With the 2019 NFL Draft coming up, teams are still debating on whether to take a player they need or the best one that is available. Fortunately, it appears Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has already made his choice.
The Packers have been busy filling the other voids on their roster this offseason. Gutekunst now feels comfortable enough to make talent their primary factor in the upcoming draft, via Mike Spofford of the team's official website:
“I always like to attack this thing as best player available and not focus on too many needs,” Gutekunst said Monday in his annual pre-draft news conference.
“I do like our flexibility to be able to move around and not feel pigeonholed to have to take a certain position or a certain player.”
This is certainly an encouraging update on Green Bay's draft situation. It is no secret that they are in the midst of some significant changes this offseason. As a result, it was widely presumed that they would need to draft based on their roster needs. Fortunately, the Packers were able to address those needs in free agency with a number of notable signings on both sides of the ball.
There is plenty of speculation regarding what the front office intends to do with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft. The Packers have been tied to several players that could potentially slide to them, however, the biggest name that has surfaced is Ole Miss wide receiver, D.K. Metcalf. It is safe to say that Gutekunst is not ruling anything out on draft day.