Packers’ cheap, near-elite WR spot proves Brian Gutekunst is a top GM

One of the Green Bay Packers’ biggest problems during Aaron Rodgers’ late season was a lack of good receivers. Outside of Davante Adams, Brian Gutekunst’s management struggled to consistently acquire talent through the draft or free agency.

Gutekunst turned things around almost immediately at the start of the Jordan Love era. The Packers spent four picks in the first five rounds of the 2022 and 2023 NFL Drafts on wide receivers, and all of them appear to be perfect fits for Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Christian Watson was very productive when healthy last season, and second-round rookie Jayden Reed was one of the top picks in last year’s class. Romeo Doubs is a perfect role player because of his penchant for big receptions, and Dontayvion Wicks was stellar for a fifth-round rookie.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Packers are spending just $11.5 million on their entire receiver room. Because of the combination of depth and quality at the position, it’s fair to say the room is in the top 10 in the league. That kind of value for Green Bay is why Gutekunst has the reputation he does.

Watson has all the physical tools to become a No. 1 receiver in the near future, as his combination of size and speed is rare. After two years of gestation in LaFleur’s system, his concerns about route running should be allayed relatively soon.

With all of Green Bay’s talent on the perimeter, some might be surprised to see that Reed led the team in receptions and yards last season. The separation ability he learned at Michigan State translated well to the pros, as he was often Love’s favorite target.

Doubs has a fluid style that makes him ultra-consistent. Because of his ability to stay healthy, there’s a good chance he gets a contract extension more than the injured Watson. Even Wicks, who produced in a mediocre offense at Virginia, used his contested receiving skills, surprising speed and big wingspan to regularly make tough catches.

Love has no excuse for a drop-off in production this season, as those four receivers will play alongside a formidable duo of Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at tight end, with Josh Jacobs in the backfield. The offense is solid and loaded, and Gutekunst deserves credit for building them.