Packers' near-elite, cheap WR room proves Brian Gutekunst is a top-tier GM

One of the biggest problems the Green Bay Packers had during the end of the Aaron Rodgers area was a lack of great pass-catchers. Outside of Davante Adams, Brian Gutekunst's front office found it difficult to consistently add talent through the draft or free agency.

Gutekunst has flipped that narrative almost immediately in the beginning of the Jordan Love era. The Packers have spent four picks within the first five rounds of the 2022 and 2023 NFL Drafts on wide receivers, and all of them look to be perfect fits for Matt LaFleur's offense.

Christian Watson was highly productive when healthy last season, and second-round rookie Jayden Reed was one of the best picks from last year's class. Romeo Doubs is a perfect role player due to his penchant for big-time catches, and Dontayvion Wicks was stellar for a fifth-round rookie.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Packers are spending just $11.5 million on their wide receiver room as a whole. Due to the combination of depth and quality at this position, it's fair to say the room is right on around the Top 10 across the league. That sort of bang for Green Bay's buck is why Gutekunst has the reputation he does.

Brian Gutekunst has built elite, cheap Green Bay Packers WR room

Watson has all the physical tools needed to become a No. 1 wide receiver in the near future, as his combination of size and speed is rare. After two years of gestation in LaFleur's system, his route-running concerns should be alleviated relatively soon.

With all of Green Bay's perimeter talent, it may surprise some to realize that Reed led the team in catches and yards last season. The separation skill from his time at Michigan State translated well to the pros, as he was frequently Love's top underneath target.

Doubs has a smooth style that makes him ultra-consistent. Due to his ability to stay healthy, there's a good chance he is more likely to receive an extension than the injured Watson. Even Wicks, who produced in a poor offense at Virginia, used his contested catch skills, surprising speed, and long wingspan to reel in tough catches regularly.

Love has no excuse for a drop in production this season, as these four wideouts will operate alongside a terrific 1-2 punch of Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at tight end with Josh Jacobs in the backfield. The offense is locked and loaded, and Gutekunst deserved credit for building them.