Anticipating the Future: Green Bay's Path Through the 2026 NFL Draft
Navigating the Limited Early Rounds: Green Bay's Approach to the 2026 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers are poised to make eight selections in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. However, the team possesses only two picks within the coveted top 100, a notable shift from their strategy two years prior when they secured five early-round talents. This year's draft, hosted in Pittsburgh, will unfold over three days: Thursday, April 23 (7 p.m. CT), Friday, April 24 (6 p.m. CT), and Saturday, April 25 (11 a.m. CT), and will be broadcast across ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. The Packers' first-round pick was traded to Dallas as part of the acquisition for star player Micah Parsons.
Round Two Outlook: The 52nd Pick and Notable Predecessors
The Packers' first opportunity to select a player will be at pick No. 52 in the second round. Historically, this pick has yielded diverse talents. Last year, the Titans drafted defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo at this spot. In previous years, wide receivers like Adonai Mitchell (Colts) and George Pickens (Steelers), as well as running backs Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks), have been chosen around this position. A well-known player to emerge from this spot is running back Cam Akers (Rams, 2020). For the Packers, former selections at No. 52 include wide receiver Greg Jennings (2006) and various backs and tackles from earlier eras. Based on recent drafts, the Packers can anticipate making this pick around 7:35 p.m. CT on April 24.
Recent Second-Round Successes: A Tradition of Talent
Over the past 15 drafts, the Packers have demonstrated a strong ability to identify impactful players in the second round. Recent successes include linebackers Edgerrin Cooper (2024, No. 45) and Javon Bullard (2024, No. 58), tight end Luke Musgrave (2023, No. 42), and wide receivers Jayden Reed (2023, No. 50) and Christian Watson (2022, No. 34). Other notable second-round picks who have contributed significantly are Josh Myers (2021, No. 62), Elgton Jenkins (2019, No. 44), Davante Adams (2014, No. 53), Eddie Lacy (2013, No. 61), Casey Hayward (2012, No. 62), and Randall Cobb (2011, No. 64).
Third Round Insights: Green Bay's 84th Pick and Historical Impact
The Packers will next select at pick No. 84 in the third round. Last year, the Buccaneers chose defensive back Jacob Parrish here. Previous years saw selections like wide receiver Roman Wilson (Steelers), running back De'Von Achane (Dolphins), and defensive talents DeMarvin Leal (Steelers) and Chauncey Golston (Cowboys). Wide receiver Chris Godwin (Buccaneers, 2017) is a notable player drafted at this spot. Past Packers selections at No. 84 include running back LeShon Johnson (1994) and defensive end Tim Harris (1986). This pick is projected to occur around 9:27 p.m. CT on April 24.
Third-Round Gems: A Legacy of Key Contributors
In the last 15 drafts, the Packers have also found success in the third round. Tight end Tucker Kraft (2023, No. 78) and versatile player Ty Montgomery (2015, No. 94) are among the recent examples. Richard Rodgers (2014, No. 98) also stands out as a productive third-round pick for the team.
Fourth Round Prospects: Green Bay's 120th Selection and Emerging Stars
In the fourth round, the Packers hold pick No. 120. The Titans selected tight end Gunnar Helm here last year. Earlier picks at this spot include running back Jaylen Wright (Dolphins), tackle Carter Warren (Jets), linebacker Brandon Smith (Panthers), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots). Defensive tackle Geno Atkins (Bengals, 2010) is a familiar name from this draft position. The Packers' historical No. 120 picks include defensive end Cecil Pryor (1970) and tackle Ed Podgorski (1945). The estimated time for this selection is 11:57 a.m. CT on April 25.
Developing Fourth-Round Talent: Significant Recent Acquisitions
The Packers have a strong track record of unearthing valuable players in the fourth round over the past 15 drafts. Recent examples include Evan Williams (2024, No. 111), Colby Wooden (2023, No. 116), wide receivers Romeo Doubs (2022, No. 132) and Zach Tom (2022, No. 140). Other impactful fourth-rounders include running back Jamaal Williams (2017, No. 134), linebackers Blake Martinez (2016, No. 131) and Dean Lowry (2016, No. 137), and offensive linemen David Bakhtiari (2013, No. 109) and JC Tretter (2013, No. 122). Defensive tackle Mike Daniels (2012, No. 132) also emerged from this round.
Fifth Round Opportunities: Picks 153 and 160 and Their Legacy
The Packers will have two picks in the fifth round: No. 153 and No. 160. At pick 153, the Bengals chose guard Jalen Rivers last year. Past selections at this spot include defensive back Denatre Prince (Jaguars), linebacker SirVocea Dennis (Buccaneers), defensive back Tariq Woolen (Seahawks), and linebacker Tony Fields (Browns). Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (Jets) is a known player picked here. The Packers have historically selected quarterbacks Randy Wright (1984) and backs Don Herndon (1958) at No. 153. This pick is estimated for 1:33 p.m. CT on April 25. For pick 160, the 49ers drafted defensive back Marques Sigle last year. Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (Bills), defensive back Antonio Johnson (Jaguars), defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia (Chargers), and defensive back Shaun Wade (Ravens) are recent selections at this position. Quarterback Josh Johnson (Buccaneers, 2008) is a familiar face from this slot. Packers' historical 160th picks include linebacker Anthony Hicks (1997) and quarterback Jay Barker (1995). This pick is projected for 2:51 p.m. CT on April 25.
Sixth and Seventh Round Prospects: Final Opportunities for Green Bay
The Packers will conclude their draft with three later-round selections: No. 201 (sixth round), No. 236 (seventh round), and No. 255 (seventh round). At pick 201, the Vikings drafted linebacker Kobe King last year. The Packers' lone historical pick at 201 was Don Anderson, a back in 1948. This pick typically occurs around 3:52 p.m. CT. At pick 236, the Jaguars selected running back LeQuint Allen last year. The Packers have a richer history at this spot, including defensive back Vernon Scott (2020) and wide receiver Jeff Janis (2014), along with numerous backs and tackles from earlier decades. This pick is usually made around 5:16 p.m. CT. Finally, at pick 255, the Texans chose tight end Luke Lachey last year. The Packers' history at No. 255 includes defensive back Kalen King (2024), quarterbacks Don Majkowski (1987) and Ronnie Quillian (1957), and other players across various positions. This final pick is expected around 5:59 p.m. CT.
Discovering Late-Round Talent: Packers' Track Record in Rounds Six and Seven
The Packers have a proven ability to find valuable players in the sixth and seventh rounds. Recent success stories include Karl Brooks (2023, No. 179) and Carrington Valentine (2023, No. 232). Offensive lineman Jon Runyan (2020, No. 192), wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (2018, No. 207), fullback Aaron Ripkowski (2015, No. 206), and wide receiver Jeff Janis (2014, No. 236) are other notable late-round picks who contributed to the team.
