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Which Top 30 Visitors Could Be Drafted Friday Night? Thursday evening should be pretty low-key for Brian Gutekunst and company. The Packers don't have a first-round pick, so their draft doesn't kick off until Friday night. They're currently slotted at 52 and 84, though there could be plenty of movement up or down as teams jockey for position over the weekend. Wherever Green Bay ends up picking on Friday, one thing seems likely: don't be surprised if they call the name of someone who made a Top 30 visit to Green Bay. Every NFL team is allowed to bring up to 30 players in for in-person visits before the draft. Teams use these visits for private interviews, medical evaluations, and individual workouts — giving them a closer look at a prospect's character, a chance to fill out their scouting reports, or even a head start on recruiting potential undrafted free agents. Since Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018, the Packers have been especially intentional about who they bring in. If they invite a guy for a visit, it's worth paying attention. Per Andy Herman, Gutekunst has acquired more than 20% of the players he’s brought in for pre-draft visits. There's no guarantee they take one of their visitors this weekend, but based on Gutekunst's track record, the odds are strong that Gutekunst will add several more this weekend. Of this year's visitors, ten stand out as legitimate targets in the second or third round based on consensus draft boards. Here's a look at each one: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee Age: 22 RAS: N/A Consensus Big Board: #57 Draft Projection: Round 3-4 Brazzell II is a big, fast receiver who can take the top off any defense. At 6'4" and 198 pounds, he posted a 4.37-second 40 with excellent acceleration within the first ten yards. That height-speed combination, paired with an 80-inch wingspan, gives him a massive catch radius. His blocking in the run game needs work, and he lacks special teams experience, but his physical profile is exactly what Matt LaFleur looks for in a receiver. Brazzell posted a PFF grade of 79.4 last season at Tennessee. Think a young Christian Watson or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Here’s what Lance Zierlien had to say about Brazzell II: “Long-limbed 'Z' receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside. Brazzell’s 2025 tape shows the game slowing down for him, allowing the production to catch up with the traits. He builds speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks. He’s a more competent route runner than most field-stretcher types, but he needs to become more physical on contested targets underneath. Brazzell didn’t see many in-your-face press challenges this past season, but he’s likely to get an early taste of it as a pro.” Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech Age: 25 RAS: 8.84 Consensus Big Board: #77 Draft Projection: Round 3 Height is a gifted athlete with excellent quickness and explosion off the line of scrimmage. He closes fast in the open field thanks to good speed and burst, and he plays with a high motor. He’s widely regarded as one of the hardest workers in this draft class. He posted an overall PFF grade of 92.9, which was the best amongst all edge rushers. He'll need to add mass and strength to hold up at the NFL level, and frankly, he doesn't fit the typical edge rusher profile the Packers look for. His height, weight, and arm length all fall below Green Bay's usual thresholds, and he's older than the prospects Gutekunst typically targets at the position. Think Nick Herbig or Vic Beasley. Here’s what Dane Brugler had to say about Height: “On the hoof, Height looks more like a stack linebacker than edge defender, and his measurables fall below NFL thresholds. But keeping him blocked is easier said than done. His combination of initial quickness, sudden feet and active hands helps him slither around roadblocks and close in a flash. He flashes speed to power to put blockers in reverse, although he needs a runway to create enough force. He will be overwhelmed at times in the run game but does offer the versatility to peel off and cover zones or wheel routes. There aren’t many edge rushers with Height’s slender size profile who find sustained NFL success, but his twitchy get-off and rush movements can be weaponized by the right defensive play caller. He projects as a sub-down designated pass rusher in the NFL.” A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU Age: 22 RAS: N/A Consensus Big Board: #59 Draft Projection: Round 2-3 The Packers aren't in the market for another safety, but it's easy to see why Haulcy would be on their radar. Over the course of his college career at New Mexico, Houston, and LSU, he racked up over 340 tackles and ten interceptions. He's physical, unafraid of contact, and plays with an edge. His 4.52-second 40 time is nothing special, but it’s good enough. His instincts and quick reactions allow him to play faster than he tests. Haulcy posted an overall PFF grade of 86.6 at LSU last season. The downside is that he misses too many tackles and doesn't wrap up consistently enough. His lack of short-area quickness could become problematic at the next level if teams don’t use him correctly. Some draft analysts have drawn comparisons to Xavier McKinney, but DeShon Elliott or Chuck Clark feel more accurate. Here’s what the Cheesehead TV Draft Guide had to say about Haulcy: “Haulcy is an enforcer on defense, and plays with a very high motor. If a team is looking for someone with some ‘swag’ in their secondary, Haulcy will provide. He has great instincts but not necessarily great technique, delivering great production in college (10 interceptions, 19 passes defended). He mostly played free safety in college and loves to play downhill, but he is too erratic to have success from free safety in the NFL. Haulcy loves to deliver big hits, but will whiff on many routine tackles. He is usually seeking out the big hit and using his shoulder as opposed to wrapping up. His play style is best suited for a zone scheme, which is where he did the majority of his damage. He doesn’t have the speed or footwork to be trusted in man and could be a liability in single coverage situations.” Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech Age: 23 RAS: 4.12 Consensus Big Board: #49 Draft Projection: Round 2-3 The Packers need a nose tackle, and Hunter fits the bill size-wise. At 6'3" and 320 pounds, he has the size and strength to make it difficult for offensive linemen to move him. He posted an overall PFF grade of 80.5 last season at Texas Tech. There are real concerns, though. He faced weak competition in college, but he relied more on his size rather than on good technique. Athletically, he's well below Green Bay's typical thresholds across the board — his 10-yard split, 20-yard split, 40 time, vertical, and broad jump all fall short. He'll also be 24 before training camp opens, which is older than the prospects Gutekunst typically targets on day two of the draft. Best-case scenario, think Harrison Phillips. Here’s what Dane Brugler had to say about Hunter: “With light feet for a big guy, Hunter offers a balanced blend of strength, length, and movements. He can post up on run downs and shut down A-gaps, while also flashing the lateral range to make more plays away from his square than your average nose. He is naturally strong, although high pads and a narrow base can take away from his power supply. He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan. Hunter doesn’t have the pass-rush skill set to consistently impact the quarterback, but he is instinctive as a run defender and has heavy hands to make stops at the line of scrimmage. He projects as a scheme-diverse, two-gapping nose.” Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State Age: 21 RAS: 9.90 Consensus Big Board: #69 Draft Projection: Round 2-3 Hurst is another big, athletic receiver who can stretch the field. His speed and stride allow him to create separation vertically, and his ball-tracking ability has translated into consistent explosive play production. His play earned him an 82.0 overall PFF grade at Georgia State last season. That said, Hurst wasn't asked to block much in college — something Matt LaFleur demands from his wideouts —, and he lacks special teams experience, so those will be question marks at the next level. He's still young and will need to expand his route tree and polish his footwork, but the tools are there to develop into a useful contributor. Think George Pickens or Cedric Tillman. Here’s what Lance Zierlien had to say about Hurst: “Long-legged, vertical-minded wideout with the speed and ability to stress corners from snap to whistle. Hurst is quick to beat press and hit the accelerator into his route work. He has the hips, feet and balance to run a more robust route tree than what we saw from him in college. He’s an above-average ball-tracker deep and a dangerous catch-and-run option. The hands are average and he needs to become more assertive on 50/50 balls on all three levels. Hurst appears capable of surviving the jump in competition and projects as a “Z” receiver with quality upside.” Ted Hurst is visiting with the #Packers this week.pic.twitter.com/NvhgwbniQ6 https://t.co/wF7iwA643A — Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 14, 2026 Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State Age: 22 RAS: 9.86 Consensus Big Board: #30 Draft Projection: Round 1-2 Iheanachor landing in Green Bay would be a surprise — not because of his profile, but because he probably won’t be available when it’s time for the Packers to pick. Iheanachor has a strong chance of going in the first round, and even if he slips to the second, the Packers likely wouldn't move up from 52 to get him. That said, there's clearly a reason they brought him in. Athletically, he checks every box Green Bay looks for: 6'6", 320 pounds, nearly 34-inch arms, and gifted movement skills for a man his size. He shows good footwork and body control in pass protection and can hold his own in space. Iheanachor didn't allow a sack over 484 pass block snaps last season, good enough for a 72.5 overall PFF grade. Technique and hand placement still need refinement, but the tools are all there. Think Jawaan Taylor or Germain Ifedi. Here’s what the Cheesehead TV Draft Guide had to say about Iheanachor: “Iheanachor is an above-average athlete with the desired offensive tackle size and length. His tape shows a good mix of power and movement skills, ticking the scheme-versatility box. He’s quick off the snap and delivers a nice pop on first contact but tends to push-block and lose the leverage battle. Iheanachor excels on combo blocks, getting to the second level comfortably and affecting the play. In pass protection, he’s a fluid mover with quick feet. He has plus lateral agility that lets him mirror rushers but struggles with speed to power moves. His punches are underwhelming, and his hands are late and often placed too wide. Iheanachor lets rushers into his chest and gets stood up, disrupting his anchor. He’s a battler, though—never giving up on a rep. Unsure decision-making while processing stunts underlies his relative newness to the position and football in general.” Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M Age: 23 RAS: 9.39 Consensus Big Board: #125 Draft Projection: Round 4-5 Lee III is projected to go somewhere in the fourth or fifth round on Saturday, but given the Packers' need at corner, targeting him as early as Friday night wouldn't be surprising at all. A two-year starter at boundary corner for Texas A&M, Lee uses his long arms effectively at the line of scrimmage to jam receivers and disrupt routes. Lee’s physicality, paired with exceptional jumping ability, helps him overcome any speed limitations. He’s also a very willing and capable tackler who isn't afraid to lay a lick on ball carriers underneath. Lee had too many penalties last season and didn’t generate any turnovers, earning a 66.5 overall PFF grade, but his traits are intriguing. Think Benjamin St-Juste. Here’s what the Cheesehead TV Draft Guide had to say about Lee III: “Will Lee III is a competitive boundary corner who brings length, discipline, and a physical play style to the position. At Texas A&M, he played in a defensive scheme that required corners to handle a balanced mix of man and zone coverage and showed comfort in both. In man coverage, Lee stays patient and works to remain in phase through vertical routes while maintaining good leverage along the boundary. In zone, he shows solid awareness with his eyes on the quarterback while staying disciplined within his assignment. Lee is also physical at the line of scrimmage, using his reach and timing to disrupt receivers early in routes. He competes well at the catch point and is active in run support when plays move to the perimeter.” Christen Miller, DT, Georgia Age: 21 RAS: N/A Consensus Big Board: #47 Draft Projection: Round 2 If Miller is still on the board at 52, it would be surprising if the Packers passed on him. He checks in at nearly 6'4" and 325 pounds with 33-inch arms and an 80-inch wingspan — and he's only 21 years old. The term to describe Miller is rock-solid. He's stout against the run, difficult to move off the spot, and moves well laterally. He uses his hands well, delivers a strong punch, and rarely ends up on the ground. He's not much of a pass rusher, but he would immediately upgrade Green Bay's run defense. In his first fully healthy season, he posted an impressive 82.3 overall PFF grade. As a bonus, he's been described as energetic, goofy, and always smiling. The Packers love defensive players from Georgia, and Miller could be the next in line. Think Kenny Clark or Braden Fiske. Here’s what Dane Brugler had to say about Miller: “More quick than explosive, Miller is an athletic big man who mixes things up against blockers and shows impressive range for his size. He flashes violence in his hands to swipe away the reach of blockers and gain access to the pocket, but he lacks consistency in this area. His quickness and strength allow him to stack and leverage gaps. Miller can be up and down with his anchor and rush consistency, but he is rock solid as a run defender who should excel on early downs. His role will shift depending on scheme, though he projects best as a one-gapping nose in a four-man front.” Christen Miller is another Georgia 🐶 to add to your #Packers draft board. Twitched-up DT with quick, efficient hands, good upfield burst, and solid range to squeeze running lanes. Would be hard to pass up if he’s still on the board at 52. pic.twitter.com/rm9t8qBbV9 — Brandon Carwile (@BCarwile_NFL) March 30, 2026 Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana Age: 22 RAS: 9.15 Consensus Big Board: #118 Draft Projection: Round 5 Proctor is a slightly undersized defensive tackle at 6'2" and 295 pounds, but he's an elite athlete and will be a fun chess piece for any defensive coordinator. The athleticism jumps off the tape — his 10-yard split, 20-yard split, and 40 time all ranked in the mid-90th percentiles, and his explosion jumps off the screen. That burst as a pass rusher translates to the run game as well, allowing him to shoot gaps and move laterally along the line of scrimmage. He backed it up statistically, generating 39 pressures last season on the way to an 86.5 overall PFF grade. Off the field, he was regarded as the best-conditioned player on his team, and his college coach called him a special leader and person. The size concern is real, though. He'll need to add mass and hold up better against double teams and bigger offensive linemen, and the jump in competition will be significant. Think Milton Williams or Kobie Turner. Here’s what Dane Brugler had to say about Proctor: “With his undersized frame and FCS background, Proctor heads to the NFL with plenty of doubters. But he didn’t look out of place on his 2025 LSU tape or during combine week (20.95 mph on-field speed, fastest among all defensive tackles in Indianapolis). His issues versus power show on down blocks, but he has disruptive feet with the eyes and pursuit skills of a former linebacker. Proctor lacks ideal girth and will need to prove himself versus NFL size, but his athletic traits, passionate motor and elite intangibles are qualities NFL teams should want in their organization. Similar in ways to Kobie Turner, he is worth a Day 3 gamble.” Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas Age: 22 RAS: 9.88 Consensus Big Board: #60 Draft Projection: Round 2-3 A running back in the second round? Fans might not love it, but this one might be an exception. Washington is a physically imposing back with game-changing speed, quick burst, and excellent agility. He’s a true home run threat every time he touches the ball. He has the frame to handle a big workload, though his upright running style leads to him taking some unnecessary contact. He needs work as a pass blocker, but by all accounts, he's a quiet, hard-working presence in the locker room. His college coaches said he fit in from day one, putting his head down and getting to work. On the field, he was one of just four SEC running backs to rush for over 1,000 yards last season, earning a 78.3 overall PFF grade. Think LaTavius Murray or Jaylen Wright. Here’s what Lance Zierlien had to say about Washington: “Washington made stops at three different colleges and showed improvement with each move to a new school. He’s fast with loose hips and adequate agility. He’s not very sudden in tight quarters and is a step slow to see it and go when the hole opens. He can glide and swerve around interior traffic once he’s on the move, though. He has breakaway speed in the open field and is capable as an inside/outside runner. Running to his size with a greater degree of aggressiveness will be the key as he makes the jump. Washington has the traits and talent to become a solid rotational back.” Filed Under: Packers NewsNFL DraftFeaturedGreen Bay Packers PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Carter Semb is a lifelong Packer fan, shareholder, and season ticket holder. He is a contributor for Cheesehead TV and Packers Talk. For commentary surrounding Wisconsin sports, he can be found on X at @cmsemb. __________________________ Tags: NFL DraftBrian GutekunstMatt LaFleur Like 0 points
17 hours ago 6 1 0 0
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8 Predictions for Packers 8 Picks in 2026 NFL Draft DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State This defensive tackle class is not loaded with talent, but the Packers need one, and specifically a nose tackle. Orange fits that need as well as the athletic profile they usually look for. This pick could come at 52 or even after a small trade back. CB Daylen Everette, Georgia The round three/four turn is ripe for a cornerback pick, which is long overdue for some investment by Green Bay. There are several options who make sense, but Everette has the size, athleticism and college pedigree at a school Brian Gutekunst has dipped into regularly. OL Trey Zuhn III - Texas A&M Green Bay seem pretty set with their starting five ahead of the 2026 season, but they do not know what type of offensive line help they might need a year from now if one or multiple of their bets do not pay off. Zuhn has extensive experience at left tackle, a little at center, and is believed to have true five-position versatility. He also crushed pre-draft testing with elite speed and explosion scores. CB Charles Demmings - Stephen F. Austin Green Bay could look to double up at corner in this deep draft, and Demmings makes sense as a day three dart throw from a small school. He took a ‘30’ visit with the Packers, and Gutekunst has a strong track record of drafting those players. RB Kaelon Black - Indiana Another pre-draft visitor, Black could provide a long-term succession plan to Josh Jacobs in terms of a bruising, physical runner, although admittedly a poor man’s version. Gutekunst told the media at the owner’s meetings he intended to add more competition to the running back room. WR Caleb Douglas - Texas Tech After trading Dontayvion Wicks, the Packers now have room to take another shot on some receiving depth, and Douglas fits the bill as a height/weight/speed prospect at 6’3 ½”, 206 lbs with 4.39 speed. He put up over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns at Texas Tech since 2024. DT Jordan Van Den Berg - Georgia Tech Defensive tackle could also use a double up, and Green Bay could draft one of the freakiest athletes at the position in Van Den Berg, whom they had in for a visit. The South Africa native ran a 4.94 40, jumped 36” in the vert and 9’11” in the broad at 306 lbs. A project worth taking on. EDGE Michael Heldman - Central Michigan Heldman went to a small school but was productive with 83 pressures and 17 sacks since 2024 per PFF. He also tested extremely well, running a 4.70 40, jumping 40” in the vert and 10’3” in the broad at almost 6’4”, 268 lbs. Heldman is another ‘30’ visit guy they could take a chance on. Filed Under: NFL DraftFeaturedGreen Bay PackersMark Oldacres   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Packers newspackers draft predictionsPackers mock draftDomonique orangedaylen Everette Like 0 points
22 hours ago 7 1 0 0
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Aaron Nagler's 2026 NFL Draft Crushes Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL DraftAaron Nagler Draft Crushes Like 0 points
1 day ago 3 0 0 1
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Final Mock Draft Monday: Packers Reload the Trenches & Stack Late-Round Value Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL Draft Like 0 points
1 day ago 5 1 0 0
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The Most Likely "Wildcard" Picks If there’s one thing that Brian Gutekunst has proven, it’s to expect the unexpected. It happens every year. In each and every, the Packers go outside of the norm at least once. Think Ty’ron Hopper taken in the third round, when he was solidly believed to be a day three to undrafted guy. They took a second receiver, Savion Williams, in the third round of last year’s draft instead of a cornerback or defensive lineman. They took a quarterback in the first round, in a year with zero perceived need. It goes on and on.  But if we accept that there is an extremely high chance that Gutey is going to hit the entire fanbase with a broadside on Friday or Saturday night, it becomes easier to try to find who that might be Mike Washington Jr At 6’1” 223 lbs, Washington is a behemoth of a running back that runs like a freight train. He was the temporary recipient of a 10.00 RAS, which has since been downgraded to a mere 9.88 (meaning he’s still in the 98th of athletes ever at running back). He’s not just a workout warrior however. Behind an offensive line that was disappointing at best at Arkansas, Washington led the entire SEC in 20+ yard runs, proving that he could perform against one of the highest levels of competition in college football. While there are still questions about his late college breakout and his fumbling issues, Washington is an ascending player who should thrive in the right system.  Washington was brought in by the team on a top 30 visit, proving that there is a definite level of interest from Green Bay. Honestly, this would be such a classic Gutey move: the kind that lays out the path for the future while simultaneously spelling doom for a player already on the roster.  Now, I love Josh Jacobs as much as anyone, but there’s an unfortunate truth to the fact that he isn’t getting any younger. He’s carried the ball 572 times over his time in Green Bay, his highest mark over his career. His contract might also become a bit of a sticking point next offseason. Combine that with Emmanuel Wilson leaving in free agency and Marshawn Lloyd’s general lack of availability, and it’s easy to see why the front office would probably prefer to take a running back this year. Washington checks all the boxes, from physical profile, to athletic thresholds, to production in college.  Sam Rousch In a similar vein, tight end is a sneaky need for the Packers in this draft. Tucker Kraft, even coming off an ACL tear, will be receiving a massive extension with the team in the very near future (my guess would be as soon as he is physically cleared), but there are lots of questions behind him. Luke Musgrave has never progressed into the type of receiving threat that Green Bay envisioned when they selected him, and while Josh Whyle proved that he belonged on an NFL field, there isn’t much true upside there.  With the amount of two and three tight end sets that the league saw come into vogue last season, it would behoove the Packers to secure a proper running mate for Kraft over the near future. Matt LaFleur is the perfect coach to take advantage of the advantage that having multiple TEs gives you. I have a feeling that the Packers are going to lean hard into that trend, not only for the advantage that it can give you running, but to help out the O-Line on running downs. After Tucker Kraft went down in week nine with a torn ACL, LaFleur was forced to get creative with  his run blocking (mostly via the usage of six offensive line formations), but I have a feeling he’d rather maintain versatility.  Roush gives the Packers everything they love in a tight end prospect. Namely: he’s big and athletic. As the proud owner of a 9.99 RAS, Roush is certain to have several suitors come draft time. He’s not just a pretty athletic score, however. At 6’6” 267 lbs, he’s got the ideal size to take maximum advantage of his athletic gifts. He’s also got my favorite trait in a tight end: zeal to block.  Ted Hurst Honestly, there are a couple of wide receivers that could fit the bill for this article. There is Chris Brazzell, who also came to Green Bay on a top 30 visit. Bryce Lance is an ultra-athletic receiver who compares with Christian Watson in so many different ways. Germie Bernard is basically a Romeo Doubs clone. But it’s Hurst who I think is the most likely receiver selection in round two, if the Packers wanted to go in that direction.  Hurst has an exciting blend of size and speed, and the body of work in college to back it up. While participating in a lower level of competition at Georgia State, Hurst was still able to put on a show at the Senior Bowl and the Combine to show he belongs at the NFL level.  If the Packers take another receiver at some point in the draft, as looks increasingly likely, that player will probably get a developmental year before looking at earning real playing time in 2027. But if the Packers take a receiver with a high draft pick (such as Hurst), I’ll be extremely interested to see how the rotation of Golden-Williams-Rookie shakes out.  Kyle Louis Louis is an interesting example of where modern NFL defenses might be going and what it might be asking out of its players in the near future. He’s a college linebacker, but at 6’0” 220 lbs, he’s probably destined for a hybrid Will-Nickel-Safety role in his NFL career. Luckily for him, he projects extremely well there.  His ability to live in pass coverage is so impressive. His versatility is endless, his coverage skills are refined, and his value could come as a pass down rotational piece for new defensive coordinator Johnathan Gannon.  If the Packers do take Louis, I think you could start to wonder about how much dime Gannon intends to employ, or what the team intends to do at the sudden logjam at the slot defender position. You could argue that there isn’t really much depth at nickel corner behind Javon Bullard, following the release of Nate Hobbs. Perhaps the team is a little more worried about that than they are letting on? AJ Haulcy There is a lot of the same conversation here as with Kyle Louis, but with so much more natural talent. Haulcy is an absolute baller, and a future starting nickel defender. He brings tough run support, but also zone coverage ability that is highly coveted. Just ask the Green Bay Packers, who spent one of their top 30 visits on him, despite an overflowing cup of talent already at safety.  With Louis, I think there is a bit of an argument that he brings a more unique skillset as a LB to the pass coverage unit. Haulcy is going to have a long and successful career in the NFL, in my opinion, but I think he’d be the most shocking selection on this entire list. But, and at the risk of bringing too fine a point to this, isn’t that what the Packers always do? If Haulcy is the top player on their board when pick 52 rolls around, they are at the very least going to have the conversation. If that conversation leads to them turning in the card with his name on it? I’m not sure what the collective reaction of the Packers-sphere would be, but I would at least be able to count on a damn fine group of slot defenders.   Filed Under: Featured PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Co-Owner of the thirteen time world champion Green Bay Packers. Sometimes I write about them. Follow me on Twitter at https://x.com/kjones_in_co and on Substack for film breakdowns! __________________________   Tags: NFL DraftPackers Draftgreen bay packersJohnathan GannonPackers Prospects Like 0 points
1 day ago 3 1 0 0
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Joseph's Gems 2026: Raw Ore It’s Draft Week!!!! And somewhere out there, a handful of Packers mock draft “gurus” are itching to prove how right they are — and how wrong the front office is. But I’m not so sure there aren’t a few people inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue thinking the same thing. Because when it comes to this class, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some heated exchanges when the clock starts ticking. Not over effort. Not over talent. Over projection. Because more often than not, the phrase attached to this class is simple: “That’s a hell of a projection.” This 2026 class is roughshod. There’s no real future All-Pro you can point to, no franchise-altering prospect that makes you feel comfortable at the top. Even the projected No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, probably lands somewhere around QB4 or QB6 in stronger classes from years past. You’ve got depth — just not always where you want it. To go back to the steak rating I stamped a few years ago, this class is Tri-Tip. It’s flavorful, it’ll get the job done… but I’ll be damned if I’m paying $19.99 a pound for it. Even in this economy. And that’s the name of the game this year: how do you land good talent without overpaying? Because this board is going to be all over the place. The first round could get chaotic in a hurry. This isn’t a clean “best player available” draft — not even for teams starving for talent. Fit is going to matter more than usual. Projection is going to matter more than usual. Find a guy with measurables and real production? Now you’re talking. And when that happens, don’t be surprised if teams start leapfrogging each other in a hurry trying to secure “their guy.” This is the kind of draft where one conviction can move an entire board. GMs are going to lose their minds when they give up a fifth, only to get jumped by a team that packaged a fifth and a conditional 2027 Day 3 pick to move up two spots ahead of them. And for a team like the Green Bay Packers, that’s where things get interesting. Because if there’s one thing this front office has never been afraid of, it’s betting on traits. They’ve lived in that space for years — trusting their board, trusting their development, and letting the rest of the league chase consensus. This kind of class doesn’t scare them. If anything, it plays right into their hands. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Because projection cuts both ways. You hit on the right guy, you look like a genius. You miss? Now you’ve spent premium capital on a player who might need two years just to see the field. And in a class like this, the margin for error feels a little thinner. That’s why this week matters. This isn’t about finding the obvious pick. There isn’t one. It’s about identifying the right fit, trusting your evaluation, and having the conviction to take your guy — even if the rest of the room doesn’t agree. Because in a draft like this, you’re not just picking players — you’re betting on your process.   So how do you navigate a class like this? You simplify it. When the board gets messy, when consensus starts to fall apart, when everyone’s arguing over projection — you strip it down to what actually matters. For me, it starts with one question: did you produce? Not flashes. Not traits. Not what you might become. What did you actually put on tape, consistently, against real competition? Because traits will get you drafted. Production is what keeps you on the field. That doesn’t mean you ignore measurables — far from it. Size, speed, length, explosiveness… all of it matters. But in a class like this, traits without production become a dangerous game. You start talking yourself into players instead of trusting what you’re seeing. And that’s where teams get in trouble. So the way I look at it is simple: give me the player who checks both boxes. Show me the measurables, and show me the tape to back it up. Because when you find that combination in a class like this? Now you’re not projecting. You’re uncovering. That’s where the Gems are. You just have to work a little harder to find them. And that’s where this class tested me. Because I’ll be honest — finding Gems this year wasn’t easy. Usually, there are a handful of players that jump off the screen right away. Guys you don’t have to squint to see it. The traits match the production, the fit makes sense, and you can stamp it without hesitation. This year? It didn’t come like that. There were a lot of “almosts.” A lot of players with one piece missing. You’d see the traits, but the production didn’t match. Or the production was there, but you’re left wondering how it translates. Time and time again, it came back to the same phrase: “That’s a hell of a projection.” And that forces you to dig deeper. You watch more tape. You revisit games. You start asking tougher questions. Not “what could he be?” but “what is he right now?” Because in a class like this, the difference between a Gem and a reach can be razor thin. I had the usual task of building out the Top 150 annual CHTV Draft Guide, and I’ll tell you right now — that was no small assignment this year. Trying to stack this class with any real level of conviction? That’s a challenge. And come Thursday, there’s a good chance my Top 150 looks damn near nothing as it does on the guide right now. That’s the kind of class this is. So no — this wasn’t a list that came together overnight. It took work. It took filtering through the noise. And it took sticking to the same principle I always come back to: when the class gets murky, trust what’s real. Because the Gems are still there. You just have to work a little harder to find them. And in a class like this, that’s exactly what separates a hit from a miss. So with that said, I’ve got a few Gems from this class that I’m ready to roll out. Not many — this year didn’t give that luxury — but enough to make things interesting. Over the next few days leading up to Thursday, we’ll take a closer look at the prospects who actually check the boxes, who’ve put it on tape, and who might just be worth the bet in a class built on projection. And if I hit on a few of them, I’ll be sure to let the mock draft gurus know where they can update their boards. Happy Mining, Packers' Fans. Happy Mining.       Filed Under: FeaturedJoseph Randolph   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Joseph has been an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers since 1997, citing an affinity for dairy products during his childhood and his favorite color, green. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph currently is an Active Duty servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces. Joseph considers himself a lifelong fan of the game of football, competing since his youth well into adulthood. When it comes to the Pack, Joseph is particularly impassioned about the NFL Draft and collegiate scouting process, and will contribute regularly on CHTV.com leading to that year's upcoming Draft. You can follow him on Twitter at @joeyreyallday. __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay Packers Like 0 points
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2026 NFL Draft: Final Running Back Rankings Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL Draft Like 0 points
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2026 NFL Draft: Final Left Tackle Rankings Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL Draft Like 0 points
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Throwback Pack: A Regular Season Favorite It was perfect. Lambeau Field, Sunday Night Football, a dominant Green Bay Packers win, and all the hope of immortality ahead. To some, it may have just been a solid win during week 16, and the work was done that needed to be done. To others, myself included, it felt like reaching a mountain top and basking in the feeling that you arose to. The Green Bay Packers put on one of their best performances of the 2020 season in a snowy Week 16 game at Lambeau Field, defeating the Tennessee Titans 40–14 and solidifying their position as NFC contenders. Tennessee found it difficult to keep up with the balanced offensive approach, disciplined defense, and mastery of cold weather football displayed in the victory. I’m 25 years old so I am old enough to have witnessed some illustrious Packer wins, and heartbreaking losses… plenty of them. Super Bowl XLV was the pinnacle, but it also came from a 6 seed you really didn’t have ultimate expectations in, it just happened. From week 1 of 2020, you knew the year had the chance to be special. For some reason, this night was different. With the win, Green Bay advanced to 12-3 and maintained their position as the top seed in the NFC going into the final week of the regular season. The Packers showed why they wanted the postseason to pass through Green Bay with home field advantage on the line and the possibility of making opponents endure the weather at Lambeau. Green Bay was nearly perfect.  In Packer football weather, quarterback Aaron Rodgers stat line of 21 of 25 for 231 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception showed his classic efficiency. WR Davante Adams, on the other hand, finished with 11 receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns, giving a masterclass in route running. If not the top duo in the league, Rodgers and Adams were so locked in together they made the game feel inevitable of something good happening. In what seemingly locked up his third MVP trophy, it solidified the feeling that nobody else in the NFL had what Green Bay had. With stellar defense, holding Derrick Henry and a top AFC South Tennessee Titans team. Green Bay also had a breakout game from a new face. AJ Dillon flashed the player Green Bay imagined he could be, as a 2nd round draft pick. Dillon would finish the night with 124 yards, and 2 TDs, one of which would put a finishing touch on the trouncing in Lambeau. Close to nearly a decade since the last time Green Bay was to clinch the NFC homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, it felt like Green Bay was finally back in place to host the NFC Championship game at home they always had been longing for during the Rodgers era. From the first play to the last, snow sat on the hollowed grounds of Lambeau fittingly. Green Bay got whatever they wanted, and on a snowy December night, the Packers precision was as smooth as a fade route from 12 to 17 that looked almost automatic. With how stressful and hard to come football can be sometimes, it sure was enjoyable watching what the Packers displayed that night. Call it reminiscing, I look it as a pinpoint example to the joy Green Bay Packers football brings in me. I read a quote the other day and it stuck with me. The quote read, “Some nights I wish I could go back in life, not to change anything just to live it twice.”  Maybe it was the high hopes for what was to come, or the pride in what the 2020 season had been. I think it more so was an embodiment of why Packer fans are Packer fans. Week 16 Results & Takeaways #Packers 40 #Titans 14 -As the snow fell on Lambeau, #Rodgers continued to push for the MVP -#Rodgers finished with 21/25, 231YDs & 4TDs -#Dillon & #Jones had huge days on the ground while #Adams continues to star in the air#NFL@TopSport_com_au pic.twitter.com/vk6l4lakoH — Movin' the Chains 🏈 (@MovinChainsNFL) December 28, 2020 Don’t forget that Mr. Saucy AJ Dillon ran for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries (5.9 avg) vs the Titans IN THE SNOW How many carries does he get Week 1?! ❄️❄️❄️ #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/bKCmYR2ihf — IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) September 10, 2021 Filed Under: FeaturedLuke Leavitt PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Luke Leavitt is a Contributor for Cheesehead TV, covering the Green Bay Packers. A Manchester by the Sea, Massachussetts native, Luke is a lifelong Packer fan, and 15-year shareholder. Keep up with Luke on X @LukeLeavitt7 __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: 2020 Green Bay PackersAaron RodgersDavante Adams Like 0 points
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Are the Packers More Likely to Trade Up or Back at the 2026 NFL Draft? 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. Filed Under: FeaturedGil Martin   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Green Bay Packers2026 NFL DraftBrian Gutekunst Like 0 points
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2026 NFL Draft: Final Guard Rankings Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL Draft Like 0 points
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Cory's Corner: Let's Give Them Something To Talk About The grumbling grew like a winter virus.  First it was just a couple of people at the water cooler, then it was groups of people at pregame tailgates and finally I heard retired folks complain about it at the grocery store.  What were so many people upset about last year? Ever since Matthew Golden became the first Packers wideout drafted in the first round since 2002, people couldn’t get enough. However, he had as many receiving touchdowns last year as Bo Melton, who only caught four passes — all season. But now that all changes. Romeo Doubs left via free agency to the Patriots and Dontayvion Wicks was traded to the Eagles. Golden averaged 21 passing snaps a game in 15 games last year, counting the NFC Wild Card Game. That’s also counting games where he had four and nine snaps.  Golden showed plenty of promise last year with speed, versatility and strong hands. Now he just needs to gain even more trust of his coach and quarterback to be able to go to him in high leverage situations. Can Golden haul in that tough catch on third-and-7 with a defender crawling on his back? Doubs did that time and again and now it’s Golden to prove that he can do it too.  Remember, Golden is an absolute speed demon. Going back to 2017, the only first round wideouts that bested Golden’s 4.29 40-yard time were John Ross’ 4.22 in 2017, Henry Ruggs’ 4.27 in 2020 and Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 in 2024.  The speed is great, but what I like most are his hands. Golden only had one drop in 2025 and he caught 29 of 44 passes thrown his way. That means that his route running is very good and he also knows how to get open.  Golden is poised to take over as the primary outside weapon. The “X” receiver is the position where Doubs averaged almost 27 routes per game last year. Expect Golden to flourish in an offense that won’t have bloated expectations for him.  It’s perfect because Golden will not be called upon to be the focal point of the offense. That will still be Josh Jacobs. The offense will either run through him directly or indirectly with play-action.  Golden is like a stock that is about to explode because all of his tools and intangibles have been proven. All he has to do is prove that he can do them when it matters most.  So stop grumbling, because Golden will produce in a big way this year for the Packers. But I can already see it. When Golden tallies his first two-target game of the season, it will turn into Grousing Season all over again.  Golden is different because he can do so many different things. In his last year at Texas, Golden had 15 plays of 25 yards or more. The Packers have been starving for that kind of electric playmaking and now it’s finally here.  That should give them plenty to talk about next year.  Filed Under: Packers NewsFeaturedGreen Bay PackersCory JennerjohnCory's Corner   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Matthew GoldenChristian Watsonjayden reedRomeo DoubsDontayvion WicksGreen Bay Packers Like 0 points
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Packers Daily: The hay is almost in the barn Filed Under: #PackersDailyPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersPackers Daily Like 0 points
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Packers release TE McCallan Castles, CB Tyron Herring, LB Jamon Johnson The Green Bay Packers are doing a little pre-draft housekeeping. On Friday, the team announced they’ve waived tight end McCallan Castles, cornerback Tyron Herring, and linebacker Jamon Johnson, clearing space on the 90-man roster just days before the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off. With eight draft picks in hand and more additions expected once the draft concludes, the Packers are clearly making room for incoming competition.  Of the three, Johnson is the most notable departure, having seen regular season action in 2025. He appeared in two games, tallying 10 tackles and earning his first career start. Castles and Herring, meanwhile, spent their time in Green Bay on the practice squad. Filed Under: Packers News   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packers Like 0 points
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2026 NFL Draft: Final Center Rankings Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersNFL Draft Like 0 points
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Ask Maggie: How many defensive tackles is too many defensive tackles?  Insert Mean Girls gif, “the limit does not exist.” Thankfully, the draft is less than a week away so pretty soon I’ll be able to stop running scenarios in my head for the Packers. One minute I think the Packers are taking an edge rusher on day two. The next day, I’m all-in on the idea that the Packers trade up into the late 30s or early 40s to snag one of the premier defensive tackles in this class. But there’s a reason I’m not in the war room with Brian Gutekunst. I’m better suited here, at Cheesehead TV, writing a weekly mailbag. Let’s get into it.  “What's more likely: the Packers draft a wide receiver on Day 2 or they go DT/CB in some order on Day 2?” - Tony I know there’s some buzz about the Packers looking at wide receivers early, but I would still be surprised to see it. They’ve brought in three receivers so far on top-30 visits. Ted Hurst from Georgia State and Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee are both probably Day 2 players, but they also talked to Anthony Smith from East Carolina, and he’s not ranked on the consensus big board, so he’d probably be a priority free agent for Green Bay. As much as I hope the Packers take a defensive tackle, it wouldn’t shock me if they waited until Day 3 and found a run stuffer there. Maybe that’s just me trying not to get my hopes up since the players I fall in love with never end up in Green and Gold. That said, the closer we get to draft night, the more I start to think the Packers go CB/EDGE on Day 2.  Still, though, I’ll say it’s more likely they go DT/CB in some order, and I’ll lean corner first. The rumor mill is working overtime, and Green Bay is being linked to a ton of corners. Perhaps the most notable is Chris Johnson out of San Diego State. I try not to be a “he’s not going to be there!” kind of person because the draft is unpredictable and anyone can fall, but Johnson is 39th on the consensus big board, so it’s possible the Packers are looking to trade up a little bit and grab one of the top corners in this draft. “Hey Maggie! Looking forward to your final mock draft! Any “sleepers” that you’ve come across in your studies that may have missed the eyes of others? Thanks!” - Jim I don’t know if they qualify as sleepers since the Packers brought them in on top-30 visits, but two players that fascinate me on late Day 3 are DT Jordan van den Berg from Georgia Tech and EDGE Michael Heldman from Central Michigan. They’re ranked 235 and 269 on the consensus big board, respectively, so they’ll be good candidates for Green Bay in rounds six and seven.  The Packers won’t be looking for starters that late in the draft, so we know that’s when Gutekunst is looking for freaky athletes with desirable trades. Both van den Berg and Heldman fit the bill there.  Van den Berg is a former rugby player who earned a 10.00 relative athletic score (RAS). He’s 6-3, 310lbs and did 35 reps on the bench press. While his functional strength is impressive, he boasts elite speed, posting a 1.61-second 10-yard split. He comes from a rugby background and those skills translate to his game. In 2025, van den Berg posted 11 tackles for loss with 29 total pressures and three sacks. He’s also a much better run defender than pass rusher, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 81.2 in run defense. If the Packers are going to double-dip along the defensive line, a player like van den Berg makes a ton of sense in the later rounds, and it’s easy to see why the team brought him in for a visit.  Heldman is another freak athlete who stood out to me long before I found out that the Packers brought him in for a visit, too. He’s 6-3, 268lbs and has a 9.90 RAS. He was a First-Team All-MAC player in 2025 posting 10.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 53 total pressures. He earned a 93.2 grade from PFF last season which ranked second out of 872 qualifying edge rushers. He also boasts a 26.4% pass rush win rate using PFF metrics, which is unreal. If Green Bay doesn’t take an edge rusher on day two, I think he’s the perfect candidate to round out the room and could push for a roster spot over Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby.  Because those are two players who had top-30 visits in Green Bay, I’ll give you one more player I like on Day 3 who wasn’t brought in for a visit. Max Bredeson is a tight end/fullback out of Michigan and I think he’d make a ton of sense for the Packers in the seventh round. Nobody is going to be excited about a glorified fullback (okay, I lied, maybe there is a subset of us who really would be excited about selecting a fullback), but his blocking skills are incredible. While he’s not going to be a receiving threat in Matt LaFleur’s offense, that’s okay. He doesn’t need to be. That’s what Tucker Kraft is for. Bredeson, instead, is going to feast as a run blocker and help create rushing lanes for Josh Jacobs. Kraft is going to get his mega contract, and rightfully so. Beyond him, Luke Musgrave hasn’t exactly shown enough to warrant a new contract, and he’ll hit free agency in 2027. The Packers will need additional bodies in the room, and Bredeson makes sense as a blocker first, even if Green Bay wants to give him some receiving opportunities, too.  There won’t be a mailbag next week since we’ll be right in the middle of draft coverage here at Cheesehead TV, but we’ll jump back into things on May 1st. As always, feel free to send any draft questions to chtvmailbag@gmail.com and I’ll see you then. Enjoy the draft! Filed Under: FeaturedMaggie Loney   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for Pack's What She Said. Find her on Bluesky at @MaggieJLoney. __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: 2026 NFL DraftBrian Gutekunstdraft needsDraft sleepers Like 0 points
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Packers of the Past: Davon House’s Long Journey Davon House never made a Pro Bowl. In fact, the only time he was designated as a starter in Green Bay was in 2017 after Sam Shields went down with injury. But he was a Packer through and through and always seemed to come through when his number was called, especially on special teams – he once was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, in fact. House, who hails from California, totaled 123 tackles playing for the Packers, also registering a trio of sacks and a trio of interceptions over six seasons, which were spent in two different stints after he spent two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as 46 passes defensed. The 2011 fourth-round pick narrowly missed the team’s last Super Bowl season, but House contributed to some memorable Packers teams – perhaps most notably the 2013 team when Aaron Rodgers injured much of the year, and the team relied on Matt Flynn at quarterback for a number of games and the defense did its best to keep the Packers’ playoff hopes alive. During that season, House started all 16 games and racked up 44 total tackles with a sack and an interception. When he hit unrestricted free agency in 2015, the Jaguars beat Green Bay’s contract offer, and he became a Jaguar for two seasons, notching his best season as a pro that year. But he wasn’t necessarily happy to be leaving. "I walked off the field with Tramon Williams and I said to myself, 'I'm going to miss this,'" House said in 2017, recalling his final game in Green Bay as a Packer (or so he thought at the time). When the Jaguars let him go, House was all too happy to hear from his old team. Of course, no reminiscing about Davon House would be complete without recalling his wild story about traveling to minicamp in 2017. Thanks to flight delays, when he arrived in Minneapolis to catch a connecting flight to Green Bay, he discovered he had missed the flight. It was after 11 p.m., and he had to report to the team the next morning at 7:30. Out of frustration and desperation, House tweeted his plight, asking if any Packers fans around Minnesota would care to give him a ride to Green Bay. Incredibly, a pair of brothers named Chad and Mike Johnson, who both lived in Western Wisconsin, responded to House’s tweet and came to the rescue. “I'll get you to Green Bay man. In one piece even,” Mike Johnson tweeted back. “I'm a half hour from MSP, would be happy to help.” So the brothers got together – they both had to work the next morning and wanted to drive in shifts – and picked up House at the airport. They brought a pillow so House could rest in the back seat, and they finally arrived at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport at around 3:30 a.m. However, their journey wasn’t quite over – House not only insisted on paying for their gas, he took the Johnsons on a tour of the Packers locker room, signed various pieces of equipment for them as a thank you, and took them to see the four Super Bowl trophies on display at Lambeau Field. "It would've been cool just to get a picture with him there, but he was like, 'Follow me to the stadium and I'll sign some stuff for you,'" Chad Johnson told ESPN. "He talked about how much he loves Green Bay and didn't really care for it in Jacksonville," Chad Johnson added. "It tells you about his commitment -- both from our fans and Davon," then-Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the next day. "It's important, especially when it's an install day. You never want to miss an install day because you get it going with everyone and the adjustments, and this is the time of year when you can slow things down and teach it in a progression. I think Davon obviously showed the importance of being here." House ultimately retired as a Packer. "There's only a handful of teams where I would catch a ride and I'd feel very, very comfortable and Green Bay is for sure No. 1 on that list," House said in 2020. "When I came to Green Bay, I didn't really know what to expect besides playing professional football. Everyone has always said the fans are the greatest fans ever. Getting here, I was like, 'Oh my goodness, I see why.’” Filed Under: FeaturedKevin Gibson   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ 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 __________________________   NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Davon HouseMike McCarthyTramon WilliamsLambeau Field Like 0 points
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Which Players Are The Core Pieces Of The Packers Roster? Filed Under: FeaturedAaron NaglerPacker Fan PodcastsCarry The G Radio   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersCarry The G Radio Like 0 points
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Packers 30 Pre-Draft Visits Mock Draft Filed Under: NFL DraftPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Newt Westen is the Founder of 0-Tech Draft, contributor for The Draft Professor and Lead NFL Draft Analyst for CheeseheadTV.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan and you can follow Newt at @NFLDraft_Westen on X. __________________________ Tags: Green Bay PackersNFL Draft Like 0 points
4 days ago 4 1 0 0
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The Packers Should Stay Away from Trading for DT Dexter Lawrence Rumors continue to circulate that the Green Bay Packers could be exploring the possibility of trading for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. But with the NFL Draft fast approaching, the drawbacks of such a move outweigh the potential short-term benefits. The Packers should stay away from making a trade for Lawrence this offseason. It’s not that Lawrence isn’t a good player. The former Wake Forest star has earned Pro Bowl honors three times, from 2022 through 2024. He is one of the few defensive tackles who are capable of both stopping the run and putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 2022 and a career-high nine sacks in 2024 in just 12 games. He also recorded a career-high 28 quarterback hits in 2022 and followed that up with 21 in 2023. Lawrence accomplished all this despite playing on some very bad Giants teams. There is no doubt having Lawrence at his best on the same defense with Micah Parsons, Javon Hargrave, and Devonte Wyatt would give the Packers a very strong group of pass rushers. But the concerns right now outweigh the potential gains. For one thing, the Packers already lack a first-round pick both this year and in 2027 after the Parsons trade. Would the Giants be willing to take a 2028 first-round pick when other teams can likely offer them a pick they can use right away? What else would the Packers have to add to sweeten the deal for the Giants to agree to this kind of trade? If the Packers trade three consecutive first-round picks in consecutive seasons, where will that leave team in the not- so-distant future? The Packers may also not be able to afford Lawrence’s cap hit. His current cap hit is nearly $27 million according to spotrac.com, although some of that includes bonuses the Packers may not be responsible for after any potential trade. His base salary is $18.5 million. But one reason Lawrence reportedly wants a trade is that he is not happy with his salary. So, in addition to giving up significant draft capital and other assets to acquire Lawrence, the Packers likely would have to give him a new contract that would put him at or near the top of the defensive tackle market. For reference, Milton Williams is presently fifth in the league in cap hit among NFL defensive tackles for 2026 with an estimated cap hit of $28.4 million. Could GM Brian Gutekunst and cap guru Russ Ball fit that much money under the cap for the next few years while also paying Parsons, Jordan Love, and potentially Tucker Kraft while still fielding a competitive roster? Then there is the age factor to consider. Lawrence will turn 29 in November, and the coming season will be his eighth in the NFL. He has a lot of wear and tear on his body and is at the age where he could start slowing down at any time. The Packers saw a similar decline in production from Kenny Clark in 2024, his final season in Green Bay. And while you could say injuries played a part in that, older football players are more prone to injuries as their bodies break down. The same thing could happen to Lawrence. Some may say Lawrence already started his decline last season. Despite playing all 17 games for the Giants in 2025, Lawrence saw his sack total drop from nine in 2024 to 0.5 last season. His tackles for loss dropped from eight to four and his quarterback hits declined from 16 in 2024 to eight last season despite playing five more games in 2025. While it would be enticing to add a proven performer like Lawrence to the Packers defense, his age, the price to acquire him, and the price to sign him are too high to make the deal realistic. The Packers have a need at defensive tackle, but this would be the wrong move at the wrong time. Filed Under: Gil Martin   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: packersDexter Lawrence Like 0 points
4 days ago 6 1 2 0
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Could Jordan Riley Factor Into Defensive Line Rotation When Healthy? One of the Packers’ biggest remaining needs as the draft approaches still remains along the defensive front, particularly the defensive line. While they did add some reinforcements in the form of 33-year-old former Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave, they still need more bodies. Defensive line was definitely one of the most underwhelming position groups from a season ago, and a repeat performance will likely hold the 2026 team back. However, there is one intriguing player that hasn’t really been talked about that might be able to contribute, and that is already on the roster: Jordan Riley. Riley was brought to Green Bay late last season on a 2-year deal from the New York Giants’ practice squad when injuries were decimating the Packers’ d-line. He was signed alongside fellow defensive lineman Quinton Bohanna to enhance the team’s depth, giving both men a chance to stick and play some meaningful snaps as the Packers raced toward the playoffs. While Bohanna lasted just a few weeks, Riley actually flashed when given a chance before being placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn Achilles against the Ravens in Week 17. Before finding his way to Green Bay, Riley was a 2023 7th-round draft pick of the Giants out of the University of Oregon (among other schools). In his Giants career, he appeared in 21 games with 5 starts during his two seasons there and recorded 20 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, with a QB hit and no sacks. The fact that the Packers signed him to a 2-year deal right away signals to me that they like what Riley can bring to this team. Before that Achilles tear on that cold Monday night, Riley appeared in four games for Green Bay, logging two total tackles. Now, two tackles while playing 26% of the defensive snaps isn’t much to write home about from a production standpoint, but Riley did provide the Packers with something they were lacking prior to his arrival: a big-bodied run-stuffer. At 6-5, 338 pounds, Riley is one of the biggest players on the defensive side of the football and can eat up blockers. In those few games in a Packers uniform, Riley was consistently making noise in and around the ball carrier. Maybe he wasn’t the one making the tackle, but getting the runner off his intended path and into the arms of another waiting defender was a welcome sight. When he was signed, some were projecting he could have been the 2025 version of Howard Green. Green, of course, was released by the Jets midseason in 2010 and joined the Packers shortly thereafter, helping provide a massive presence in the middle of that defensive front next to B.J. Raji. While Riley isn’t nearly as experienced as Green was, he is bigger (Green was listed at 6’2”, 340). The shot in the arm that a sluggish unit needed. We’ll never know if Riley could have made more of an impact in the playoffs for last year’s team, but we do have the chance to see how he can impact the 2026 one. If the Packers miss out on adding a defensive tackle with either of their first few selections, it might be unrealistic to expect a mid- to late-round draft pick to come in and make a big impact. As of right now, the starting front at defensive tackle is looking like Javon Hargrave and Karl Brooks until Devonte Wyatt is healthy enough to play coming off his broken ankle. Behind them is 2025 6th-round pick Warren Brinson, 2025 undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse and former Packers draft pick Jonathan Ford. Brinson also has god size and played decently for a 6th-round pick, so it’s possible the Packers ask and expect him to take a step forward, but Stackhouse barely made it on the field. The former Georgia Bulldog played just 14% of the snaps and, if Riley didn’t get hurt, would have been out-snapped by him. Ford couldn’t make the active roster for years before he had to go to Chicago and Green Bay brought him back late last year out of pure necessity for bodies once Riley got hurt. Even if the Packers add a rookie to that room, there will definitely be an opportunity for Riley to come back and earn his way onto the field if he can return early enough. That recovery timeline will be the biggest hurdle. Achilles tears are a very difficult injury to make a fast and full recovery from, especially for a 338-pound man. If the general timeline of 10–12 months runs its course, a realistic return would place him around the start of the second half of the season if all goes well. Even once he is cleared and ready, it could take a while to get back into the swing of things. Aaron Rodgers has gone on record stating he never quite felt the same in his comeback season with the Jets after his Achilles injury, so it could take the soon-to-be 28-year-old all of next year to get back to his former self. But the fact remains that there will be an opportunity for him whenever he is able to step back on the grass. The Packers’ defensive line is far from a finished product, and it’s doubtful this draft or what’s left in free agency is going to supply all of the answers. Any injuries that may occur throughout the season will only further that. Maybe Riley can provide the Howard Green-like boost to the 2026 team that he was supposed to provide last year. Filed Under: FeaturedGreen Bay PackersDan Saia -Dan Saia NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Green Bay Packers defensive lineJordan RileyPackers offseason Like 0 points
4 days ago 5 0 0 0
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Packers Daily: Keep Dreaming About Dexter Lawrence Filed Under: #PackersDailyPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: green bay packersPackers Daily Like 0 points
5 days ago 7 1 0 0
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Drafting Before Free Agency? NFL fans every offseason are used to free agency coming before the NFL Draft. Teams sign veteran players to fill holes on their rosters before they draft their hopeful stars of the future. But it's not like this in every sport. In the NBA and NHL, in fact, the draft comes before free agency. The stars of the future have their time in the spotlight before those exciting veteran signings.  For the NBA and NHL, however, this makes sense. Many players available in the draft aren't ready to hit the pro-league ranks right off the bat. In fact, with the NHL, unless they're considered generational players picked in the top-3 or so, many draft picks won't even make it to the pro ranks for several years. They'll spend time playing for junior league or college teams until they're ready for the pros. And even then, they may cut their teeth in the minor league for a few years. So, in that case, the draft and free agency usually have zero impact on one another.  This is different in the NFL.  Many NFL teams expect their day 1 and day 2 draft picks to be contributors in their first year in some fashion. Even early-day 3 draft picks carry the expectation of at least being a decent depth player or special teams contributor in their rookie season. As a result, there have been many occasions at the start of the season where NFL teams cut ties with free agents they signed in March because they now have a much cheaper and younger rookie option to take their place.  His release happened a year after he was signed, but a famous example of free agent regret post-draft for Packers fans could be Seattle drafting Russell Wilson after signing Matt Flynn to a lucrative deal. Seattle paid Matt Flynn to be their QB with the hope that he could be a franchise changer for them. But instead, Flynn never lived up to the hype he got from his flashes in Green Bay, and with Flynn also limited by an arm injury in training camp, Russell Wilson beat him out for the starting job, leading to Flynn's eventual departure a year later. Of course, there was no way to know that Russell Wilson would eventually become the best QB in Seattle history on draft day. But I'm sure the Seahawks would not have paid Matt Flynn like they did had they known Wilson would fall into their laps in the third round. So, what if the NFL flipped the script and the draft came before free agency? Flipping the Draft and Free Agency Many teams, the Packers included, maintain the philosophy that they draft the best player available over drafting for need. But we all know there are caveats. Instead, they should call it, "the best player available at areas where we're thin, or thinning." Brian Gutekunst always has the trend of drafting players at positions where veteran contracts may be expiring in a year. There's always some kind of "need," whether they admit it or not.  Of course, there's a skill with NFL GMs and Scouts in drafting players they think will contribute to their team. But much of it can be based on luck. What happens when the best player on the board doesn’t match your biggest need?? Imagine you need a starting left tackle. You passed on signing expensive veterans with the knowledge that there are four starting-caliber left tackles in the draft that could slot into the position immediately, and the other players at the position may take a year or so to develop. It's draft day, you're picking 15th. By your calculations of the other team's needs, at least one, if not two, of these tackles should fall to you. But alas, two are picked early, and then two more teams jump over you via trade to draft the other two. Your team is now possibly stuck with a left tackle that isn't going to cut it this year unless you pull off a big trade. But if you flip the boat on that situation, having the draft before free agency, you now have the chance to go all-in on a veteran free agent left tackle since you missed out in the draft. Teams might be a bit more aggressive in free agency, signing a proven player with the knowledge that the draft didn't go their way. Of course, there is that script flip: veteran players may receive less lucrative deals since teams can patch holes with younger, cheaper players first. It could also be damaging to players who play more depth roles than starting, if rookie players can fill that need before the draft comes up. So, it would be a shock to no one if the NFLPA stepped in to put a halt to the idea of flipping the draft and free agency.  Flipping the order of the NFL Draft and free agency wouldn't just be an overnight experiment; it would change how many teams build their rosters. The current system forces GMs to balance immediate needs with long-term upside, even if it could backfire on them. Reversing that order would shift the league entirely. Do you try to fill that hole on your team with an unproven player with a high ceiling? Or do you wait for free agency to try signing a veteran to take that spot? Packers GM Brian Gutekunst already tends to "double-dip" between the draft and free agency at positions of need. He may sign a free agent to fill a hole, but he will still draft a player at that same position within the first four rounds. Having the draft first may cause more GMs to adopt this strategy.  For now, the NFL remains a league where teams must commit to veterans before they know what the draft will bring. And in a system built on uncertainty, the best organizations aren’t just the ones that get it right—they’re the ones built to recover when they don’t.   Filed Under: FeaturedGreg Meinholz PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ 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. __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Green Bay PackersNFL Free agencyNFL DraftBrian GutekunstMatt Flynn Like 0 points
5 days ago 4 0 0 1
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Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Trade talk The draft is almost here people. Eight days from now we'll be settling into our favorite chair, snacks and refreshments within easy reach as we watch the names get announced one by one. We'll be anxiously waiting for the Packers pick to be... oh yeah, we're not going to hear "The Packers are on the clock" on Thursday night are we?  Well, it could happen. Of course it would take  a rather significant trade for that to happen. We're talking the Packers' second round pick and at at least two other picks to get back into the first round. In a year where the Packers have lost so many players to free agency, do you see that happening? I sure don't.  I think the opposite is a lot more likely. The Packers moving back in the second round a bit and picking up another draft pick. For example the Packers trade pick 52 to Houston for their pick 59 and 106 (4th round). The value chart puts this trade slightly in Green Bay's favor, but it's not egregious. They could always throw in a late 2027 pick to square things up. Picking up a near top-100 pick for moving down 7 spots in the second round would be very much worth it. That's just a random example of something I could see the Packers doing over giving away picks to move into the first round. So, I'm here to tell you your Thursday night is going to be boring - the exact opposite of last year's draft, which was in GREEN BAY and saw the Packers actually select a WR in the first round. Now that was exciting! I guess on the bright side, you'll probably be getting more sleep next Thursday night than you normally would on night one of the draft! Speaking of trades, how about Trader Gute making a move and sending Dontayvion Wicks packing to Philly. My initial reaction was surprise and disappointment, mainly because i was one of those people hanging on to the hope that Wicks could develop into something special if given a real chance. I still think that could be the case, and it appears Sean Mannion, who got to see WIcks up close, feels the same way. But then practical me took over. Even with Romeo Doubs having departed, Wicks was still gong to be WR4 at best this season. There aren't a lot of opportunities for a WR4 to show out.  The Eagles (And Mannion probably), thought highly enough of Wicks to offer more to the Packers they they had used to acquire Wicks, a rare occurrence in trades for players that have been primarily backups. But wait, there's more! .Tthe Eagles gave him a 1-year extension at $12.5M, again, for a backup WR on the Packers. It was a no-brainer for Gutey to take that deal and they even save 2.6M in cap space. The thing I like most about the trade is that it opens a spot in that WR room, which I will take as a sign that the Packers are serious about keeping Skyy Moore as a backup wide receiver so that they will actually have a bona-fide returner on the team for the first time in years. At least, that's the way I'm viewing it. After wasting everybody's time with the Mecole Hardman experiment last season, I'm looking for Moore to be the answer to Packer fan's pleas for a true punt and kick returner. On the heels of the Wicks trade, the empty roster spot got the internet rumor mill wheels churning..A "proposed" trade by Fox Sports reporter Ralph Vacciano went viral. He spit balled the idea of the Packers getting Marvin Harrison from the Cardinals in exchange for Green Bay's second round pick this year and a third round pick next year. I t had no basis in fact and no reason why the Cardinals would want to even consider trading Harrison, but the internet had to find a way to fill that empty roster spot. As I said above, I'm filling it with Moore.  Finally, one more reminder that the 2026 Draft guide is available for purchase. It's a fantastic product and a great way for you to support Cheesehead TV. If you're here every day consuming our content for free, think of it as "buying us a six pack" by... purchasing the guide. I'm confidant you will love it.   Go Pack Go!    Filed Under: FeaturedJersey Al Bracco   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ "Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.  __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersMinnesota VikingsTags: Green Bay PackersPolluted Mindset2026 Like 0 points
6 days ago 2 1 0 0
Pack-A-Day Podcast - Episode 2820 - Which Cornerback Will the Packers Draft?! On today's show, Andy takes a look at the most likely cornerbacks the Packers will take on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Check it out!!!     Filed Under: Pack A Day Podcast   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Andy is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and owns & operates the Pack-A-Day Podcast. Andy has taken multiple courses in NFL scouting and is an Editor for Packer Report. Andy grew up in Green Bay and is a lifelong season ticket holder - follow him on Twitter @AndyHermanNFL! __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Pack-A-Day PodcastPackers podcastPacker PodcastGreen Bay Packers podcastgreen bay packer Like 0 points
6 days ago 2 0 0 0
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Packers Daily: Josh Jacobs Has Plenty Left In The Tank Filed Under: #PackersDailyPacker Fan Podcasts   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: Green Bay PackersPackers Daily Like 0 points
6 days ago 7 1 0 0
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Packers Trade of Wicks Changes Draft Importance for Wide Receiver Last week, the Green Bay Packers traded fourth-year wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles for two future Day 3 draft picks. With the trade of Wicks, the Packers depth chart at wide receiver started to take shape. Projected starters are Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed. The top backups are last year’s third round pick Savion Williams and free agent acquisition Skyy Moore. The 6th wide receiver, if a 53-man roster was to be selected today would likely be veteran Bo Melton. With the departure of Wicks, this also opens a need in the draft for a wide receiver. For a long time, dating back to the early tenure of general manager Ron Wolf, the Packers have been one of the best franchises at drafting and developing wide receivers. With four spots locked up for next season (assuming all four guys are healthy going into Week 1 - Watson, Golden, Reed, Williams) and two to three spots up for competition, it makes a lot of sense for the Packers to add to the receiver room on Day 3 of the draft. Under Wolf from 1992 to 2001, the Packers drafted 18 wide receivers in 10 years, with 1993 being the only draft without selecting one. Notable wide receivers drafted by Wolf Year Player Round Pick School 1992 Robert Brooks 3 62 South Carolina 1994 Bill Schroeder 6 181 Wisconsin-LaCrosse 1995 Antonio Freeman 3 90 Virginia Tech 1996 Derrick Mayes 2 56 Notre Dame 1998 Corey Bradford 5 150 Jackson State 1999 Donald Driver 7 213 Alcorn State 2001 Robert Ferguson 2 41 Texas A&M From 2002 to 2004 with Mike Sherman in charge the Packers only drafted just three wide receivers in three drafts, with the most successful being 2002 first round pick Javon Walker. Under Ted Thompson, wide receiver once again became a high priority in the draft. Thompson’s third selection as general manager was wide receiver Terrence Murphy out of Texas A&M. From 2005 to 2017, the Packers drafted 17 wide receivers in 13 years. Notebable wide receivers drafted by Thompson Year Player Round Pick School 2005 Terrence Murphy 2 58 Texas A&M 2006 Greg Jennings 2 52 Western Michigan 2006 Will Blackmon 4 115 Boston College 2007 James Jones 3 78 San Jose State 2008 Jordy Nelson 2 36 Kansas State 2008 Brett Swain 7 215 San Diego State 2011 Randall Cobb 2 64 Kentucky 2014 Davante Adams 2 53 Fresno State 2014 Jared Abbrederis 5 176 Wisconsin 2015 Ty Montgomery 3 94 Stanford 2016 Trevor Davis 5 163 California Since Brian Gutekunst took over as the decision maker on draft day, the importance of wide receiver has had some ups and downs. In 2018, Gutekunst drafted three wide receivers but then didn’t draft the position in 2019 and 2020, which led to drafting multiple wide receivers in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Overall, Gutekunst has taken 12 wide receivers in eight drafts. Wide receivers drafted by Gutekunst (since 2018) Year Player Round Pick School 2018 J'mon Moore 4 133 Missouri 2018 Marquez Valdes-Scantling 5 174 South Florida 2018 Equanimeous St. Brown 6 207 Notre Dame 2021 Amari Rodgers 3 85 Clemson 2022 Christian Watson 2 34 North Dakota State 2022 Romeo Doubs 4 132 Nevada 2022 Samori Toure 7 258 Nebraska 2023 Jayden Reed 2 50 Michigan State 2023 Dontayvion Wicks 5 159 Virginia 2023 Grant DuBose 7 256 Charlotte 2025 Matthew Golden 1 23 Texas 2025 Savion Williams 3 87 TCU It is a position where it is worth investing year after year, even if a Day 3 player doesn’t produce until a few years into his career. The best example of this approach to draft a position every year even if it is not a need was the success of Donald Driver. After being chosen in the 7th round in the 1999 draft pick, Driver went from a player who had just three catches as a rookie to a perennial Pro Bowl-level wide receiver and one of the best wide receivers in the history of the franchise. Filed Under: FeaturedMitchell McLaughlin PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Mitch McLaughlin is a Packers fan and shareholder residing in Sacramento, California. He will be writing Packers stories each week on Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter: @McLaughlinMitch __________________________   NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Dontavyion Wicks Trade2026 NFL DraftPackers wide receiversDonald Driver Like 0 points
6 days ago 7 0 0 1
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Packers Biggest 2026 NFL Draft Needs Filed Under: NFL DraftFeaturedPacker Fan PodcastsPack's What She Said   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Tags: Green Bay PackersPack's What She Said Like 0 points
6 days ago 7 3 0 1
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Around the NFC North: 2025 Draft Review We've evaluated the inferior NFC North team needs in a few different ways, but why not look at how the teams themselves evaluated those needs just last year? We're going to look at each team's first three picks from last season and try to decide whether those needs have been filled. Lions The Lions took nose tackle Tyleik Williams in the first, guard Tate Ratledge in the second, and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (aka electric car Jeff Janis) in the third.  Tyleik Williams was a disappointment in year one, and some people thought maybe the Lions had planned for him to need a year to develop, but Bruce Feldman said on a recent podcast that the Lions aren't happy with him behind closed doors. The team also let DJ Reader walk in free agency and Alim McNeil, after a massive payday, had a down year. I don't know if the team will spend another first on a nose, but I wouldn't be shocked with them grabbibg one in the second or third.  Ratledge had a fine year. The Lions need multiple spots on the o-line, so I don't think Ratledge is going to stop them from taking another guy. Same with TeSlaa, if someone falls to the Lions in the middle rounds, they'll grab him.  Bears The Bears nailed their first two picks:  Colston Loveland, tight end, and Luther Burden III, wide receiver. They still may target those two spots.  Tight end because Ben Johnson wants to use heavy sets. Loveland is a great receiving tight end and has already shown flashes of top-five tight-end potential, grabbing a tight end in the fourth or even like the sixth to straight up block is probably a cinch. I doubt they'll take someone higher than that.  Burden may be the best receiver in the draft (full on reverse jinx mode here), but the Bears just traded DJ Moore and Rome Odunze hasn't proven worthy of a long-term bet. A second or first-round pick on wide receiver is possible - if a huge value choice falls to them. Otherwise, they're going o-line.  The other second-round picks, Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner, aren't going to stop them from taking someone this year.  Vikings The Vikings' 2025 draft has little relevance. Not only has the GM been fired, but the team also had only five picks total, and none of them had any impact. First round pick Donovan Jackson was the 48th best guard, and third round pick Tai Felton had three catches for 25 yards on the season. Yikes.  Filed Under: Packers NewsFeaturedGreen Bay PackersMike PriceAround the NFC North   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Mike Price is a lifelong Packers fan who recently moved from Utah to Stoughton (a Madison suberb). You can follow him on twitter at @themikeprice. __________________________ NFL Categories: Chicago BearsDetroit LionsGreen Bay PackersMinnesota VikingsNFC NorthTags: packersLionsVikingsBears Like 0 points
6 days ago 1 0 0 0
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Cory's Corner: Corner Should Be A Priority The Green Bay Packers don’t have a cornerback problem — until they do. That’s how this organization tends to operate under general manager Brian Gutekunst. Needs are rarely addressed at their peak urgency. Instead, they’re anticipated, quietly, a year in advance. But this time, the timing may have caught up with them. As the roster currently stands, the Packers are likely to enter the 2026 season leaning heavily on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as primary cornerbacks. Both have had moments. Both have shown flashes. Neither has consistently proven to be the kind of reliable, week-to-week answer a contending defense requires. That might be manageable in another division. It’s not in the NFC North. Twice a year, Green Bay has to deal with Justin Jefferson, one of the league’s premier route runners and game-breakers. Then there’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has built a reputation as one of the most dependable and precise receivers in football. Add in the vertical speed of Jameson Williams and the emerging size and polish of Rome Odunze, and the reality becomes unavoidable: This is a division that stresses cornerbacks at every level. It’s not just about having bodies at the position. It’s about having answers. Right now, the Packers have questions. Nixon has value — particularly with his versatility and return ability — but asking him to consistently shadow top-tier receivers is a different challenge entirely. He finished last season with modest ball production — fewer than double-digit pass breakups—and graded out in the lower half of qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t shy away from testing him, and too often, they found favorable matchups. Valentine, meanwhile, has been a solid developmental story, but opposing offenses have not hesitated to test him. And too often, they’ve found success. The young corner showed flashes early in his career, but over a full season, consistency proved elusive. His pass breakup totals remained middling, and his Pro Football Focus grade placed him closer to the bottom tier of starting-caliber corners than the top. For a player frequently targeted by opposing offenses, that’s a concerning combination. Put it this way, Valentine had four pass break ups last year and gave up six touchdowns.  That’s not an indictment. It’s a reflection of the standard. Because in today’s NFL — and especially in this division —“good enough” at cornerback isn’t good enough. This is where the draft comes in, and more specifically, Day 2. Historically, the Packers have found success mining the second and third rounds for defensive backs. It’s a sweet spot for traits: length, speed, and upside without the premium cost of a first-round selection. And it aligns with how Gutekunst builds — investing in positions that are expensive to maintain in free agency. More importantly, it aligns with the reality on the field. If Green Bay waits until cornerback becomes a glaring weakness, it’s already too late. By then, they’re reacting instead of building. And in a division loaded with elite pass-catchers, reaction is a losing strategy. Drafting a cornerback on Day 2 wouldn’t just be about competition. It would be about insurance. About flexibility. About giving defensive coordinator options when facing offenses that can attack every blade of grass. It would also send a message: that the Packers understand the challenge in front of them. Because stopping Justin Jefferson isn’t a one-man job. Neither is containing Amon-Ra St. Brown or running stride-for-stride with Jameson Williams. And as Rome Odunze continues to develop, that list isn’t getting any easier. The Packers don’t need perfection at cornerback. But they do need reliability. They need depth. They need options. And right now, they need more than they have. Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft won’t define Green Bay’s season. But it could define how well they’re equipped to survive it. In this division, that starts on the outside. Filed Under: Packers NewsNFL DraftFeaturedGreen Bay PackersCory JennerjohnCory's Corner   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Keisan NixonCarrington ValentineGreen Bay Packers2026 NFL Draft Like 0 points
1 week ago 4 0 0 0