Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst attends Wisconsin Pro Day
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MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was scouting potential talent at Wisconsin Pro Day, including two local NFL hopefuls.
Former Badgers center Tanor Bortolini from Kewaunee and running back Braelon Allen from Fond du Lac participated in position drills in front of dozens of NFL scouts and staffers, including Green Bay’s general manager.
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Bortolini grew up a Packers fan and had a chance to meet Gutekunst after his drills.
“It’s crazy to be at that level. You grow up watching the Packers as a kid, and you’re like, ‘Wow…That’s the GM. That’s the guy.’ For it to come full circle and to be at the point I am. I couldn’t be happier,” Bortolini said.
Bortolini played in 12 games for the Badgers, all at center, where he posted an 80.3 blocking grade via PFF, the highest for any Badger and the seventh-highest in the Big Ten.
Meanwhile, Allen did not have a chance to meet with Gutekunst but participated in pass-catching and running back drills with Packers staff watching on.
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with @BadgerFootball head coach Luke Fickell at Wisconsin Pro Day pic.twitter.com/xMRXJI6HQJ
— Lauren Helmbrecht (@lmhelmbrecht) March 15, 2024
Both Bortolini and Allen entered the 2024 NFL Draft. Bortolini’s performance at the NFL Combine in February drew attention when the center/guard earned a 99% Athleticism score from Next Gen Stats and set the fastest three-cone time by a center in Combine history (7.16 seconds).
Allen is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain he sustained in November. The running back chose not to run the 40-yard dash at the Combine nor Pro Day but said his injury is nearly healed.
Allen posted solid numbers throughout his career with Wisconsin, playing in 35 games while starting 24. He finished his career at UW ninth on the all-time leading rushing list with 3,494 yards.
Gutekunst spent over an hour talking with Badgers head coach Luke Fickell while watching Bortolini, Allen, and the eight other participants.
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The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25.
The Green Bay Packers have eleven draft picks, including the 25th pick in the first round and two in the second round.
