Brian Gutekunst's Third Round Draft Struggles: A Disappointing Pattern for the Packers

Brian Gutekunst: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Third Round Picks

When it comes to talent evaluation in the NFL Draft, GM Brian Gutekunst has had a mixed bag of results with the Green Bay Packers. Since taking the helm in January 2018, he's built a competitive roster but has stumbled notably when it comes to third-round selections. In this piece, let's break down these picks and their impact on the franchise.

The Value of the Third Round

The third round of the NFL Draft often represents a crucial juncture. It's a range filled with potential gems but also pitfalls. With many star players emerging from these picks, a successful selection can significantly bolster a team's depth and performance. Unfortunately for Gutekunst, his third-round efforts have left much to be desired.

Disappointment Runs Deep

Out of nine third-round picks made by Gutekunst, he has hit on just two (22.2%), while five have been categorized as flops (55.6%). These statistics not only point towards a lack of immediate impact players but also raise broader questions about the evaluation process that led to these selections.

Brian Gutekunst's ability to draft is under increasing scrutiny, especially as the Packers' core faces transitions.

A Closer Look at the Hits and Flops

The Hits

Tucker Kraft, TE (2023, No. 78)

Kraft stands out as one of Gutekunst's rare success stories in the third round. In the 2025 season, he was having a remarkable year with six touchdowns and 489 receiving yards before suffering a torn ACL. His dual-threat ability as a receiver and blocker makes him a cornerstone for the Packers moving forward, assuming he can bounce back from this injury.

Sean Rhyan, OL (2022, No. 92)

Rhyan has shown versatility across the offensive line, re-signing to a lucrative deal after establishing himself as a dependable center. While he may not be a Pro Bowl caliber guard, his solid play has provided much-needed stability on the line.

The Flops

MarShawn Lloyd, RB (2024, No. 88)

It's hard to overstate how disappointing Lloyd's tenure has been. With merely ten snaps and fifteen rushing yards to his name in two seasons—largely due to injuries—he has not come close to fulfilling his potential as a third-round pick. The Packers invested heavily and have received virtually nothing in return.

Amari Rodgers, WR (2021, No. 85)

Rodgers' time in Green Bay was plagued with missed opportunities. He could muster only eight catches in 26 games, leading to his eventual release after a series of fumbles. The decision to trade up for Rodgers is now a bitter pill for Gutekunst to swallow.

Josiah Deguara, TE (2020, No. 94)

Once considered a solid prospect, Deguara has struggled to make an impact after suffering injuries early in his career. Although he contributed as a blocker, he failed to become a reliable offensive weapon.

Potential Questions Moving Forward

The jury is still out on two more recent picks: Savion Williams and Ty'Ron Hopper. They both have exhibited flashes of promise, but with uncertainty surrounding their development, they could either become key contributors or fall into the same trap as Lloyd and Rodgers.

The current roster dynamics and Gutekunst's ability to draft effectively could determine the Packers' future.

The Bigger Picture

Gutekunst's struggles with the third round have significant long-term implications. As the Packers gear up for crucial seasons ahead, clear communication and strategic planning during the draft must improve. Roster strength comes from consistency in talent acquisition, particularly during pivotal mid-round choices that often separate contenders from pretenders.

Conclusion

In sports, we often talk about the ability to learn from mistakes. It's time for Brian Gutekunst to transform the harsh lessons from his third-round draft picks into winning outcomes for the Packers. As fans, we deserve an exciting product on the field, and success in the draft is the key to achieving that!