It's hard to be too disappointed after the Green Bay Packers' fascinating start to the 2025 NFL Draft. Brian Gutekunst stuck to his board, resulting in three picks that will directly impact Jordan Love.
Love has two new pass-catchers — Texas' Matthew Golden and TCU's Savion Williams — who add different skill sets to the offense. Gutekunst also found Love another bodyguard in NC State's Anthony Belton.
The Packers couldn't solve every issue with three selections, but it's hard to ignore their lack of moves to upgrade the pass rush.
It extends to free agency. Green Bay seemingly showed little interest in providing, if nothing else, competition for Lukas Van Ness. Better still, they should've searched for a game-changer to fix an inconsistent pass rush that cost them dearly in the most important games.
It's hard to win championships without consistent pressure. Per ESPN, the Packers ranked 26th in pass-rush win rate last season. Rashan Gary hasn't taken that next step to becoming a Pro Bowler, while Van Ness is still a million miles from living up to expectations as the 13th overall selection in 2023.
Gutekunst made concerning comments after the first wave of free agency, saying he believed in the current pass-rushers without needing outside help. His actions backed up those words, and now he's doubling down.
Brian Gutekunst's comments about pass rush won't ease Packers fans' concerns
Gutekunst addressed the media after the Packers' Day 2 moves and inevitably faced a question about the lack of pass-rush moves.
"I feel very good about the guys we have in the building. We do need to improve with our consistency, but there were times we were dominant," Gutekunst said, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Sure, Gutekunst has to say that. He's hardly going to trash the current roster and say they need help. However, it backs up what he said earlier in the offseason. Gutekunst made comments like this about the cornerback position last offseason and, similarly, took an inactive approach to adding talent.
The Packers have had plenty of opportunities throughout free agency and the first two days of the draft to add a pass-rusher. Their lack of moves speaks volumes.
It won't be surprising if Green Bay leaves Day 3 with extra defensive end and cornerback depth. Gutekunst spoke about wanting more picks, bringing a trade-down into play. Added depth is great, and maybe the Packers will find a starter, but they are rolling the dice.
Gutekunst is banking on the hiring of defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to help the pass-rushers improve. That could work, but the Packers also needed to add talent.
They are running out of time, and Gutekunst's explanation is concerning.