Brian Gutekunst Must Practice Patience During This Draft

General manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the powers that be will have to wait patiently before the Green Bay Packers get on the clock in Day 2. Patience will be the name of the game.

Speaking to reporters 

For a general manager who loves to wheel and deal his way around the draft and stockpile as many selections as possible, Gutekunst believes he'll still be able to do that — that is, if it's the right time to pounce.

Green Bay is slated to have its first pick at No. 52 overall. When asked about the long wait, Gutekunst brought up the word 'patience'.

Gutekunst will undoubtedly be itching to get in on the action before the No. 52-overall pick, and he mentions that they will talk about moving up. One position to keep tabs on early is the cornerback spot. Many thought the Packers would funnel in more manpower to that group last offseason. Gutekunst didn't mince words this go around, noting that the Packers will be adding "numbers" to the position.

Chris Johnson of San Diego State is a fascinating prospect for Packers fans to track. Thought to be a second-round pick, Johnson has shot up many draft boards, and now there's an assumption that he could go in the first round. Johnson has the ideal frame Green Bay prefers at cornerback. If he falls to Day 2 and into that 35-40 range, would Gutekunst pick up the phone and try to get something done?

That goes for other cornerbacks, too, and it's not just confined to that position. However, Gutekunst doesn't have a first-rounder to dangle either this year or next year, and he's very aware that moving up in the second round would cost more draft capital.

It's all part of the chess match, and the Packers are starting with fewer pieces on the board.

When those phones are lighting up on Day 1, the adrenaline starts to rush. This time, Gutekunst and Co. will be sitting and staring at the TV, while the phones will be quieter than usual. Those atypical circumstances could set into motion a more aggressive Gutekunst on Day 2. That's where he'll have to remember what he said earlier in the week about remaining patient.

Waiting to strike will be crucial for Green Bay. It's still possible Gutekunst can accomplish everything he wants, get players the Packers desire, and end up with more than the eight selections he's entering the draft with.