Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst signed three notable players during the first three weeks of free agency in March: cornerback Nate Hobbs, guard Aaron Banks and receiver Mecole Hardman.
Gutekunst talked about each of the three additions during the Annual League Meetings in Florida on Monday. He believes the Packers got a versatile cornerback in Hobbs, a big guard who fits the Matt LaFleur offense in Banks and a speedy receiver with return value in Hardman.
The Packers general manager said director of pro personnel Richmond Williams has been "pushing" for adding Hobbs, a 2021 draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders. Green Bay thinks Hobbs can play inside and outside and has the aggressive playstyle to fit Jeff Hafley's defense.
"We just really thought he’s a really versatile, all-around corner, can do everything," Gutekunst said. "We really like his ability to play on the outside, which he hasn’t done a ton of, but then the ability to move him inside and match different receivers and just his play style, I think, is one of the things that really stood out to all of us. Really, really excited to see what he’s going to do for us this year.”
Hobbs will join a secondary featuring All-Pro Xavier McKinney, likely starter Keisean Nixon and versatile second-year players Javon Bullard and Evan Williams. Versatility figures to be a valuable asset at both corner and safety.
Along the offensive line, Banks will provide a big, physical presence who has the athleticism to handle everything required in LaFleur's offense. He'll get plugged into left guard -- his natural position -- while Elgton Jenkins moves to center.
“Obviously, a really large man that can do all the things that Matt asks those guys to do in our scheme as far as our ability to get off the ball quickly, get out in space and really run. Again, this isn’t a 295-pound man, this is a 330-pound man," Gutekunst said. "His ability to play physical in the run game and also anchor down in the pass pro is something where, he’s played at a high level for a few years now. And to get a guy like that really in the prime of his career is something I thought would really benefit us.”
Gutekunst said the Packers have the "potential" to be great run-blocking team in front of Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs in 2025.
In Hardman, the Packers see an experienced returner who could take pressure off Keisean Nixon on kickoff returns and Jayden Reed on punt returns while also providing dynamic speed on offense.
“I do, absolutely. I think both as a punt returner and a kick returner," Gutekunst said. "He’s a little bit more experienced in the punt return game than the kick return game, but he can do both. He obviously adds an element of speed to our football team. He’s been in big games and played well in big games. He’s been hampered by some injuries along the way, but I think when he’s healthy, he’s certainly an impactful player.”
Gutekunst also called linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who he re-signed on a two-year deal, an "elite" special teams player and a "glue" player who can start at one of the three linebacker spots. At kicker, Gutekunst said re-signing Brandon McManus "made a lot of sense" after what the Packers went through at kicker over the last few years. On Kristian Welch, Gutekunst said the Packers wanted to keep him last year but were excited to get him back for 2025.
Hear more from Gutekunst from the league meetings below: