A hard truth that the Green Bay Packers, and specifically general manager Brian Gutekunst, need to face is that their most recent first round draft picks have not performed as well as their picks from later rounds. One of them, Darnell Savage, is not even on the team anymore (he is with the Jacksonville Jaguars). And while Jordan Love has performed well overall as the Packers starting quarterback over the last two seasons, the performance of other first round picks on the team have been lacking.
The Green Bay Packers First Round Picks Under Brian Gutekunst Have Not Produced as of Late
Gutekunst’s first draft selection as Green Bay’s general manager came in 2018 when he took Jaire Alexander. It should not be forgotten that Alexander was (and still is, when healthy) one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and at one point was the highest-paid corner back in the league.
However, he has missed the majority of three of the past four seasons due to injury and appears to be on his way out of Green Bay.
Rashan Gary was one of the first round picks in 2019, and he just made his first career Pro Bowl. Still, many fans are not happy with his low sack numbers in relation to others at his position around the league. That being said, he was voted to the Pro Bowl by players and coaches around the NFL, who obviously hold him in high regard.
Savage, the other first round pick that year, is now playing for Jacksonville (as mentioned). Love, the first round pick in 2020, has also already been discussed.
Eric Stokes looked like he was a home run first round pick as a rookie in 2021, but a sophomore slump and injuries kept him off the field and led the Packers to decline his fifth year option. He also may not be back next year.
Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt, who were both first round picks in 2022, have yet to play up to their status as top draft talent. Many wonder if Green Bay will pick up the fifth year option for either of them.
Lukas Van Ness was the Packers first round pick in 2023, but like many of the others listed has yet to live up to his potential. He often found himself behind undrafted free agent Brenton Cox and former fifth-round pick Kingsley Enagbare on the game day depth charts.
Last year’s first round pick, Jordan Morgan, played in just six games due to a shoulder injury.
Jordan Morgan Is Predicted to Have a Breakout Year for the Green Bay Packers
According to PFF, one of the above former first round picks is in for a big season in 2025. That is, if he can remain healthy. Due to a possible significant change on the offensive line, they believe Jordan Morgan will have himself a stellar season in 2025:
“Starting center Josh Myers will be a free agent in March, and right guard Sean Rhyan was only solid this past year (61.3 PFF overall grade). The Packers took Morgan in the first round — and moved him to guard — for a reason, even if he played just 186 snaps in 2024. The former Arizona product allowed only three sacks and 30 pressures during his final two collegiate seasons. Expect Morgan’s pedigree to be unleashed in full this upcoming year at either guard slot, with the versatile Elgton Jenkins potentially moving positions.”
While center Josh Myers wants to return in 2025, it has yet to be seen if he and the Packers will be able to agree on a contract. Either way, Morgan was in serious competition with Sean Rhyan for the starting right guard spot, and could win that job (or another one) next season.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “They Have No Interest In Doing That;” Former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Spurned by AFC Contender
- Brett Favre Reveals the 1 Player Who Could Have Won Him More Rings
- Packers Officially Meet with Different “Rodgers” Ahead of 2025 NFL Season
- Packers WR Romeo Doubs Mentioned as Trade Bait to Acquire Aaron Rodgers Weapon
- Packers GM on Who Will Be Go-To Wide Receiver in 2025; “I Don’t Think We Have Just One”
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
