Packers 2nd-Round Pick History under Brian Gutekunst
Packers defensive back Javon Bullard was the 58th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive back is once again a major need in this year's draft.
As the NFL heads to Indianapolis this week for the NFL’s Scouting Combine, the Green Bay Packers are one of four teams who will not have a first round pick in April’s draft.
As of now, the Green Bay Packers first pick will be pick No. 52. Since becoming the Green Bay’s general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have had 10 second round picks from 2018 through 2025.
Of those 10 picks, six of the picks were selected between 34 and 50, and four of the picks were between 54 and 62.
Let’s take a look at where Gutekunst has used those previous 10 second-round picks.
2018: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa (Pick 45)
2018-2020, 40 games played, 15 starts; 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown (blocked punt return). Jackson was traded in the 2020 offseason, he never became a consistent starter as an inside or outside cornerback.
2019: Elgton Jenkins, OL, Mississippi State (Pick 44)
2019-Present, 96 games played, 94 starts, has started at four of five offensive line positions (all expect RG); two-time Pro Bowl selection at left guard, possible salary cap casualty in offseason.
2020: A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College (Pick 62)
2020-2024, 60 games played, 11 games started, 597 carries, 2,2428 yards, 16 touchdowns; 86 receptions, 763 yards, 2 touchdowns. Dillon was a good second running back in his four seasons in Green Bay. Did not play in 2024 because of a neck injury.
2021: Josh Myers, OL, Ohio State (Pick 62)
2021-2024, 57 games played, 57 starts; four-year starter at center. Was not retained for a second contract last offseason, signed with New York Jets, where he started all 17 games as their center in 2025.
2022: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State (Pick 34)
2022-Present, 48 games played, 45 starts; 133 catches, 2,264 yards, 20 touchdowns; 117 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns. In 10 games played in 2025, had 35 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns after returning from a torn ACL which happened in Week 18 of 2024. Signed a one-year contract extension in September of 2025.
2023: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (Pick 42)
2023-Present, 35 games played, 22 starts; 65 catches, 649 yards, one touchdown. Started 10 games in 2025 after injury to Tucker Kraft, playing in all 17 games for first time in career.
2023: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State (Pick 50)
2023-Present, 40 games played, 26 starts; 138 catches, 1,857 yards, 15 touchdowns; 34 carries, 310 yards, 3 touchdowns. After being team’s leader in receiving yards in both 2023 and 2024, limited to just 19 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown in 2025 because of a collarbone injury in Week 2.
2024: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M (Pick 45)
2024-Present, 30 games played, 20 starts; 205 total tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 3 fumble recoveries. Came on at end of rookie season, started every game in 2025. Will likely be a key fixture in Jonathan Gannon’s defense in 2026.
2024: Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia (Pick 58)
2024-Present, 32 games played, 17 starts; 173 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries. Has started at safety opposite Xavier McKinney, but became a regular in the Packers defense at slot cornerback in 2025. Expect Bullard to play there full-time in 2026 under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
2025: Anthony Belton, OL, North Carolina State (Pick 54)
2025-Present, 14 games played, 7 starts; played at both left and right tackle before starting at right guard to end his rookie season. He is penciled as starting right guard going into the 2026 season.
Two of the most common positions taken by Gutekunst in round 2 are still two of the team’s biggest needs: defensive back and offensive line.
Along with Jackson and Bullard, Guteknunst also has taken defensive backs with three first round picks in Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage and Eric Stokes from 2018 to 2021. However, Bullard is the only Round 1 or 2 pick to play defensive back in the last four drafts.
A similar theme on the offensive line as Jordan Morgan is Gutekunst’s line No. 1 pick, joining Jenkins, Myers and Belton as Round 1 or 2 picks in Gutekunst’s tenure.
Packers 1st & 2nd Round Picks since 2018
| Year | Round 1 | Position | Round 2 | Position |
| 2018 | Jaire Alexander | DB | Josh Jackson | DB |
| 2019 | Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage | DL, DB | Elgton Jenkins | OL |
| 2020 | Jordan Love | QB | A.J. Dillon | RB |
| 2021 | Eric Stokes | DB | Josh Myers | OL |
| 2022 | Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt | LB, DL | Christian Watson | WR |
| 2023 | Lukas Van Ness | DL | Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed | TE, WR |
| 2024 | Jordan Morgan | OL | Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard | LB, DB |
| 2025 | Matthew Golden | WR | Anthony Belton | OL |
If the Packers are to stay at No. 52 and make their first pick of the draft in that slot, the biggest needs on the roster are offensive line, cornerback as well as on the defensive line.
One of the favorite positions for Gutekunst in Round 1 has been a defensive front player, drafting edge rushers Rashan Gary in 2019, Lukas Van Ness in 2023 and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt in 2022. However, he has not taken a single defensive front player in Round 2. Based on how the 2025 season played out, it might be wise to invest early in the position in this year’s draft.
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Mitch McLaughlin is a Packers fan and shareholder residing in Sacramento, California. He will be writing Packers stories each week on Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter: @McLaughlinMitch
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Comments (17)
splitpea1
February 24, 2026 at 03:22 pm
Does anyone think we have a shot at DT Christen Miller in the second round? On paper it seems like he's just the player we need for run defense. He'll need work developing his pass rush, but as far as being a DL anchor goes, he looks like a pretty good prospect. He might be gone by the time we get to him without a trade-up, though, and we don't have much ammunition to make such a move.
stockholder
February 24, 2026 at 03:31 pm
He'll be there. He lacks coordination.
Word is they met with Darrel Jackson. DT FL
PhantomII
February 24, 2026 at 08:39 pm
I would not HOPE for anyone we NEED. IF GUTE does his job we should pick up a solid FA for the DL....Hopefully 2.
The same for the OL needs...then draft what we can at CB / DL/ DE/ and OL. We were not a player away when Parsons became available....or else we would have been a seriously hard out in the playoffs and would not have lost 5 in a row to close out the season. Most everyone who is a fan could have told you that...
golfpacker61
February 25, 2026 at 07:46 am
"I would not HOPE for anyone we NEED. IF GUTE does his job we should pick up a solid FA for the DL....Hopefully 2. The same for the OL needs...then draft what we can at CB / DL/ DE/ and OL." Agree 100% Phantom.
GB is in a tough spot as far as cap space. Yes we definitely should cut Jenkins. And we should try as much as possible to trade Gary for anything or cut him. That gains us a chunk of relief but we will still have to restructure some contracts as well.
With limited draft resources this year, there are still ways to strengthen and upgrade weak position groups. Try to sign inexpensive, but still upgrades, FAs at TE, DL, LB, CB, OL & KR before the draft to take away some of the "Needs" we have this year. And it strengthens the whole team by having a better next man up if someone gets hurt.
Those FAs don't have to cost alot to be effective and lower priced guys don't take away comp picks.
splitpea1
February 25, 2026 at 09:52 am
Who said anything about being a player away? And we NEED a solid anchor in the middle of the DL (among other things) regardless where it comes from for now and the future, unless you like the iffy combination of Wooden, Stackhouse and Brooks. Solid free agent reasonably-priced DLs don't grow on trees, unlike maybe a couple of other positions. Most everyone who is a fan could have told YOU that, so there.
stockholder
February 25, 2026 at 05:14 pm
FAs cost money.
And last years turned out to be no help.
To draft/ OL is the surest way to pick up help.
Ready to go help .
So if that special player isn't there.
Take the winner. A Ol.
It's said DL take 3 years.
But Gute got rid of Clark and slaton.
He has nobody left to trade.
Only picks for want a bes.
A rebuild will be harder.
until he dumps salary.
dblbogey
February 26, 2026 at 09:44 am
Pick up a solid FA for the DL, or two? Like who? For how much? You think there are quality DL's out there that we can afford?
heyjoe4
February 28, 2026 at 07:14 am
I agree that Gluten will have to do something in FA at DL or CB, or both. I'd rather see a solid, first-tier FA at CB, someone with a track record. Gluten has drafted well, esp in round 2, but not especially well at CB. I think he can find OL help in the draft (and I hope Banks lives up to his compensation this season).
None of this changes the fact that the Packers need to improve at CB, DL, and OL. Those are the three biggest areas of need. Gluten will address it, but the "how" will be a mystery for now.
Oxymoron 3339
February 24, 2026 at 04:54 pm
I would rather have Zion Young Edge from Missouri. We need DT but we need impact players I think getting the right guy on the other end from Parsons would be impactful.
golfpacker61
February 25, 2026 at 07:50 am
Above all else before this season, GB needs to fix it's 2 biggest problems, CB & run-stuffer DT. We have no even average NFL CBs on the roster now and we can't stop the run at all. Shoving a pass rusher above our 2 biggest needs doesn't make us better in 2026. Fill the biggest holes first.
stockholder
February 25, 2026 at 05:26 pm
He's correct. Always take the playmaker
if there.
Never leave a blue chip player for someone else.
I read somewhere; he led the edge guys
in pressures.
If Gary goes- Gute will double up edge
Nadame Tucker WMU edge
Kaleb Proctor: South East Carolina's Edge.
heyjoe4
February 28, 2026 at 07:17 am
Well said golf - this is the first time I have seen what I think are the team's biggest needs so clearly articulated. Nicely done!
Starrbrite
February 24, 2026 at 07:01 pm
I firmly believe Parsons was an excellent 1st round pick.
Go Packers!!!
Oxymoron 3339
February 24, 2026 at 07:36 pm
He was two first round picks and a boat load of money.
If we could actually pick someone great we would benefit greatly from the relatively low cost of the rookie contract.
Oxymoron 3339
February 25, 2026 at 08:06 am
Making up stats again?
Zero first team All Pros drafted by Gute in 8 years yet you think he is great. Good job sticking up for your cousin.
BuckyBadger
February 25, 2026 at 09:03 am
I still like the deal. Another season ending injury might put it in the bust category but not really something you can fault anyone for. It was a big move that came with a lot of risk but you don't get players like Parsons with out it.
Oxymoron 3339
February 25, 2026 at 11:05 am
Yay
You can draft them