Packers 2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Targets
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft saw plenty of surprises, including the Chiefs trading up to No. 6 to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane and the Rams trading up to No. 13 to take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
For those that desperately wanted the Packers to move into the first round, those people are disappointed. But there is still plenty to be excited about heading into the second day in Pittsburgh.
There were 17 offensive players taken in the first round, including six in the top 10. That sets up nicely for the Packers, because they need to reload the defense, especially at corner and up front.
I doubt that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst would move up in the second round, but if their guy is still on the board, they could package picks No. 52 and 84 to move to the top of the second round.
Here are some Day 2 options for the Packers, who could go in a lot of different ways.
Cornerback
Avieon Terrell, Clemson: He doesn’t just run, he glides. And he’s got versatility because he isn’t bashful about stopping the run and can attack the quarterback as well with three sacks last year.
Colton Hood, Tennessee: What’s really intriguing about Hood is his 6-foot frame. He only allowed a completion percentage of 54 last year He has only started 13 games, so he will need a steep learning curve — something that may turn Green Bay in a different direction.
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina: He is lightning fast, but he hasn’t shown the physicality that is the real separator among NFL corners. In the NFC North, having as many physical players on the defensive side of the ball is paramount.
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana: He’s overlooked all the time. He’s only 5-foot-9, so instantly teams write him off. He has packed so much energy and juice into that frame — plus he has excellent IQ and is excellent at defending the run.
Defensive Tackle
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State: If the Packers move up to take the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, I think there will be plenty of happy faces. He is an amazing run stuffer. Just how good? Well, his 91.2 Pro Football Focus run defense grade ranked No. 1 in the nation. He even does a great job managing double teams.
Christen Miller, Georgia: The best thing about his game is the nimble footwork. That will come in handy when the weather turns in early November. He has a very good first step, but his quarterback pressure just doesn’t do enough.
Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss: His best aspect is that he has experience. He has played 52 games and continues to hone his craft. And just like former Packers coach Mike McCarthy would always talk about pad level, his pad level needs work.
Edge
Zion Young, Missouri: He is versatile, which is something Gutekunst loves. He can put his hand in the ground or he can be a stand-up rusher. The first-team All SEC player has great length and he will be a person that offensive coordinators will need to keep an eye on.
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M: He finished second in a very good SEC with 11.5 sacks last year. He has quick hands and does a solid job of getting sideline to sideline.
Gabe Jacas, Illinois: The former wrestler has excellent leverage and it shows when he attacks opposing passers. His biggest downside is that he overthinks instead of reacting and being instinctual.
Offensive Linemen
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M: This player is just dripping with all of the Packers measurables. He logged 540 snaps at right tackle before tallying 1,357 snaps at left guard the last two seasons. His run blocking could use some work but his pass blocking is solid.
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon: He earned first team All Big Ten last year. The more amazing thing is that the guard only allowed one sack in his entire three years in Eugene.
Gennings Dunker, Iowa: His power is fantastic but he has shown issues with balance. He played tackle in Iowa City, but he will be best suited as a guard in the NFL.
Jake Slaughter, Florida: The center isn’t a road grader when it comes to moving the defensive line, but is great at keeping his feet moving.
Tight end
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt: His athleticism was off the charts at the NFL Combine. The question is if the converted quarterback can translate those physical traits into NFL success. He has a huge catch radius and another plus is that he is 23 years old and is already very mature.
Max Klare, Ohio State: He is great at finding open holes in zone coverage, which is a perfect security blanket for a quarterback. His hands make up for his questionable blocking.
Wide Receiver
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee: He earned first team All SEC because of his huge 6-foot-4 frame. He was nearly unguardable and it showed with over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Germie Bernard, Alabama: Versatility is what will get him to Green Bay. He lined up in the slot and out wide. He is also a very smooth route runner.
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__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (130)
TKWorldWide
April 24, 2026 at 06:40 am
You’ve listed 18 players. What are the odds that GB will pick two from your list in rounds 2 and 3 tonight?
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:28 am
Lese than 1 in 9.
Cheezehead72
April 24, 2026 at 06:42 am
Of these any CB not named Ponds, any DT but reservations on Harris if they take him I hope they did their homework. Only edge I see taking at 52 is Young and the only OL I see worth 52 of this list is Bisontis except I do like Dunker's personality and character. Please none of the TEs at 52 and either WR will be good but I believe we need D more.
Interesting that Rodriguiz is not mentioned. I would like to get him at 52.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:31 am
Rodrigooeys it is!
GregC
April 24, 2026 at 06:44 am
Her's a question for everyone: Which Packers pick at #52 (I'm talking about a realistic one) would make you groan the loudest? Who are you dreading that they pick?
Cheezehead72
April 24, 2026 at 07:00 am
Ponds
GreenandBold
April 24, 2026 at 07:25 am
I like Ponds he could be another Tyrann Mathiew (?) who was also considered undersized at 5-9 . Even tho he was a safety he proved the doubters wrong .
Cheezehead72
April 24, 2026 at 07:32 am
Its not just his height. I see him as more of a nickelback. We do not need a nickel. Plus I am not sure if his size will work in the NFL. Just because one guy does it does not mean every guy will.
I liked Mathiew coming out of college.
GreenandBold
April 24, 2026 at 09:14 am
Points well taken thanks
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:56 am
#8 liked throwing the Honey badger into the fifth row and into retirement.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 11:46 am
Think Chris Harris.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 08:35 am
Any WR or RB. Selecting 1 of either would really mess up our draft. And none of Bernard, Hurst, Lance, or RB Washington are head and shoulder above the other players in their position groups to warrant being picked at #52. We have actual holes, some are the same ones for 2 years, GB needs to fill the biggest needs first.
gsd3
April 24, 2026 at 09:24 am
Chase Bisontis
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 10:10 am
Won't be there.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:36 am
WR
Watch Gutey pick the #9 "clone" trying to save $28MM and he doesn't work out. Meanwhile if 9 gets hurt again this season he won't command that much. And if he stays healthy there's no downside.
Trading away 2 WRs for other positions was good for everybody on the team, don't mess that up.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 24, 2026 at 11:45 am
Watch fans make up negative scenarios before the pick is even in.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 06:54 am
Staying the course -
@52 - Ted Hurst WR. GS
@84— Jalon Kilgore. DB. SC
@120- Caden Curry. Edge. OSU
@153- Nick Barrett N -DT. SC
@160- Trey Moore. Off LB. Texas
@201- Eli Heidenreich. RB. Navy.
@236- Will Kacmarek. TE. OSU
@255- Caden Barnett. OT. Wyoming
gsd3
April 24, 2026 at 08:02 am
Final mock. Used stick to the model. Traded a little bit. Ended up with a 2027 4th from AZ and traded Musgrave near the end for # 203.
@ 69 - Domonique Orange - DT
@ 102 - Julian Neal - CB
@ 108 - Trey Zuhn III - OL
@ 117 - Sam Roush - TE
@ 142 - Josh Cameron - WR
@ 146 - Charles Demmings - CB
@ 148 - Nick Singleton - RB
@ 153 - Beau Stephens - OL
@ 160 - Michael Heldman - Edge
@ 201 - Jordan van den Berg - DT
@ 203 - Aaron Graves - DT
@ 236 - Ceyair Wright - CB
@ 255 - Jaden Duggar - LB
Plenty competition in DL and corner room.
crayzpackfan
April 24, 2026 at 08:32 am
Us getting 13 picks is the most unrealistic mock, or scenario I have seen. SMH
gsd3
April 24, 2026 at 09:25 am
Yeah....took some that were offered.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:40 am
Overall I like it. Would rather see a DT / NT at 142.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 10:12 am
Never happen.
Next year.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:27 pm
We are not taking a WR @ #52 when we just spent 2 early picks last year. I will ask you this Stock, will that or any WR play very much in 2026? And will a WE play more than an Edge, CB, or DT this year? The answer is no WR will play much, case in point, look at how much the 2 we added last year actually contributed. Not much.
Any of those 3 defensive players could start and see a ton of snaps in 2026. WR comes later.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 02:38 pm
No player will.
A drafted WR can replace Wicks.
Replace his stats.
Replace the injuries.
And the later is what your ignoring.
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2026 at 02:59 pm
That guy is Williams whom he drafted with the Three pick in 2025.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 03:17 pm
Two rookies competing.
Bullard will be leaving.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 03:47 pm
Bullard won’t help much at WR one way or the other.
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2026 at 07:33 pm
Bullard never should have been drafted in the first place. He's a rover. Not a playmaking safety selected like Kam Kinchens, Caden Bullock, Cole Bishop. This is the story of the 2024 second round.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 10:04 am
I did a couple trades and ended with this.
52: Trade with SF - 52 and 160 for 62, 108, and 170.
62: Dani Dennis-Sutton EDGE Penn State
84: Trade with Buffalo - 84 and 255 for 101 and 125.
101: Tacario Davis CB Washington
108: Daylen Everette CB Georgia
120: Austin Barber OT Florida
125: Kaleb Proctor DT SE Louisiana
153: Marlin Klein TE Michigan
170: Jager Burton IOL Kentucky
201: Caleb Douglas WR Texas Tech
236: Jaden Dugger LB Louisiana
Overall I think the trades are realistic.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 10:20 am
Throw out Everette.
Take Demmings.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 12:27 pm
DDS is my “pray we don’t” player. High effort but moderate athleticism. He’s slow footed, laterally or going forward and he’s not particularly flexible or agile. He’s got long arms and a power move. He can’t turn almost to a Gary extent. He’s Enagbare essentially, with longer arms.
He’s a type that do very well in college, but a bull rush is much harder to win with in the pros. Just look at LVN, particularly if a player lacks a fast first step or lacks swivel and doesn’t win leverage often.
Please no! On day 3, a nice rotational piece who looks like being way over drafted. He’s a trap I hope Gute has learned to avoid. Sometimes one needs to look beyond athleticism and sometimes one needs to remember it when looking at stats.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 02:32 pm
DDS is VERY athletic (9.96 RAS as a DE). I don't know where you get "moderate athletic" from. Who are you talking about on the Day 3 that is a trap/rotational piece?
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 04:12 pm
Film.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Love that draft DJ. No matter what stockholder thinks. I guess he just knows more than the experts.
I love the trade back @ #52 and getting Dennis-Sutton or Orange there is very probable. The Penn State Edge is mocked to us as much as DeJean was. Why? Because he could start Day 1 and fill a major hole.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 03:13 pm
I know what wins. DeJean has.
The order isn't important.
If orange is 1/2 as good as Daniels.
It still won't be enough to win the super-bowl.
The problem of forcing choices on a coach
is obvious .
So, how many guys have to wait there turn?
Point: Banks should have been dumped.
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2026 at 07:39 pm
He didn't move up for Hunter who was in range and selects a project @ CB. This guy was a SEC scout who never drafted Alabama guys. Saban always had t the best players from swampland.
GreenandBold
April 24, 2026 at 07:16 am
McDonald would be a great pick considering the Packers needs up front but I’m worried he will be long gone and Gute will not make a move to grab him . Prove me wrong Gute .
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 08:25 am
So many big DTs in this draft who can gum up the interior but offer limited rush upside. I think we'll see those trench guys start to go in round 2, but several will linger longer than we expected.
Cheezehead72
April 24, 2026 at 09:04 am
I'm just happy that the Vikings took Banks off the board. To me this pick had Gute written all over it. I like him I just do not like his foot.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:42 am
I hate the idea of trading round 2 and 3 picks for one in the second.
GregC
April 24, 2026 at 07:41 am
I really don't like the idea of taking any OL at #52. Probably not in the third round either. Let's just draft for some depth on day 3 and see how things shake out with the starters this year. Probably not WR either because I'm hoping they can re-sign Christian Watson AND Jayden Reed. Not sure how realistic that is.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 08:33 am
I think it's possible that their LG of the future--the guy that gets them out from under Banks' contract--is already on the roster (Williams? Glover?) or could come from a day 3 pick, but I would think long and hard about a guy like Pregnon or Bisontis if he's there at 52.
That won't be a popular opinion.
"Probably not WR either because I'm hoping they can re-sign Christian Watson AND Jayden Reed. "
IF they take a WR early, that will likely signal their plans on Watson/Reed. Take a "true X" and it could be Watson's days are limited. Take a shifty slot, and Reed could be out. I think they COULD take a WR today, but I don't expect it. You can't throw a Pabst bottle in this draft without hitting a productive college slot prospect.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 10:02 am
#11 has proven himself to be a great football player though. How many of these rookies will do that in the NFL?
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:36 pm
I would love to see a Watson type WR to be taken 4th round or later. Stribling and Jeff Caldwell would be great in that range and could be Watson replacements if we can't re-sign him. Golden could already replace Reed.
Williams was a strong candidate to move inside when we drafted him. He will be in the mix this year. Glover might be a JAG.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 08:42 am
Our first 2 picks need to be Edge, DT, or CB, not necessarily that order. Of course it will depend on who falls to #52 that we want. I would add Dani Dennis-Sutton to Edge rushers we should consider; he has been mocked to GB more than any of the other Edge rushers, and will probably be available. I am not saying we will draft an Edge there, but he would be an A+ pick because he would start Day 1.
I agree Greg, no OL or WR early, there will be plenty of options laters. We could really use 2 more picks though.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:48 am
While I think IOL is a bigger need, so is a blocking TE and FB; those would help this team SO much!
Depending on how much the salary cap increases they might be able to keep #9 and 11, which I'd love to see.
Our fastest WRs, in order:
Matthew Golden
Bo Melton
Christian Watson
Jayden Reed
Skyy Moore (4.41)
Savion Williams is slower at 4.48 but is as big as many modern LBs
LLCHESTY
April 24, 2026 at 10:40 am
Watson is faster than Golden where it counts, the 1st 10 yards. He can get on top of and past CBs before they can transition out of their backpedal so they have to play off of him or have help over the top.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 12:13 pm
Neyor (4.40) is faster than Moore at 220 pounds. Reed technically tested at 4.45. The Packers claimed they timed him at 3.7.
Moore has a 10 yard 1/100th slower than Watson’s. Golden was 4/100ths slower than Watson. Neyor, who is more comparable with Watson, was 6/100ths slower. Notably Savion Williams was 7/100ths slower also at about 220. Williams isn’t long speed fast, but he has quick feet and explosion (more so in college before his fit problems).
Watson is freakish even by nfl standards. The fastest ever 10 yards by a WR at the combine was 1.43 by Henry Ruggs. I’m sure he’s excelling in the prison league. Ruggs is shorter and lighter at 6’ and 200. The fastest this year was 1.48. We aren’t short of burst or speed in the slot or outside.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 03:07 pm
There are a lot of guys that are fast in shorts but you don't see it on the field. Moore never seemed to have than 1.46/10 on the field. Watson on the other hand plays to his times and even those might be a little slow for his speed on the field.
mrtundra
April 24, 2026 at 08:06 am
I've heard Avieon Terrell, CB , has leg injury issues. Anyone else hear that? We need a DT, CBs, LB, and OL, somewhere in this draft. DT and CBs first, and BPA at those positions.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 08:38 am
It's lying season.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 08:39 am
He’s had recurring hamstring issues. At least we should have a fair amount of expertise assessing those.
sugarbair
April 24, 2026 at 08:10 am
Cory if you are trying to get me excited, it is not working. All the comments we keep hearing about the overall quality of this draft class. Ouch. The two guys we pick tonight just have to contribute this year. Regardless of position. But my choice would be on the defensive side of the ball. After watching Henry run over and thru us. And hearing that god awful "wide open over the middle" comment. We just don't need guys who need work, time to develop or are coming off an injury. If we do get developmental type guys, it tells me the "competing for championships now" comment is hollow. We still do have the post draft FA. GPG
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 10:03 am
Also UDFAs
MooPack
April 24, 2026 at 08:12 am
DT:
3 guys still available. Miller, Orange, and Hunter. All are possible. I'd be happy with Miller. If they trade back a bit, my guess is they are targeting Big Citrus.
CB:
Surprised that lots of guys are still there. It is a deep CB draft class. One guy to keep eye on is Jermod McCoy. I think he will go before Packers pick, but that ACL injury is probably scaring teams off. If he drops to 52 do the Packers take him? Without that injury he is top 15. If he recovers 100% he'd be a steal at 52. Cisse and Neal are options today. I'm hoping Everette or Lee make to day 3.
OL:
Iheanachor went as expected, but Rutledge went early, imo. I liked him quite a bit. Pregnon is a possibility, but his age (he is going to be 25) probably takes him lower on Packers board. OG Farmer and OT Bowry hopefully last until day 3.
Edge:
I'm not a big fan of taking an edge before the other needs, but G. Jackass is a possibility or Dennis-Sutton day 3.
Any other positions would be a surprise and a questionable decision no matter how good they are.
Cheezehead72
April 24, 2026 at 08:19 am
Gabe Jacas is interesting but the idea that he over thinks and does not react has me concerned. I have lived with the same issue and it hurt me in a job I had for 15 years because I needed to react faster. I have never been able to overcome that issue. I hope he does wherever he lands.
MooPack
April 24, 2026 at 08:39 am
Well your reaction time and name spelling correction on this board was 7 minutes. I think that is pretty good. I'd hire you. Let's hope the Packers reaction this draft is good as well.
HawkPacker
April 24, 2026 at 09:06 am
Love your math skills!
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 08:48 am
I have overindulged in draft data and articles this year, and Cory's comment about overthinking for Jacas is first time I have read anything like that about Jacas. I would love to know where he got that one at because it sounds more like a team trying to fend other teams off with bull$hit.
I would take Jacas in a heartbeat if he fell to #52, Dennis-Sutton too.
TheKanataThrilla
April 24, 2026 at 08:34 am
Surprised that the article neglected that Jermod McCoy is still available. With his injury and need for surgery, would we consider him for a redshirt medical year? Certainly makes for interesting chatter during the draft parties if he gets close to the #52 pick.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 09:02 am
"CB:
Surprised that lots of guys are still there. "
GMs leaned heavily into OTs in round 1, and left DTs and CBs on the board. I'm expecting CBs and WRs to dominate round 2.
"Pregnon is a possibility, but his age (he is going to be 25) probably takes him lower on Packers board."
Pregnon might be better than Banks or Belton right now. Even at 25, they could get a second contract out of him if he stays relatively injury free. He seems to lack the mass that they're looking for lately, though.
LLCHESTY
April 24, 2026 at 11:03 am
I think Darrell Jackson Jr has more upside than Orange and with his long arms can play some 3-4 DE in heavy packages.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Orange moved well at his showing for the scouts. He was also used in a way that credibly obscured his athleticism. If Miller and Orange are gone, the Darrell Jackson might be a fallback option, but he’s more a 3T and smaller. A risk of duplicating Brinson (likely with a tad less rush) and not getting what we need even if he can add functional mass for future years.
MooPack
April 24, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Actually Jackson is 6'6" and 315 (he has frame to put on more), but I agree a fallback if Miller and Orange are gone.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Brinson is 6’5 and 315 and not an NT either. Height at NT is more a negative than a positive too, whereas length is a plus at DE. An NT needs to win on leverage in both run and pass situations. Ford’s problem is he’s upright and neutered far too often as a result. Orange is 6’2. Miller is 6’4. Both are heavier too.
MooPack
April 24, 2026 at 12:54 pm
Ok. ESPN must be wrong or rounded up. And I agree with the length. Not a true NT which is why I like Miller and Orange more.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 03:49 pm
We are on the same page
Swisch
April 24, 2026 at 08:21 am
Best cornerback available.
If none of them are special, best interior defensive lineman available.
If none of them are special, best offensive lineman available.
If none of them are special, best running back available.
No projects. We want guys who can at least contribute in year one, and start in year two.
Save the projects for Saturday, probably late Saturday.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 08:52 am
"No projects. We want guys who can at least contribute in year one, and start in year two.
Save the projects for Saturday, probably late Saturday."
1000% Swisch, especially with those first 2 picks. Yes it takes drafting the right players, but when you have as many big needs as GB does this year, it really shouldn't be that hard. Any CB, Edge, or DT we take with our first 2 picks should challenge the starters right now.
HawkPacker
April 24, 2026 at 09:09 am
It looks to me that in looking at Cory's list, there is only one player that is heads and shoulders above the rest he stated and that all the others are still just 'good'. Based on this, I think Gute will trade back and get another pick.
HawkPacker
April 24, 2026 at 09:10 am
That player is Kayden McDonald that will go early this evening.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 12:16 pm
I think in the first 3-4 picks, yes.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:04 pm
It will be very exciting tonite to see what GB does @ #52. I have a couple Edges that I would take @ #52. But I just read an article suggesting a possible trade with the Cowboys who want a LB badly. That trade moved us back 11 spots and got us pick #137 to boot. That extra pick could buy us the WR or TE we need.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 02:07 pm
Dallas bought big on Edge and S in round 1. I bet they go WR in Rd. 2.
Swisch
April 24, 2026 at 03:27 pm
I appreciate the thoughtful and upbeat reply, golfpacker61.
I was thinking at edge that we do have a lot of possibilities other than Parson, but perhaps no probabilities to be tops at that position. Also, Parsons may not be back right away in 2026.
If that kind of thinking is apt, and a stellar Edge is available, it could be the right move to go for it.
Also, even though our starting offensive line seems to be coming together, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of depth. I would tend to error on the side of having too many top blockers to protect Jordan Love and to keep the running game moving forward.
A prolific offense can help to compensate for deficiencies on defense.
The perennial question of BPA versus position-of-need adds excitement to the draft. We'll see how Gute plays it in just a few hours.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 03:35 pm
Jack of all trades, master of none.
But that works for special Teams.
Of which; have cost us more than
one game, here and there.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 09:09 am
"No projects. We want guys who can at least contribute in year one, and start in year two."
Not to be argumentative, but then you should be asking: where are the major holes in the '27 roster going to be?...because this strategy doesn't fix '26.
Sign an FA or two after the draft for '26.
HawkPacker
April 24, 2026 at 09:11 am
Agreed. BPA is the answer, hopefully in a current area of need and we can get some help in 2026.
Swisch
April 24, 2026 at 03:17 pm
You've got a good point, dobber.
I guess it depends on who the Packers see as possible pickups in free agency at our current level of funds in relation to the salary cap.
Would the free agents with their experience be better than the rookies with their exuberance?
It is possible in the second and third rounds to get players who are ready to go as rookies as much as free agents are ready to go.
Your point is still a good one. We'll see how Gute plays it
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 09:54 am
Trade back before taking a RB in round 2.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 10:07 am
All players are projects PLUS you don't draft for that year. You draft for where you think your roster will be a year or two after the draft.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:07 pm
Good teams with few needs can do that DoubleJ, like the Eagles seem to always be in that position. GB has too many needs, CB, Edge, & DT are the first tier, OL, TE, WR are the 2nd tier needs. We need 2-3 more picks.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 02:35 pm
How many of those positions have players on contracts through after 2026? This is why you draft for where you will be the next year. Remember most rookies are bad.
Mark Ballard
April 24, 2026 at 08:35 am
I suspect the Packers will be looking for Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M today.
Zxavian Harris is off the Packers board completely due to off field problems, including running from the cops and domestic abuse.
A sneaky pick today might be LB Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 08:54 am
"Zxavian Harris is off the Packers board completely "
I suspect you're right, but do we know this or is it an expectation?
"A sneaky pick today might be LB Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh."
I don't think Haulcy makes it to them at 52, but I wouldn't be surprised if they take him over Louis if both are on the board.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 08:56 am
"Zxavian Harris is off the Packers board completely due to off field problems, including running from the cops and domestic abuse."
Is that speculation or do you have inside info on Harris, Mark? I have asked on here what he was charged with, the details of the charges, and was he actually convicted. If he was then I agree, but if not he should be in play. I wouldn't take him before the 4-5th rounds but he is a talent for sure.
I have seen nothing saying GB would not pick him and I have seen multiple mocks with us taking him i later rounds.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 09:24 am
No, we don’t know. For myriad reasons, legal and draft related, teams do not reveal that kind of information.
I suspect that he is going to fall well below what his talent suggests, but it only takes one team not to care if the player is good enough or that the circumstances were such that it sounds a lot worse than they actually believe after due diligence. Let’s face it, none of us know anything substantial about the domestic event.
Mark Ballard
April 24, 2026 at 09:29 am
"Ole Miss junior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris was arrested Sunday on charges of domestic violence and obstructing arrest, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. It’s the second time Harris has been arrested in the last 13 months, as the Canton, Mississippi, native was charged with felony fleeing, DUI, reckless driving, minor in possession, no headlights and running a stop sign last July."
There is zero chance we're drafting this guy. I don't have any inside information, just decades of precedent.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Was he actually CONVICTED? That's a lot different than being charged. Were the charges dropped? I don't condone domestic violence in any way shape or form, and the person/female should be able to have her day in court. But so does the accused. You can't judge him just off charges, the courts do that. Other than the domestic violence charge, the other stuff is young people being stupid because they are. Plus I know how cops in Iowa City, Ia love to target athletes, probably the same there in Mississippi.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 12:59 pm
He was not cleared either. If I had to guess, the other party declined to press charges and there was no direct police witness. That’s massively common in these situations.
Teams do considerable due diligence, including PI work and in depth digging. We are never going to know the outcome of that. Some teams historically do not seem to care. Look at the Browns, for example, even when a pattern of behavior is known not simply suspected.
Some teams have wasted draft picks entirely as a result. It only takes one. Historically though, the Packers have not tended to be one of them, particularly early in drafts.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 09:32 am
"I have asked on here what he was charged with, the details of the charges, and was he actually convicted"
Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris was arrested Sunday on domestic violence and obstructing arrest charges.
Harris, 20, also was arrested in July 2023 on driving under the influence charges, as well as felony fleeing and other charges. He faced internal discipline for the incident.
It took about 2 minutes to google this
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 11:54 am
The run-ins with the law were well documented. My question regarded the "off their board" comment.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:52 pm
That's common knowledge 13. But the big question are was he convicted or were the charges dropped? It makes a big difference.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 01:09 pm
What are the odds that "driving under the influence charges, as well as felony fleeing and other charges" are going to be dropped? Plus domestic violence charges as well?
You had asked several times what his charges were. I answered your question.
There is no way GB drafts this clown.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 03:58 pm
The driving charges resulted in a plea deal in return for attending a first time offender program. Technically, since he pleaded “No Contest”, guilt was never determined. He not admit guilt but accepted conviction as if he were. Because it never went to trial, we do not know if all the related charges would have been seen as capable of standing up in court.
The real benefit is usually that it can not be used an admission that could form the a basis for a civil action. More pertinently here, it means it also likely doesn’t trigger sanctions from most sporting bodies and gets it over faster and with much less time away from training.
TKWorldWide
April 24, 2026 at 08:40 am
I am hoping that if a Kevin King/TJ Watt or a Josh Myers/Creed Humphrey situation comes up, we can say Gutey got this one right.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 08:50 am
I hope we don’t pick another bull rush type OLB with limited bend and, in some cases slow first steps. There is no RB or WR I’d touch. We do not need an ILB. I would pass on an OL at this point.
For me it’s either CB (and there are permutations there fortunately) or Miller/Orange—this is too high for a player who lacks the athleticism to be anything but a run stuffer.
If Miller is not available I would look to trade back. I do not think Orange, after his display of mobility to scouts, lasts to our pick in round 3.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 09:12 am
Agree CW, No ILB, WR, or RB should be picked until Day 3 late. It was an interesting first day to say the least. The trades were fast and furious, some were very reasonable, and some teams like the Bills are really sitting pretty.
The 2 biggest overeaches were the Rams picking the QB when they could have just traded back 15 spots and still got him. That and the Viking taking a huge chance on Banks, Rutlege was overdrafted too.
BuckyBadger
April 24, 2026 at 09:19 am
No one knows where Simpson would have gone. Snead has been a good GM for awhile now, I have to think he knew someone else would want him. Also trades just don't happen because you want one. Need a dance partner.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:56 pm
He is a 1-year wonder Bucky. I am glad they took him, it doesn't matter at all to GB though. The majority of the "Experts" thought as I do. He could have been had late in the round.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 09:28 am
Rutledge has been getting a ton of buzz recently. He’s a good player, but I didn’t think as good as the attention seemed to merit. Obviously at least one GM did. Draft buzz, or hype, can sometimes generate remarkable influence.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 11:55 am
"the Rams picking the QB when they could have just traded back 15 spots and still got him. "
Possibly, but not something that can be substantiated.
Bitternotsour
April 24, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Yes Dobber, but someone on TV said they could have just traded back and therefore it's true.
In my reality, the RAMS decided his value, where he was likely to be available and they drafted him. I like to live where reality isn't bumping hard into fiction.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 02:02 pm
I agree. There was a wide range of guys they could've had there. They decided they wanted the QB.
BuckyBadger
April 24, 2026 at 09:15 am
In a draft that isn't very deep like this one I think BPA is more important than ever. I think the reason the Rams took Simpson is that they didn't feel there was another player that was worth a 1st. I heard many GMs thought there where barely 14 players they would call 1st rounders. The Ravens GM said he only has 200 players as draftable. Now of course it is lying season but it seems to be a common thought throughout the league.
If you are reaching in a shallow pool the odds of taking a bust go up exponentially. Take the BPA and worry about how the chips fall later.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 09:33 am
This draft is not a shallow pool, but the truly elite pool is slightly smaller than average. On the other hand talent goes fairly late below that. Not a bad draft to have given up a pick in the first round in with hindsight. Typically the elite grades run somewhere between about 12 and 24.
What this draft was seen to be lacking is QBs. If one is determined to get one, then the pressure is on. Of course GMs do become infatuated. The colts over Richardson was particularly salient. Is Simpson that? Only time will tell. All I can say is it seems like a reach to me, but if he pays off, no one will care, however, less QB chasing by the league as a whole also removes the elite BPA players at other positions faster.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 11:57 am
"What this draft was seen to be lacking is QBs."
When QBs look weak, the whole draft is perceived as weak. I think the tail wags the dog in that regard.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 04:08 pm
Fair, but misleading on the context of overall quality, especially for a team not seeking a QB.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 09:32 am
I could see GB going DT if the right one falls, but I would hope the player has some pass rush ability too. If DT is GBs preference I can see an opportunity for a tradeback @ #52 and still getting Orange. He will only be a push the pocket pass rusher but should help stifle the run. I do like Chris McClellan as a combo DT, he is solid both ways. If we choose Edge & CB with the first 2 picks, 3 late round DTs that offer both are Van Den Berg, Aaron Graves-Iowa, and a Joseph's Gems guy, the Syracuse DT.
I am still pushing for Edge if Jacas or Dennis-Sutton are there, or we should have decent options at CB too. Maybe WR or TE @ #120.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 09:41 am
I just hope we come out of this draft with a good blocking TE. Roush, Bentley, Nowakowski or Kacmarek. Free up Kraft to be the weapon he should be and, at the same time, stop playing players that are horrible blockers and not asked to do much else.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 10:20 am
A good blocking TE and a FB would help this team SO much! Plus an IOL. Yes 3 picks dedicated to this.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Sic, why does GB need a FB. I have not seen any draft services saying the same need. TE I totally agree with, and I said it last year too. Maybe Musgrave gets moved during the draft.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 01:59 pm
I tend to agree: a Y-TE. They could draft a move guy and play him out of the backfield some (they did that with Whyle), but I don't see many guys who fit the bill of move TE and lead blocker. Whyle mostly ran routes out of the backfield.
GBPfaninMO
April 24, 2026 at 09:55 am
The best move the Pack could've made was upgrading from Gute & MLF, 3 yrs of 7th in the playoffs getting ousted by Duh Bares is slightly above Meh.Gute needs to nail this draft but I'm not counting on it.No more LVN type of picks.
Leatherhead
April 24, 2026 at 10:06 am
This should be two offensive players on Day 2. One skill position player (my preference would be Washington), and one versatile offensive lineman.
After using our first round pick to get an edge rusher (Parsons), I don't think we're going to come back on Day 2 and get another one. Since we return Wyatt and Brooks, and we've added Hargreaves, and we added two DTs last year (Brinson and Stackhouse), I think it's unlikely we'll add a DT.
And since we've been disappointed with every DB we've taken in the Top 100 since Ahmad Carroll (Randall,Rollins,King,Jackson, Savage , Stokes, and Alexander), and since we return both starters and added St. Juste, I'd be surprised if we took a DB today.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 10:10 am
Sure the DL looks "OK" for 2026 but not so in 2027. You don't draft for the current year but where you will be a year or two out. The DL is for sure in a tough spot in 2027 so adding to that early this year makes sense. Here is the last mock I'm doing for the year.
I did a couple trades and ended with this.
52: Trade with SF - 52 and 160 for 62, 108, and 170.
62: Dani Dennis-Sutton EDGE Penn State
84: Trade with Buffalo - 84 and 255 for 101 and 125.
101: Tacario Davis CB Washington
108: Daylen Everette CB Georgia
120: Austin Barber OT Florida
125: Kaleb Proctor DT SE Louisiana
153: Marlin Klein TE Michigan
170: Jager Burton IOL Kentucky
201: Caleb Douglas WR Texas Tech
236: Jaden Dugger LB Louisiana
Overall I think the trades are realistic.
This addresses some issues for this year (CB and OL depth) but also is a major help for 2027 and where the roster will be at that time.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 24, 2026 at 10:24 am
I love that! Even without knowing if the TE is a great blocker. (We need a TE who was a great blocker in College, then we can realistically hope he'll be a good blocker in the NFL)
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 01:27 pm
Klein is kind of a "Sleeper" TE. Michigan tends to underuse their TEs and Klein is a product of that. He is 6'6.5 250 lbs and ran 4.61 @ combine. He has decent hands and is a good blocker, which you have to be to play @ Michigan.
We could be draft twins DblJ, I have picked 7 of these players in many mocks. My WRs are usually Stribling, Jeff Caldwell or J Michael Sturdivant though.
Dugger is a guy I really want in GB, he has a lot of unscratched potential. 6'5 250 4.60 and has great instincts. He also was a safety when he came up so he has really good coverage skills. If I had a late 6th I would grab him there.
DoubleJ
April 24, 2026 at 02:37 pm
Caldwell is someone I have drafted a lot too. Unless there is someone too good to pass up at 52, I hope Gute trades down. The meat of this draft is R2-R4.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 04:31 pm
100% agree, I have an Edge I would take @ #52 if he was there, otherwise a 10-15 spot move back for 2 extra picks.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 12:19 pm
I don't expect a QB, K, P, or LS tonight, but just about everything else should be on the table.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 11:00 am
For all you people that voted for a CB early.
I copied Draft Tek projections; on DBs-
not taken in rd 1.
These guys are all left- So why is that.??
So many needed a CB.
Don't get your hopes up for any-
BPA and Need, didn't matter.
You get what you pay for!!!
Jerrod McCoy CB Proj. 19
Cotton Hood CB. “ 25
Emanuel McNeil Warren. 29
Branden Cisse CB 37
D’ Ponds. CBN. 44
Keynote. Scott. CB. 46
Ave Terrel CBN. 48
Treydon Stukes. DB 56
Other=
Ty Simpson. Was in top 30 26
Caleb Banks projection 50
Jadarian Price. “ 51
Keyland Rutledge. 53
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 12:25 pm
"These guys are all left- So why is that.??"
Because scheme-versatile DB who can run and tackle are hard to come by.
Only 4 DB in round 1 (2 CB, 2 S). I think we see them fly off the board in round 2. The value is there.
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 01:29 pm
They are also all still available because you can only pick 32 in the first round. Obviously there will be 400 or so left.
GB will take multiple CBs this draft no matter what you say stock.
stockholder
April 24, 2026 at 02:40 pm
It won't matter; as we've seen that already.
PackEyedOptimist
April 24, 2026 at 01:52 pm
Unfortunately, I've been super busy the past few weeks, so I haven't posted as much as I usually would before a draft, plus, I haven't had as much time to study tape. That said, here's my final mock draft--not a prediction, but who I would pick (PFN no trades):
52. Will Lee III CB Texas A&M (I don't feel strongly about who will fit the new defense best, so whomever they think is the best CB for that is fine with me)
84. Dani Dennis-Sutton EDGE Penn State (value at this spot)
120. Charlie Demmings CB Stephen F. Austin (think he'd be great at 120 if he drops there)
153. Eli Heidenreich WR Navy (My new crush for the Packers--he honestly would fill so many holes: RB if Lloyd doesn't work out, WR, and both K&P returner, plus he'd be a demon on ST coverage--his tape is so much fun to watch!)
160. Sam Roush TE Stanford. (I don't expect him to last to here--great value!)
201. Trey Zuhn III OC Texas A&M (The guy who can back up every OL position)
236. Jordan van den Berg DT Georgia Tech (Yep. Didn't take a DT until here.)
255. Josh Gesky OG Illinois (Great backup and ST blocker)
golfpacker61
April 24, 2026 at 04:39 pm
The only highlights I have seen of Heidenreich have been at WR, which he is very strong at. How much has he played RB this year?
I like your picks, I am a big fan of Dennis-Sutton, I think he would be Edge2 for GB immediately, he is better than anyone other than Parsons.
Roush is my #1 TE, my fallback is Klein-Michigan.
Zuhn all day long-plays all 5 positions.
A big yes to Van Den Berg. and I need a spot for my other super-sleeper, Jaden Duggan-LB Louisiana, 6'5 250 4.60 & played safety before LB switch-film is impressive
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2026 at 02:50 pm
d). NONE of the Above.
MooPack
April 24, 2026 at 04:36 pm
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Packers and WR Jayden Reed have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $50.25 million contract.
I'd have expected the Packers to give Watson a longer contract before Reed. I'm not on board with this. Golden and him are essentially the same and they need to get Golden on the field more. What does that mean for Watson? I wouldn't have thought they could sign both but maybe they will. Would they trade Watson this draft for a 2nd? I hope not, but odd to me signing Reed first.
Major Snafu
April 24, 2026 at 07:23 pm
Funny those names mentioned are good picks and now at pick 50 on night two most of those names are gone.
This won't be a good draft nor next year.
Parsons pick killed this team imo. Ya your getting one guy, a quality pass rusher when he comes back from major injury versus who we could have had round one this year and next.
If your deep in talent Parsons works. Gutt destroyed this team. We need so much it will take three good drafts to get back.