The NFL combine began yesterday in Indianapolis. The Green Bay Packers and the other 31 NFL teams will be able to scout potential draft prospects get to know players they feel like would be a good addition to their team during this time.
Green Bay Packers general Brian Gutekunst addressed both the local media and national media today. In total, it was just under two hours between the press conferences. What did Gutekunst have to say today? Here are my three takeaways from Gutekunst today.
Expect A Similar Green Bay Packers Team in 2024
When talking with local media, Gutekunst mentioned this would be a similar Green Bay Packers team in 2024. He expects a lot of the same players form last year to be back. I am not shocked by this mainly because this was the youngest team in the NFL last season. There a ton of players that played in their first or second year. Being young and having some team control is something the Green Bay Packers always love to have.
Gutekunst also mentioned they would have to address safety this off-season, whether it be the draft, free agency, or waivers. A majority of the Green Bay Packers safeties from last season are free agents. It was also a group that did not perform particularly well.
I am in the camp of the Packers bringing players like Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens back for another year, but Gutekunst knows they have to improve at the safety position, especially getting at least one that can start week one.
A Lot About Jordan Love and the Quarterback Transition
The national media asked a few questions about Jordan Love and the quarterback transition. Gutekunst praised Love for how he played last season and how he navigated through the rough stretch in October and November.
Gutekunst isn’t wrong. The Green Bay Packers have a way to scout their next best quarterback during the combine. It has worked with Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and now Love. It would have been easy for Love to say he was a first year starter and use that as an excuse when he was playing poorly. However, Love owned it and knew he had to get better. He certainly did and became a leader on a young Green Bay Packers team.
Thought on Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Gutekunst also mentioned his thoughts on new Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. He mentioned it was going to be a new look, but liked what Hafley brings to the table. Gutekunst also brought up the overall foundation would stay the same, but he wants to bring in talent and competition on the defensive side of the ball.
With a defensive coordinator that specializes in a 4-3, I think the Green Bay Packers will and should invest some high draft picks on defense this season. It will be a work in progress, but it sounds like Gutekunst is sold on Hafley and what his vision is. We know the last scheme did not work at all and it never really improved. Hopefully things change with Hafley now in charge.
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