The Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 NFL season with expectations of competing for the NFC North crown after an early playoff exit last year. While the roster remains talented, much of the team’s long-term success continues to depend on the players acquired through the NFL Draft.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has overseen Green Bay’s draft strategy for several years, producing a mix of standout contributors and disappointing selections. As the Packers prepare for another season, his overall drafting record has once again become a topic of discussion.
A recent evaluation by Sports Illustrated’s Jacob Westendorf examined each of Gutekunst’s draft classes, assigning grades based on player development, production, and overall value. While several years received favorable marks, one class stood out for all the wrong reasons.
According to the review, the Packers’ 2021 draft class earned the only failing grade. The assessment pointed to injuries, underwhelming development, and missed opportunities that prevented the group from becoming a meaningful foundation for the franchise.
1. Why the 2021 Draft Fell Short
Westendorf described Green Bay’s 2021 draft class as the weakest of Gutekunst’s tenure, giving it an “F” grade after evaluating the long-term results. Although the class included players who contributed at times, few developed into the impact performers the organization had envisioned.
Cornerback Eric Stokes and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie were among the more productive members of the group. However, injuries limited Stokes during his time with the Packers, preventing him from consistently building on the promise he displayed early in his career.
The evaluation also highlighted several other selections that failed to meet expectations. Center Josh Myers never fully established himself as the franchise cornerstone Green Bay hoped he would become, while wide receiver Amari Rodgers struggled to carve out a significant role before being released during his second season.
Guard Royce Newman managed to make numerous starts after being selected in the fourth round, but he also fell short of developing into a dependable difference-maker. Collectively, those outcomes left the 2021 class without the lasting impact normally expected from a successful draft.
2. Missed Opportunities Added to the
The criticism of the 2021 draft extended beyond the players Green Bay selected. Westendorf argued that the class appears even more disappointing when considering the talent that remained available during those same draft positions.
One of the most notable examples involved center Creed Humphrey, who has since established himself as one of the league’s premier players at his position. Humphrey was still on the board when Green Bay selected Josh Myers, making the comparison difficult for many fans to ignore.
Another frequently mentioned opportunity came at wide receiver. Instead of choosing Amari Rodgers, the Packers could have selected Nico Collins, who later emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers after developing into a key offensive weapon.
Looking back several years later, those alternate scenarios inevitably shape opinions about the draft. While hindsight often makes evaluations easier, the success of players chosen by other teams has intensified scrutiny of Green Bay’s decisions in 2021.
3. Better Drafts Offer Hope for the Future
Despite the disappointing assessment of 2021, Westendorf’s overall review acknowledged that Gutekunst has assembled stronger draft classes in other years. His highest grade, a “B+,” went to the Packers’ 2022 draft, which has already produced several important contributors.
Armed with an additional first-round selection following the trade of Davante Adams, Green Bay added players including Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Zach Tom, and Rasheed Walker. Many of those selections have become regular starters or valuable pieces of the roster.
The evaluation also left the 2025 draft class without a final grade, noting that one season is far too early to determine its long-term success. Young players often require multiple years before their true value can be accurately measured.
Attention will now shift to Green Bay’s 2026 rookie class as training camp approaches. With the Packers aiming to return to the top of the NFC North, the development of their newest draft picks could play a significant role in determining how successful the upcoming season becomes.