Versatility over scheme for Packers as they evaluate 2025 NFL draft prospects

Paul Bretl | 2/26/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — As the Packers go about their pre-draft evaluation process when it comes to prospects who fit what GM Brian Gutekunst is looking for, it’s more so about being versatile rather than being an ideal scheme fit in Green Bay.

“We know what our scheme is, we know the subtleties in that,” said Gutekunst at the NFL combine on Tuesday. “I think we’ve always tried to–our process has been about getting the kind of players that can play in any scheme.”

We’ve known that at certain positions, such as the offensive line for example, the Packers covet versatility. A prime example of this was the selection of Jordan Morgan in the first round last year. Morgan spent his college career at tackle but was viewed by the Packers as someone who could play guard as well. Along the offensive line, there are countless examples like this.

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We can even look at the safety position last offseason as well. Throughout that offseason, we continually heard Gutekunst use the word “interchangeable” when describing what he was looking for at that position. Or, in other words, he wanted players who could play deep, down in the box, and line up in the slot.

This philosophy and roster-building approach centered around versatility expands beyond just those two position groups, however. Gutekunst wants that ability throughout his team, helping to create added adaptability, whether it be adjusting to injuries that take place or altering game-plans to better attack opponents.

Two examples of this scheme flexibility from last season include, on offense, the Packers shifting from an outside zone heavy running team to more of a gap scheme–between the tackles–rushing offense to better suit Josh Jacobs’ skill-set. This comes with quite a big change for the offensive line specifically.

Then on the other side of the ball, Matt LaFleur said after the season that Jeff Hafley’s defense didn’t look like what he expected when the hire was made. That, of course, is a credit to Hafley and his ability to adjust and adapt as the year progressed, but also part of that equation is the versatility of the defenders who were able to handle a variety of roles.

“I think you’ve got to be really careful about when you’re selecting players that are one scheme fits because that stuff can change,” Gutekunst said. “It can change with our staff. What we started out doing at the beginning of the year last year as Haf got familiar with what we could and couldn’t do, and injuries play a part in that, and we adjust.”

Throughout his tenure as GM, without directly saying, Gutekunst has often dropped little nuggets here and there about what the Packers’ offseason might look like. So, as everyone tries to parse through all of the tape and information that is out there during the pre-draft process, remember, versatility at every position is at a premium for Green Bay.

Along the offensive line, this means being capable of playing both guard and tackle. At wide receiver, it’s being able to line up across the formation and having a fairly deep route tree. At cornerback, it’s the ability to play both man and zone coverages. Along the defensive line, it’s being able to line up in multiple gaps, setting an edge or taking on a double-team while still being able to rush the passer.

There’s obviously more to it than what was just mentioned, but be on the lookout this offseason for those do-it-all type of players within each position group.

“You’ve got to have versatile players,” added Gutekunst. “You’ve got to have guys that can do everything. Our process has been in place almost thirty-some years now. We’re aware of our schematic differences from other teams but it doesn’t play a huge role in how we go about it.”

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