.
Wolf was the one who hired Mike Holmgren, an offensive coordinator who coached both Joe Montana and Steve Young in San Francisco.
Wolf was the one who saw something in an Atlanta Falcons backup with the last name Favre. Wolf changed the course of NFL free agency by bringing one of the greatest defensive players ever in Reggie White to Green Bay.
Wolf saw something in a seventh-round pick from Alcorn State with the last name Driver.
He helped construct a Super Bowl-winning team that would make back-to-back appearances in the big game.
Then, Green Bay would move from HC/GM Mike Sherman to the late, great Ted Thompson, who would take over as GM in 2005 for 12 seasons.
He would build a Super Bowl roster while also hiring a great coach in Mike McCarthy. Thompson also had the courage to draft a California QB with the last name Rodgers to eventually replace Brett Favre.
Aaron Rodgers was Thompson’s first ever draft pick as GM. Thompson would also draft franchise legends like Mason Crosby, Clay Matthews, Nick Collins, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, David Bakhtiari, and Kenny Clark.
Thompson was also able to copy his old mentor in Ron Wolf by bringing in a future Hall-of-Fame defensive player in Charles Woodson in 2006.
Julius Peppers, who was a Pro Bowler in Green Bay, was also brought in by Thompson later on in his career.
Thompson is a legendary figure in Packers history. He was consistent. He was a winner. He was a very wise GM. He didn’t overpay. He knew how to build a team. That’s why he’s in the Green Bay Packers Ring of Honor.
In 2018, current GM Brian Gutekunst took over.
After relieving Mike McCarthy of his duties, he would hire the winningest head coach in his first three seasons ever in Matt LaFleur.
Gutekunst, a former Director of Player Personnel and scout, has drafted impact players like Jaire Alexander, Elgton Jenkins, Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, and A.J. Dillon.
He was able to sign solid free agents like Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, De’Vondre Campbell, and he was even able to bring back fan-favorite Randall Cobb. The team has made three playoff appearances in his four years as GM, including two NFC Championship Games.
Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has also helped lead this franchise since 2007.
Being a former Pro Bowl safety and Super Bowl champion as a player, Murphy has a strong, unique perspective on the roster, the fan base, and how everything operates in Green Bay.
He puts his trust in the right people in the organization. From executives to coaches to players, Murphy always has his eyes on the best people for the job. He has helped lead this winning culture for the past decade-and-a-half.
In the last 30 years since the hiring of Ron Wolf, the Green Bay Packers have been consistently at the top of the NFL landscape.
They’ve won 15 division titles, made 22 playoff appearances, and made three Super Bowls while winning two.
Fans and analysts alike complain about the team not being aggressive enough.
“They haven’t drafted a receiver, a running back, or a tight end in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2002. They need to do more!” The Packers’ front office always has a plan in place. They are consistent. They are winners.
Their next task is to try to put this team in position to win a Super Bowl before arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time in Aaron Rodgers hangs up his cleats.
Even after trading franchise legend Davante Adams, the team is still in position to win a Super Bowl. But they need to find a way to build up talent and depth at the receiver position.
They have two first-round picks and four top-60 picks in next week’s NFL Draft. They also have just under $15 million in cap space.
It will be interesting to see what they do. But make no mistake about it, this Packers franchise is in a great spot. The front office has a plan in place to win a Super Bowl. Watch them work their magic.