Packers Draft: Lacking Swings And Needing Hits
Forced to do more with less, next month's NFL draft might be Brian Gutekunst's biggest challenge to date.
By Mark Ballard
Having hosted the NFL draft last year, and without a first round pick this year, Packers fans might be excused for feeling lower levels of expectation and excitement for next month’s draft in Pittsburgh.
Adding to this year's malaise, the Packers have just seven picks. They have one pick in each round, two through seven, plus an extra compensatory pick in the 7th round – the third to last pick in the entire draft.
The Packers’ compensatory math promises to be far more favorable in 2027 when the team is slated to earn numerous mid-round picks thanks to the wave of key departures this offseason. The Packers will also benefit from an extra 4th round pick secured from the Cowboys in the Rashan Gary trade. But that’s another conversation for another day.
In this upcoming draft, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst could still maneuver his way into more picks through trades, but absent such a development, the seven picks this year would mark the fewest number of selections he’s had since taking the GM reins in 2018.
In Gutekunst’s tenure, he’s selected eight players twice (2019, 2025), nine players twice (2020, 2021), eleven players three times (2018, 2022, 2024), and thirteen players once (2023).
Gutekunst seems to have embraced the philosophy of his predecessor, Ted Thompson, who explained that more picks was always the goal. “It's like Ron [Wolf] always said, it's kind of like baseball,” Thompson explained. “You're not going to get a hit every time you go to the plate, but if you have more swings you have a better chance at getting a hit. I think in general philosophy I'd rather have more than less.”
However, with his blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons, Gutekunst also showed a willingness to deviate from the norm. Going back 50 years, the Packers have only been without a first round pick three times (1986, 2008, 2017). Absent more dealing, they will now be without a first round pick two years in a row.
As a result, Gutekunst will now have to do more with less. For that reason, this year might be his most pressure-packed and important draft to date.
The Packers are certainly in a unique position. According to the Las Vegas oddsmakers, only 4 teams (Rams, Seahawks, Bills, Ravens) have better odds to win the next Super Bowl. The bettors clearly see the Packers as a top contender. However, while the Packers are locked and loaded in some key areas, it’s not as if they don’t have needs to address.
The Packers seem reasonably well situated at wide receiver and safety, and perhaps also at linebacker, but almost everywhere else they could use depth and/or real solutions for the future.
Both the offensive and defensive lines need help. The Packers re-signed Darrian Kinnard as a reliable and battle-tested swing tackle, however the backups on the interior feature lesser known names like Travis Glover, Jacob Monk, Karsen Barnhart, and Donovan Jennings.
The defensive line could use some help on the edge. Gary and Enagbare are now gone, and Parsons will be returning from injury. Van Ness is nearing the end of his rookie deal, and the players behind him are relatively untested. The defensive interior may also need future help behind the aging Javon Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt, who is also coming to the end of his rookie contract.
Despite the offseason addition of Benjamin St-Juste, the Packers still have a glaring need at cornerback. The team hasn’t had a true CB1 since Jaire Alexander, and his last full season was three years ago. Gutekunst has devoted 7th round picks to the position in each of the last three drafts (Micah Robinson, Kalen King, and Carrington Valentine), but none of those resources have stabilized the position. Robinson and King are no longer with the team and Valentine’s play has been up and down. It would be surprising if the Packers didn’t use one (or more) of their picks at corner this year.
Beyond that, the Packers also have a need for a backup quarterback, a running back, and they may also seek to add help at tight end, and even kicker.
These remaining needs lead me to believe Gutekunst probably isn't done making moves. First, the Packers aren't typically a team to plug-and-play first year players. Second, Gutekunst has shown a willingness to hunt for talent long after the free agency rush is over. Last year, Gutekunst added Nick Niemann in August. In 2021, Gutekunst added De'Vondre Campbell (in June) on a bargain $2 million deal. Campbell went on to have an All Pro season.
Whatever moves the Packers do or do not make, it’s clear Gutekunst will have his work cut out for him next month. For the Packers, it may not be their most thrilling draft, but it could be among the most meaningful.
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Mark Ballard is an obsessive Green Bay Packers fan, born in Buffalo Bills country, but raised right by a Mom from Rice Lake, WI. You can find him on X at @ballark
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Comments (95)
heyjoe4
March 26, 2026 at 10:29 am
The type of player selected should (in theory) represent the BPA at the time of the pick. That usually translates into the BPA at the position most in need of help.
Not s surprise, but I think that's CB. NBD losing Hobbs, other than $$$, and Juste looks like JAG - a journeyman vet who will likely play well enough to stay on the field. Or maybe a new environment will elevate him. Who knows?
So if Gluten sticks with pick #52, I'm certain it will be a CB. Odds say thet guy will not have an immediate pick, but they have to start somewhere.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 02:55 pm
@what you doing with that gun in your hand.....
I'd argue that DT (specifically NT) is equally in need and the quality of the big men available this draft drops off faster. The game against the Ravens showed us that the Packers must get better at DT - and given this is technically a 3-4 defence, that means NT (with Wyatt and Hargrave on either side). If any one of Christen Miller, Lee Hunter or Caleb Banks is there at about pick 45, I'd hope the Packers look for a partner to trade up and get them.
The Packers own (2nd round) pick, a 4th from next year and maybe the last 7th this year, should be about right to offer, to move up about 5-7 spaces. Hargrave could play NT, but I think he is best as a 3 tech or 4i.
There should still be decent corners available in round three. I'm hoping that if the Packers DO draft a corner on day 2, the starters should be St.Juste and Nixon to start with, but before too long, the draftee (hopefully) slides ahead of Nixon. If Nixon and Valentine do end up as CBs 3 & 4 (assuming Bo Melton doesn't surpass either in TC) the Packers would be sitting just fine.
Juste is a decent corner who would probably be the no.1 corner if there were no added draft pick.....but he would be a number one that you would rather was the number two.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 04:56 pm
Turo, the article is about not having enough picks right now.
" If any one of Christen Miller, Lee Hunter or Caleb Banks is there at about pick 45, I'd hope the Packers look for a partner to trade up and get them."
So you want to give up picks when we don't have enough. I wouldn't and the 3 you mentioned, Christian Miller has done very little in college. Lee Hunter, who I like, has an RAS score under 4.00, so GB probably rules him out. Caleb Banks would be great except for his foot issues that have caused him to miss a ton of games, and he just broke it at the combine.
I don't see us taking DT early, in fact I bet that we ignore it until late because we will sign a vet NT after the draft when teams release players.
There are some intriguing late round guys starting with Zxavian Harris-Ole Miss. He is a wrecking ball run stuffer that has some character issues. So did Brenton Cox. Other guys to watch Donte Corleone & Aaron Graves.
CB is the #1 need but I bet we draft an Edge first because there are only a few that could start for us day 1.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 06:36 pm
....and I'm arguing the opposite, because of how the 2026 draft is likely to fall.
Sure you give up the last pick in round seven this year, but though it may seem counter-intuitive to give up any pick, there are only three really high-level tackles that have any possibilty of falling to the mid 40's down to pick 52. As for giving up a 4th next year, it would mean we would still have at least 2x 4ths to spend in 2027, maybe 3 (The Dallas pick for Gary, the Willis and the Doubs comp picks).
If you are only looking at RAS, you are missing out on an ecxellent prospect in Hunter. As for Miller, here is the Draft Buzz synopsis:
"Put the tape on and you see a defensive tackle who can absolutely wreck a running game. Miller's ability to hold the point of attack, absorb double teams, and maintain gap integrity translates immediately to the professional level. He plays the game the way old-school defensive coordinators dream about: low pad level, heavy hands, relentless motor. The run defense grades speak for themselves, and any team looking to shore up their interior against the ground game will find a ready-made solution here."
Also worth remembering is that NTs don't generate much in the way of stats (Kenny never did either).
Almost forgot Banks. Yes the foot is a problem - but without that problem he goes in round one (and even with it, he still might). Sometimes you've got to roll the dice. I'd take him at 52 just as I'd take Center Connor Lew at 84 (he had an ACL october 2025)
I'm fine with you disagreeing with my draft choices, as the draft is such a subjective thing many will see it differently and argue passionately for their choice. I see DT as a day 2 pick.........and if you don't, we will both have to wait until the man that really matters in the draft - Gute - shows us what we are actually getting in one month's time.
As for drafting an Edge early, what do you intend doing with Sorrell and Oliver this year. They need some quality snaps if you hope for them to get better. If they end up sitting behind LVN AND Parsons AND a draft pick, its not ideal. I know Parsons might not be ready for game 1, but he might, his rehab is (he says) going well - and even if he isn't back until 4-5 weeks in, there is still a good dozen regular season games, after that.
By the way, if you want an interesting late round DT prospect and love the high RAS guys, how about Jordan Van Den Berg (Georgia Tech/Penn State). From 1987 to now, he is ranked 2nd best ever in RAS at the position, with a perfect 10.0 score. His tape looks fun, too - check him out.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 09:52 pm
Hey Turo, As I said, I like Hunter and Banks. Gutey is enamored with RAS scores, I am not. What I like to stay away from is 1 year wonders, players who only have 1 year of tape or stats or games that they played well. I want a player who has at least 2 years of starting a getting better, and I take into account the competition theya have played against. Not that small school guys can't be stars, Tucker Kraft & Christian Watson are great examples of small school guys that are great players, but guys from the Big 10 & SEC are playing at a pretty high level.
Certain schools are pipelines for certain position groups, Iowa=TEs, LSU & Ohio State=WRs & DBs, which is why I like Davison Igbinosun-CB-Buckeyes. In the draft I look at GBs biggest needs and try to fill them early in the draft where the success rate is better. I think CB is the big need this year and Gb could trade back for picks and still get a Top 10 CB,
I also look at what position group could we draft that has the best chance of playing right away and contributing. the Edge from Penn State Sutton could start for us next year over any of the ones we have now.
splitpea1
March 26, 2026 at 10:46 am
Every draft is meaningful, this one really no more than previous ones. Gute did a good job patching the potholes this off-season, so he has a good bit of flexibility in prioritizing the areas of future need.
But with less swings, he needs to avoid the raw boom or bust types this time and make sure those first two picks have a high floor and are able to contribute this season. Let's hope that third-round curse doesn't resurface again. It would be refreshing to see him more or less go by the book and not get cute like he has often done before on Day 2. In Rounds 4-7, he'll need to find some better answers for the offensive trench depth than we currently have, so using two of those swings here is almost mandatory. He' should be looking for a shifty, change of pace RB as well unless he is crazy enough to believe that somehow Marshawn Lloyd will not find a way to become unavailable this season. Also find solid kicking competition wherever it may, whether it be with that last pick or elsewhere--bring a small army in for tryouts.
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 10:51 am
If you think Gute did a good job filling the potholes then you must think the state workers do. He filled them but with what? Time will tell. I am not putting money on any of the players we got. They will have to prove me wrong.
splitpea1
March 26, 2026 at 12:25 pm
He filled them with affordable options that on paper are as good or better than the ones we had. Maybe they're not All-Pros, but I'll take them over Hobbs, Quay, Wooden, and the menagerie of kick returners used last season.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:03 pm
Agree split, Look for Hargrave and Franklin to become vocal leaders on this team and both still have alot in the tank. Hobbs is no loss at all except monetarily. Moore upgrades 5 levels what we had in kick returners, and could surprise us as a WR. He only caught 7 passes for SF last year but he averaged 17 YPC and a first down every time. St Juste is as good or better than any CBs we have.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 11:09 am
This is not a great RB class. I only have 3 that could be impactful and realistically available to the Packers in Rounds 2 and 3 - Price, Coleman and Washington Jr. Perhaps too high for Gutekunst - considering his other needs. However some good O-linemen should be available in rounds 4-7.
splitpea1
March 26, 2026 at 12:19 pm
We don't need to draft RBs in Rounds 2 and 3.
Tundraboy
March 27, 2026 at 02:05 pm
Nor do we want to. That is one position we can find someone on someone's practice squad, No time to waste a pick.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 07:15 pm
@Alberta_Packer.
RB is only a need if Lloyd has a major injury for the third year running. If he stays (relatively) healthy this year, the Packers don't need any RBs. I'm betting lightning doesn't strike him for a third time, this year. Overall, RB is a lesser need, not pointless, but not urgent either.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 09:08 pm
At this point I would rate Lloyd's reliability on par with the 1987 Yugo. However if he does make the opening day roster - unbroken - it would be a minor windfall for the Packers. However my main concern is that after Josh Jacobs - the RB room is a bunch of B players - including Brooks - who is primarily a blocking back. If Jacobs go down for any length of time - then so does the running game (I'm assuming that Lloyd is once again - unavailable.) That is why one of my surprise picks in the upcoming draft is Javen Coleman at pick #84.
Ferrari-Driver
March 27, 2026 at 10:17 am
Alberta, your post ( "At this point I would rate Lloyd's reliability on par with the 1987 Yugo.") reminded me of the first car I ever owned which was a Henry-J. I was 14 years old and paid $75 for it. I had to grind the valves on that little 4 cylinder engine before I could get it started and I could only get it up to 68 MPH and I may have been going a little down hill. Sorry for going a little off topic, but Alberta made me think of a humorous event in my life which occurred some 69 years ago.
https://www.motorlandcars.com/vehicles/141/1953-henry-j-coupe (if you want to see it you will likely have to copy and past the link)
Turophile
March 28, 2026 at 01:54 pm
A Henry !
You were riding a vacuum cleaner ? :-)
Ferrari-Driver
March 29, 2026 at 10:55 pm
Turophile, The 75 bucks I paid for that "vacuum cleaner" was a tough piece of dough for this kid to come up with. I was essentially broke most of my young life. I could only admire the rides like a neat Ford or a Dodge Challenger that some of the wealthy guys had. I drove only junk cars until I was 27 years old when I finally bought a new '69 Corvette Stingray. Took me a long time to pay off my college loans.
I'll give you a thumbs up for making me laugh...your comment was too close to the truth.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 09:55 pm
I do like Adam Randall-Clemson. Big, fast, and is a WR convert so he has great hands. At 6'3 240 surely he can block if needed. 5th or later.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 10:08 pm
The Packers may see him redundant to Savion Williams.
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 08:17 am
No AP, he is a RB who switched from WR, I didn't explain that very well. Adam Randall gained 810 yards rushing and 10 TDs with 36 catches for 3 more TDs. He is big like Derrick Henry and has really fresh legs.
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:28 am
Randall has got a lot going for him. My big reservation is that he is still learning to read gaps and has a similar learning curve picking up block assignments and in technique when he does. Can he learn? I see no reason why not, but I seriously doubt LaFleur would use him this year for that reason despite his offensive upside.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 03:07 pm
splitpea1 "Every draft is meaningful, this one really no more than previous ones. Gute did a good job patching the potholes this off-season, so he has a good bit of flexibility in prioritizing the areas of future need."
Absolutely agree with this. Next year you will be hearing that 2027 is the most important year for drafting, as the Packers have several extra picks.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 10:47 am
Gutekunst could add to his draft capital with trade downs and by utilizing next year's bounty of picks. I'm not too concerned that the Packers don't have a 1st round pick - as Gutekunst has often done his best work from the second round on.
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 10:53 am
Yes he can trade down but you do not want to use next years picks and this is why. If you trade a third round in next years draft for a pick this year you will probably end up with a 4th round. So what you are doing is trading down and not getting additional picks.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 11:17 am
I'm not expecting Gutekunst to trade any of his next year's picks - for an additional one this year. Unless he really likes a certain player. Even then the premium cost - as you point out - may be too high for him.
LambeauPlain
March 26, 2026 at 11:35 am
You can also move up with in this year's 3rd with a 2027 3rd, which will have good trade value as the 2027 draft is viewed to be very good.
Depends if a coveted player is on the Packers board at the time and a trading partner is willing to swap picks to get a 2027 pick.
Racingdad
March 26, 2026 at 02:38 pm
Gute can add possible a 2nd this year trading j Reed to Baltimore for pick 45 or wicks for a fourth ??
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 10:56 am
So here is the question. By 1 May Gute has to decide if he is going to use the 5th year option on LVN. If he does it will cost us about 15 mil. Should he do it?
LambeauPlain
March 26, 2026 at 11:36 am
Depends what he does between now and then.
NJ-RICK
March 26, 2026 at 12:31 pm
LVN was a bust at a #1 pick. Gute has no clue, hopefully will have a new GM next year. Why Policy resigned him I have no idea what he was thinking.?
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:10 pm
No way in hell Cheeze. I like LVN, he is a Hawkeye like me, but he has done very little in his first 3 years and does not deserve a 200% raise for missing games, not even being good enough to start, and accruing very little stats. I think his future in GB depends on whether he can adapt to playing a pass rushing DT. And not being paid $15 million to do it.
Cheezehead72
March 27, 2026 at 06:39 am
I was just asking the question. I had no opinion but if I was forced to I would say no.
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:31 am
No. At least unless LVN breaks out fairly dramatically as a rush threat he will never justify his first round status. He simply has not been a threat to the passer and thus the option would cost far more than his play merits.
gsd3
March 28, 2026 at 06:29 pm
No
Since'61
March 26, 2026 at 11:01 am
Gute has put himself in this situation, we'll see if he can get himself and the Packers out of it. CB, DL, and OL should be his primary targets. Gute has often traveled the road less taken during previous drafts. However this year he doesn't have the extra picks to get sidetracked from the Packers primary needs.
Thanks, Since '61
LambeauPlain
March 26, 2026 at 11:38 am
Would you rather be in this position with Micah Parson's on the Packers...or be out of it without him?
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 11:57 am
Out of it without him.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:13 pm
Cheeze, do you really think we would have drafted a first round player in 2026 or 2027 that could have the impact Parsons brings to our defense? Where we typically pick in the draft, players in that spot probably have a 40% chance to even stay in the NFL.
Since'61
March 26, 2026 at 01:23 pm
I wasn't referring to the Pasons trade in my post. I was referring to Gute's overall draft performance since he's become the Packers GM. I don't think that we have any players on the team except for Love from Gute's first four drafts. Those drafts should have produced 4-5 core players, maybe more, for the Packers who would still be on the team.
As for Parsons It is too soon to answer how the trade will work out for the Packers. Last season we were out of it with him and he was out of it due to his injury. Having said that I don't think that the Packers get past Seattle even with Parsons. The question with Parsons is does he return from his injury as the same player he was before the injury and when does he actually get back on the field? Let's not forget that Parsons may be out anywhere from 2-6 games at the beginning of the season.
Besides Parsons is not the problem or the issue for the Packers. Their biggest issue is their OL. If the OL is better the Packers score points and Parsons and the defense can be much more effective. Even with Parsons the Packers need better CBs. They don't have a true shutdown CB. They also need to be better on the interior DL to stop the run.
Your question about Parsons will be worth revisiting after the next 2 seasons. Thanks, Since '61
Since'75
March 26, 2026 at 10:20 pm
"Besides Parsons is not the problem or the issue for the Packers."
Preach
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:35 am
No, Parsons the player is not a problem, but his contract does have significant knock on ramifications.
Since'75
March 27, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Well CW, that's the price of acquiring an impact player in the NFL.
They don't hand those out for free.
After years of being the 7th seed, and watching the rest of the NFC North teams win the Division, i welcome impact players.
Tundraboy
March 27, 2026 at 02:11 pm
Exactly. Be bold when a great opportunity presents itself. Winning is the goal!
Since'75
March 28, 2026 at 01:10 am
"I don't think that we have any players on the team except for Love from Gute's first four drafts."
Damn right, matter of fact, i just read that from someone who posted that the other day 😲
*******
Also noted.....because it's very true.
"Having said that, I don't think that the Packers get past Seattle even with Parsons"
Exactly correct '61, the Packers most likely would have got their asses handed to them at the line of scrimmage.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 11:40 am
" When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully." - Samuel Johnson
Of course it does not literally apply to Gutekunst. However should he have a poor draft - like 2021 - he may be dealt with in effigy.
NJ-RICK
March 26, 2026 at 12:34 pm
Good bye bye Gute
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 12:48 pm
The Packers are under status quo management. It will take much more than a bad draft or two for Gutekunst to be asked to return his key to the executive washroom.
Gman1976
March 26, 2026 at 12:05 pm
I agree '61 and it should be the BPA of these positions in the 1st 4 rounds. We really need to beef up our OL and DL. We've heard it a hundred times: Games are won in the trenches. How many recent playoffs have we had critical injuries to our lineman and it has cost on both sides of the lines? We can't win We don't have good healthy lineman.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 03:11 pm
.........and suppose the BPAs in the first few rounds are Safety, WR, QB, TE ? You still going BPA, or do you address the O line, D line and CB ?
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:45 am
There is almost no such thing as a consensus BPA in the sense of a platonic form standout. It’s largely a myth that only works for members of the hindsight drafting brigade and GMs who want an easy explanation for their choice.
The pick should be the player most likely to elevate our roster the most. Of course then one gets into the issue of when, or over what time period? What i think Gute has to do this year is get the best contributes now with his first 3 or 4 picks. This roster needs it. For me that would include a DT and 2 CBs and may also include a trade down for an extra pick.
Turophile
March 28, 2026 at 01:52 pm
Trevor Sikkema addressed this in a recent meeting with Connor Rogers and the Bootleg boys (Kollman and Snyder). His take on the BPA vs need is that you are asking the wrong question.
He says what you SHOULD be asking is which player will give you the best return on investment, because if you do it that way it takes into account how much you think a given player will impact the existing position group there.
greengold
March 26, 2026 at 12:40 pm
True. However, I do not disparage Gutekunst trading two R1s for Micah Parsons. That was a steal. He did have some FA misses last year that hurt like hell though. No doubt.
Adding Parsons to this Packers team should have changed his philosophy on this April's draft. A heightened urgency to not only fill roster holes, but to do so with starters. He needs to be very deliberate, and to not take any foolish chances. He's never had fewer picks to throw around. Seven.
Personally, this draft seems pretty deep where we need to add depth all the way through R2-7 and well into UDFA. Some of those projected UDFAs I am coveting to sign with Green Bay.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:24 pm
Parsons was the steal of the year Green, you get very few chances to add a true game wrecker and the cost of 2 later first round picks and a declining Kenny Clark was highway robbery. Just look at how the Cowboys are scrambling to replace Parsons. The only guy I would have valued more would have been Garrett, but he is 4 years older than Parsons.
CB is the biggest need, but I think Edge will be the first pick because at #52 there could be 4 guys who could start for us right away, and fill that hole. My favorite is Dani Dennis-Sutton. It pains me to stay @ #52 because I think we could move back even 20 spots and get a Top 10 CB there, and gain 2 picks. My favorite is Davison Igbinosun. There are enough solid CBs with starting talent that we should be able to get 1 @ #84. Or draft Daylin Everette @ #120.
stockholder
March 26, 2026 at 05:30 pm
15. teams list ER as a need.
The eagles pick 54.
And just brought in Dennis -Sutton.
Don't expect him to fall to the packers.
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 08:25 am
Well, if he did, he would be a great choice. And we would have 2 Penn State Alum as pass rushers.
crayzpackfan
March 26, 2026 at 11:09 am
If there were ever a time for Gute to change his methodology on how he drafts, it's this year and most of next year. His RAS heavy perspective along with thinking of a pick as someone who will have to be a project that develops over time needs to go away, and fast. He needs to draft guys that had a lot of college reps, high productivity, with high floors. We are missing out on a lot of draft production while they are on their rookie contracts. The guys he picks sit for 2-3 years and we only get a year or two out of them, if at all, before their due for a new deal. This seems wasteful to me. He also needs to be on the same page with his coaches and not draft guys who do not fit the scheme. Find a player who is really good at position X and play him at position X. Morgan has played everywhere on the line except where he played in College. Dumb.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 11:26 am
I do think that the Packers have a tendency to play with their food - especially on the O-line. That is why I was really hoping for a change in philosophy and coaches - in this area.
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 12:18 pm
I do not disagree with you because I believe first round picks should be players that you believe will have an impact in the first season. I will also the Packers tend to pick the second half of the first round. The lowest pick Gute has had is LVN at 13 the average seems to be in the low twenties.
Of his 10 picks all but Savage and Love have had a RAS of 9+ so yes he does use that.
The players that did not contribute right away (the first 2 years) are Love, Wyatt, LVN, and Morgan (only because he was moved around but he was drafted as a prospect). It is too early for Golden but I believe he will play much more this year.
Of those 5 the reaches for round one are Wyatt, LVN, and Morgan. To me those are the true developmental players.
crayzpackfan
March 26, 2026 at 01:00 pm
He drafted Gary at 12th overall too.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:29 pm
Christian Watson should have been the pick instead of Wyatt, no trade up needed then. The DT we should have drafted was from U Conn-Travis Jones- in the 3rd round 2022, and we would now have our NT.
greengold
March 26, 2026 at 12:26 pm
I agree. Gutekunst has to focus on drafting potential immediate starters. I think this draft is deep enough for him to score big time in that department. He's just gotta play it right.
He should change his name prior to the draft to Phil Needs. Or, at least write it on a "HI, MY NAME IS:" sticker on his pocket protector.
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 11:12 am
I am sticking with the Packers selecting a defender with pick 52. Looking at the players that might be on the board at 52 I see two players that would be great picks if they fall. First I do not see a CB that would be able to help us on the parameter this season. We might have to wait until round 3 or 4.
I like Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech and Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech. Yes two TT players was just by chance. The only problem is they have to fall about 10 spots.
golfpacker61
March 26, 2026 at 05:31 pm
Lee Hunter has an RAS score of 3.72, Gutey won't allow it. But he would work as a run stuffer Cheeze. No way we draft a LB in the 2nd, maybe not at all. LB=2027 need.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 09:27 pm
I can see Hunter falling into the third round due to his lack of athleticism and upper body strength. If the Packers are wanting just a stout interior DT - then they could wait until Day 3 with Chris McClellan, Dontay Corleone, DeMonte Capehart, Deven Eastern - to name a few.
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 08:22 am
I pick Chris McClellan every mock draft AP. He is one of those rare body type DTs, no fat just a big man who could easily put on 15 lbs and be a solid NT. Good stats, he makes alot of tackles, and has years of production.
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:56 am
McClellan has the same problem Ford does, he’s constantly upright and losing leverage. He’s also extremely lacking in explosiveness. There no pop to his first step and he really struggles laterally with changing direction. What is he? He’s not a true anchor and not a true penetrator. Does that make him a good mixed down bridge piece we lack or a player who is neither fish nor fowl against bigger, stronger NFL OL men? Handle with caution.
jannesbjornson
March 27, 2026 at 12:40 pm
He will be taken in the upper to mid-thirties. You have to move up for Hunter. He is the NT from this draft. The other guys have broken feet which may never heal correctly.
HarryHodag
March 26, 2026 at 11:35 am
One place to look for talent is on other team's practice squads. Another spot could be the UFL, though we all know the overall level of talent in the UFL is not all that great.
I suspect the Packers are hoping to find more development from players already on the roster.
The oddsmakers in Vegas think the Packers are better than the average Packers fan.
Cheezehead72
March 26, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Maybe the odds makers are looking to make a buck.
NJ-RICK
March 26, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Absolutley not.... LVN was a bust at #1. Another bad pick by a GM that has no clue.
Turophile
March 26, 2026 at 07:22 pm
Too early to make a definitive statement like that. He was starting to look good last year when he unfortunately goy injured. You might be pleasantly surprised by his play in 2026.
jannesbjornson
March 27, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Indeed, too much Talent left on the board after the van Ness disaster. He took Musgrave over Brian Branch, or Keeanu Benton (NT)...on down the line. Kraft saved his draft. The guy should be scouting out on the Prairie, not
playing whack-a-mole.
stockholder
March 26, 2026 at 12:42 pm
No matter who they pick-
They will sit.
He isn't going to sit out anyone for a Rookie.
You who want better and a upgrade.
Dealing away the present would have to happen.
I for one think this is the best draft to gamble.
This is a weak draft.
But to shore up positions with the strength.
of the position groupings, is the greatest
opportunity.
Recognizing the best WRs and drafting a game changer.
Only will benefit the team.
If not now, but later!!
52. Treydon Stukes CB/S Arizona Depth behind Buford
84. BRYCE LANCE. WR. ND STATE. Then trade coming for Reed - Take Farmer OL
120. Landon Robinson. Dt Navy. Best Versatile DT in Draft
160. Bryce Boettcher. ILB. Oregon. A steal here.
201. Charles Jagusah. OL ND. The most inspiring OL in draft
236. Deven Eastern. DT. Minn. A perfect match for substitutions
255. JAM MILLER FB Alabama. This guy doesn't fumble Falls forward.
Alberta_Packer
March 26, 2026 at 02:23 pm
I do like Eastern as a late Day 3 pick. Large dude, long arms, moves well - with "forklift power."
stockholder
March 27, 2026 at 07:03 am
* Treydon Stukes
did not run a second 40 at pro day
He pulled a hammy.
He also had dinner with the vikings.
Slot @52 is now open
Charles Jaguasah -
Infections off board.
Obviously no N. Dame fans here
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 03:25 pm
We need boundary CBs not slot.
jannesbjornson
March 27, 2026 at 01:06 pm
Mock Three: Hunter went #41. I would move up for this guy. Get your NT. He drafts for replacement.
#52 Zion Young Edge Missouri
#84 Elijah Sarrat WR Indiana
#99 Dom Orange DT Iowa State
#160 Trey Zahn C/OT Texas A&M
#201 Cade Klubin QB Clemson
#236 Bryce Boettcher LB Oregon
#255 Ricardo Hallman CB Wisconsin
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 03:32 pm
I am not trying to rain on your mock draft JJ, because i love mocks almost as much as the real thing.
But we don't need any early WRs JJ. We can find one late. Also how have the 7th round CBs we have been drafting the last 3 years been working out for us? The Packers can't afford to wait to draft one that late again.
How about just switching spots of CB in the 3rd & WR in the 7th instead. The CB could actually start with as bad as our CBs are.
Give me Davison Igbinosun @ #84
De'Zhaun Stribling or J. Michael Sturdivant as late WR choices
Lastly I just don't get the fascination some people have with drafting a QB every year. This all came up before last years draft when someone said GB needs to get back to drafting and developing QBs. I get that years ago we drafted, developed and traded some QBs. Right now we have a solid backup QB in Desmond Ridder. He was a Top 5 QB in the 2022 draft and can do almost everything well. Drafted in 3rd round, had to start too early, bad team, Atlanta gets rid of him and are still searching for a
QB. Kyle McCord, our practice squad QB, was a 5 star recruit at Ohio State. They had 3 that year and McCord lost the competition to C J Stroud, but won the starting QB job in 2023 and threw for over 3000 yards. He transferred to Syracuse, threw for over 4700 yards, 34 TDs 12 Ints. A fabulous year and was a Top 10 QB in the 2025 draft, but should have been Top 3. He is everything a team would want as a QB, we have him already.
So what is the goal behind drafting another young QB when we already have 2 who will already be better than anyone we draft. McCord is arguably better than any QB in this draft other than Mendoza. To everyone who wants GB to use one of it's "only" 7 picks on a QB, why not spend the pick on a position of need instead? We don't need a young QB, we have 3 of them now, all with great potential.
stockholder
March 27, 2026 at 09:33 pm
I like Young. Garret,
and I could live with orange.
I think all 3 would be a steal.
You must really like Zahn.
Bryce won't go that late
golfpacker61
March 28, 2026 at 09:15 am
He is talking about Trey Zuhn, stockholder, and he is a very intriguing O-lineman because he was All-SEC last year playing mainly LT, but also OG & OC, OC is where he is projected in the NFL. Having the versatility GB loves added to the fact Zuhn probably doesn't get picked in the Top 150 makes him very available where GB will pick O-linemen this year. It's like drafting 3 players with 1 pick.
Other late round OL I like that played OT last year but could be OG too are:
Diego Pounds-Ole Miss-6'6 340-was starting LT 26 games
Logan Taylor-Boston College-6'7 315
and a strait uo OG-D J Campbell-Texas 3 year starter
Deech12
March 28, 2026 at 01:25 am
Love
Bryce Boettcher & Jam Miller or Leveon Moss if still there in 7th
Dragon5
March 26, 2026 at 01:04 pm
Why leveraging high draft capital in 1st round trading back is so opportunistic, yet few GMs practice it and reach / trade up instead.
At #12 & #13, the Gary & LVN picks were🤦♂️before they even shook Goodell's hand. Multiple draft capital felonies where trading down at least once could have at least bought Gute more chances (to hang himself).
History has proven, first round or not, Gute manages to outthink himself.
#NO CONFIDENCE
PackerBackerAZ
March 26, 2026 at 03:17 pm
Nobody can say, with any certainty, that the offensive line won't be good. Morgan just might prove to be a good LT with room to improve to pro bowl/all pro. Banks is probably never going to be good, but might be adequate. Rhyan got a big contract and could play C up to it. Belton might prove to be at least adequate and possibly good at RG. Tom might stay healthy at RT and garner a pro bowl berth. O-line definitely needs quality depth.
The defensive line needs a starting quality NT. Maybe Van Ness, Cox, Sorrel and Oliver will provide enough pressure and run stop to be successful. Parsons will need to, and I fully expect him to, come back the player he was. Definitely need some depth on the d-line.
At linebacker, Cooper, Hopper, Franklin and McDuffie may prove to be a good group. Niemann and Welch provide depth as well as ST core players. Possibly need one more depth linebacker.
Safeties Mckinney, Williams and Bullard (slot corner) are good to really good with three possible pro bowl/all pro players. Oladapo provides depth.
The cornerbacks, I admit, are a little harder to feel good about. Maybe Nixon cuts way down on his penalties and touchdowns given up. Maybe Valentine stops giving up touchdowns, gets some controlled aggression and starts to tackle efficiently. Maybe St Juste will provide quality snaps in replacement of Nixon and Valentine when called upon. Bullard, in the slot, is a good to very good player. Definitely need quality depth at cornerback.
Gutekunst needs to find a starting quality NT and depth for that position. He doesn't need to find starters after NT, but a quality backup QB will need to be found. He has to hit on most draft picks to provide depth. He has to hit on a few free agents after the draft and cutdowns. Fortunately, he only needs to get a quality starter at one position.
With the exception of NT, the Packers, as they are right now, could prove to be Super Bowl bound given decent health through the season. I choose to believe them capable and on their way until proven otherwise.
stockholder
March 27, 2026 at 09:53 pm
Not so fast on the NT.
Yes a NT would anchor the defense.
But that isn't how this defense is being set up.
Right now it's
LDE - VanESS
LDT- Hargarave, Brooks and stackhouse
RDT- Wyatt
RDE - Parsons
IMO- The run stuffer will be stackhouse before Gutekunst drafts one.
And they traded Wooden. Which means Brooks is his replacement.
Now you know why I want Landon Robinson. He took on double teams.
Watch who gets off blocks, play highs, And misses tackles.
GreenandBold
March 26, 2026 at 03:19 pm
I’d prefer to use this title to describe Gutes drafting and roster building accomplishments over the years “ lacking hits and needing swings “ . Hoping for the best draft of his tenure .
Oxymoron 3339
March 26, 2026 at 04:32 pm
Seems like we went away from the playbook and went into Free Agency and Trades hard since we went and got McKinney and Jacob’s in March of 2024.
Both of those deals were great. Since then other Free Agent deals have not panned out as well. Time will tell with the Parsons Trade.
The reason we changed directions is because Gute has been average at drafting and perhaps below average in the early rounds.
Having a fairly expensive QB means our GM can’t be average at drafting because it is expensive trying to use Free Agents to fill holes and big trades to get Stars. We need homegrown drafted All Pro Level talent.
Anyone predicting what he will do probably didn’t think Gute would draft a kicker, punter and long snapper.
Since'75
March 26, 2026 at 10:12 pm
"Gute has put himself in this situation" - Since '61
Absolutely...most of the problems stem from underwhelming draft picks.
Which he has tried to cure in free agency and the Parsons trade.
Gute finds himself at the point where he is trying to hodge podge putting a roster together.
Not....the position you want to be in after declaring it's time to win Championships a year ago.
I've been hearing from the Gute(y) faithful since drafting Love, that he has a plan.
I have been patiently waiting since the Seattle NFCCG debacle, which cost us an opportunity for a Rodgers/Brady SB.
I'm still waiting.
I have no choice, because i'm a Packer fan.
But i'm starting to get pissed off.
I would love for Gute to show me how wrong i am.
Please, show me i'm wrong!!
13TimeChamps
March 26, 2026 at 10:45 pm
If only Rodgers would have had an opportunity to face Brady in an NFCCG game in Lambeau with home field advantage. I wonder how that would have turned out. Maybe Gute could enlighten your memory.
Just curious. When did you start to get pissed off about Rodgers' stellar NFCCG overall record? Compare to you know....Brady's. Or Eli's? Or....?
Gotta love the fanboys on this site.
Since'75
March 27, 2026 at 01:19 pm
Good call Champ!!... the Tampa NFCCG, where Kevin King and Adrian Amos gave up 21 points on pathetic pass coverages?
Gee....Like the 1st quarter when King was defending Mike Evans for a 15 yard TD, when he jumped 2 seconds early to give Evans an uncontested TD?....easy 7 points.
Or.....seconds before halftime...when Kevin King gives up a gift 39 yard TD pass to Scotty Miller....easy 7 points
If that isn't enough Champ....how about the first drive of the 2nd half that resulted in an uncontested TD by Brate, who was initially covered by Adrian Amos.
When i say initially....he covered Brate for about 4 yards, then decided to let Brate run free into the end zone, for a wide open TD pass....easy 7 points.
Is that what you're talking about Champ!?
Definitely Rodgers fault.....ain't that right....Champ?
*********
"Rodgers' stellar NFCCG overall record?"
Yes, because the NFL isn't a team game, ain't that right Champ?
One player is responsible for winning NFL playoff games.
Ain't that right....Champ?
Forget that Rashan Gary offered 1 solo tackle and nothing else
This is the same Rashan Gary that MLF describes as a ....Game wrecker.....lol
*********
Gute (smartly) rewarded Kevin King with a free agent contract shortly after that stellar NFCCG game.
Then after that season, nobody would sign King for 2 years until Atlanta got desperate, and signed him for the 2024 season.
Where King rewarded the Falcons with 6 solo tackles, 0 interceptions, and 2 passes defended.
Shocking, right Champ?
************
All it takes is a good QB to win an NFCCG...ain't that right Champ?
That NFCCG game was won at the LOS, with huge assist from King and Amos, and a 3 hour nap taken by Gary.
**********
Now....for the 5th request, can you finally stop stalking me with your pettiness and your football forum hissy fits?
Thank you for understanding.
13TimeChamps
March 27, 2026 at 01:57 pm
I probably shouldn't have disrespected your man crush, knowing how sensitive you are about such things.
How many times have you run that game over and over in your mind Pookie? Do you remember what direction the wind was blowing? What the price of popcorn was going for at halftime?
"All it takes is a good QB to win an NFCCG...ain't that right Champ?" No, but it sure does help. Name me another 1st ballot, 4 time MVP QB that has a 1-4 record with 9 TDs and 8 INTs in those 5 games. Take your time.
On the one hand you say it's a team game, which it obviously is, yet you say you're pissed missing a Rodgers/Brady Super Bowl as opposed to a GB/NE Super Bowl. Weird, huh?
Looks like your guy is probably going to play until he's 50, so maybe he can get that record up a touch.
Since'75
March 28, 2026 at 12:41 am
Well...after giving your post very careful thought, you are right again, as always!
*****
"Name me another 1st ballot, 4 time MVP QB that has a 1-4 record with 9 TDs and 8 INTs in those 5 games."
Well Champ...you got me there again (sigh)!!
I'm like you.....now i wish we never drafted Rodgers.
What a loser!!
I wish Ted never picked him, like all the smart teams that passed on him before us.
I mean, your right, a 1-4 record in NFCCG's?
You know, and i just now learned from you, that Rodgers is responsible for all 4 of those losses, thanks for enlightening me.
We would have been better off with Jason Campbell, he was 'right there' for the taking.
He didn't lose 4 NFCCG's, that's for damn sure.
Thank you for opening my eyes. 😁
I'm so grateful and appreciative of your expert knowledge and football acumen.
I've learned so much, i'm not sure i could ever thank you enough
Here's to a 2026 Green Bay Packer Super Bowl victory.
It's time to win Championships!!
We will not be denied...Go Pack Go!! 🦾
In Gute We Trust. 👍
the_gavia_pass
March 27, 2026 at 05:05 am
this man Is a disaster. I do not understand how people still dream about this man...9 years full of mistakes starting with the most infamous night in packers history when he traded up for a bust QB. not only he did not send even a simple SMS to his HOF QB, but also he failed to improve a real contender team.
and the bad thing we will have 5 more draft with this arrogant and incompetent
Coldworld
March 27, 2026 at 08:59 am
Whether by accident or design, Rodgers had good enough Rosters. Unfortunately, each year that we did, coaching blunders (tactical and hiring) led to key playoff exits.
the_gavia_pass
March 28, 2026 at 12:06 pm
you mean ladarius gunter CB1 or Jeff Janis WR1 and so on....
golfpacker61
March 27, 2026 at 07:48 pm
Latest draft- I traded back from #52 and still got Julian Neal-Caleb Banks fell to the 3rd round because of the foot injuries, still risky but worth it.
68. Julian Neal-CB Arkansas-Could start day 1
84. Caleb Banks-DT Florida-If healthy this is the steal of the draft
116. Derrick Moore-EDGE Michigan-Could start Day 1
120. Tristan Leigh-OT Clemson-3 year starter-very athletic-needs 15 lbs
141. Sam Roush-TE Stanford-Upgrade from Musgrave because he can really block
160. Daylen Everette-CB Georgia-dbl @ CB-Could start in 2027
195. Adam Randall-RB Clemson-Big & fast as Derrick Henry and was a WR in 2024 so he can catch
201. Logan Taylor-OG Boston College-Multi position versatility
236. De'Zhaun Stribling-WR Ole Miss-6'2 200 4.3 speed-200 catches 3000 yds 19 TDs
255. DeMonte Capehart-DT Clemson-Dbl up in case Banks needs time-9.97 RAS