Gutekunst's Packers Draft Legacy: Mixed Results

0:00For the NFL, it's March 20th. Here's what's happening. Brian Gudakunst has served as the Green Bay Packers General Manager for nearly a decade. Heading into 2026, it will mark his ninth draft in charge. The team has now fully turned over two of his draft classes, with the entire 2019 group recently leaving the roster after earlier goodbyes. To the 2018 picks, this offseason sealed the deal as the Packers released offensive lineman Elton Jenkins and traded Ed rusher Rashan Gary. Jenkins started as a center prospect, but shifted across the line, ending back at center in his final year. Gary developed into a key past rusher before injuries and a big contract slowed him down. Fans have mixed views on the class's impact. Early stars like safety Darnell Savage flash with interceptions and a playoff pick-6, though his play faded later. The group contributed solid depth, but never dominated, highlighting the risks in building through the draft. Lower picks brought limited returns. Titan J Sternberger managed just 12 catches in his

1:05career, a notable miss taken ahead of a Pro Bowl receiver. Others like Kingsley Kekka and special teamers, Kedar Holman and Ty Summers provided short-term rotation help before moving on. With these chapters closed, Gouda Kunst's focus shifts to recent drafts and the upcoming cycle as the Packers continue reshaping for contention.