Brian Gutekunst isn't afraid to make unpopular decisions on draft night. The Green Bay Packers have pressing needs at cornerback, defensive tackle, and edge-rusher, but that doesn't guarantee anything.
Gutekunst always has an eye on the future, which often influences his draft decisions. Remember when he traded up for Jordan Love while Aaron Rodgers was still in town? When he selected AJ Dillon to sit behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams? Or Jordan Morgan, who is only now taking over as the starting left tackle? The list goes on. Even the Matthew Golden pick last year was more about 2026 than 2025.
Don't be surprised if Gutekunst makes another surprise or two. These moves would be unpopular, but they are far more realistic than they might initially seem.
Potential draft decisions that are far more realistic than they may seem for the Packers
Drafting a wide receiver early
Wide receiver doesn't immediately stand out as a need. Even after losing Romeo Doubs in free agency and Dontayvion Wicks via trade, the Packers still have Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden leading the receiving corps. They also drafted Savion Williams in the third round last year and signed Skyy Moore in free agency.
It wouldn't make sense to add another early-round receiver, right? Right?!
Well, maybe. It all depends on contract decisions. As things stand, Watson and Reed will hit free agency in 2027. Golden and Williams are the only receivers under contract beyond this season.
Extending Watson's deal feels inevitable, but the Packers also need to pay Tucker Kraft. That could make it difficult to bring back Reed.
Green Bay has reportedly met with three receivers, including potential Day 2 targets Chris Brazzell and Ted Hurst, which could indicate a desire to add to the room early.
Beyond just a future need, Gutekunst may believe they need help now. The Packers lost Doubs and Wicks, who accounted for 28 percent of the team's targets last season. Don't be surprised if Gutekunst attacks the position early.
Not addressing the pass rush until Day 3
Green Bay already invested in the pass rush during last year's draft by selecting Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver. Neither played a significant role in 2025, but Gutekunst won't give up on them. Add in Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr., and eventually, Micah Parsons, and the Packers may not be in a huge rush to add a pass-rusher.
They should. It's less of a numbers issue and more of a talent problem. Van Ness hasn't delivered on first-round expectations, while no other edge defender on the roster has proven they can offer starting-caliber production.
That's why the Packers likely will address the pass rush, and maybe they go early, but that's far from a guarantee.
It all depends on value. While there's good depth at the position in this year's class, there will likely be an early run on pass-rushers. By the time the Packers hit the clock at No. 52 overall, they may have missed the best opportunity to add a game-changer.
With five pass-rushers locked into roster spots already, and Parsons, Sorrell, and Oliver, all under contract for multiple years, Gutekunst may prioritize positions with less depth. He could then turn to free agency to add a veteran like Von Miller once the draft is over.
Adding a running back in Rounds 2-4
Running back is one of those positions the Packers may wish to target.
Gutekunst believes Josh Jacobs has a "lot of good years left," but the position is quietly a need. There's no escaping that Jacobs has seven years and 1,840 carries of NFL experience under his belt. That's a lot of mileage. Jacobs could be entering his final season in Green Bay, and like Gutekunst has done so many times in the past, he could proactively find a successor.
It's clear the Packers value the position. Gutekunst drafted AJ Dillon in the second round despite already having a strong 1-2 punch. Gutekunst viewed Dillon as a long-term replacement for either Aaron Jones or Jamaal Williams. Green Bay spent big to sign Jacobs in free agency and drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round two years ago.
Lloyd's concerning injury history and Emanuel Wilson's departure make running back a need.
As things stand, Chris Brooks is the RB2, and the Packers don't have an obvious long-term successor to Jacobs.
Gutekunst has used two Day 2 draft picks on running backs and thrown millions at the position in free agency. He could do it again.
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