Jaire Alexander trade and 9 other genius Packers moves Brian Gutekunst nailed

Brian Gutekunst's time as the Green Bay Packers general manager can be considered a success.

Sure, there are plenty of decisions he would likely want back, but that's true of every general manager, coach, and player in the NFL.

Gutekunst has made some genius moves over the years, including his first draft pick five years ago. We'll get to that shortly.

With the 2023 NFL Draft in the books, let's revisit some of Gutekunst's greatest moves as Packers general manager.

10. Drafting Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Round 5

Wide receiver was a need for the Packers in 2018, Gutekunst's first draft as GM, so he drafted three on the final day. One of them was Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a fifth-round pick.

Gutekunst has taken a similar approach in the past at other positions of need, doubling or tripling down in the hopes at least one of the picks pays off. He did it in this year's draft by selecting two tight ends.

Valdes-Scantling became a game-changer in the Packers' offense. With his speed, defenses had a tough job stopping him from making huge plays. In 2020, no receiver averaged more yards per reception than Valdes-Scantling's 20.9. Of his 16 touchdown catches in Green Bay, nine were of 40+ yards.

MVS stepped up big in the playoffs, too, catching a 50-yard touchdown in the NFC Championship Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He continued that success with two postseason touchdowns in the Kansas City Chiefs' recent Super Bowl run.

Valdes-Scantling became an excellent receiver in Green Bay, and Gutekunst drafted him in the fifth round.