Packers GM downplays pre-draft interest in QBs

Despite spending one of their 30 available pre-draft visits on a well-regarded quarterback prospect, the Green Bay Packers said Monday they aren't looking for Aaron Rodgers' heir apparent.

"The whole succession plan thing I think is a little bit overhyped," general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters, courtesy of Packers News' Olivia Reiner.

"We value that position extremely highly," he added. "Every year we spend a lot of time on the quarterbacks and trying to figure out what kind of players those guys are going to be in the NFL. That's really, really important to us. If you don't have one, it's really tough to win in this league."

The Packers brought in Drew Lock, a projected first-round pick out of Missouri, for a pre-draft workout. The visit prompted speculation that Green Bay could use one of its two first-round selections on a pivot and develop the future face of the franchise behind Rodgers like he was once groomed behind Brett Favre.

Rodgers, who turned 35 in December, is coming off a down year by his standards after battling through a tibial plateau fracture and an MCL sprain suffered in Week 1.

"We're lucky to have the best player in the NFL playing that position right now," Gutekunst said, in reference to Rodgers. "But at the same time ... your needs can change just like that. I think we're just doing due diligence."

Green Bay has struggled to survive when injuries have forced Rodgers out of the lineup. DeShone Kizer operated as the backup quarterback last year.

Rodgers was named league MVP in 2011 and 2014. He finished last season with 25 passing touchdowns - his lowest total in a full season as the starter - though he also committed just two interceptions.

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