Packers Fans: How Are You Watching the 2026 NFL Draft?
Remember, it does absolutely zero good to overreact in the moment.
By Kevin Gibson
I remember being in Chicago for the 2013 draft, in a bar with my band, about to go onstage. My draft crush was a running back named Eddie Lacy.
The Packers’ second-round pick was coming up at roughly the same time my band was about to start revving up our guitars, so I asked the bartender if he would put the draft on the TV over the bar so I could peek over.
Nope, he said. There was a Blackhawks game about to come on. I had to wait and find out from my phone after our set that my draft wish had been granted. Of course, being in Chicago, I couldn’t even celebrate properly.
Two years ago, coincidentally, my fiancee’s son, who is a drummer, had a gig to play on a Saturday afternoon in our hometown Louisville, smack dab in the middle of the draft. No worries, I thought. It’s a sports bar.
Nope. Every sport imaginable was on the TVs in that place but the NFL Draft. So, I followed along, pick by pick, on my phone – or tried to. The reception in the place was terrible, and I nearly threw a full-on hissy fit in public before my fiancee handed me her phone, which was working fine, to shut me up..
Since that day, I have made plans to watch the draft without interruption. And if something makes that impossible, I just wait and check the picks later, especially for those sixth- and seventh-rounders. No more hissy fits.
Let’s face it: Watching the draft should be fun, even if it does involve a measure of just waiting around. It’s festive in its own way, a sign that football is coming back. It’s new NFL content. It’s a new beginning, a refresh. We get to meet new Packers – as an example, the drafting of edge rusher Barryn Sorrell last year in Green Bay is what the NFL Draft is all about. Pure football magic, and not a single football was thrown.
But after every pick, hope rises. The next few days for me involve watching college highlights, reading interviews and getting to know these new Green Bay players as best as I can from afar. For instance, I can still remember watching South Dakota State tape a couple days after the 2023 draft of a guy named Tucker Kraft and being absolutely riveted. As we all know, that promise came true.
Of course, most Packers fans have vivid memories of the drama that was Aaron Rodgers waiting alone in the green room, in a first-round freefall. A new Packers GM was on the clock for the first time, and he made the call to draft Brett Favre’s eventual replacement, much to the shock of Packers Nation.
And that was followed up 15 years later, amidst a global pandemic, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, from his basement, announced the Packers’ pick of quarterback Jordan Love. I remember thinking, “Uh-oh. Here we go again …”
But I think watching the draft, above all else, requires patience and faith. Green Bay tends to do unexpected things in the draft – things like signing two free-agent edge rushers, and then taking another one in the first round of the draft weeks later.
There will be hits, and there will be misses. There will be pleasant surprises like David Bakhtiari or Donald Driver, and there will be Datone Joneses and Tony Mandariches (OK, maybe not that bad).
Whether you watch with friends, grab a stool at your favorite bar, or just watch from the couch, it’s time for another Packers draft. Double-check your draft crushes, get your favorite snacks and beverages in hand, then settle in and enjoy the ride. It’s going to be a fun couple of days.
Have any draft-watching stories? Drop 'em in the comments.
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Kevin Gibson is a professional writer and author based in Louisville, Ky. He's also a former sports writer who covered high school, college and professional sports, a Packers shareholder and a fan since 1975. Even John Hadl couldn't break him. Follow him on Twitter: @kgramone
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Comments (22)
Spock
April 24, 2026 at 11:31 am
"How am I watching the NFL Draft?" I'm not. Never have. I used to tape the Draft and go back and watch what the talking heads had to say about the player the Packers took, but I stopped doing that (especially with later rounds) because the network always seemed to go to commercial or talk over (not about) the later players. I (sort of) understand some fans really, really, loving the draft & pre-draft mocks but I have no interest in learning about players until i KNOW that they are Green Bay Packers. As Nags would say, "Your mileage may vary." I will finally be able to enjoy the off season tomorrow when I will have plenty of pre-draft evaluations of the new Packers players to watch. :)
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 01:10 pm
"I (sort of) understand some fans really, really, loving the draft & pre-draft mocks but I have no interest in learning about players until i KNOW that they are Green Bay Packers."
💯👍💯👍
***************
As far as commercials....
A lot of years ago, i decided, i'm not watching commercials.
Since then, i either record everything, and/or...
I turn it on, and for example, watching the Packers, i will pause the kick-off for 30-45 minutes, then start watching it, fast forwarding through the commercials and, if i want to watch a replay, i just rewind and watch it.
To me, it's the only way to watch a game.
A NFL game is 60 minutes of play, but it takes over 3 hours to watch it
I call b s, i'm not doing it.
Over the last 2 decades, i probably saved a 1 or 2 weeks of time, not watching commercials.
The only people who like commercials, are the non football fans watching the Super Bowl,
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 04:44 pm
"A NFL game is 60 minutes of play, but it takes over 3 hours to watch it
I call b s, i'm not doing it."
You're such a rebel! You realize it costs money to broadcast games, right? You remind me of guys who used to hack into neighbor's cable so they wouldn't have to pay for it themselves. They thought they were sticking it to "The Man", but in reality it just resulted in higher cable costs for everyone else.
Nobody likes commercials, but some understand how things actually work.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 06:41 pm
Oh jeez...my lurking stalker is back again.
Nags...do you guys issue restraining orders here?
******
"Nobody likes commercials, but some understand how things actually work."
Are you trying to tell me, it cost money to broadcast games, and they accomplish that by airing commercials,?
Get out of town!!!.....i didn't realize!!
Hang on...let me get a pen and a notebook, i have to write this down, before i forget.
**********
So Seer, in your opinion, by your logic, i should therefore refrain from my criminal conduct of avoiding commercials, because it will result in higher football cost for the rest of you, who dutifully sits through and watches commercials, as the network intended you to?
You should consider writing an article in here about this subject.
Your convictions seem firm and passionate.
I think it would be an eye opening piece of work for all the readers here to enjoy.
*************
Is that your message you felt you needed to share....for some reason?
I love this guy...lol
Always makes me smile, so entertaining, in his unique wisdom.
👍
Thank you for the education, and for getting me back on the straight and narrow, wise one.
Keep on, keeping on Sage!!
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 06:47 pm
"Thank you for the education, and for getting me back on the straight and narrow wise one.
Keep on, keeping on Sage!!"
No need to thank me. You seem lost with most of your comments. I'm just here to help.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 07:36 pm
WOW...lol
Know when to say when.
Apparently, stalking obsession is blind to common logic.
******
In related...one more thing.
Are you feeling ok Sparky?
Have you considered...Xanax, and/or Thorazine?
I've heard those do wonders for stress, anxiety, and delusion.
Plus a side effect, is that it cures stalking behavior.
Again, for the 7th time, be a big boy and please, find someone else to obsess over.
Have a nice day.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 07:42 pm
Thank you. I usually do, but thanks for the thought.
dobber
April 24, 2026 at 03:48 pm
I'm with you: I'll follow the picks on commercial websites, but I don't watch the draft anymore except maybe on Saturday during the day as background noise when it moves fast. It's just too slow on the first two days. Last year was the exception because the draft was in GB. I tired of the chuckleheads and their commentary many years ago.
"I will finally be able to enjoy the off season tomorrow when I will have plenty of pre-draft evaluations of the new Packers players to watch. :)"
It's about time for substantive new content!
GreenandBold
April 24, 2026 at 11:46 am
Of course I’m watching the draft . I’m a Packers fan first but also interested in what our rivals are picking . Also I am a born and raised Ohio State fan and seeing how many first round picks the Buckeyes have is always fun . Most memorable draft for me is watching the Packers pass on Barry Sanders and so many other future studs to pick Mandarich . I’ll never forget yelling at the TV as soon as the pick was in . Barry was my pick .
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Who could forget the Green Bay Packer Legend Mark Hodge Murphy announcing the Packers 1st round pick.
Brought tears to my eyes.
If it wasn't for Murphy, i never would have had the pleasure of sledding down a slide of a roof top after the snow was hauled in for it.
To celebrate the 6 seconds of euphoria, a nice hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Memories.
Thanks Murph!!
Never forget.
*********
Just a thought....
After engineering, material cost, construction labor, ins, and having to haul in snow, etc. How much did that project cost?
How many tickets, in how many decades, must be sold yearly to recover that investment?
I guess that is what selling Packer stock is for it seems, improvements.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 07:15 pm
"I guess that is what selling Packer stock is for it seems, improvements."
What other purpose would selling Packer stock be for other than improvements? Are you actually catching on?
Just curious...How does the cost of the sledding hill affect you in any way, other than to rag on Murphy. If he involves himself in player development, he needs to stay in his lane. When he's raising money for the organization through things like the "sledding hill", he's mocked because...actually I don't know. Enlighten me.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 07:49 pm
Again Sparky???
I could explain ROI's to you in more detail.
But that doesn't mean i could make you understand it.
***********
Just curious though...How does stalking me, effect you in any way, other than to rag on me?
Does it somehow make you feel better about yourself in some delusional way?
*******
Don't you have anything better to do than stalk someone you don't know on a football forum.
You've been doing this for over 6 months now.
Help is out there.
There are even free programs out there that are designed to help your segment of society.
HELP ME, HELP YOU.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 08:08 pm
I simply asked why you're hung up on a sledding hill, when that has no bearing on what goes on with the team's performance on the field. Seems like a logical question.
I seem to understand ROI in this instance better than you Pookie. All NFL teams are finding ways to find revenues by developing areas around their arenas to attract more fans. I'm not sure why Title Town is any different. But I'm sure you'll explain it to me. I'll wait.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 08:37 pm
You'll wait??
The scary thing is, i believe you.
Oh man....know when to stop already!!
Grow up.
Instead of stalking me, do what the other mentally challenged do.
just give me a thumbs down...simple, right?
But no......
Go outside for a walk, do a puzzle, play solitaire, do something other than cling on to me.
Is that too much to ask?
Seriously, try to be a big boy, go ask for a bowl of ice cream or something.
Do anything that will make you less stressed and obsessed over me.
For the 8th time, stop clinging to, and stalking me.
For the love of God, heed my previous advice, GET HELP
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 08:56 pm
Nah, I'll just wait for you to explain it to me. Pretty simple. You brought up the sledding hill, not me. And you still haven't done anything but deflect.
Being a dullard and all, I just don't understand how a) it affects the performance of the team on the field, and b) how it differs from other teams generating revenue from developing areas around their stadiums.
To quote you, "is that too much to ask"?
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 11:27 pm
You'll wait for me....again?
A stalker clinging to someone on the internet.
Now...does that sounds like someone in control of themselves?
You are a grown man, am i correct on that?
Because, i'm starting to find that hard to believe unless you're an adult who is mentally challenged..
**********
"You brought up the sledding hill, not me." - Stalker
And NOT, to you.
So that means you have to follow me around, harass my post, and cling on to me as if i was your first love that broke your little heart?
Again, for the 9th time, stop following me around here as if you have personality disorders, or worse.
As i said in another post, take your meds, go to bed, sing 'soft kitty' to yourself, and dream yourself to sleep.
PackerBackerAZ
April 24, 2026 at 01:21 pm
The NFL draft is already here? Wish I'd known sooner. Too late to change my plans now. Can't imagine anything more boring than watching teams I don't care about selecting players I know nothing about. Looking forward to getting to know whom the Packers selected the next day.
Coldworld
April 24, 2026 at 03:26 pm
I follow on websites. Last night Packers wire did a good job listing the picks as they happened. Otherwise one of the nationals. Then I will look up comments here and on APC later. Watching on TV never made sense to me and is often annoying fluff.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 08:16 pm
Annoying fluff, like mock draft experts, and commercials.
Although watching Rashan Gary blubber like a 1 year old baby was entertaining in a strange sort of way.
But to be fair, if i won the lottery, i might shed a tear also.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 08:11 pm
A dullard once said to me....
"How does the cost of the sledding hill affect you in any way...."
Gee, i can't imagine, perhaps....higher concession prices, higher ticket prices, higher parking prices, etc?
"For the 2025 NFL season, Green Bay Packers ticket prices at Lambeau Field will increase by $7-$21per seat.
These increases, representing the 15th increase in 16 seasons."
******
"Packers increase Lambeau Field ticket prices for 2026-27 season will increase by $4 - $22 per seat. These increases, representing the 16th increase in 17 seasons.
Luckily these ticket increases won't a effect a family of 4 going to enjoy a game for a few hours, for the affordable cost of only about $600..if they live close.
*******
"For the 2025 NFL season, regular hot dogs at Lambeau Field increased by 50 cents to $7.49
Other concessions also saw price hikes, including 16-ounce domestic beers rising 20 cents to $10.99 and 24 oz. sodas increasing to $6.99"
************
all in all....maybe he now understands how this works, but if he doesn't, maybe someone he knows can explain it to him better than i can.
No worries.
Being a lil slow, isn't a crime.
13TimeChamps
April 24, 2026 at 08:33 pm
You're right. Green Bay is the only team in the NFL that develops land around their arenas to generate additional income to draw in new fans for a fun experience. I wonder if the NFL would have held the 2025 draft in Green Bay without Title Town. I'm guessing not.
"Maybe....he understands how this works" Maybe, but unless you can show data that Title Town has raised ticket prices at a higher rate than other teams during this same time period, you're going to have to show me.
You know... other than that 50 cent spike in hot dogs.
Since'75
April 24, 2026 at 08:44 pm
You must think you are the Dullard i was referring too?
Either way....You go to bed now ok, tomorrow is another day.
Being a lil slow, or downvoting, isn't a crime.
If downvoting improves your mental health, no problem, downvote me all you wish, because if your happy, i'm happy.
Hope you feel better 👍