Are the Packers More Likely to Trade Up or Back at the 2026 NFL Draft?
By GilMartin
Like all NFL GMs, the Packers Brian Gutekunst has had his share of hits and misses on draft day. But even Gutekunst’s harshest critics must admit, he’s rarely passive about the NFL’s annual selection of college players. Gutekunst often trades up to grab a player he wants and has also traded back to add more picks depending on how the board falls. But what is he more likely to do in this year’s draft when the Packers enter it without a first-round pick both this year and in 2027?
Gutekunst has traded up and back at various times since taking over as GM in 2018. In fact, in his very first draft, he traded back to add a first-round pick in 2019 and then traded up to make sure he could select cornerback Jaire Alexander. He’s also traded up to get quarterback Jordan Love in 2020 and in the second round, traded up to make sure he landed wide receiver Christian Watson in 2022.
The Packers are coming off of a disappointing 9-7-1 season that saw the team lose its last four regular-season games and get eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. Injuries did play a role in the late-season swoon as the team was without their best defensive player in Micah Parsons, their best offensive lineman in Zach Tom, and their most reliable receiver in tight end Tucker Kraft. The team believes they still have at least a two-year window to contend for a Super Bowl with this current group.
If that is the case, Gutekunst could look to trade up and land an impact player either in round one or earlier in round two. The team has needs at several positions including cornerback, defensive tackle, the interior offensive line and edge rusher. Some of these needs are more urgent than others, but if it truly is Super Bowl or bust in Green Bay, moving up to get an elite athlete to add to a position of need could make sense, especially if they cannot find those types of difference makers later in the draft.
For example, the team currently lacks an elite cover corner. Keisean Nixon is the best cornerback they have but he’s too inconsistent to be deemed a legitimate number one cover corner. History suggests that you need to find an elite cover corner early in the draft. There may be only a handful of players who are both potential elite corners and who meet the Packers criteria for size, athleticism and injury history.
The same is true of a defensive tackle who can both stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Those players are rare and usually only found early in the draft. You can always find run stuffing defensive tackles on day three, but if you want a defensive tackle who can also push the pocket, you need to strike early.
If somebody is surprisingly still on the board at say, 42, 10 spots before the Packers are set to select, could Gutekunst engineer a trade to add a particular player? He’s already been adding more draft picks in the Dontayvion Wicks trade and adding compensatory picks in 2027 that would give him more flexibility to trade other picks to move up in the draft and take a particular player.
Gutekunst could also move in the opposite direction. The strength of this year’s draft is on day two or early day three. There is not a lot of agreement between say the 20th player and the 80th player on many teams’ draft boards. If we are approaching pick 52 and Gutekunst sees several players on the board who the team feels are roughly of equal value, he could easily trade back and accumulate more picks either in this year’s draft or in 2027.
Gutekunst does some of his best work on day three of the draft. There he added players like Tom, Evan Williams, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling who all became starters and contributors. The more darts he throws at the board overall, the more chances he has of hitting some bullseyes.
It will be interesting to see which direction Gutekunst goes in or if he just stands pat and uses the selections he has entering the draft. My hunch is he trades back in either round two or round three to add more picks, but depending on how the board falls, you never know what he’ll do. What he decides, however, will have a big impact on the Packers chances of contending this season and beyond.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
__________________________
Comments (97)
stockholder
April 18, 2026 at 10:11 am
The real Question is-
Does Gute have the guts
to stay put and take Ted Hurst.
If not- trading back from @52
is a lot smarter than going up.
dobber
April 18, 2026 at 10:20 am
"The real Question is-
Does Gute have the guts
to stay put and take Ted Hurst."
This place would lose its shit if he did.
stockholder
April 18, 2026 at 11:13 am
Exactly - The calls for CBs are
mind blowing.
IMO. if he was going to the super-bowl
with Nixon and valentine last year.
He should stay the course this year..
Coldworld
April 18, 2026 at 01:59 pm
He was not though, was he.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 03:11 pm
Stockholder, there is literally not even 1 of the draft services or NFL "Gurus" that does not have CB as the #1 or #2 need in 2026 for the Green Bay Packers. You are probably the only poster on here who does not acknowledge that fact. If GB is forced to fly with Nixon & Valentine again in 2026, we will probably be 1 and done in the playoffs again, and we would deserve that fate. Someone should lose their job in GB if they allow that to happen. That would qualify as the definition of insanity.
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 04:23 pm
Never draft need over the BPA and this guy Hurst is not the answer at #52. The CBs will be rolling off the Board fast & furious, but how many can play the position? The College Game has changed with more mirror-coverage and thin-boned ,fast dudes. They would be better off with Stukes, or Rutledge from G-Tech. If Lee Hunter is not scooped up by #35, I would move UP for him. He is your Kenny Clark clone.
stockholder
April 18, 2026 at 04:40 pm
Correct- They would be better off with stukes
then trading up or missing on everyone.
Because NB/ Slot is what their after.
By bringing in all the safeties.
Hurst sure was the answer at the senior Bowl.
The theory behind taking him;
replacement ,cost, weapons, and Love.
Comparison is Devante Adams.
Walker is not Clark. Please be serious.
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 07:00 pm
Hunter. Same type of low to the ground DT, 0-2 tech. Second rated DT. Who knows if Banks feet will hold together. Hunter controlled the middle of one of the Top-Rated Defense s in 2025. He took Williams last year for his big WR. Gutedkunst brought in Brazzell,Jr. Most of these guys will be off the board by #36. If I wanted the WR around #52, I would take Elijah Sarratt. A guy who knows how to run routes, secure the ball and know where the damn first down marker is located. Maybe take a high-point guy like Ja' Kobi Lane.
stockholder
April 19, 2026 at 07:12 am
If Banks makes it to the packers
Something is wrong with him.
Hunter's career stats have gone down.
When he plays NT, I fear he'll struggle
getting off blocks ( as a NT.)
Clark could blow up the middle.
(until he was double teamed)
I've always judged a NT on how he gets off DTs.
I'm not willing to wait 3 years for him to succeed.
Hurst is the guy that gets off the LOS.
But he will struggle like Adams did.
He did have some drops.
But could see a trade back, and still getting him.
Because hurst and lance will be gone by 70.
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 04:54 pm
Hurst is a lot like Doubs, certainly. Honestly, I think one could make an argument that Hurst is a later third round talent simply because he has a little more speed, but he looks more of a long strider, which does give me some qualms given the routes Doubs was asked to run most often. Picking him at 52, even in a weaker WR class seems a huge reach though.
However, while he’s slower, Shepherd is a similar body and has shown most of the things Hurst is praised for and also has an excellent vertical. The Packers may feel they already have a similar option of this type. One thing Adams had that made him special is lightning fast feet. That’s not true of Hurst (or Shepherd). They are not elusive in a short area like Adams was though they run good routes. They are more Doubs types than Adams types.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:07 pm
"However, while he’s slower, Shepherd is a similar body and has shown most of the things Hurst is praised for and also has an excellent vertical. The Packers may feel they already have a similar option of this type."
Thanks CW, the idea of GB spending their highest pick available in this draft on another WR, after picking 2 in the first 3 rounds just last year is insane. Shepard, who I also think could be a great option to replace Doubs & Wicks, is already on the team and makes $800,000.00. And he doesn't cost a draft pick.
Honestly, I would take Stribling in the 4th round all day long before I would spend #52 or #84 on Hurst or Lance. And my 2nd choice would be Jeff Caldwell in the 5th or 6th rounds because he would also give Watson a run for his money in a year.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 08:09 am
I think Sarratt is the safest Rd 2-3 WR in this draft. Good routes, adequate speed, good hands, can fight press. He's not exciting and he may last a little longer as a result. I see him and Germie Bernard as guys who could step into the WR rotation right away in the Doubs/Wicks niche, and I think both will go a little later than expected.
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 05:14 pm
Sarratt tested very poorly across the board. More Malik Heath than Doubs or Hurst. I think he will go a lot later and has a similar ceiling.
jannesbjornson
April 19, 2026 at 06:57 pm
A 4.5 guy with good size and big mitts. He knows the route tree and moves the chains. He and Cooper ran the show with Mendoza. He's a James Jones type of receiver. He will get stronger on the upper body. LaFleur wants the big WR to help block the outside with his Demo Derby offense.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 07:36 pm
Josh Cameron later.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:56 am
Stockholder, you could say the same thing about Malachi Fields-ND WR. He was also the flavor of the month in the bowl games and made some fabulous catches.
Knowing Gutey, he is still trying to fit square pegs into round holes with the safties. You would think he has learned by now after so many failures. Stukes has been in no mocks at all because he will be a NB or Safety in the pros. We need Boundary CBs.
jannesbjornson
April 19, 2026 at 06:49 pm
The more you look at the depth chart, the more you see Two Blanks where the perimeter CB s need to be taken, maybe #52 and #84. He took some D-line guys last year, added Hargrave and kept Karl. Oliver had a red shirt season and I believe he can bring juice. Priorities: CBs, OTs, Nose Tackle.
TKWorldWide
April 18, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Patty’s brother? Better have some “tight-security.”
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 02:24 pm
Man, you are really in love with Hurst-WR and Stukes-NB, aren't you stockholder. Honestly you have put together some of the strangest mock drafts I have seen this year. They include just ignoring Positions of Need, to over drafting lower rated players, to wanting the wrong CBs(GB needs Boundary not NB), to elevating small school guys that are too small, or just strange picks altogether.
We don't need a WR @ #52, maybe in the 5th, 6th, or 7th we will.
I agree to trading back, but only if Jacas and Dennis-Sutton are gone. Either would start Day 1 in 2026 and eliminate a huge need for us. Plus either could take over #1 Edge from Parsons if we move on from him in 2028. I would still consider a FA Edge like Clowney or Epenesa regardless of the draft.
stockholder
April 18, 2026 at 04:10 pm
1. Hurst- They Love him too. He is HOT!
BPA is what I have been stressing.
Hurst is a weapon you don't pass on.
2. Stukes has not fallen back.
The need is NB, slot. Behind Buford.
They brought in Kilgore, etc.
3.Edge is a Need to replace Gary/ Engabre.
Curry is the best replacement late.
4. Have you watched Barretts tape.?
I might have him a rd late now.
But supply is high and Capehardt is a 6 year.
Isn't NT/DT a need after Wooden left?
5. Trey Moore is Quicker than Most.
He's a edge rusher that can play LB.
What isn't there to like w/Curry & Moore?
6.Douglass- he was put in this draft incase;
they go NT early. I say Newhouse is a fit yet.
GB coach worked with him in the shrine Bowl.
7. Eli is climbing and he's such a weapon.
8. A blocking TE- Need!
Mock=Every position fills a player gone!
I doubt they draft Douglass if they get Hurst.
(My argument is; what did they pay for Watson?)
A OT from Wyoming then per 6th is perfect.
IMO if they do draft a CB he will subbing at NB/s.
@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- Caleb Douglas. WR. Tex Tech
@236- Eli Heidenreich. RB. Navy.
@255- Will Kacmarek. TE. OSU
Curry will be better than Jacas and Sutton.IMO
No one will start and like Gary, will sit & learn..
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 04:31 pm
I agree with you on Curry. He knows the Game. The #120 spot would fit. Kieonte Scott is a CB who stood out for Miami. He has a NFL frame and he played against top competition.. Sam Roush probably goes low second round. He's the best Pro fit guy going inline, or the slot. I still like Kendall Daniels @ LB. Film over Underwear.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:24 am
Stockholder is delusional. Isn't kieonte Scott another Slot CB? We need a big, fast, physical Boundary CB.
Sam Roush has been my fav TE prospect all year long. He is a big upgrade on Musgrave. Whyle is too. I also like Royer in this draft from Cinn.
Kendall Daniels was a guy I identified months ago. A 6'4 250lb LB who started out at Safety, so he is very good in coverage. The trouble is we have so many needs that have solid players going in the 4th thru 6 rounds and Daniels will go in that range. Since Jaden Dugger has become a household name, he has replaced Daniels for me. He also started at Safety but looks like a better LB prospect than Daniels, and he can be had in the 6th or early 7th.
And Curry is no where near as good as Jacas.
jannesbjornson
April 19, 2026 at 07:13 pm
Yes, Scott is a slot guy, but way more instinctive than Bullard. I would move Bullard in this draft if there was a taker. He's not really a safety with coverage skills, or play to the ball reaction. Oladapo can be the SS. This is a strong draft for Safety, just like the 2024 draft. He left three playmaking safeties on the board.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:20 pm
Bullard is one of the last guys we should trade. He is young, cheap, healthy, and better than average. Let's not make anymore unnecessary holes to fill. We already have big needs at CB, DT, Edge, & OL. And we need a better backup to Kraft, and a RB2 behind Jacobs. Are you kidding with Bullard?
Coldworld
April 18, 2026 at 10:20 am
Trading up would seem foolish unless there is a truly unexpected fall at a position of relative need. We have 16 roster spots to fill and 8 draft picks set against numerous positions of need.
As no draft pick is a certainty, more competition is part of an optimal strategy for a team for whom this year matters. Giving up a mid round pick to move up would need an awful lot of confidence in the targeted player to be a difference maker.
In my view, this draft fits us if we add picks in the mid rounds. A NT with the ability or potential to also penetrate would be the one position I’d certainly not trade down from in the second. Maybe an edge with bend and strong change of direction.
Miss either of those in the second and we may not get another opportunity until we are into the high potential low floor types on day 3. There are a number of CBs that make us better. Particularly with an extra pick, we should be able to come away with 2 good ones added before the end of round 5.
So it depends how the draft falls, but this is a draft for us where I believe the greatest odds argue for a trade down, perhaps even two. If we hold pick in the second, I’d still consider trading down in the 3rd absent a great value player.
Coldworld
April 18, 2026 at 10:32 am
A no trade consensus list draft that starts with a surprise edge drop;
52. T.J. Parker EDGE Clemson
84. Domonique Orange DT Iowa State
120. Tacario Davis CB Washington
153. Trey Zuhn III OC Texas A&M
160. Kaelon Black RB Indiana
201. Diego Pounds OT Ole Miss
236. Domani Jackson CB Alabama
255 J. Michael Sturdivant WR Florida
Only thing missing is a TE. I generally find that 8 picks ordinarily leaves one need unanswerable (with a player I think desirable). Here though, the upside was worth that risk in my view. I’d need to be on the ‘phone to a player like DJ Rodgers (TCU) on a priority basis.
stockholder
April 18, 2026 at 11:19 am
Thats not bad but the DTS just don't
fit what was there. - Clark!
So this is my final draft-
The first 2 picks were stand outs at the senior bowl.
There is No depth at NB/s.
@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- Caleb Douglas. WR. Tex Tech
@236- Eli Heidenreich. RB. Navy.
@255- Will Kacmarek. TE. OSU
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 04:38 pm
So Today is Official Final Mock Day?
13TimeChamps
April 18, 2026 at 06:23 pm
We can only hope.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 08:10 am
I will continue to mock (people) until I'm pushing up daisies.
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 05:55 pm
#43 Lee Hunter DT T-Tech
#84 Sam Roush TE Stanford
#120 Demmings CB S.F. Austin
# 153 Singleton RB Penn State
# 160 J. Slaughter OC Florida
# 210 F.Carmona OG Arkansas
#236 R.Mahlman OT Wisconsin
#255 Luke Altmyer QB Illinois
The Simulators are not accurate, in any event.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 08:13 am
This would be an outstanding draft...except that I hate Riley Mahlmann. It's hard to hate anyone really in round 7, but he's a spaz and I don't think he can play on the outside in the NFL...so a 6'8" guard?
jannesbjornson
April 19, 2026 at 07:06 pm
As Badger Alumni we watch the games. I believe he can play the RT role. Work on his lower body. Remember these clowns trashed Cole Van Lanen and he just re-signed with the Jags.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 02:34 pm
I have had Zuhn, Pounds, Jackson, & Sturdivant in a lot of my mocks CW. The only pick I have a problem with is Black the RB. We need a #2 TE way more than we need a #2/3 RB and If we don't get RB in the draft, it will be easy to buy a FA after.
I honestly haven't looked at Tacario Davis-CB much at all. If I miss CB @ #84, I am usually looking at Daylen Everette or Charlie Demmings @ #120, but Davis is a good one too. I think Everette is very underrated.
Sturdivant has an intriguing blend of size & talent. Other later guys I like are Jeff Caldwell-Cinn. 6'5 215 4.31 speed who is a Watson clone only faster. And Eric McCallister-TCU who is a Savion Williams clone in every way.
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 07:36 am
Sometimes the draft doesn’t fall in a way that lets one get a position. This is where an extra pick tilts it in our favor often. I agree on the need for TE, as long as he is a good blocker and one is normally a guaranteed fixture of my drafts. In this case they just consistently went before I could take them and the value of who I did select was too high to justify a big reach each time.
That said, Black as a RB makes a lot of sense to me now we lost Wilson. He’s already a good and willing protector, so there is a chance he might actually play. He also has hard yard ability we’d need if Jacobs were out while being a much better athlete than Brooks.
My intended point was twofold. Firstly that there are a number of ways to succeed provided one gets an NT with disruption potential and an edge with some bend and agility. Secondly, that, in this draft, one more pick can often be the difference between covering all the bases.
This is not a draft to fixate on individuals really, but one in which it’s very important to very clearly define the areas in which there are options to improve the most and how they fit with who is available in this class.
Starrbrite
April 19, 2026 at 12:21 am
Agree—do not trade up.
splitpea1
April 18, 2026 at 11:00 am
Just make sure he's throwing quality darts at the board instead of playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with speculative/project selections with those first picks. Quality is more important than quantity this time. This particularly holds true if Gute is thinking about an edge early. I don't care what he does as long as we get a couple of bonafide contributors for the upcoming season.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 02:46 pm
To state the obvious, since we have no first round pick, what we do at #52, #84, & #120 will pretty much make or break this draft. That first pick whether its @ #52 or if we move back has to be Edge, CB, or DT. Anything else just means we are selecting lower rated players at the positions we need the rest of the draft.
No WRs(Hurst or other wise) @ #52. I would be tempted if De'Zhaun Stribling was available @ #120 though. If things went south with Watson's contract extension. Stribling would be a fantastic replacement.
" I don't care what he does as long as we get a couple of bonafide contributors for the upcoming season."
100% Splitpea, I always have the expectation that any players taken in the first 3 rounds should be starters or play a lot.
Starrbrite
April 19, 2026 at 12:34 am
Let’s draft an edge or DT first, and then a CB. Grab Sturdivant (sp?) when appropriate.
I still think we may grab a FA—maybe Dexter Lawrence—just heard he is now with the Bengals- dang. I still like Calias Campbell …before someone else—or Bears get him.
GregC
April 19, 2026 at 06:47 am
Wow, Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the #10 overall pick. So much for the rumor that he could be had for a 2nd and a 5th. Great trade for the Giants.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:32 am
That is a huge overpay for Lawrence and yes I would have loved him in GB in a player for player trade. The Bengals must have thought they would lose him to another team. They are a team that has made some strange moves over the years, they used to be an automatic home for any troubled players, draft or FA.
Its a great trade for the Giants, but if I was managing the Bengals I would have traded the #10 pick for 2 later firsts or a first, 2nd and something else, then I would have made the trade with the Giants but with a lower first round pick. The Giants would have still been thrilled and the Bengals would still have a high draft pick and Lawrence.
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 11:18 am
Is it an overpay? Not if he plays like he did prior to last year this year and next and they are good enough elsewhere. No draft pick is a given. I’d say this is more about the realistic price for a proven performer. The slight doubts about his motivation and his age meant a parsons like haul was unlikely, but this isn’t that far off, unlike the rumors we’ve been debating.
Swisch
April 19, 2026 at 06:16 pm
It seems like a terrible trade for the Bunglers. Baffling! A top-10 pick traded away for a 29-year-old discontent coming off of a down season.
I wouldn't have done it for what we thought the Packers might offer, and this seems nutso.
It may be that they were desperate to cobble together some semblance of a defense to go along with their extravagant passing game on offense.
At least they have those cool striped uniforms.
Starrbrite
April 19, 2026 at 12:23 am
Quality is the key.
GregC
April 18, 2026 at 11:14 am
If it's true that there is not a lot of agreement between players 20-80, that could be a reason to move up, because a player they regard as a first round talent could drop into the 40s....but I doubt it.
I'm ready for the draft to happen, because I've reached the point of viewing players mainly in terms of their flaws. That's often where I end up, after getting excited about them at first.
dobber
April 18, 2026 at 11:29 am
"I'm ready for the draft to happen,..."
We've churned pretty much all of the story lines at this point.
Bitternotsour
April 18, 2026 at 11:38 am
There's always room to lament previous choices. I've seen recent comments going back to Justin Harrell.
My favorites to come are guys who do 25 mock drafts and then claim they were right in one of them and that Gutekunst fucked up again.
Since'75
April 18, 2026 at 11:54 am
Gutey doesn't F up.
I know this for fact.
I read it over [email protected]
Gute got an extension, because he earned it.
In Guter We Trust.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 05:33 pm
Now you're just poking at me...
Since'61
April 18, 2026 at 11:38 am
Are the Packers more likely to trade up or back during the 2026 NFL draft? My answer is Yes! Thanks, Since '61
Since'75
April 18, 2026 at 11:49 am
The real Question is-
Will any of these picks be on the roster 4 years from now.
See...2018- 2021 drafts.
LambeauPlain
April 18, 2026 at 11:49 am
I'd trade both 5th rounders and get another 4th rounder where Gutey has been ringing the bell the last 4 drafts taking Tom, Doubs, Wooden, Williams and Sorrell. 4 starters and a likely 5th in Sorrell.
Carolina or Pittsburg might want do a deal...getting Gutey back to back 4th rounder selections.
Go quality over quantity with this draft.
Since'75
April 18, 2026 at 12:15 pm
I can remember some of Big Teds 4th and 5th round picks......
Sitton (4X Pro Bowl, 3X 2nd team All Pro)
Lang (Pro Bowl),
Daniels (Pro Bowl)
Tretter
Bakhtiari (3X All-Pro) 3X Pro Bowl) (3X 2nd team All-Pro)
Linsley (Pro Bowl) 1st team All Pro) (2nd team All Pro)
I think Guter has a ways to go to start....ringing that bell.
***********
"It's time to win Championships."
RING THAT BELL
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 04:42 pm
I appreciate the qualifying remark.
dobber
April 18, 2026 at 05:02 pm
There's plenty of "Who?" in TT's 4s and 5s, too.
LambeauPlain
April 19, 2026 at 07:47 am
Thanks for making my point. 5 of the 6 you listed were FOURTH round selections. I was not comparing Gutey to Ted. I was comparing Gutey's 4th vs 5th round selections.
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 04:35 pm
I think there’s relevant talent in this year’s draft that’s likely there in the 5th. I’d rather have an extra 5th than one less.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 03:21 pm
There will be not much difference in quality of players in the 4th and 5th rounds. I would keep both 5ths and get a #2 TE and a really solid O-lineman. Or #153 might be where Demonte Capehart comes off the board and he would be a great 2nd prize if we miss a DT earlier.
3 picks over 1 pick any day of the week in my book.
bjb2012sime
April 18, 2026 at 12:09 pm
As Chris Berman would say,"Back, back, back, back....."
If 20-80 are similar quality, definitely move back, and if that includes a fairly high pick next year go for it.
2027 class is projected to be of greater talent, so absent our #1, stockpile picks for maximum benefit.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 03:24 pm
Getting extra picks in this draft makes way more sense than more in the 2027 draft when we have 11 already. I want more picks now. GB is still trying to field the best team possible for 2026. The window is open now.
jannesbjornson
April 18, 2026 at 04:46 pm
Yes, use some of 2027's slots to trade into 2026.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 01:09 pm
Most of these picks--even the ones we end up really liking--aren't going to be difference makers in '26. Maybe role players. The only reason I would want more picks in '26 is because they'll be better situated to raise the roster in '27.
Since'75
April 20, 2026 at 08:00 pm
^The voice of reason^
****
If this team is going to win Championships, getting more difference makers is key.
I credit Gute for getting Parsons.
But....as Favre and Rodgers showed us, it takes a team, no matter how good one player is.
The roster needs to be stronger, period.
See the 1996 and 2010 roster.
Turophile
April 18, 2026 at 12:18 pm
The easy answer is that they could easily do either....or neither. There is no 'right' answer. It is the what the board looks like from about pick 40 onwards, that likely determines what they do.
If they see a guy they really like from that point on - and they don't think he lasts to 52 - they'll probably try to go up and get them.
If they don't see anyone worth moving up for and see nothing special at 52, then they could well look for trade down partners, down anywhere up to 15 spots max. I wouldn't normally recommend moving down that far but if they trade down 13 or 15 spots, part of the compensation would be one of the first two picks on day three (ie round 4).
Those who argue to trade only one way (up or down) are shorting themselves.
The Packers can find ways to trade up about 10 spots without mortgaging the future too much (by using one of their three or four 4th round picks, from 2027 as part of the deal). Equally by trading down they get more picks and position themselves better, to get who they want.
What I absolutely don't see, is a move all the way up to round one.........it's too expensive.
PhantomII
April 18, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I don't know what Gute will do:
In MY opinion you need at least one stud at every level on Defense.
2-DL: We have 1- 33 year old (Hargrave).
2-Edge: (Parsons)- after return from injury
LB: Cooper
Safety: McKinney
CB: None
Offense needs Studs as follows:
3 on the OL: We have 1- Tom who is knocked out of playoff games at the worst possible time.
2 WR's: Watson , Reed , Golden
2 TE's: Kraft returning from injury... and nothing else.
1 RB: Jacobs ...Him , Kraft and now Parsons show this team trying to will this team into a SB....Can/Will Gute and ML do their jobs and put a few more studs in position to get there??? Whoever Gute picks we need stud Rooks to step up right away, so wherever they are, we need to go get them at the positions we can...Next year is suppose to be "THE DRAFT" of drafts for high quality picks....I could say trade back and get next years picks, but doing so pisses away this season and another year of JL and Parsons career.
Turophile
April 18, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Free Safety Evan Williams might be rounding into a stud player. In 2025 PFF has his his run def at 82, but his pass pro is only 62. If the pass pro rises to the 70 somethings, he is moving into stud territory.
Devonte Wyatt does not rate the stud designation, but he is an above average guy on the DL. I'm expecting DL to get serious consideration on day 2 of this draft.....though as always it depends who is there. I'd move up for DT/NT Miller, take a close look at Caleb Banks foot problems and take him if they check out, and I'd look hard at Lee Hunter at 52, though I probably wouldn't trade up for him. If I were to trade back from 52, I'd consider Big Citrus.
CB would be my second choice in round 2, if DT wasn't falling right, but there are multiple choices for a CB in round three - and even the odd round 4 choice.
Just a touch less likely (but still very possible) is an O lineman, with a day 2 pick.
Less likely still, are ILB, WR, TE, Edge, but all could easily be in-play, later in the draft.
whoever is drafted, its best not to expect too much in their rookie year.....you hope they are out of the gate and starting quickly, of course, but the ultimate value of a pick is much more about getting several years of quality service.
PhantomII
April 18, 2026 at 01:37 pm
I really like Williams and he is coming along nicely...even McKinney I thought actually was not as effective last season I believe due to the DC...Wyatt has multiple serious lower leg injuries and my question will he be the same player, now...I just believe we need more upper talent to get where we all want GB to be at and that would be Vets but we can only afford so much $ so moving up and getting youth that are budding studs would be great...as we are in a relative minimal window with JL and Parsons / Kraft /Jacobs and others who are our higher end guys who will propel us forward and we just need a handful of Rooks who can fast burn into a higher quality players that will play 4 quarters of football...every game and WIN..!!! I believe ML needs to remove Jordans training wheels and throw more also as we integrate Jacobs into some more passing scenarios as he is very good running or catching and is pretty shifty with the ball in his hands....It is TIME. GPG
Turophile
April 19, 2026 at 04:11 am
I totally forgot Bullard, a safety when drafted, but plays slot corner for the Packers and there is no need to replace him. But the outside corners are probably Nixon and St.Juste at this time - not ideal.
golfpacker61
April 18, 2026 at 03:02 pm
My ideal start to the draft would be if Jacas or Dennis-Sutton were still available @ #52, because either are better than any Edge rushers we have not named Parsons. Either could start and be difference makers playing across from Micah.
If they are gone, I would move back. A couple more picks in rounds 4-6 would let us fill every need we have. We really need a #2 TE and could use a solid RB, although that could be filled by FA or better yet getting a stud in 2027.Targeting a stud RB in the 2027 draft when we have more early picks will give a GB a great chance to move on fom Jacobs and his $$$.
If I had an ideal number of pick it would be 11, because 8 picks will fill most needs with upgrade players, but 3 others would free up later grabs at 3 very intriguing players I like, Jordan Van Dan Berg-DT, Jaden Dugger-LB, and Michael Heldman-Edge. 3 guys I would love to be Packers that would all have solid chances to make the team. At 1 time I thought they would all be priority UFDAs, but they have all been noticed and will be drafted.
gsd3
April 18, 2026 at 09:02 pm
Are these guys you've actually seen play? Anyone can look good from a highlight reel. Van den berg is a great 24 year old athlete. Not a great football player.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 07:42 am
I must have a growing number of haters that love to downvote me. A message to them, I don't give a $hit.
Gsd3, in those 3 players I am interested in drafting late, I see 3 players that have real talent and potential. Upside is a reason players get selected in late rounds.
As far as the players, Van Den Berg had 4 sacks his last year and most DTs have 1 or 2. He has great speed and the potential to be a very good interior pass rusher, which we need.
Dugger is 6'5 245, ran 4.60, was a Safety before LB and has good coverage skills. Along with 125 tackles last year, he flies to the ball and is a sideline to sideline guy. Why not?
Heidman had 10.5 sacks last year and is a developmental Edge.
GB has been tied to all 3 and I believe they all had 30 visits. My question is why aren't you guys interested in them as late picks or priority UFDAs?
LambeauPlain
April 19, 2026 at 07:51 am
So golf...you never down vote anybody here?
Since'75
April 19, 2026 at 08:36 am
I don't, i think it's for children and the mentally weak.
You don't agree with something....
Then be an adult and state your opinion why.
That is why they have a 'reply' link.
Any dullard can give a thumbs down.
*********
Well damn....
I got told!
Cookies for everyone!! 😊
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 10:12 am
I'll never understand why people develop rabbit ears and get hung up on the thumbs.
Who cares if people "thumb" and don't comment one way or the other? It's their right.
People need to grow thicker skins.
Since'75
April 19, 2026 at 10:30 am
True enough!
It's their right, this is America, it's no crime to be a dullard. 👍
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 01:11 pm
"it's no crime to be a dullard."
Thank God, I'm too pretty and too much of a smart-ass to go to jail...
Since'75
April 19, 2026 at 04:39 pm
Now see....at least when you give a thumbs down, you leave a comment.
Nice!! 👍
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 10:50 am
Not very often L P. I am more interested just seeing what everyone has to say. I will disagree and comment on things I am passionate about, like never trading up and wasting picks. Or just blindly drafting or supporting BPA as the only "proven" draft method. I prefer fixing our actual biggest needs earlier where the best players are, so we don't just keep flipping those needs to the next year and making the list so big it can't be fixed.
I might downvote any article saying we have to draft a QB that has a 5% chance of making the team this year. We have 2 very solid backups right now, probably 1/2 of the NFL teams would want our backups. No No No to wasting a pick on a QB.
GregC
April 19, 2026 at 11:11 am
I've noticed that your posts have been getting downvotes immediately, with no explanation. I would be a little annoyed by that too. It's just stupid, and it's pointless if no reason is given. I assume it's mostly just kids and mentally ill people.
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 01:18 pm
DOWNVOTE!!!
...and I'm not a young man...
Since'75
April 19, 2026 at 05:00 pm
Greg....
I get down voted also for no apparent reason, even when the post i wrote is positive and on point.
Maybe i don't drink enough kool aid or something. 🤷♂️😁
I always had more downvotes than up, even proud of it in a way.
But last season my upvotes vaulted up 1,500 over the down votes.
I don't know where i went wrong. 🤔
One reader even told me he liked me better when i got more downvotes...lol
I'll have to work on that this season. 😏😉 👍
Coldworld
April 19, 2026 at 07:36 pm
I’ve always thought that, if you have anything interesting to say then you should expect a reaction. Some of those will be favorable and some not. A down vote doesn’t bother me. I don’t post to be loved, but to express an idea or opinion. Sometimes that’s not popular. Sometimes it is. Better that than no interest. Celebrate the thumbs, whichever way they point.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 08:31 pm
Yeah Greg, it seems kind of childish, but I guess if that makes the "Internet Tough Guys" feel better, then I guess I got that going for me. I might be approaching Stockholders record for downvotes on 1 thread. I just counted and I am up to 30 already. And it makes no difference if I am talking about players I like or don't. Or agreeing or disagreeing with another poster, or if I am just saying Go Pack Go.
It would be more impressive if they just had the guts to type out why they disagree. It's ok, my day job is alot tougher than this will ever be. Thanks though.
gsd3
April 19, 2026 at 01:14 pm
Golf - didn't downvote. Just asking. I do like Graves in the 7th if he's there as well as the guys you mentioned.
stockholder
April 19, 2026 at 02:05 pm
I didn't but have.
The CB wants are to robotic.
I had hoped he would improve the quality
of his mock drafts. With more variety.
And even though we challenge each other.
He shouldn't fight back with a insane comment.
(To get his point across)
gsd3
April 19, 2026 at 02:31 pm
I like to see other opinions. My draft crush is Jacob Rodriguez. He with Cooper would be a wicked tandem. Not a need though.
stockholder
April 19, 2026 at 02:43 pm
Yes - I agree -
I had him at one point as my top pick.
Then Gute signed his guy to an extension.
jannesbjornson
April 19, 2026 at 07:48 pm
He goes Rd One, high in the second. Film doesn't Lie. The Texas Tech Defense was outstanding in 2025 without the NIL Payroll of Ohio State and Indiana.
stockholder
April 19, 2026 at 08:12 pm
.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 06:57 am
Graves is interesting Gsd3. I am a Hawkeye fan here in Cedar Rapids so I am a little biased. Anyway, Graves came to Iowa as a 4 star Edge/DE but he was big already, like 6'5 270 lbs, so Iowa bulked him up to 290 and he played his freshman year @ DT. He became a starter soph year and still showed pass rush ability even though at Iowa the DTs are just there to keep LBs clean.
Hardly any of the DTs in this draft can match his sack numbers, he had 5-6 last year. 120 tackles and 15.5 sacks in his career are unnatural stats for a DT. He might get drafted just because Iowa players garner some respect in the NFL for not being "Diva Clowns" that require attention. Maybe a Priority UFDA for GB and adding 25 lbs could get him playing time. He might surprise.
GreenandBold
April 18, 2026 at 05:23 pm
Yes
dobber
April 19, 2026 at 08:15 am
I think we all expect Gute to want to move down a short bit and pick up an extra day 3 pick (or two, if later), but there's so much talk of teams wanting to deal down that my guess is they'll stand pat in round 2 and use the pick rather than undersell it.
So much talk of drafting this position group or that one in round 2 and 3. Just grab your highest rated guy (as long as it's not a QB). No matter who they pick, if they want playable help in '26, they'll have to go back to the FA market, yet.
Since'75
April 19, 2026 at 08:57 am
However people want to look at it....
Gute shouldn't have so many needs in one off season.
If you are a 'successful' draft and develop team, at it's core and philosophy, you shouldn't have so many needs, period.
Especially....when you deem, your team is Championship 'ready'.
I keep reading how the Packers need to hit it big, garnishing 3 solid impactful starters in this draft.
That coupled with...they are hoping a lot of players will step up and fill the void of player losses.
Well...like talks of winning Championships.....
Saying it, and doing it, are two different things.
My personal opinion is, a GM going into his 9th season, should have his team in a better state.
Lets see how this shakes out.
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 11:07 am
Well said 75. If we had addressed the 2 biggest needs last year, CB & DT, we would be looking at only Edge & OL as the 2 biggest needs this year. Ignoring the need doesn't make it go away. We should not be going into this draft with 4 priority needs.
Adding in another big self-inflicted need @ RB by letting Wilson walk for $2 million has made RB a sneaky need.
Also since Musgrave has been a failed draft choice, TE is another scary need, especially with Kraft coming off knee surgery.
If GB takes an Edge first, maybe if Jacas or Dennis-Sutton are still there, we can get a starter with that first pick. And with as weak as our CB room is, if we can get a CB like Julian Neal, Davison Igbinosun, Daylen Everette, Tacario Davis, or Charlie Demmings @ around #84-100, we would have a strong chance of 2 new starter with 2 picks. The rest of the draft would be upgrades at other needs and maybe we hit on 50-60% of them. That would be a great draft.
Some small but important FAs after the draft like a NT, depth @ Edge, another vet CB, a cheap bridge RB, and if we get lucky and find a solid OL backup, GB would be fielding a very dangerous team barring injuries. This season can still be an improvement even with so many needs still present.
stockholder
April 19, 2026 at 02:36 pm
I didn't leave you a down vote yet
without a explanation.
Your first paragraph shows; your not happy with Gute.
So if you stopped there, I'd leave a positive.
Thats negativity in the eyes of Gute Lovers.
Criticism!!!!!!
While you might like guys.
Your draft still lacks difference makers.
No one knows what Gute will do.
But even though he has a winning record.
He still hasn't got the guys that will be All-pros.
And there will be something always missing.
Much like your drafts
golfpacker61
April 19, 2026 at 08:51 pm
I am guessing you are talking to me stock. I haven't posted any mocks here lately though, so I am not sure which ones you mean, but it sounds like you don't like my draft approach. I always try to fill needs first with players that I think have a great chance to play, especially with Day 1 & 2 picks. So yeah that means I like difference makers that will play.
I am committed to the idea that Edge is a huge need and if the right players are available, specifically Jacas & Dennis-Sutton, I would select either of them @ #52, because either would start Day one in 2026. Unless LVN finally takes the magic leap, my guys would start even when Parsons comes back, and maybe replace him when he becomes too expensive in 3 years.
If those guys are gone, I trade back if possible and it's almost always possible. My opinion differs from yours in that I think there are 1/2 dozen CBs we could take between #84 & 120 that have the talent to start over Vallentine. And Stukes isn't 1 of them because we need a boundary CB.
From there I am specifically looking at drafting players that upgrade backups at DT, OL, TE. And if we somehow snag a couple extra picks in the middle rounds I look for a WR & RB. I would double up on CB & OL if possible. To me 11 picks would be about right to fill needs and take a couple flyers later on guys like Feldman-Edge, Dugger-LB, or Van Den Berg-DT.
That's my plan, no trades up, no early WRs or RBs, draft Edge & CB with first 2 picks, trade back if possible for more picks, and fill as many needs as we can in the draft. Then sign a few FAs where we can.
skydancer506
April 19, 2026 at 04:11 pm
If Gutey stays where he is at 52, I wouldn't be surprised if the pick is Domonique Orange or Gracen Halton. Those are the two DTs that are rarely talked about. Gutey never broadcasts who he picks, though he does broadcast pretty well who he does NOT pick - like Tetairoa McMillan, Will McDonald IV, Jackson Smith-Njigba. That's why we get disappointed every year. We fall for the disinformation campaign.
I expect the Packers to select a defensive tackle in the second round, an offensive lineman (probably center but could be a tackle) in the third round, and a cornerback in the fourth. Yes, he could very well trade up and down the draft board during these rounds, as he's prone to do so.
If I was to put a mock draft together (without trades) based upon the current positions for rounds 2-5, it would be:
52 - Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (or Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State)
84 - Logan Jones, C, Iowa (or Jake Slaughter, C, Florida)
120 - Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (or Daylen Everett, CB, Georgia)
153 - DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson (or Landon Robinson, DT, Navy)
160 - Harold Perkins, LB, LSU (or Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan)