Packers GM Brian Gutekunst: 'We kept the G on the helmet

There was a common theme to the Green Bay Packers’ first-round choices in the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday. After the draft, GM Brian Gutekunst had some fun with it.

Both Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt were part of a staunch Georgia defense in 2021, helping lead the Bulldogs to their first national title in 40 years. The logo isn’t much different — just simply changing colors. Gutekunst made sure to acknowledge that when discussing what the two bring to the table in Green Bay.

“We kept the G on the helmet,” Gutekunst said. “We figured that’s easy.

“Obviously, they’ve had a lot of success down there in Athens. These guys were two really prototypical fits not only as players, but as people that we wanted to bring in the building. We’re really excited about that.”

Packers make history with selection of Georgia defensive duo in 2022 NFL Draft

Like many teams, the Green Bay Packers were quite fond of a few Georgia Bulldogs players heading into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday. But Green Bay was the only team to take multiple Bulldogs, selecting both linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt.

In doing so, the Packers became the first team in the Common Draft era to select two defensive players from the same school in the first round, according to ESPN Stats and Info. In total, Georgia saw five defensive players go off the board Thursday, which is also an NFL record.

Many expected Green Bay to take a receiver after trading five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams this offseason. The Packers received the 22nd overall NFL Draft pick from the Raiders in exchange for Adams, as well as the No. 53 overall pick. But after six receivers went off the board in the first 18 picks, Green Bay opted to stick with what has been working for them, declining to select a receiver in the first round for the 20th consecutive NFL Draft.

Both Walker and Wyatt bring championship experience after leading Georgia to its first national title since 1980 this past season. They are set to join a Green Bay team that expects to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender next year after losing in the divisional round of the playoffs this past season. If that is to happen, the Packers will need to add another receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers, who this offseason made the decision to return in 2022.