Green Bay Packers 2026 NFL Draft: The Reasons Behind the Picks
Filling the gaps
By GregMeinholz
Year in and year out with the NFL draft, we've heard the same phrase uttered by a Packers' General Manager, "We pick the best player available." It started with Ted Thompson, and it continues with our current GM, Thompson's disciple, Brian Gutekunst. I've always said that this phrase comes with a caveat. The caveat is that no one truly knows what they mean by this. Is it the best player available overall? The best player available on their own board? Or could it simply be the best player available on their board at a position of need? My guess is the last one. And that was apparent in this year's draft. The Packers went into this draft with areas that needed improvement, and those areas are exactly the ones that received attention in this year's draft.
Round Two, Pick #52 - Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
You could ask any Packer fan with a decent football brain on their shoulders what the Packers' biggest need was this offseason, and chances are, they'd say cornerback. By the time the Packers were on the clock in the second round, six CBs had already been grabbed. Of those that remained when the Packers were up to pick, the two best CBs available were Jermod McCoy and Brandon Cisse. McCoy, though a possible first-round talent, has many questions as to his long-term durability with some knee issues, and he eventually fell to the fourth round. So, the best available option for the Packers at a position of need was Brandon Cisse.
Cisse is your prototypical Brian Gutekunst draft pick. He's athletic, versatile, and also holds his own against the run. The best thing about Cisse is that he can line up anywhere. He's not confined to the slot or to being an outside corner only; he's the type of cornerback who, after he gets some experience, could become that "shadow the best receiver" defender. One of his best attributes is his speed and ability to catch up to a receiver in the event he gets beaten. He has a high upside, and he's exactly the potential starter that the Packers desperately need at this moment at the position. They have a decent corner room with Nixon, Valentine, and the FA newcomer St. Juste, but they need a hopeful long-term solution, and Brandon Cisse may provide them with that.
Round Three, Pick #77 - Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
I said before that if you ask any Packer fan with a decent football brain on their shoulders what the Packers' biggest need was, they'd say cornerback. Well, those who didn't say corner likely said defensive tackle. Or if you'd ask those corner-first folks what's second, they'd likely say DT. Kenny Clark's departure in the Micah Parsons trade was undoubtedly bittersweet. While the Packers gained a monster pass rusher, they also lost a longtime anchor in the middle of the defensive line. They needed to fill that hole this offseason.
In the third round, the Packers traded up to grab DT Chris McClellan. At 6'4", 313 lbs, McClellan is a strong presence in the middle of the line. While the Packers may look to him often to be their nose tackle, he does have the ability to play all over the defensive line. Many Packers fans, myself included, projected DT Domonique Orange to the Packers, and Orange was, in fact, available when the Packers traded up. However, one knock on Orange was his limited production in the pass rush. When you have a rusher like Micah Parsons coming around the edge, you can't provide the QB with a simple escape up the middle.
Chris McClellan had six sacks in 2025 and has the intangibles to get after the QB from the middle of the line of scrimmage as well as clog up the middle in the running game. The Packers love their versatile players, and McClellan checks all the boxes. Some questioned the trade-up to grab McClellan when he was projected to go later, but rumors have swirled that he would not have been available at the Packers' original third-round position. I've long been an advocate of the philosophy that if you see a player you absolutely want getting close, go get them. It appears Brian Gutekunst took this route with McClellan, and hopefully it pays off.
Round Four, Pick #120 - Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
After trading Rashan Gary and letting Kingsley Enagbare walk in free agency, the Packers need a pass rusher to play opposite Micah Parsons. The obvious go-to would be Lukas Van Ness, but with Van Ness unable to really cement that position, it's still up in the air. Members of last year's rookie class, Barryn Sorrell and Colin Oliver, are front-runners to make year 2 leaps at the position, but you can never have enough decent pass rushers. Especially on a rotational basis.
That's why the Packers grabbed Dani Dennis-Sutton. Many thought Dennis-Suttom could be a second-round pick of the Packers, but instead, he fell into their laps in the fourth round, and I'm sure they're just fine with that luck. Dennis-Sutton is an athletic freak who, without a doubt, fits that Brian Gutekunst draft-crush mold. I have to admit that this time around, I'm glad the "athletic freak with a high upside" pick came on day 3 as opposed to day 1. Dani Dennis-Sutton could be a capable power rusher and run defender with a very high motor dedicated to getting after the ball carrier.
I'm not going to say that pleasing their star pass-rusher is the reason for the pick, but Dennis-Sutton is coming from Micah Parsons' alma mater, and Parsons chimed in his approval of the pick. While it can't be a decision-maker, certainly knowing one of your star players will be thrilled with this pick and willing to help the young player along doesn't hurt when that pick is called in.
Round Five, Pick #153 - Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
The Packers appear to be at a crossroads with the center position. After letting Josh Myers walk in free agency two years ago, they slotted veteran Elgton Jenkins in at the position, only for Jenkins to go down due to injury, handing the position over to Sean Rhyan. The team then signed Rhyan to a three-year extension in March, possibly making him the center of the future. Or so we thought.
Jager Burton was listed as a center in the draft, but he has experience as both a center and a guard. Because, of course, when was the last time the Packers drafted an offensive lineman who didn't have the term "versatile" listed under them? Burton is a good fit for the Packers' zone-blocking scheme and is one of the top-10 most athletic offensive guards to score in the last 40 years. If that doesn't say "Packers pick," I don't know what does. Burton is also a very intelligent offensive lineman, identifying coverages and making line adjustments with ease throughout his time as a center in college.
Sean Rhyan may start this season at center, but his versatility and Jager Burton's complement each other in a way where if the Packers decide to try out Burton at center, Rhyan can slide over to guard easily, and if Rhyan locks himself in as the starter, Burton still has a shot at a starting guard role down the road.
Round Six, Pick #201 - Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Lucky for you, you already read why the Packers need cornerbacks. If you don't remember, it's not a far scroll up. But just a quick reminder that CB was without a doubt the top need this offseason, and with the Packers' sixth-round pick, they doubled down on the position by selecting Domani Jackson from Alabama. Jackson fits that Brian Gutekunst "highly athletic" mold that we've all grown accustomed to. He has outstanding closing speed and has pretty decent height for a CB at 6'1.
Domani Jackson was regarded as one of the most athletic cornerbacks in the draft. Given the immediate need at the position, it's almost no surprise the Packers took a shot on Jackson this late in the draft. He has elite speed, and though most of his game needs a bit of tweaking, he does show comfort in man coverage and can compete in jump-ball situations. Jackson is everything you want in a sixth-round pick. His floor could be a special-teams gunner while his ceiling could be a top boundary corner option. Given the immediate need at the position, both options could be welcome.
Round Six, Pick #216 - Trey Smack, K, Florida
Brian Gutekunst traded up to get his man again. But this time, it's a kicker. Ever since the departure of Mason Crosby, the Packers have struggled to find their franchise kicker. They thought they found their short-term man in veteran kicker Brandon McManus, but late this season, McManus struggled in the most inopportune moment possible, the playoffs. So, what did the Packers do? Go grab the best kicker on the board.
Trey Smack was ranked as the top kicker in the draft. Smack had a career accuracy of 82.8% over three seasons, and he has a high trajectory on long kicks. He went 10 of 13 from 50 yards or more out in his career with Florida, setting a record for the school. Smack has a massive leg, recording 69-yard field goals in practice, and makes 50+ yard field goals look easy.
Brandon McManus was never the long-term solution. The team likely saw him as a short-term band-aid to provide some stability at kicker during a possible championship window. But with McManus' three missed kicks in the most inopportune moment possible, the playoffs, the Packers likely saw a window of "either we sink with the band-aid or sink with a possible kicker of the future" and preferred the future kicker. As of right now, McManus isn't going anywhere and will probably be in a camp competition with Trey Smack. But I have to believe that the position is Trey Smack's to lose, and McManus may be a trade candidate or roster-cut casualty in the next five months.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (137)
PackEyedOptimist
April 27, 2026 at 06:07 am
As far as "what they mean when they say Best Player Available," I always remind people what Ron Wolf let slip in a radio interview back in the 90's:
When asked about BPA, he said the Packers approach it like this:
"We pick the most impactful player WHO IS BETTER THAN SOMEONE WE CURRENTLY HAVE ON THE ROSTER." This made and makes complete sense to me, which is why I remember it.
So if you currently have a very good player at RB, but a GENERATIONAL TALENT drops to you, you don't say, "Oh, but we need a DT more--our current DT is weak."
Obviously, this system is an "art" that requires the GM to juggle a lot of angles.
Things like "future need" and age, injuries, etc. also come into play.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 06:57 am
You nailed it, PEO!
But, I might have altered the capitalized area to read:"We Pick THE MOST IMPACTFUL PLAYER who is better than someone we have"!
Yes, IMPACTFUL, guys that made plays, and made a difference! To hell with RAS, to hell that his 40 time was .10 slower than 'the 'other guy', and to hell that someone else had him rated a round later!
These were the times where Wolf liked to say "He's a Football Player"!
Turophile
April 27, 2026 at 08:37 am
Trevor Sikkema (until recently from PFF), said that, essentially BPA is the wrong way of looking at things, as is drafting for need. What you need (he said) is to look for the best ROI (return on investment). It isn't quite the same as Ron Wolf's comment but its a similar take.
I like that statement, since it also takes into account a longer view of a player and is not overly focused on the current year that they are drafted (and rookie players rarely hit their stride right out of the box).
PS I wanted QB Cole Payton in the 5th, but they went for C/G Jager Burton - however, that was a draft crush of Aaron Nagler and he is bigger than me, so I'm not fighting him for it.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 03:40 pm
Exactly. ROI. What choice can I make with this pick to increase the quality of my roster? That can be skewed more to now or over the next few years, certainly, but that’s the sole question and one that is the enemy of draft crushes too.
DoubleJ
April 27, 2026 at 10:04 am
The only time it makes sense to draft for "need" is if you have two players very close in grade and one is a position you need to fill. Then it make total sense to take the needed position. Otherwise take the best player who can help your team.
Far too often I also see people who think you draft for the current year. They couldn't be more wrong. Free Agency is for filling needs in the current year and the draft is for where your roster will be in a year or two.
Savage57
April 27, 2026 at 06:19 am
Thanks, Greg.
I feel better about things now but no one knows, not even Gute.
Since'75
April 27, 2026 at 06:26 am
The Reasons Behind the Picks....
Need
*********
".....could it simply be the best player available on their board at a position of need?"
Exactly what i wrote days ago.
********
"....but with Van Ness unable to really cement that position..."
13th pick of the draft
I don't know what to tell you, except....
NJ-RICK
April 27, 2026 at 08:22 am
LVN was a mistake period. He may be a football player but clearly didn't deserve to be the 13 pick in the first round. Another blunder by a unprepared GM. Gute has been the GM for 9 years and the team is not improving. The Bears, Lions and Vikings have all caught up and the Packers are now looking up at them. How much longer do we have to put up with him...?
DoubleJ
April 27, 2026 at 10:09 am
LVN was 16 on the consensus big board. Being picked at 13 is WELL within range for him. Sure in hindsight Christian Gonzalez (10 on consensus) or JSN (13 on consensus) would have been a better choice. However, when you take positional value into account, it goes Edge, CB, and then WR. Therefore going Edge makes the most sense.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 03:45 pm
LVN was another athlete that neither played like his metrics on film nor produced at that level. At this point he’s a vastly overdrafted slightly better Enagbare. An nfl player certainly, but not a starter and not a second contract earner. DDS has very similar flags. He’s still probably a little over drafted if so, but he would represent a major loss of opportunity at a critical juncture if that is what transpires.
Since'75
April 27, 2026 at 01:38 pm
Rick Rick Rick.....
That kind of truth isn't gonna fly around here my friend.
How dare you throw the Bears, Lions and Vikings in their face.
What...don't they have kool aid in NJ?
********
Anyway...I feel ya, but sometimes the truth and reality doesn't go over very well around these parts.
****
How much longer?
I don't know man, with a recent extension, 3,4 years?
I've been waiting years, for this......
'The Packers are going to the Super Bowl!!!'
Hopefully Guter can shock us sometime soon.
If that day comes, i owe him an apology.
Until then, i keep waiting.
*******
FYI
If you want some thumbs up, just post.......
The Packers killed the draft.
It was phenomenal!!
They're in it to win it!!
It's time to win Championships!!
In Guter We Trust
That should do it 😊👍
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 06:59 am
Andy Herman made a good video yesterday in which he evaluates the Packers' process in making their selections--not the actual players, but the process. You will have to go to youtube to find it because Andy's videos are not being posted here anymore, apparently due to some kind of technical glitch.
I was expecting a CB gap around #52, so it was lucky that Brandon Cisse fell a little bit.
Chris McClellan vs. Domonique Orange is debatable, but for those who thought the trade-up was a bad idea, remember that both players very well may have been gone if the Packers hadn't traded up eight spots, so they would've had to address a position of lesser need. It was a real coup to get CB and DT addressed with those first two picks.
Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round was another coup, although I don't see him displacing Lukas Van Ness as the starting OLB opposite Micah Parsons. Not even close. He will probably be behind Barryn Sorrell and Brenton Cox.
I think Brandon McManus's missed kicks in the playoff loss were less of a consideration than his unreliability at 40+ yards, which is a real handicap for a kicker nowadays. The standards for long-distance kicking have risen dramatically in the past five years or so. I agree with the author that the kicking job is Smack's to lose.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 07:15 am
Greg,
"for those who thought the trade-up was a bad idea, remember that both players very well may have been gone if the Packers hadn't traded up eight spots".
Exactly! And, as what might be the first time we've seen Gutey draft for immediate needs, it might be the first time I'm gonna' trust what he did.
Did you see the looks on the faces in the Minny Draft Room when GB chose McClellan? Priceless!
DoubleJ
April 27, 2026 at 10:16 am
"And, as what might be the first time we've seen Gutey draft for immediate needs"
I wouldn't say that he drafted for immediate need but the board fell that it feels that way. McClellan is a slight reach (at least according to consensus) but even there DT was high BPA at that point in the draft.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 08:07 am
"remember that both players very well may have been gone if the Packers hadn't traded up eight spots,"
The third DT to go in that stretch (Regis) was someone who probably doesn't meet Gannon's reported desire for bulk and length on the DL. No other DT went for quite a while, so it's hard to say where the Packers would've gone at their spot if they stood pat (although I like Darrell Jackson better than many others, apparently).
"I was expecting a CB gap around #52, so it was lucky that Brandon Cisse fell a little bit."
There are always playable CB available in R2. Here's hoping they picked the right one.
"I don't see him displacing Lukas Van Ness as the starting OLB opposite Micah Parsons."
The pre-Parsons Packers liked to rotate their outside rushers pretty heavily: Parsons playing 85+% of the snaps was out of line with what the Packers typically did. They probably need to go back to that early in the season...and even if Parsons starts the year active, he'll need to ramp up his activity.
MooPack
April 27, 2026 at 08:44 am
"The third DT to go in that stretch (Regis) was someone who probably doesn't meet Gannon's reported desire for bulk and length on the DL. No other DT went for quite a while"
Dobs,
You remember a guy named Dominique Orange? You know "Big Citrus"? A guy that many a Packer fan had projected to them. He was taken right after Regis by the Vikings. I know you probably just worded that wrong, but I got the gist of it. Some have said the Vikings draft room looked upset when the Packers took McClellan. If someone has video of that, I'd like to see it.
Some had McClellan ranked higher that Orange. Daniel Jeremiah was one. I think it was a good move by Packers trading up.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 10:31 am
Yeah, sorry...Orange was mentioned in the original post (McClellan and Orange) and Regis was the third guy in that stretch.
It made sense in my head when I wrote it....
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 01:27 pm
The Vikings purportedly wanted McClellan to pair with their new NT, not to be one. I question that only because that would represent a fairly astute usage of him and understanding of what he is (and was in college).
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 03:09 pm
Is Caleb Banks going to be their NT? If so, is Domonique Orange going to play alongside him, or will Orange be the backup NT?
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 03:14 pm
At times beside him, at times behind I would imagine. I think they would have preferred the rather more different McClellan as a complement though.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:19 am
I think all three first picks were second round quality. McClellan is somebody everyone overlooks at first, then studying his film again later he really grows on you. When he's first ready to take NFL snaps I have no idea, and if we don't need to find out this year that would be better because it would mean other people on the roster are playing well. Even in this case, he's significant in future years.
DDS is a BEAST!
We might get 2 decades of not having to worry about a kicker? Worth giving him a chance in TC. Will be interesting to see how long they keep 3 ...
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 07:23 am
Today is when we'll see all the 'Experts' grading everyone's drafts, and it'll be interesting to see where they grade the Packers.
And,
I wonder how those grades might differ if they added Micah Parsons in as "our 1st round pick"?
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 07:50 am
We all know that draft grades don't mean anything.
Most of the pundits are self-interested: they need to defend their own DIC product and tout their off-the-wall projections, and they usually do so as loudly and snottily as possible.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 08:35 am
I agree, Dobber, and I agree with your 'Good Bones' statement below.
But, while I'm not a big Gutey supporter, I'm sick of hearing about Howie Roseman, (or insert name here), his 'Genius', and how he does everything right!
From my perspective, (and to my surprise) this might be the first time Gutey specifically filled specific needs throughout the draft, and he did it without any big 'If's", or big "reaches", on paper at least!
The potential seems to be there with each pick with Denis-Sutter possibly being a Wild Card, and when you listen to the criteria these experts use in their grading, Gutey covered it.
If you consider Parsons our 1st round pic, we might have 'Won' the draft, its now up to the coaches to get them to Win games.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:25 am
🍻
I'm still pleasantly surprised. By everything knowable, Gutey actually did a good job.
Of course things won't come into full view before I regular season starts, and some of these picks will still be unknowns for 2 years or more. But just by looking at what info Gutey had at the time, he did what needed to be done, and in a high pressure situation. (Hopefully MLF follows suit)
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 07:59 am
For what little it is worth, USA Today had these draft grades:
Green Bay A-
Detroit B
Chicago C
Minnesota C-
Also for what little it is worth, I prefer waiting about three years before grading a draft.
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 08:24 am
USA Today A Is because considered parsons inside the picks which Is ridicoulus. but apart from that had a bad look on the picks.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2026 at 08:31 am
I like to wait about 15 years, myself.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:26 am
Why are you in such a rush?!?
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Give me some time to get back to you on that one…
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 08:31 am
I thought Chicago got some nice players: Thieneman, Jones, and Roush are good football players and all fit needs for them. Thieneman probably plays right away. Jones might beat out Bradbury. I thought Muhammad was a good get in R4.
Detroit's draft wasn't that exciting. Miller was a need pick, and is a RT only. Moore profiles a lot like the guy he's replacing (Muhammad), but playing across from Hutch means that spot is good for 6-8 sacks just falling out of bed. I think he plays behind Wonnum. There's not much exciting about their draft, otherwise.
If you measure the quality of a draft by who plays right away, the Vikings had a good draft but they need everything, and they need their rookies to play right now. Banks, Golday, Orange, and Thomas play right away, and Golday and Thomas are Flores kinds of players. We'll see if Banks can stay on the field. Other than that, their draft? Meh.
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 08:15 am
DAN BRUGLER graded GB 26 out of 32.
the reach Is about -150.
LeotisHarris
April 27, 2026 at 08:39 am
Who?
Does typing his name (and it's Dane, btw) in ALL CAPS give more power to some thirtysomething kid who pretends to be a draft guru for a living?
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 08:28 pm
APPARENTLY. MAYBE.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 08:42 am
Wow! What a contrast, an A- to a 26th best?
Somebody's not paying attention.
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 08:33 pm
There’s context involved with Brugler’s rankings. The Packers were immediately dinged points for not having a first round pick. The other factor was the low pick total of only 6 selections when GB started the day with 8. The low ranking was more procedural based than it was driven by player merits.
DoubleJ
April 27, 2026 at 10:20 am
Much of the reason for Brugler's low grade is due to lack of an R1 and only 6 total picks. You'll notice that teams with a lot of picks and an R1 typically get higher grades from him.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 10:34 am
Some pundits admit to rating drafts only based on total draft points and differential with THEIR board. It's all very self-serving.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 04:06 pm
In all fairness, actually analyzing all the picks in the context of each team’s actual circumstances would be a huge job. Nigh on impossible in the time. It’s just fan clickbait.
Trust your own judgement pre-draft as to who is real and how much they could help. Always second guess RAS but no production (and the opposite). Then realize that nobody actually knows anyway, even the hall of fame professionals.
Remember TT drafted both Brohm and Flynn explicitly as insurance even though he believed in Rodgers, because it’s not an empirical science but an exercise in speculative projection.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:20 am
The experts are mostly giving GB a C.
I hope the league sleeps on GB ...
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:04 am
This is akin to receiving an Orientation Day grade in college...more important is the grade after the 1st Semester (in two years) and the Finals grade (5 years from now).
This was quite the Rich Gannon draft. The new DC's room is well stocked. How much influence did he have finalizing the Packers draft board?
Until the OL is a strength of the team, Packers will have to lean on the Defense. This is the Ron Wolf view for success in the NFL: Get a top QB...and surround him with an outstanding Defense.
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 08:40 pm
They will try to ignore the Packers until they all begin witnessing the firestorm unleashed.
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 01:29 pm
For the talent they brought in, I would give the Packers a B. There is only so much you can do without a first round pick. For how they played their cards, I would give them an A minus. I thought they made solid decisions, and some good players fell to them, but I would ding them just a bit for only ending up with six players.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 07:47 am
We've been over the picks here the last couple days, and I think this draft has good bones. For those who bark about the Packers not drafting to fill need--they should be satisfied with this draft because just about every pick (except Burton) has a direct path to being on the field. And the Packers desperately need the OL depth, so if Burton can be a capable backup across the IOL on game day, he's a win in round 5, too.
I'm not excited about the UDFA class. I do like LB TJ Quinn who isn't like AJ Haulcy or Kyle Louis who could've filled the big nickel role, but he was a versatile playmaker in college and they gave him a big bonus and contract for a UDFA. Go watch his film: he does a little bit of everything and can cover. I think he's got a shot at making the 53 and pushing Hafley's guy (McDuffie) or Hopper off the roster. We'll see if Sturdivant can make it, but the WR room is pretty full. He reminds me a lot of ESB.
Still a couple months to shore up the 53, and I'm a firm believer that Gute has some work to do, yet.
They could use some help--especially a true Y--in the TE room with all three of Whyle, Musgrave, and Kraft in contract years.
They really could use a #2 RB...I think relying on Marshawn Lloyd's health is foolish.
There's still a big gap is still in playable OL depth (I've said a lot here in other places, so I won't now). They picked up 3 UDFA guard-only (or G-->C?) guys who might project as PS players.
Depending on what you think of Stackhouse, some might argue they might still need a true plugger behind McClellan (or to play next to him as he grows into the NFL). I don't think Ford sticks.
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 08:11 am
Yes, Gute still has some work to do.
(1) A blocking TE is now the Packers biggest need. Kinnard gets the blocking part done, but he is zero threat to a defense receiving wise.
(2) OL depth is still a need. They have Kinnard as a T/G, Burton as a prospect at IOL, Glover as a prospect a T and little else. I would love to see Gute secure a veteran swing tackle and he has the cap space to do so.
(3) Running backs are usually available. I am okay with Lloyd and their PS RBs. Aaron Jones, JK Dobbins and Rico Dowdle are current free agent RBs that could be signed if Lloyd fails again.
(4) Nose Tackles are often made, not born. Between Stackhouse and Jordan Riley when he comes back from injury, I think the Packers will be okay for NT depth.
My priorities for Gute before training camp starts - a Y TE and a swing OT.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 08:58 am
Guam,
Pretty sure Aaron Jones re-signed with Minny, check that out!
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 10:12 am
Good catch Houndog! Yes, he did resign with Minny last week. There are still some other pretty decent backs out there who probably want more money than Gute is willing to pay right now. We will see if Lloyd can stay healthy and who might be available when he isn't.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:35 am
Agreed I'd love to see a big dog replacement TE, free up Kraft to do his thing. Some say Swanson is a good blocker, but I haven't seen that. At 6'7" he could be big enough, but he may not be strong enough?
13 O linemen. Hopefully they've all added functional strength and are unrecognizable upon return. We shouldn't be able to evaluate any of them properly before preseason. It's development season, and time for our coaching staff to show off what they can do by getting the best out of all 91 ...
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 08:12 am
26 out of 32.
DAN BRUGLER.
stop dreaming. 16 years ZERO SB.
60 yrs 3 SB.
John Schneider, born 8 miles from lambeau, raised in the packers, 15 yrs in Seattle 3 SB.
WAKE UP.
Ya_tittle
April 27, 2026 at 01:14 pm
Fool PACKERS have won FOUR Super Bowls in 60 years. Idiot
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 09:20 pm
I expected more, for sure.. ! I’m disappointed to not see any OL who were specifically TE converts sought out as possible Y TEs.
Can they coax Big Dog out of retirement?
This position going unaddressed in draft/UDFA is my biggest disappointment. If they don’t sign or trade for a proper Y TE, I hope LaFleur can find his way to using heavy personnel sets more regularly. Seeing them trying to run Jacobs into wall after wall of defenders without adding another OL after Kraft went down gave me the freaking creeps. Cringe upon cringe, add an exponent.
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 08:10 am
26 out of 32 teams. DAN BRUGLER stops all the marketing about GB picks.
it's a disaster.
and It could not be different when you have MR RAS as a GM.
and Policy extended 5 years this bunch of mediocres
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 08:22 am
Repetition does not make your point more true.........
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 08:27 am
DAN BRUGLER grades are facts.
you dream too much. be careful because you wake up wet and you get sick too many times.
WAKE UP.
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 09:02 am
You can't even get his name right (it's Dane) and NO draft grades are "fact" at this point.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 01:24 pm
Dane’s are just pundit guesswork. He’s got Dan’s. Don’t you know Dan is The Man!
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 09:08 am
Hey, did you hear where Dane Brugler rated the Packers' draft?
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 09:30 am
No, but I know where Dan Brugler rated the Packer's draft!
NJ-RICK
April 27, 2026 at 08:28 am
Been saying it for years now Gute needs to go....
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 27, 2026 at 02:03 pm
How you gonna make that happen? Hard to fire a guy who keeps building playoff rosters. A guy who finds the next franchise Quarterback while the current QB is winning an MVP. Meanwhile the Vikings are STILL looking for their franchise QB. CHI thinks they found theirs but it took years of losing and multiple high draft picks until they finally landed the top pick in the draft.
The team president and CEO just extended Gutey so you’re out of luck with your plans.
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 09:03 am
the_gavia_pass,
Not sure about DAN BRUGLER, but I'd be more than surprised if Dane Brugler actually had a functional crystal ball.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 09:08 am
Every one of these guys is self-interested. They need to prop up their own product both before and after the draft. It's time to close the book on draft rankings and move on...how these guys ended up on the roster is immaterial. What can the Packers do with their 90, and what do they still need?
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 09:19 am
in GB people dreams about the packers all time even if they have nothing. 16yrs and no SB but every summer these guys think they have the best team and 53 HOFs.
then in december january they wake up wet.
same old story every year.
that is why the GB board Is making Money easliy and mediocre managers likes gutey, ball are making Money even if they over pay everybody and they fail tons of times.
did you see McVay how mad he was because they made a Jordan love pick? in GB people were happy at that time...and now they have a terribile QB a terrible GM and may be a terrible new president.
CheesyTex
April 27, 2026 at 04:25 pm
Did it snow in Minnetonka yesterday?
Swisch
April 27, 2026 at 08:42 am
Okay, so the draft is over, free agents selected ...
Now what? :-(
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 08:45 am
Now what?
Now we wait to see if Policy's extensions, our (new) coaching staff, and these draft picks are worth a shit!
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:39 am
Silly season is still a long wait
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 10:40 am
Go and read every article, listen to every podcast by DAN BRUGLER about all drafts he has graded over the years. Then assess: How did he actually do?
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 01:39 pm
We stall.
golfpacker61
April 27, 2026 at 09:03 am
I like to do mocks in my free time. Cisse only fell to my #52 pick once, and he was consistently projected to be picked early 2nd round by most "Experts." I didn't even dream he would be available and focused on the next 5, Igbinosun, Lee, Muhammed, Neal, & Davis. Cisse is a huge get @ a huge position of need. A+
I almost always picked MCClellan in my mocks because unlike most of the DTs ahead of him in the ratings, he offered pass rush and run stopping talent. With 15 more lbs he could become a wall for our defense inside. The big question will always be whether we could have got him at #84 and saved the pick. I would have stayed put. B+
Scoring DDS @ #120 is the steal of the draft, maybe for all teams. More draft "Experts" had DDS going much earlier than this. I was really sweating when the Jaguars traded up ahead of us but was elated when they picked someone else. My view is that DDS will play more than anyone not named Parsons, and that Parsons gives him special attention and coaching in training camp and all season. Parsons will want to see his fellow alumni reach his goals. A++
Burton fills a need and gives us an option at center if Rhyan doesn't make progress. He also offers the option to replace Banks in 2027 and save buku $$$$. B+
Jackson is a real wildcard, he has as much talent as anyone, and his measureables are in the top 5%. If GB can fix his warts and unlock his potential then we have another steal. He has more talent than any CB on the team, he just needs to realize that potential. B
Smack is a solid pick in all ways. We need more consistency out of our kicker to complete our makeover on Special Teams. Getting Moore fixes 1 problem. A better kicker fixes another. We have a great punter already.
Like McClellan, Smack will also have the question mark of whether we could have got him as a Priority FA? I will wonder if Bently and Diego Pounds would have still been available @ #236 & #255. They also would have upgraded the team. B-
All in all a great draft with limited picks. The 2027 draft is where we fill every need with an upgrade & make some hay. It will be fun to have GB "ON The Clock" again and again and again!!! Go Pack Go!!!
Houndog
April 27, 2026 at 09:20 am
Golf, nice write-up!
While they're all question marks at this point, my biggest question is DDS.
There was a time when he was talked about as a Top 20 pick, and then following the bowl games and combine (where he did exceptionally well) he fell like a rock!
WTF happened?
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:44 am
It was quite a drop. An enigma, wrapped in a shroud, surrounded in mystery. Why did Rodgers drop into the Packers lap? DDS's drop was not as dramatic but a longer tumble into the Packers lap.
Reading DDS interviews displays a young man who's driven to improve and succeed. His work ethic = continuous improvement. He seems very coachable and team focused.
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 03:45 pm
Some people say he's kind of stiff and can't turn the corner well when rushing the passer, so he relies too much on a bull rush. So maybe there is a deficiency that the athletic testing did not capture. That's my best guess. His highlights sure look good, but I'm no expert.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 03:49 pm
Lack of production and not playing to his metrics. Teams believed film/scouting not testing.
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 05:38 pm
I compared his stats (tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles) to those of other edge players who were taken in the 2nd round, and they are pretty similar. That's why I think there must be something about the way he moves that people think may limit how his game translates to the NFL.
Alberta_Packer
April 27, 2026 at 04:13 pm
A very savvy draft by Gutekunst. He saw the opportunities on the Board and avoided the traps - like the early run on TEs. Also bypassed the lower value picks like RB and QB. Arguably his best qualitative draft.
PhantomII
April 27, 2026 at 10:24 am
Position of NEED: I NEED a GM to move up to #20 and choose Jefferson and take or mediocre WR group to the next level with Davante and win a couple MVP's and back to back SUPER BOWLS...These are the type of best player available...with NEED that we have failed to make at the worst possible time after multiple seasons of not replacing Jordy Nelson and others....... Are you in it to win it or not....Personally I have come to the conclusion GB just does not want to pay very high talent..so they don't reach UP and get what we actually NEED for the team to grow into a juggernaut....that we need it to be....maybe being in the top 10 drafting for a couple years would be a good thing for this team...because that's where we would have been without WILLIS AT QB.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 10:24 am
Amazing photo of Big Mac above! I thought he could not bend his knees? Just look at all that natural knee bending...and in BOTH knees.
I believe this could end up being one of the best drafts during Gutey's tenure. All 6 prospects...in college production...leadership...testing...and filling positions of need where ALL could contribute significantly this year. That would be unusual.
Starrbrite
April 27, 2026 at 05:15 pm
Lambeau—I feel the same. This could be one of Gutey’s best ever drafts.
stockholder
April 27, 2026 at 10:33 am
If you believe the propaganda behind the picks.
You shouldn't. It was Luck!
Judge this draft on what Gute did with his top 30 visits.
And of those top 30 visits. Where did they go?
DT - Hunter and Miller were his priority.
Lee was his top CB brought in.
He brought in 4 WRS that fit @84.
2 Safeties were also included with that pick.
Nobody is crying about what happen.
We were very fortunate Gute broke from his
board, to get the BPA.
The more you understand how this could
have gone down.
The more you'll see " his "
evaluations as a bunch of cockin Bull.
He was Lucky this time.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 10:42 am
Blar, blar, blar.
There's luck in every draft. The Packers were lucky ARod slid to them; they were smart enough to take him. To say they were lucky means you actually like the job Gute did. That's gotta hurt...
What you DON'T like is that he does what every other GM does, and that's smokescreen and deceive. Just because they brought in guys for visits, doesn't mean they're set on picking them. A guy can come in for a visit and turn a team off, too. Someone else made a nice statement on using those visits not just about additional evaluation, but also potentially as misdirection. You say he broke from his board, but we have no idea what the board looked like and never will.
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 10:48 am
the packers were lucky buy they had Ted Thompson and Ted was a Bob Harlan choice.
now they have a bunch of mediocre.
the facts Is Gute ruined the last Aaron Rodgers years with that infamous pick, so 99% he would have passed on Rodgers in 2005.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:20 am
Ted hired Brian Gutekunst, no? I guess your reverence for Ted only goes as far as his judgment on Aaron Rodgers.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 04:19 pm
Ron Wolf hired Brian Gutekunst. First as a summer intern in 1997 and then brought him back as a college scout in 1998. TT was heading pro scouting at that point.
the_gavia_pass
April 28, 2026 at 06:13 am
gutekunst Is a Murphy product.
Wolf hired him but Murphy appointed him to GM, the perfect yes-man for the Murphy organization.
We now know the real deal was John Schneider, 3 SB in 15 years VS 3 SB in 60 yrs by the packers.
stockholder
April 27, 2026 at 11:02 am
There is luck in every draft.
But he didn't finish what he started.
The fifth rd pick is a flop.
Are you saying Wicks was traded to deceive?
Because that how it looks if your right.
Lets go to both 7th rd picks.
For a kicker .
Most say a kicker is a wasted pick.
Knowing how Valentine and Rashan Walker
had become starters.
The gamble for a Kicker is another that must
look," like a Why" for a super-bowl team.
Tell the guys that bust their ass every game.
That Gute trusts a rookie.
The Article's put on Cheesehead TV say otherwise.
Regardless Gute has a history of stupid.
Failure to ignore that. Is pathetic.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:23 am
Do "most" say that? Collective stupidity is still stupidity.
The last pick in round six was worth the two picks in the 7th. They wanted that kicker. Get over yourself.
stockholder
April 27, 2026 at 12:58 pm
LOL
HarryHodag
April 27, 2026 at 10:34 am
I think at least two of these picks have a shot at starting this fall: Cisse and Dennis-Sutton. We don't know how Gannon's defense is going to shake out but it wouldn't be crazy to think Cisse could start at one corner. Dennis-Sutton is an athletic freak and could be the steal of the whole draft---not just Green Bay. To get his ability in the 4th round is shockingly good for Green Bay.
McClellan is also going to get a lot of playing time.
While this is a form of 'starting', Smack is going to be the kicker. You don't trade two draft picks to have a guy sit on the practice squad. McManus got paid but he's going to take the money and go.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 10:42 am
Can I remind you of 2004? BJ Sander? Yes, he was a punter/holder, not a kicker, but we did trade up for him, and he did end up on the practice squad.
You're probably right that Smack will be the kicker.
dobber
April 27, 2026 at 12:43 pm
" Smack is going to be the kicker."
Brett Conway on line 1....
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 05:16 pm
Jesus, the collective PTSD on late round picks is a complete wonder. Ain't no winning with the knuckle-dragging fanbase.
Lighten up people. Save your angst for the health reports on Kraft and Micah Parsons.
Starrbrite
April 27, 2026 at 08:37 pm
Ha—I have been waiting on a Conway reference—and it’s a good point.
But, as you know, I did agree with the Smack selection.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 10:37 am
The Packers had the #16 scoring offense in the league last year. They lost several games because the offense didn't get much accomplished. From the 21 guys we suit up games, we lost 2 of our top 4 WRs, our starting LT, our starting C, and our backup RB. Five guys. And we didn't add anybody through FA and only one Day 3 OL in the draft.
I don't understand how the offense is going to improve this year, unless it's some kind of magical "nobody gets hurt" scenario.
Not going to complain, or insinuate that I'm smarter than Gutekunst and the personnel people. But I'm really concerned about our ability to score points, especially in the 4th quarter against a playoff caliber defense.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2026 at 10:55 am
Another year of development should be part of it. MLF "tearing it all down to square one" hopefully means covering fundamentals and everybody playing better.
Some here claimed GB was "the most injured team" Las year; they weren't, but were certainly one of them. Not getting bit so hard by the injury bug would help.
All that said, I put the spotlight on coaching. Especially from now to week 1 ...
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 01:29 pm
Actually, by most measures we were middle of the pack.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:12 am
He's going to have to lean-in on the SF offense and get that run game working again. Some stylistic changes to the receiver room might help too. My hope is that Golden turns himself into Greg Jennings v.2, and that Savion Williams shows up as a hybrid threat and that the game slows down for him.
Losing Kraft hurt bad. Fingers crossed that he is back as a full version of himself. Love will be better. Ultimately, it's on LaFleur's shoulders.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 11:22 am
And why will Love be better? Is he going to get better protection? Is he going to have a better group of receivers? Is he going to have a better ground game?
When everybody on offense is healthy, it's an above average group. When guys like Watson, or Tom, or Reed, or Kraft, or Jacobs is injured, it's not an above average group. How many points did we score in the second half of the game that ended our season?
I'm skeptical. I don't see how this works.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:25 am
I'm an optimist. Sue me.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 11:35 am
I always thought I was an optimist, especially regarding the Packers. But I'm not seeing how we get from where we are to where we need to be.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:49 am
You supported the head coach, I was in the other camp, here we are. His specialty is offense, he better have a plan.
No team has a perfect roster. The defense has been good enough. It's all on LaFleur.
Alberta_Packer
April 27, 2026 at 04:25 pm
Do you hand the keys to an F1 race car to an uber driver? Such is my trepidation with LaFleur.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:17 am
"But I'm really concerned about our ability to score points, especially in the 4th quarter against a playoff caliber defense."
Yeah, those 2nd half/4th qtr lack of dominance & points happens when the HC/OC/play caller plays not to lose.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 11:31 am
It has been my experience that most plays will work if they are executed. I would urge you to rewatch that second half and ask if the play call was bad, or if it was poorly executed.
I think that not having Tom and Kraft on the field hurt us a lot.
You could go back to the regular season and watch the Eagles game, or the Panthers game (two playoff defenses). We really struggled to stay on the field and score points, and it looked to me like we just didn't execute very well.
greengold
April 27, 2026 at 09:55 pm
Well, now you’re getting warmer…
Tom injured. Jenkins injured. Banks injured. Morgan not playing his natural LT position. Jacobs injured. Kraft injured.
That was a shit show of key players injured. LH, I could see this ship turn a 180 with the personnel we now have, healthy & recovered. I’m thinking we might see Burton win the starting OC outright.
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 11:19 am
Good to hear from you Leatherhead! I was hoping you didn't leave CHTV.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2026 at 11:33 am
I'm traveling. Fixing to take another trip to DC in a few weeks, and then an Alaska cruise in August.
The negativity here is disheartening, but it hasn't driven me away, yet.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:49 am
"The negativity here is disheartening..."
Thanks for adding your share.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2026 at 11:41 am
You're making sense Leatherhead. I was projecting at least one OT to be picked up on this draft. A couple of wiggle TEs over looked in the middle rounds. Maybe he brings in some veteran helpers for the O line.
Kinnard doesn't turn the dial for me and missed the stunt in the Bear game which took Love out of the game and almost ended his season.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:56 am
The starting OL will have a first rounder, a multi-year starter, a third rounder, a second rounder and potentially one of the better Tackles in the NFL.
Time to coach them up as a Unit. Drafting another OT in lieu of Cisse, McCellan, or DDS doesn't make sense and I think Burton was a good get. Just do not think there were OTs and TEs that moved the needle much for Team Gutey in the 5th, 6th or 7th.
GregC
April 27, 2026 at 11:57 am
Who could they have drafted to improve the offense this year? Not anyone who would be likely to start. A backup RB, backup TE, backup OL, or a WR who would be #4 in the rotation, at best. I don't think they would've gotten much bang for their buck with offensive players this year, whereas the defense had big needs at CB and DT, and a potentially very good edge defender fell to them. A healthy Tucker Kraft and Zach Tom, fingers crossed, will help the offense a lot. I think the offense was ranked much higher before Kraft went down, although I'm not sure how to look that up and don't have time to try right now.
Swisch
April 27, 2026 at 12:20 pm
I think the Packers will have a high-flying offense in 2026 that's one of the best in the NFL.
(1) Kraft is back.
(2) We have one of the best corps of wide receivers in the league with Watson and Reed as veterans, plus Golden and Williams as up-and-coming, and maybe others. All of them have at least one season of gaining rhythm with our QB.
(3) The offensive line seems more set than last year, Tom is back, and the center we drafted from Kentucky and the guard we picked up in free agency from Illinois may be solid backups ready to contribute if needed.
(4) Jordan Love is already a very good quarterback, with the potential to be one of the best. We'll see. In the meantime, we can hope. It's not a big stretch to think that he's entering the prime of his career.
(5) We can also hope that LaFluer has learned from the gut-wrenching second-half failures of the past to not put the brake off the offense. Our strength is passing, with the running game as a strong complement. Let's not neglect the run, but lean more into the pass, from the first play to the last. Our running backs can get fewer carries but more receptions. Mix up the short and long passes, and use the field from side to side.
(6) We have a good head coach in LaFleur, maybe very good, with several seasons of experience to draw from. At designing plays, he may be a genius. If he can grow as a tactician and as a leader of men, the Packers could soar.
(7) Last year, we were at one point 9-3-1 before the avalanche of injuries resulted in a bizarre and precipitous drop down the slope. In general, the Packers have been a perennial playoff team. Maybe this is the year we actually win in the playoffs.
Finally, nothing is for certain, and that's the drama. It wouldn't be shocking if the Packers missed the playoffs in 2026. My hunch, though, is that instead of regressing, the team makes a significant stride upward.
Any improvements to the defense should also help the offense, and I think our defense is looking good.
I think we have an outside shot at the Super Bowl, a realistic possibility to add another title to Titletown.
Starrbrite
April 27, 2026 at 05:27 pm
LH-I’m with you on regarding the offense. They let the defense down several times. But, as you pointed out, the injury factor was front and center.
the_gavia_pass
April 27, 2026 at 10:50 am
16 yrs no SB.
here on cheeseheadtv you understand why.
fans dreaming every year on nothing.
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 11:20 am
How long has it been since your Vikings won a Super Bowl? Oh, that's right - they never have.
TruePackerBacker
April 27, 2026 at 02:56 pm
What does that have to do with the Packers not winning in the past 16 years?
Guam
April 27, 2026 at 03:17 pm
If you can't see the connection to a Viking troll baiting Packer fans about not winning a SB for 16 years, I can't help you.
the_gavia_pass
April 28, 2026 at 06:09 am
@guam you are the perfect example of a loser. this Is why we are giving 200 millions to a bust. because losers likes you get wet for mediocres.
Oxymoron 3339
April 27, 2026 at 10:58 am
Trading up to draft the only kicker taken in the draft. Used two picks on a kicker? Not to mention his failed attempts at drafting a K, P and believe it or not a LS in the past. None of those picks were on the team for long. Why not pick a WR or OT or even a LB. Two picks used to pick a K. We still have needs.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 11:17 am
I'll help you on this. Name five 7-th round picks that have contributed significantly to the Packers. Now tell me who you liked in the 7th round that would have given you additional comfort had they been drafted.
Here is a guarantee I'll make you - the 2026 Green Bay Packers will go into camp with a full complement of 90 players and come the start of the season they'll have 53 professional players on the roster. Other than Donald Driver, you can't show me a 7th round receiver who made a difference. Calm yourself.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2026 at 11:27 am
Agree. Packers wanted Smack and Gutey stated he did not believe he would drop to their first 7th. He also said there were no 2 prospects in the 7th round that would be more appealing than picking Smack.
Quality over quantity decision.
Swisch
April 27, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Two less draft picks also means room for two extra free agents or other types of addition.
Meanwhile, a solid kicker is often the difference between winning and losing, like a closer in baseball.
The kicker can add three more wins to any given season, which is huge.
Alberta_Packer
April 27, 2026 at 04:47 pm
Thinking that Kickers should never be drafted is mindless rhetoric. It Just parrots a judgement on past conditions. Whenever a team selects the best 'whatever' in college - that player has significant value.
Oxymoron 3339
April 27, 2026 at 03:28 pm
Off the top of my Head Rasheed Walker and Mark Tauscher. I bet if I actually look it up maybe Donald Driver too.
Coldworld
April 27, 2026 at 03:28 pm
7th round picks? How about Rasheed Walker and Valentine most recently. No one beats Donald Driver. Mark Tauscher, Scottie Wells, Adam Timmerman, Matt Flynn …
Oxymoron 3339
April 27, 2026 at 03:29 pm
Off the top of my head. Rasheed Walker, Mark Tauscher and Donald Driver. Your argument is not a good one.
Swisch
April 27, 2026 at 12:27 pm
The 7th-round isn't much higher than the free agents.
stockholder
April 27, 2026 at 01:01 pm
Wrong - 7th rd picks figure in the comp
pick distribution.
Oxymoron 3339
April 27, 2026 at 03:30 pm
Off the top of my head, Walker, Driver and Tauscher.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 07:20 pm
J. Michael Sturdivant is almost 6-3, 210-pound receiver, and he can play both boundary spots (X or Z receiver). His 4.4 40-yard dash is just an example of his speed. The tape also shows his ability to stress opposing defenses deep down the field. As a bottom-of-the-roster player/practice-squader, Sturdivant has to contribute on special teams, and that’s what he did in 2025 — in his final college season, he played more special teams snaps than in his previous three seasons combined.
If you'd like, well, you can call him a seventh round pick and you can sleep again at night.
PhantomII
April 27, 2026 at 10:55 pm
Well, the kicker did lose the playoff game to the Bears last season, because our brilliant coaches rushed back our injured kicker instead of using the Kicker that was starting and doing well. It sounds like a typical GB Packer season ending doesn't it.
Oxymoron 3339
April 27, 2026 at 03:46 pm
How about 10 instead of 5
Rasheed Walker, Carrington Valentine, Jeff Janis, Lawrence Guy, Matt Flynn, Dave Tollefson, Scott Wells, Mark Tauscher, Adam Timmerman and Donald Driver.
All 7th round picks.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 05:25 pm
now lets compress it - let's not go back to the 90s. I can help.
Rasheed Walker — Lightning in a bottle. Thought of so highly, that they drafted a tackle in the first round to replace him.
Donald Driver — 1999 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 213 (Packers). - nice return. 27 years ago.
Adam Timmerman — 1995 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 230 (Packers). Nice return. 30 years ago
Mark Tauscher — 2000 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 224 (Packers). 26 years ago.
Dave Tollefson — 2006 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 253 (Packers). - really? Dave Tollefson? 20 years ago
Matt Flynn — 2008 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 209 (Packers) - reasonable back-up, well done. 18 years ago
Lawrence Guy — 2011 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 233 - nothing special in Green Bay. 15 years ago.
Jeff Janis — 2014 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 236 LOL
Carrington Valentine — 2023 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 232 - OK> I give you that one.
So for thirty years, this is what you got. The defense rests.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 05:35 pm
If you're really willing to dig, here's what Chat told me -
20–25% of active players are undrafted
~5–8% of active players are 7th‑round picks
Also, they didn't just decide not to use available picks, they traded two for one to move up. Two lower picks, for a sixth rounder who they definitely wanted. Quit fucking crying. Either that, or cry more.
LeotisHarris
April 27, 2026 at 06:05 pm
Well, sure, if you're going die on this hill, that's fine. Just remember Jim Ringo was drafted in the 7th round in 1953, and the Packers took Hank Gremminger in the 7th (and later Bart Starr in the 17th) in 1956.
Note: the Packers used the 11th overall pick in 1972 to draft QB Jerry Tagge. 13 picks later they selected K Chester Marcol.
:::yells before closing the door::: And, Gary Ellerson was a 7th round pick in 1985!
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2026 at 07:18 pm
I should never bring a knife to a gun fight
pantz_bURp
April 27, 2026 at 06:44 pm
African proverb:
When two elephants fight, it's the antz that get hurt.
Pantzy