Packers GM Brian Gutekunst will enter the draft without a first-round pick for the first time since 2018, having made 10 first-round selections during his tenure. He has traded up four times and acquired additional picks through trades.
Key points
Gutekunst will not have a first-round pick for the first time in his tenure
He has made 10 first-round picks since 2018
Traded up four times for first-round selections
Acquired additional first-round picks through trades
Last year's first-round pick was Matthew Golden
Mentioned in this story
Green Bay PackersDallas Cowboys
Micah ParsonsMatthew GoldenDavante Adams
This is Packers Wire's latest update of Brian Gutekunst's first-round pick history.
For the first time in his tenure, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will go into a draft without a first-round pick. The Packers sent a pair of first-round picks to Dallas for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons in August of last year. Barring a highly unlikely trade up next Thursday night, Gutekunst will break a run of eight straight seasons making a pick in the first round to start his run as Packers general manager.
But factoring in Matthew Golden, last year's first-round pick, it's increasingly clear that Gutekunst has a well-defined type in the first round.
Since taking over in 2018, Gutekunst has made 10 first-round picks -- at least one each year and two in both 2019 and 2022. He traded up four times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023) and twice used trades to acquire an additional first-round pick (trade down in 2018, trading Davante Adams in 2022).
His track record makes clear Gutekunst's preference for young (21 or 22 years old) and athletic (RAS of 8.0 or above, preferably 9.0 or above) prospects in the first round. Positional value is important (two edge rushers, two cornerbacks, a quarterback and an offensive lineman among the nine) but positions outside the perceived "premium positions" will be considered. Of the 10, seven have been defensive players. At least six were from top collegiate football programs.
Here's a review of Gutekunst's picks in the first round over the last eight years:
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Weight: 196
RAS: 9.54
Age: 21
Trade up? Yes. Gutekunst first traded down from No. 14 and then traded back up to No. 18 to get Alexander.
Still with team? No. The Packers released Alexander in June of last year. He spent seven seasons with the Packers, making two All-Pro teams. After spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, Alexander finished the 2025 season on the reserve/retired list.
Trade up? No. The Packers held the 12th pick after finishing 6-9-1 in 2018.
Still with team? No. The Packers traded Gary to the Dallas Cowboys, receiving a 2027 fourth-round pick in return, after a highly disappointing end to the 2025 season.
Trade up? Yes. Gutekunst traded a pair of fourth-round picks to move up and get Savage, who was the first defensive back off the board in the 2019 draft.
Still with team? No. Savage played out his five-year rookie deal, including the team-exercised fifth-year option. But he departed as an unrestricted free agent, signing a multi-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Savage has bounced around teams since and is currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Trade up? Yes. Gutekunst sent a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to move up from No. 30.
Still with team? Yes. Love sat behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons but took over as the starter in 2023. He signed a lucrative, multi-year contract to lock in his status as the franchise quarterback in Green Bay during the 2024 offseason.
Trade up? No. Gutekunst stayed put at No. 29 overall.
Still with team? No. The Packers declined Stokes' fifth-year option, and he left Green Bay to sign a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. He played four most disappointing seasons -- including two ruined by injury -- with the Packers but revived his career with an impressive first season in Las Vegas.
Trade up? No, but Gutekunst received this draft pick in the trade that sent Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Still with team? No. Walker, after four seasons as a starter at linebacker, left Green Bay to sign a three-year, $40 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Still with team? Yes. Wyatt battled through another season with multiple injuries in 2025, missing time with a knee injury early and then landing on injured reserve with a broken ankle. He'll enter a contract year in 2026, but there's a real possibility of a contract extension getting done.
Trade up? Yes, technically. The Packers moved up from No. 15 in the trade that sent Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.
Still with team? Yes. Van Ness produced only 1.5 sacks over nine games during an injury-plagued third season. He has only 8.5 sacks in three seasons, but his win percentage as a rusher was impressive in 2025, and he's expected to be a starter opposite Micah Parsons in 2026. A big season awaits.
Trade up? No. Gutekunst stayed put at No. 25 overall.
Still with team? Yes. Morgan competed at left tackle in training camp last summer but did not win a starting job to open 2025. He still ended up starting 12 games between guard, right tackle and left tackle. Rasheed Walker departed in free agency, so Morgan will go into 2026 as the expected starter at left tackle.
2024: Wide receiver Matthew Golden, Texas
Pick: No. 23 overall
Height: 5-11
Weight: 191
RAS: N/A (lack of measurables - ran 4.29 in 40-yard dash but did no other testing)
Age: 21
Trade up? No. Gutekunst stayed put at No. 23 overall.
Still with team? Yes. Golden was a rotational player and fought through a few midseason injuries, creating a frustrating rookie season. He will return as a second-year player expected to start and play a full-time role after the Packers lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded away Dontayvion Wicks.
