Mark Murphy's final act as the Green Bay Packers' president was to bring home the NFL Draft.
It's a stunning achievement and should provide one of the most unique draft weekends in history, with selections made in the shadows of Lambeau Field. Packers fans will (hopefully) celebrate their team's decisions, although GM Brian Gutekunst has a track record of frustrating the fan base in the first round.
Let's talk about Gutekunst. The draft coming to Green Bay has also led to some wild conspiracy theories, notably that the Packers (more specifically, Murphy) would veto any plans Gutekunst had to trade the team's first-round pick.
Some speculated that the Packers wouldn't want to burn a first-rounder in a trade for All-Pro edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson or wide receiver DK Metcalf because it would mean they wouldn't get to announce their pick in front of the hometown fans.
Even worse, what if Gutekunst traded out of the first round?
Yes, it's ridiculous, but it has become a hot talking point this offseason. Fortunately, Murphy shut that down once and for all.
Mark Murphy shuts down rumors that Packers can't trade their first-round pick
Gutekunst had already made it clear that hosting the draft had no bearing on any decisions the team would make. Murphy echoed his comments.
"I told Brian Gutekunst, if it's the best thing for the Packers to trade out of the first round, go ahead and do it. Those rumors are not true," Murphy told ESPN Milwaukee.
The Packers likely won't even need to worry about it.
Trading down could be challenging. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that not many teams are trying to trade up, which could present fewer chances to land a deal. On top of that, the Minnesota Vikings could steal away any possible trade-down opportunities. Minnesota holds only four picks in this month's draft, so in theory, it would be more desperate to trade down and may accept a worse offer.
And let's be honest: Gutekunst isn't trading a first-rounder for a star player like Hendrickson. The Packers rarely trade premium draft capital and then spend big on a new deal, especially for a player over 30.
Beyond the conspiracy theory, Packers fans almost certainly will get to watch Roger Goodell announce their first-round pick outside Lambeau Field. Whether the prospect they pick actually attends the draft is another question.
But at least Murphy put an end to the speculation. All the Packers care about is making the best decisions for the team.
