Packers GM won’t rule out drafting quarterback in first round

The Green Bay Packers have one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers, but general manager Brian Gutekunst isn’t ruling out a big splash in the draft.

Speaking with beat writers Friday, Gutekunst shared that he won’t hesitate to draft a quarterback in the first round if there’s one he loves.

#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst had a midday conversation with local beat writers in advance of next week’s scouting combine. One big takeaway: If there’s a QB he loves — not likes, loves — at 30 overall in first round, he won’t hesitate to draft him. More to come.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) February 21, 2020

The general manager elaborated a bit, sharing that he’s learned to evaluate the quarterbacks in the draft every year, and that selecting one early is “always on the table.”

Gutekunst on possibility of drafting QB early: "Everything I’ve been taught, that’s where you start. You start with the quarterback. So you evaluate them every year, and I think it’s always on the table. It’s a good crop this year." He thinks this QB class is "deeper" than past."

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) February 21, 2020

For what it’s worth, this approach is one we advocated for before the 2019 season. As amazing as Rodgers is when he’s on, the veteran is getting up there in age at 36 (will turn 37 this coming season) and has struggled to stay healthy in recent years.

So, if a quarterback like Jordan Love or Justin Herbert ends up falling down into the bottom half of the first round, the Packers (slated at No. 30 overall) should strongly consider planning for a future that doesn’t include Rodgers.