GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst held a press conference on Wednesday as the team finished their 53-man roster and the practice squad.
Gutekunst spoke about how young the team has become over the last year, saying they weren’t purposely trying to get young. He stated that he wanted the team to get athletic, fast, and competitive during training camp and that he felt like the players they got accomplished that goal. Gutekunst expanded by saying youth is no excuse. “These guys were brought in for us to be better than last year, and the expectations don’t change.
He was also asked about the recent trade rumors surrounding Jonathon Taylor, stating that the Packers listened and investigated, but he can’t talk about players on other teams and wants to be in every conversation about good players.
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When asked about three UDFA making the 53-man roster, he said, “You’re going to get a real opportunity.” The Packers kept undrafted rookies Malik Heath, Brenton Cox Jr., and Emanuel Wilson. He expanded on Emanual Wilson’s winning the third-string running back job, saying, “He took advantage of his opportunities.” Said he “really progressed” as an all-around back the last few weeks. Gutenkunst said he believes Wilson earned it and the Packers loved his growth and upside as a player.
Gutekunst also praised wide receiver Malik Heath, saying he should have been drafted. The Packers knew he had the talent to make 53 and that he put it on display every day. He stated that his overall body of work “was impressive.”
He spoke about how Rashan Gary and De’Vondre Campbell have been recovering from their injuries, saying that he believes both are on track to start week one, saying, “They’ve both looked very good for the stages they’re at.”
The Packers will get the weekend off before returning to practice next week to prepare for week one against the Chicago Bears.
