Packers GM Gutekunst Faces Draft Test Without First-Round Pick

Packers' lack of top selection will challenge GM's ability to find talent later in the draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in shades of green, gold, and navy blue, conceptually representing the strategic challenge of building an NFL roster without a top draft pick.The Packers' GM faces the challenge of building a competitive roster without a first-round pick, requiring a strategic, multi-angled approach.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers will be without a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, putting pressure on general manager Brian Gutekunst to find impact players later in the proceedings. Gutekunst has a reputation for making some of his best draft selections well after the opening round, but the lack of a top pick this year will test his skills in identifying and developing talent.

Why it matters

The Packers have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years, but their lack of a first-round pick this year could make it more challenging to address key roster needs and maintain their competitive edge in the NFC North division.

The details

The Packers traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders last year, leaving Gutekunst and his staff to work with selections starting in the second round. Despite this, the GM has proven adept at finding valuable players later in the draft, including 2021 Pro Bowl cornerback Eric Stokes, who was a second-round pick.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.

The players

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers, known for his ability to identify talent in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

Eric Stokes

A cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, who was a second-round draft pick in 2021 and made the Pro Bowl that season.

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What they’re saying

“Brian has shown a real knack for finding players that fit our system and culture, even if they aren't the most high-profile names. We're confident he'll find a way to strengthen our roster despite not having that first-round pick.”

— Mark Murphy, President and CEO, Green Bay Packers

What’s next

The Packers will look to address their roster needs through the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, with their first selection coming in the second round.

The takeaway

The Packers' lack of a first-round pick this year will test the team's front office, but their history of finding talent in the later rounds suggests they are well-equipped to navigate the challenge and continue their run of success.