There's Already Evidence That Hosting the Draft Won't Change Green Bay's Plans

Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy gets a phenomenal going away president before his retirement — the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The NFL's smallest market will be in the national spotlight this April, a boon for the city's economy and reputation. With all the fanfare, some have wondered if the hosts of this year's draft might feel the pressure to do something newsworthy with their first-round pick.

Is there pressure to shock the world, taking a receiver on Day 1 for the first time since 2002? Or pressure against dropping out of the first round or trading pick No. 23 for a veteran player, thus keeping the team off the stage on the first evening?

Nope.

I fear I must elaborate.

The Packers have an excellent front office with a history of building toward the future. It's one reason the Packers stay competitive every year. No matter how bright the stage lights are, it won't affect how Green Bay approaches the draft. They won't sacrifice a chance to better their team in their own way just for a short-term headline burst.

But if you don't want to take my word for it (reasonable), Brian Gutekunst discussed his full control over the pick at last week's scouting combine. When asked whether he's gotten any insight from Murphy about what to do with the pick, Gutekunst said, “Mark actually made a joke the other day. He was just like, ‘I want to make sure you know you can trade.’”

While Packers fans might not be happy if their team doesn't do something Thursday night, that won't stop Gutekunst from making the moves he thinks are best.

Gutekunst said it'll be business as usual for him, and he doesn't plan on being on stage.

He continued:

The Packers have used their first-round pick on Thursday night in every one of Gutekunst's drafts. However, he's moved around the first round. The last time the Packers traded out of the first was in 2017, leading to Kevin King as the team's initial selection in the second round.

But draft experts believe there are riches of Day 2-level talent. Meanwhile, the top half of the draft isn't as strong as in previous years. Trading out of the first round to stockpile more talent on Day 2 is tempting, and the Packers have a good history with their second-round picks. And we know Gutekunst would love more picks to work with.

Additionally, the Packers are rumored to be players in free agency this year, and that would fit Gutekunst's earlier comments about building a more competitive roster. It's what fans always hope to see, and it doesn't always happen. The team rarely uses its first-round pick to acquire veteran players. But it's not an impossible scenario.

Green Bay reportedly wanted to trade for wideout DK Metcalf, and the price included pick 23. It's a long shot, but they would also have to use that pick as part of a deal to acquire pass rushers Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. That would be a “TV-worthy” use of that selection.

Regardless, it'll be Gutekunst's decision, and he'll act independently of the draft's location.

Going back to 2020, when there was no draft host due to the pandemic, every host team but one used their pick like they typically would.

In 2021, the Cleveland Browns hosted the draft and used their pick on Greg Newsome II. (In the following season, they wasted their next three first-rounders on a terrible trade.) The Las Vegas Raiders hosted the 2022 draft, and they didn't have first- or second-round picks thanks to trading for old friend Davante Adams. A year later, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted and took DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the final pick of the first round. And in 2024, the Detroit Lions took CB Terrion Arnold at 24.

Every other team conducted business as usual while hosting the draft, and the Packers also will.

If a team's front office let one night's spotlight affect their plans, they wouldn't be very good at their job. The draft is an excellent opportunity for the city and the team's legacy. However, it shouldn't affect how the team approaches the draft.