Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Earns Top 10 Ranking From NFL Analyst

The Green Bay Packers have become one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders over the last several years, and one analyst believes general manager Brian Gutekunst deserves much of the credit.

In a recent ranking of all 32 NFL general managers, NBC Sports’ Patrick Daugherty placed Gutekunst among the league’s elite front-office executives, ranking him sixth overall entering the 2026 season. The ranking puts the Packers executive ahead of many of the NFL’s most recognizable decision-makers and reinforces the growing belief that Green Bay remains one of the league’s best-run organizations.

Brian Gutekunst Continues To Make The Green Bay Packers Good

Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has helped keep the Green Bay Packers competitive through one of the most difficult transitions in franchise history. Moving from Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love was never going to be easy. Many organizations spend years rebuilding after losing a franchise quarterback. Instead, Green Bay quickly returned to playoff contention while maintaining one of the youngest rosters in football.

That success has become one of the biggest reasons analysts continue to praise Gutekunst’s work. According to Daugherty’s rankings, Gutekunst’s ability to navigate the Rodgers transition while keeping the Packers relevant separated him from many of his peers. The executive was credited for maintaining roster flexibility, drafting impact contributors, and positioning Green Bay for long-term success rather than short-term fixes.

Jordan Love Gamble Has Largely Paid Off

No move defines Gutekunst’s tenure more than selecting Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The decision was heavily criticized at the time. Rodgers was still playing at a high level, and many fans believed the Packers should have prioritized immediate help for a championship run. Years later, that decision looks significantly different.

Love has developed into Green Bay’s franchise quarterback and helped validate one of the most controversial draft selections in recent Packers history. While not every move has worked perfectly, Gutekunst’s willingness to think beyond the current season ultimately positioned the organization for sustained success.

Finding a successor to a Hall of Fame quarterback is one of the most difficult tasks in professional sports. The Packers appear to have accomplished it for the second consecutive generation.

Strong Draft Classes Have Fueled Green Bay’s Success

Another major reason Gutekunst ranked so highly is Green Bay’s recent drafting success. Players such as Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Zach Tom, Edgerrin Cooper, and Evan Williams have all emerged as important pieces of the Packers’ roster. The organization has consistently found contributors throughout the draft while avoiding the need for expensive free-agent spending.

That strategy has allowed Green Bay to remain competitive without sacrificing future flexibility. The Packers have also built one of the deepest young rosters in the NFL. Many of the team’s core contributors are still in their mid-20s, giving Green Bay a window to compete for years rather than just a single season.

Not Every Move Has Been Perfect

Of course, Gutekunst’s tenure has not been without criticism. The Packers have experienced playoff disappointments, and some free-agent signings have failed to meet expectations. Green Bay has also faced questions about whether the roster has enough elite talent to take the final step toward another Super Bowl appearance.

However, general manager rankings often focus on long-term organizational health rather than individual transactions. When viewed through that lens, it is easy to understand why Gutekunst continues to receive praise around the league. The Packers consistently compete for playoff spots, maintain financial flexibility, and regularly develop young talent into productive starters.

Packers Appear Well Positioned for the Future

The sixth-place ranking reflects more than just Green Bay’s recent success. It highlights the belief that the Packers remain positioned for sustained contention moving forward. With Love entering his prime, a young supporting cast throughout the roster, and continued stability in the front office, Green Bay appears equipped to remain a playoff contender for the foreseeable future.

For years, the Packers have been viewed as one of the NFL’s model franchises. Rankings like this suggest many around the league still believe that starts with the work Brian Gutekunst is doing behind the scenes.