The Packers Best Draft Picks in Each Round of the NFL Draft Under Brian Gutekunst

The Green Bay Packers have been consistent winners under GM Brian Gutekunst although they have yet to win football’s ultimate prize, a Super Bowl title. The 2026 NFL Draft will be Gute’s ninth since he became GM in 2018. The Packers remain a draft and develop team so that remains their most vital method of roster building. With that in mind, here is a look at the Packers best pick made by Gutekunst in each round of the NFL Draft. The rankings are based on how these players performed with the Packers. Any success they had with other teams is not taken into consideration.

The Packers Best Picks in Each Round of the NFL Draft Under Brian Gutekunst: Round 7, OT Rasheed Walker

Rasheed Walker came a long way from being one of the final picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Yes, he struggled through a disappointing 2025 season and departed as a free agent this offseason, but any seventh-round pick that becomes a three-year starter at a premium position like left tackle deserves recognition.

Walker took over as the starter at left tackle in Week 2 of the 2023 season after David Bakhtiari was shut down by injuries. He has developed into a solid starter and did a good job protecting Jordan Love’s blindside. He proved less consistent at run blocking.

Walker signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason and gets a fresh start there in 2026.

Round 6: LB Isaiah McDuffie

Not many sixth-round picks earn second contracts in the NFL, but linebacker Isaiah McDuffie has done just that. The former Boston College star started off as a special teams player and depth linebacker but has been a starter the last 2.5 seasons.

McDuffie has average athleticism for an NFL linebacker, but he’s smart, plays within the system and provides the Packers defense with leadership. He also contributes on special teams despite being a starter.

Will McDuffie continue to start in Jonathan Gannon’s new 3-4 base defense? This will also be the final year of McDuffie’s current contract.

The Packers Best Picks in Each Round of the NFL Draft Under Brian Gutekunst: Round 5, WR Dontayvion Wicks

Dontayvion Wicks provides the Packers with talent and depth at wide receiver. He has yet to fully establish himself as a starter but looks like a player who could still break out at any time.

Wicks does a good job of getting open, but his overall play has been inconsistent. He improved his hands last season, dropping only two passes in 2025 after suffering through nine drops in 2024.

So far, Wicks’ best season was his rookie campaign when he caught 39 passes for 581 yards and four scores. He hopes to have a big season in 2026 which will be the final year of his rookie contract.

Round 4: OT Zach Tom

Zach Tom rose from a day-three pick to a Pro-Bowl caliber right tackle. The Packers drafted Tom in part because of his versatility. He can skillfully play any position along the offensive line.

Tom has been the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman in each of the last three seasons. He remains strong in pass protection and the team’s best run blocking offensive lineman.

While he is undersized, the Wake Forest product has very good technique and a high football IQ. The Packers definitely felt his absence last season down the stretch, and it played a role in the team’s poor finish to the 2025 campaign.

The Packers Best Picks in Each Round of the NFL Draft Under Brian Gutekunst: Round 3, TE Tucker Kraft

There was a time the Packers had a third-round jinx but tight end Tucker Kraft quickly made that a thing of the past.

The former third-round pick out of South Dakota State was on pace to break most single-season receiving records for Packers tight ends before he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 8.

Kraft seemed on his way to his first Pro Bowl before the injury struck. He runs well and is very tough to bring down one-on-one. Because of his ability to run after the catch, he often turns short passes into substantial gains. Most experts view him as among the top tight ends in the game if he can return to his pre-injury form.

The Packers missed him badly in the second half of the season.

Round 2: OL Elgton Jenkins

The Packers released Elgton Jenkins after the 2025 season but as of now, he holds a slight edge over wideout Christian Watson, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, and defensive back Javon Bullard as the best second-round pick of the Gutekunst Era.

Jenkins earned two trips to the Pro Bowl and probably would have earned more had injuries not gotten in the way.

Jenkins played all five positions along the offensive line during his tenure in Green Bay although he struggled last year at center.

He will now continue his career with the Browns.

The Packers Best Picks in Each Round of the NFL Draft Under Brian Gutekunst: Round 1, QB Jordan Love

Gutekunst took a big gamble by trading up to select Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The team already had Aaron Rodgers on the roster and the veteran wasn’t pleased with the move.

But after sitting behind the future Hall of Famer for three seasons, Love took over in 2023 after Rodgers demanded a trade to the Jets.

Love led the Packers to the playoffs in each of his three seasons as the starter. The 2025 campaign was his best yet as he finished with a 66.3 percent completion percentage, 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He had a quarterback rating of 101.2.

Most experts view Love as a top 10 quarterback in the league, and some have him in the top five. He possesses a strong arm and can make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback.

Playoff success and a championship remain the last remaining hurdles for Love to join the pantheon of great Packers quarterbacks.