Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers have knowledge in nurturing young quarterbacks.
Gutekunst was a scout when the Packers picked Aaron Rodgers and later became the general manager in 2018 before choosing standout quarterback Jordan Love in the first round two years later.
Love has emerged as one of the top players in his position in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears are likely to select a quarterback, USC’s Caleb Williams, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite not seeking advice from Gutekunst.
Drafting a quarterback is hard, and many NFL executives have struggled to develop their chosen passer.
ESPN asked general managers and coaches about developing a young quarterback ahead of this year’s draft. Gutekunst has successfully developed Love, who finished last season as the NFL’s seventh-leading passer and led the Packers to the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
“Outstanding coaches,” Gutekunst says are essential for quarterback development. The players [Rodgers and Love] themselves are also crucial. They learned from high-caliber players.
as well.
Gutekunst emphasizes the importance of a young quarterback learning from a high-caliber player before taking the field.
Both Rodgers Both Rodgers and Love learned from future Hall of Famers, with Rodgers behind Favre for three seasons and Love behind Rodgers for three years before becoming the starter.
The presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Williams, won’t have the luxury of learning behind a veteran player like Love did.
Gutekunst believes there's value in young players learning through observation, especially for quarterbacks.
Gutekunst highlights the importance of learning how to be a professional quarterback.
The Packers Expect Great Things from Jordan Love
Last season, Love demonstrated his potential to be the Packers’ future franchise quarterback.
In his first full season as a starter, the 25-year-old led the Packers to a big win over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round and came close to reaching the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
In 2024, the Packers have higher expectations for Love and believe he is prepared for the next level.
“The expectations are higher, and it’s about how he manages them,” Packers head coach Matt LeFleur stated during the NFL Annual Meeting. “One of the things that impresses me most about Jordan is his ability to learn from every situation, whether good or bad.”
Gutekunst and the Packers have assembled an exciting young group of skilled players around Love, including wide receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, as well as an exciting pair of tight ends: Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.
This year, they strengthened this group by adding former NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs as the running back.
However, Gutekunst understands that the Packers' success depends on Love's leadership.
"What has always impressed me about him is his unwavering commitment and work ethic," Gutekunst stated. "I believe there was a certain level of confidence not only in Jordan, but throughout our entire team as we progressed through the second half of the season, which got them excited. His consistent work ethic and approach to his job are positive signs for the future.
"Undoubtedly, he will encounter different challenges, not only from the teams we face but also from the various personnel that he may be playing with. "However, having a year's worth of challenges to overcome together and the continuity that brings will hopefully benefit us as we move forward."
What Selections Do the Packers Have in the 2024 NFL Draft?
During this year's NFL Draft, the Packers can continue to concentrate on supporting Love or reinforcing the offensive line in front of him, especially considering the abundance of young talent already completing the offense.
Here are the selections the Packers hold in this year's draft:
- Round 1, Selection 25 overall
- Round 2, Selection 41 overall (from New York Jets in Aaron Rodgers trade)
- Round 2, Selection 58 overall
- Round 3, Selection 88 overall
- Round 3, Selection 91 overall (from Buffalo Bills in Rasul Douglas trade)
- Round 4, Selection 126 overall
- Round 5, Selection 169 overall (compensatory selection for Allen Lazard)
- Round 6, Selection 202 overall
- Round 6, Selection 219 overall (compensatory selection for Jarran Reed)
- Round 7, Selection 245 overall
- Round 7, Selection 255 overall (compensatory selection for Dean Lowry)
