Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst recently made some comments that may aggravate the fanbase.
Last year, the Green Bay Packers entered the season with a very clear needs at cornerback, and they never addressed it. And while there were a multitude of factors that led to the Packers' disappointing playoff exit, secondary play was definitely one of them.
Fast forward to April 2026, and the same issues remain. The Packers have done next to nothing to fix their situation at cornerback this offseason, only signing rotational piece Benjamin St-Juste. They also released Nate Hobbs one year after signing him to a four-year contract.
Green Bay does not have a first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, so the Packers can't nab one of the very top corners in this class. They can, however, select a cornerback with their first back at No. 52, but if you listen to general manager Brian Gutekunst, there doesn't appear to be a major sense of urgency there.
Gutekunst admitted that Green Bay will be adding to its defensive backfield, but he seems to feel pretty comfortable with how things currently stand.
"We are going to add numbers there," Gutekunst said. "Obviously bringing in Benjamin along with Keisean [Nixon] and Carrington [Valentine] you've got three guys that have seen significant snaps in their career, and I feel good about those guys going out and playing."
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.Now, this could just be GM speak on the part of Gutekunst. Perhaps he doesn't want to play his hand too much. But you also get the sense that he was fairly serious.
Yes, Nixon was decent in 2025, even being named a Pro Bowl alternate. But he is not a No. 1 corner, and it's important to remember that he had previously been serving in the slot before moving outside due to necessity.
Valentine should not be starting. Period. He is a decent reserve, but when you see him play nearly every snap, you really see his warts.
The Packers absolutely, positively need to select a cornerback very early in this draft. It would be preferable if they did so with their top pick.
Fortunately, this is a pretty deep cornerback class, and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. recently mocked Clemson star Avieon Terrell to Green Bay at No. 52. Terrell is a borderline first-rounder, so if he falls that far, it would comprise a massive opportunity for Green Bay.
But we'll see just how much Gutekunst actually prioritizes the cornerback position once the Packers are on the clock this Friday.
Packers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Packers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.