In Packers' pre-draft process, virtual meetings have their benefits

[Cheesehead]

So, while some valuable and convenient elements of the combine can't effectively be replicated – such as all the physical testing being done on the same days at the same location, and all the NFL team doctors conducting medical checks themselves in a hands-on, efficient manner – the adjusted interview process has had its benefits.


"I do think we'll continue to use this Zoom process long after COVID and we're back to normal, because I think there's a lot of value to it," Gutekunst said. "We expect to talk to quite a lot of players moving forward."


The interviews, testing numbers and other measurables are considered complementary pieces to the game film teams study on players. Almost without fail, game film matters most as teams build their draft boards.


But the other elements are important to round out any scouting profile, and amidst the drawbacks to this year's changes, Gutekunst expressed how thankful he was the annual Senior Bowl could be conducted with COVID protocols in place. He believes players' showings during that week in Mobile, Ala., could have an even greater impact on the draft than usual.


Regarding other pre-draft aspects, there's a league-wide process in conjunction with the colleges to gather and share pertinent medical information.


Gutekunst also said the Packers obviously are putting a greater emphasis than normal on the college pro-day workouts, to maximize the on-site observation and contact that's allowed.


"I don't think there's anything that can replace the in-person looks," Gutekunst said. "So certainly the pro days become very important for our organization and the rest of the league to come to a conclusion about some of these guys."


For his part, Gutekunst always valued the opportunity to see players work out live at the combine, so he'll be spending more time on the road between now and the draft traveling to pro days to fill in his own gaps, so to speak.


He also appreciates the extensive experience his top lieutenants in the personnel department bring to the Packers – a group that includes director of football operations Milt Hendrickson, co-directors of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and John Wojciechowski, director of college scouting Matt Malaspina, and national scout Sam Seale – to help navigate the scouting landscape in this very different year.


"We're fortunate to have some guys that have been in this thing for 15-20-plus years," Gutekunst said. "So I feel really good if I can't make it to some of these (pro days), that the eyes we're going to have on these guys will be able to get us the information we need to make good decisions."