Three Findings from Brian Gutekunst’s NFL Combine Press Conferences

admin | February 27, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The NFL combine started yesterday in Indianapolis.

The Green Bay Packers and the other 31 NFL teams will be able to scout prospective draft prospects and get to know players who they believe might be a good fit for their squad during this time.

Green Bay Packers general Brian Gutekunst spoke to both local and national media today. The total time between press briefings was little under two hours. What does Gutekunst have to say today? Here are my three key takeaways from Gutekunst today.

Expect A Similar Green Bay Packers Team in 2024

When speaking with local media, Gutekunst stated that this would be a similar Green Bay Packers club in 2024. He expects many of the same guys from last year to return. I’m not surprised by this, given that this was the NFL’s youngest squad last season. Many players played in their first or second year. The Green Bay Packers have long valued youth and team control.

Gutekunst also indicated that they will need to address safety this offseason, whether through the draft, free agency, or waivers. The majority of Green Bay Packers’ safeties from last season are free agents. It was likewise a group that did not perform very well.

I believe the Packers should bring back veterans like Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens for another year, but Gutekunst understands that they must improve at the safety position, particularly by bringing in at least one player who can start in Week 1.

A Lot About Jordan Love and the Quarterback Transition

The national media posed a few questions about Jordan Love and the quarterback switch. Gutekunst commended Love for his performance last season and how he handled the difficult period in October and November.

Gutekunst is not wrong. The Green Bay Packers have a method for scouting their next best quarterback during the combine. It worked for Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and now Love. It would have been simple for Love to blame his poor performance on the fact that he was a first-year starter. However, Love accepted it and realized he needed to improve. He surely did, becoming a leader on a young Green Bay Packers club.

Thought on Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley

Gutekunst also shared his thoughts on the new Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley. He indicated it would be a different look, but he appreciated what Hafley brought to the table. Gutekunst also mentioned that the general framework would remain the same, but he wants to add quality and competition on the defensive side of the ball.

With a defensive coach that specializes in the 4-3, I believe the Green Bay Packers will and should spend some high draft picks on defense this season. It will be a work in progress, but Gutekunst appears to be committed to Hafley and his vision. We know the previous approach was ineffective and never improved. Hopefully, things will change now that Hafley is in control.