Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - 14 days...
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Now that the draft guide is in the books, a few days of purposely ignoring football have gone by and I've re-introduced myself to my wife (I think we're going steady), it dawned on me that we are a mere 14 days away from the draft. You could say it's actually 15 days for Packers fans thanks to the lack of a first round pick, but trades can happen - you never know! So I will still be following along on Thursday Night as the first round unfolds, albeit without the anticipation of waiting for the upcoming Packers' selection.That will most likely have to wait for Friday night, but it will be a different feel. It will be more of hoping one of those handful of top-50 players you covet for the Packers will still be there.
If there is one player I covet for the Green Bay Packers, it's San Diego State CB Chris Johnson. He has a solid "Packery" frame with good size for an outside corner at 6' 3/8" 193 lbs. His athletic traits are elite and he showed them off at the combine, registering a 9.82 RAS score. Beyond numbers, he's a fluid mover that's able to flip those hips and stay with receivers across the field. He has experience playing multiple concepts; quarters, cover two, off man and press. He's impactful - in 2025, he had 49T, 3TFL, 9PBU, 2QBH, 1FF and 4 INT (two pick sixes). He made the second team AP All-American team based off of his 2025 play and he's a high floor, higher ceiling prospect.
For my money, cornerback is the top "need" position for the Packers. As the Packers are always looking a year or two ahead, the fact that their two starters will both be restricted free agents after this season means the Packers HAVE to draft a player who has starting cornerback traits. Not just depth cornerback help, but true starting cornerback help, even if he doesn't break through as a starter until next season.That's not to say they don't need additional help in the room, so cornerback is also my favorite position for doubling up in this draft. Perhaps a special teamer/backup cornerback type in the fifth or sixth round would be helpful.
But what if Johnson or a suitable alternative cornerback is not there for the Packers at 52? I'd say the odds would favor the Packers looking towards the other position they covet near the top of the draft - edge rusher. Sure they have Micah Parsons, but Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare are gone. Lukas Van Ness hasn't lived up to his first round draft status and is on the final year of his contract (unless the Packers decide to exercise the fifth year option and guarantee him an estimated $14M for 2027). Behind Van Ness, there is Brenton Cox Jr, Barryn Sorrell, Aaron Mosby, and Collin Oliver. Cox and Mosby are on one year contracts, we don't know what Oliver can be and Sorrell has shown some flashes, but is he a starter? I can totally see the Packers hitting up the EDGE position with pick 52. Names like Zion Young, R Mason Thomas or Dani Dennis-Sutton come to mind as players that could be available at pick 52,
Yes, I'm trying to build some excitement for pick #52. Not sure if it's working...
Go Pack Go!
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"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.
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Comments (70)
PatrickGB
April 08, 2026 at 06:31 am
Thanks Al. I also would like a DT. Yet it’s probably BPA
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 11:41 am
Now that we have personnel for a 4-3, let's change to a 3-4 so we need a true NT! I think that's our biggest need, although it's hard to say our O line doesn't need help. We saw how much our D line impacted the CB room ...
Cheezehead72
April 08, 2026 at 02:22 pm
I have always thought that it is easier for a team to switch to a 4-3 to 3-4 base than the other way around. But I do not know if that is true with the nickel being the base defense in modern football.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 07:13 am
Most called Chris Johnson a Zone CB.
He'd go before rd 2 if what you say
is true. ( about being a press CB.)
The word is they liked Moore at edge.
So I'm still trying to figure edge out.
IMO the best will be gone by #52.
My frustration is trying to get the best player
to help Love.
A OL like Bisontis or a game changer like Hurst.
There was a reason why Lombardi took
Gillingham.
There was a reason why TT took Bulaga.
I hope Bisontis will be our pick.
I just think the injuries that keep happening
to our OL, make him a smarter option.
JerseyAl
April 08, 2026 at 08:17 am
I love Bisontis also, and would look at him as a way to maybe get out of Banks' contract after this season. However, a cornerback is still my #1 want. Also, I did not say Johnson is a press corner. I said he has had experience doing multiple things.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 09:34 am
Multiple concepts- got it.
He'll end up as NB or safety. IMO.
And while I’ve had Treydan Stukes
As my favorite NB. He did have injuries.
And the injuries were always TT concern first.
Versatility is priority one with OL.
I’ll take BPA over Need this draft.
And chase Bisontis would have
A better chance of sticking beyond
A rookie deal.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 02:39 pm
I'm going to add that the packers
did bring in Gennings Dunkar Iowa.
A RT known as the beast.
But when you compare Bisontis to him.
You get a versatile fast footed guy,
who did play RT.
jannesbjornson
April 08, 2026 at 04:37 pm
Bisontis will be gone by #52. Rutledge from Georgia Tech is a guy who can revive the the Wide-zone run schemes and is solid in pass pro. I would still focus on DT. Al is right about Chris Johnson. He knows how to play to the ball.
You need playmakers who can turn the field position and two of his INTs were pick sixes. SD State and Mountain West Conf. games being on the evening schedule I watched a couple games. He stands out, not a slot guy. May have to move up in Rd.Two to bag him. He would replace Valentine right off the bat.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 05:44 pm
Gone- 50/50now.
I'm staying with him.
If Al is right-
Gute will have to trade up.
And if he's at @52,
(Potential bust)
I think it's funny, after so many
DBs drafted by Gute.
He still can do no wrong.
I won't care if Gutekunst drafts a DT.
Because Wyatt will never be a All-pro.
So save the money.
jannesbjornson
April 08, 2026 at 04:38 pm
.
GregC
April 08, 2026 at 07:14 am
The latest mock draft on NFL.com has Chris Johnson going to the Seahawks with the last pick of the first round, and the Packers taking Treydan Stukes of Arizona at #52. A slot CB. Ugh. I've seen at least one other mock that has the Packers taking diminutive Indiana CB De'Angelo Ponds (5' 8-1/2", 182 pounds) at #52. I don't think these people are putting much thought into it. There are some other interesting CB prospects out there, though. Maybe they will still be available in round 3, or with a trade back in round 2.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 08:27 am
"I don't think these people are putting much thought into it." Agree 100% Greg. Some of the mocks are just ridiculous, it really seems like they don't care about Packers needs and just throw anything out there. Last year I saw a mock that gave GB 3 QBs.
Stockholder is infatuated with Stukes even though he is listed as a slot. Ponds is a dilemma, yes he is small, but I watched the guy all year in the Big 10 and some team is going to get a great player when they pick him. He just makes plays.
My favorites are Igninosun-Ohio State and Everette-Georgia. If you can start and excel for the Buckeyes or Bulldogs, then you can start in the NFL. You are beating out 4 & 5-star players at those schools. Julian Neal and Malik Muhammed are pretty good too.
packerbackerjim
April 08, 2026 at 08:53 am
I’m ok with the CBs you mentioned. I would add Devin Moore. If I had my druthers, rounds 2 and 4 would have CBs selected by Gute.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 11:44 am
Many say Ponds is a good football player. We probably need some of those.
NJMagic
April 08, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Pond reminds me of the Casey Hayward (though even Casey was bigger than that!) or perhaps Peanut...
but DB is a rough need to go into this draft...
GregC
April 08, 2026 at 01:02 pm
Great college player, but from what I've read, he projects as a slot CB in the NFL due to his size. The Packers aren't likely to spend such a high pick on that position when they already have Javon Bullard. Also, the Packers haven't drafted a CB that short in decades.
TKWorldWide
April 08, 2026 at 07:14 am
Is a purely run-stuffing DT a value pick at 52?
Agree that CB is a big need. But with Gutey, you never know which way he’ll go. Maybe that’s a good thing.
I’ll be watching on Thursday night, hoping for some of the top 50 guys to slide down towards GB for Friday.
Pssst! Don’t tell nobody, but I’ve ordered a bunch of gas masks to be delivered to a bunch of those top prospects. Just to help with “the slide.” Thanks, Laremy!
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 07:40 am
"Is a purely run-stuffing DT a value pick at 52?"
No.
TKWorldWide
April 08, 2026 at 07:46 am
Agreed.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 12:20 pm
The necessary qualifying questions are, which DTs are purely run stuffers and which DTs were only asked to be that? The second aspect is, what is a pure run stuffer?
A pure run stuffer to me is a guy who doesn’t go backwards and eats gaps. They have value and they take time to develop typically. Stackhouse may yet grow into one and I agree, we don’t need one wher that’s the limit of expectations.
However, a really good NT doesn’t often get a lot of sacks himself. Where he contributes is by bringing stout in the run game and eating blockers while disrupting the backfield: driving their line backwards so others get sacks primarily. Now that we desperate need.
Gilbert Brown wrecked passing offenses at times and played a big role in deterring the run. He had 7 sacks in 10 seasons. If we could find a Gilbert Brown type to line up next to Wyatt and Hargreaves, then this team would be immeasurably improved in my opinion.
Ford has the burst to do that, and has flashed it, but he’s always tenders to be too upright too often to unlock it or be consistent against the run. There are some players with the athletic ability that suggests they could become disruptive and also, when we play Derek Henry types, line up with Stackhouse.
Get one of those and we probably do ourselves the greatest favor we can. They will be gone by the third round (although some injuries may be serious enough cause a drop but bring other questions). After that, for me, it’s 2 CBs in the next 3 rounds. There are a plethora of CBs I think improve our depth now there, and who have the potential to surpass in future as well.
Miss on a disruptive run stopping DT and we will probably not find anything better in FA. Thise guys are rarely let go. This may be our one shot to provide the regular anchor that unlocks the interior, not to mention the outside rushers.
Fortunately, while I agree CB (two perimeter capable ones actually) is a critical need, this draft has several that will likely be available after round 3 that I believe can address that and well.
GregC
April 08, 2026 at 01:35 pm
When you put it that way, the answer is no, but what about a run-stuffing DT with some pass rush upside? Also, I'm thinking about how important big DTs Gibert Brown and BJ Raji were to the last two Packers championship teams. Plus I'm thinking about what Derrick Henry and the Ravens did to the Packers last season.
Oppy
April 09, 2026 at 12:09 am
Time for my semi-annual NT rant.
Ryan Pickett was the best NT the Packers have had on their roster since Gilbert Brown. Honestly, Pickett was quietly one of the most respected NT's in the league.
Picket and Clark are the two best interior DL the Packers have had in the last 25 years,
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 07:38 am
It's hard to get too excited about pick 52 for a couple reasons...
1. ...there's a lot to happen ahead of that pick, so it's hard to project which better players might still be there. The first round is usually a little easier to project.
2. ...the DIC spends so much time hyping "movers" (this guy's rising and this guy's falling) that the landscape is a flurry. Really, that's all the DIC can do to keep casual fans invested and buying their product.
3. ...it's hard to tell if the Packers will actually use that pick. I give the Packers even odds that they'll trade down out of that pick to secure more capital later.
I keep coming back to the point that the Packers will play their rookies, but not often in marquee roles, so I don't get too caught up in the "filling a need" thing for '26. If the "need" is to strengthen the depth chart, that's what most of these picks will do. It's more likely that the guys who are going to fill front-line needs are already on the roster. I hope that Gute picks players that he thinks can become red or blue chips rather than a guy who he thinks can stopgap for now. They can go sign a stopgap and then end up with a stronger player through the draft, too.
TKWorldWide
April 08, 2026 at 07:48 am
Disseminated
Intravascular
Coagulation?
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 08:02 am
Distracting Info-blather Community
TKWorldWide
April 08, 2026 at 08:15 am
LOL
LeotisHarris
April 08, 2026 at 08:33 am
As long as you two don't exchange DIC pics, it's all above board, or at least above the waist.
Bitternotsour
April 08, 2026 at 08:44 am
Jen Sterger is about 4" from her limit Leotis
TKWorldWide
April 08, 2026 at 09:14 am
Like Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show.
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Wow...this went downhill in hurry!
HarryHodag
April 08, 2026 at 07:47 am
Don't forget the Packers don't have to draft for 'need'.
I'm not sure the Packers are done with Trevon Diggs. If that's the case they could sign him for a year(if he will take that) then draft a corner. I'm not certain defensive tackle is that big of a 'need'. Brooks and Stackhouse are there. Edge is a possibility, but in a 3-4 you need a tall, rangy quick guy on the outside. They 'need' a backup guard-center, but that person can be had later. They have lots of money already invested in left guard and center. Tackle is a possibility to protect against injury to either tackle.
But I have a surprise choice for #52: running back. Josh Jacobs started to show some wear last year along with being injured. Lloyd is an injury waiting to happen, while Brooks is a good third-down back only. Jacobs contract ends after 2027 and I'm not sure the team will want to sign him again given his money. Always look for Gute to draft a year early for a position that will be open in a year or two. They surprised many when they let Wilson go in free agency. I suspect they didn't think he could be the #1 back and they will look for someone to take over, eventually, for Jacobs.
Washington, Jr. from Arkansas was in town of a pre-draft visit. Keep an eye there.
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 08:11 am
"But I have a surprise choice for #52: running back. "
The only positions I don't see the Packers picking at 52 might be TE, QB, and specialists. I think they could pick just about any other position group if the right guy is there.
"They surprised many when they let Wilson go in free agency. "
I was surprised, too, especially given what he signed for in Seattle. I'd figured they were just trying to get around the RFA tender. When was the last time the Packers had a true speed back?...one who could play?
"Edge is a possibility, but in a 3-4 you need a tall, rangy quick guy on the outside. "
I'd love to see a tall, rangy 5T type who can flex into even or odd fronts. OK...I want the next Calais Campbell. He's not going to be on the board at 52...but there are always effective trench players that pop up in rounds 2 and 3 in every draft.
PeteK
April 08, 2026 at 09:35 am
You never know, Campbell was picked at 50.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 09:43 am
Agreed BPA over need.
The Wolf way!
jannesbjornson
April 08, 2026 at 04:57 pm
John Michaels
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 11:50 am
I hate getting a RB a#52, but you may be right. Gutey might just do that. I greatly prefer an O line that helps #8, not the least because that would also help #10. What if he could play all 17 games in the regular season?!? (More importantly, what if he CAN'T)
Since'61
April 08, 2026 at 08:34 am
I'm with you Al. I see CB as the Packers primary need. It's impossible to know who will be left at #52 but if they can pick up a legit NFL CB at 52 they should do it.
At the least they need to draft 2 CBs in the draft and built up their depth in the CB room. Beyond that I hope they go for an Edge, DT and OL depth. Depth at RB would be good as well. Thanks, Since '61
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 11:53 am
Add a QB and that would mean Gutey has to hit on 7 out of 8. Trading back for more picks is seeming like a smart strategy, but trading up into the first round is looking like a possibility based on the top 30 visits ...
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 01:03 pm
Nothing in the visits suggests that to me. All our visits of probable early draft types involve players who may be available where we stand.
For example, Christian Miller is currently consensus 46, but teams are concerned about his complete avoidance of testing, particularly in light of prior injuries. I would suggest that and the likelihood he might be in range speaks volumes if we like him.
If I discern anything from the visits, it’s that we are preparing contingencies for late round or UDFA pickups at OLB, ILB and also OL and CB. The latter two may just be for insurance and extra depth behind earlier picks. RB seems more focused on day 3 types.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 08:58 am
Wow, that would really change the draft for GB if they spend #52 on a RB. I don't think they should, but that's just my opinion. I would rather fill the needs at Edge & CB with our first 2 picks because those are 2 of the biggest needs and if we pick the right players they could very well start in GB in 2026, not 2028. Jacas, Dennis-Sutton, or D. Moore would all be starters @ Edge Day one, because the guys on the roster have shown very little to think they will start.
Because our CB room is a shambles right now, Chris Johnson, Julian Neal, Davison Igbinosun, Will Lee, Malik Muhammad, Daylen Everette, Tacario Davis, DeAngelo Ponds, Charlie Demming, would all stand a great chance to start in GB. Their only real competition is Nixon and St Juste. We need 2 in the draft and 2 reasonable FA CBs.
If we were going to draft a RB, I would be more inclined to pick 1 later, Singleton-Penn State might fall because of his injury, He is as fast & big as Washington but way more productive. Adam Randall could be a wildcard later in the draft.
I still hold out hope for Calais Campbell, or Wilkins from the Raiders, or another player gets cut. I think we will sign a solid, veteran bridge FA NT and punt the need to 2027 when we have so many mid round picks. I do have a fascination for Xzavian Harris though. Even though he has headcase warts to get by his ACTUAL production is off the charts better than any of the "Big Name" DTs. And his kick blocking skills are a weapon all by themselves. If he was available between 170-201 and we had an extra pick, I would sign him because that's where you spend picks on "Potential." and he has that and production.
Let the nitpicking begin.
PackEyedOptimist
April 08, 2026 at 09:30 am
Hey gp61, I'm not convinced the Packers new defense is going to use a traditional fireplug NT. I think they will want a penetrator who is good against the run (That's why I like Zane Durant and Dontay Corleone and Jordan VanDenBurg).
I think Z Harris will go much earlier than the Mock Sites are predicting, but I don't see the Packers being willing to take such a big risk.
I've moved from picking a RB at 52 to not picking one at ALL in this draft. :-D
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 11:56 am
The Godfather has tons of red flags, so much so he might go UDFA.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 12:26 pm
Agree PEO on ignoring RB. It is too easy to find a cheap productive FA RB after the draft. It is a need just like QB that we can punt to the 2027 draft when we have more picks.
Van Den Berg is very intrigueing and is the perfect description of drafting for potential. Looks like a perfect UFDA to bring in.
A late round flyer pick at a future position of need is a LB named Jaden Dugger-Louisiana. Quite a large impressive athlete @ 6'5 245 4.6 speed, 125 tackles last year and pretty good in coverage too. He flies to the ball and has impressive film.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 01:40 pm
As a late round flyer perhaps, but he’s the archetypal all testing but no production trap earlier. He’s not got great burst, has short arms and struggles to disengage. His athleticism doesn’t really show on tape or in production. His rush moves are rudimentary.
It’s odd how many who declaim the value of RAS are sucked into excitement over him. In reality, I think he will get way over drafted by some team. I hope it’s not us, which means I don’t think he’s there in the late rounds. I’d rather Roll the dice on Landon Robinson as a rush DE/big OLB if I were to look for a later freak athlete
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 02:42 pm
You must have watched different highlight videos than I saw Cold. Dugger looks better than anyone we have right now. Its a lower level than D1 but if you don't think his athleticism shows on tape then you are watching different tape. Dugger flys to the ball and makes solid tackles. Watching him run people down trying to beat him to the sideline is futile. I think he is worth a pick over wasting it on another QB who won't make the team.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 04:55 pm
I was referencing Van Den Berg and following on from the thread as a whole, not so much from your comment. Sorry for the confusion.
FWIW, Duggar is not a bad player, but he’s smaller. I think we need a run capable OLB not another Oliver type. As a 7th/UDFA, he’s a valid option as a ST prospect who can play SAM or OLB, but can we roster both him and Oliver in that position? I think he’d be a PS candidate initially, barring injury. I don’t see him displacing Cox or matching his run play and Sorrell isn’t going anywhere nor is Oliver.
BTW. Orange had a private workout for NFK teams now he’s healthy. He reportedly, per Tony Pauline, ran a 1.68-second 10-yard split, which is elite for any defensive tackle.
Kenny Clark had a 1.72. That said, Slaton also ran a 1.68 but it never really led to much pressure. Orange may actually be capable of being more than just a clogger (I think Barry wasted Slaton early). Orange may now be of more interest to us (and unfortunately, to others).
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 01:54 pm
If we go back to using athletic undersized guys like Can Den Berg to stop the run in the hope they can also penetrate, then we deserve what we get. Corleone isn’t athletic, he’s a run stuffer with current injury questions and a possibly congenital health concern on top of that.
Harris may simply not be on the boards because of his behavior. As a player, I’d take him like a shot. As a human being, the prospects are questionable and, if we were serious, I’d expect some kind of visit with him would have taken place pre draft. I’m not aware of one. He’s also just coming off foot surgery, so it’s not certain he will be ready to start the year.
jannesbjornson
April 08, 2026 at 05:09 pm
Orange from Iowa State is a guy to keep an eye on...
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 09:57 am
"I think we will sign a solid, veteran bridge FA NT and punt the need to 2027 when we have so many mid round picks. "
Gute seems to be more of a "yes, and" guy than an "either/or" guy when it comes to addressing needs. He'll sign a stopgap (with an easily cuttable contract) and still draft the spot. I think that's how he addresses DT needs. With Hargrave on a 2-year deal and Brooks/Wyatt on expiring contracts, drafting at least one DT seems like a given, and a second wouldn't surprise me. He's going to generate options.
BruceC1960
April 08, 2026 at 06:37 pm
Would anyone do Christian Watson for Dexter Lawrence? Price of new contracts will likely be similar.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 11:58 pm
Not unless we really really love Neyor. If not we have to find a ready replacement or lose a critical element of our offense. I don’t see one easily obtainable.
The only true size/speed prospect we have is Neyor, and he was raw last year. Williams is tall but not super fast. Golden is fast but not big. I don’t see a comparable draft prospect close to being ready to replace Watson this year.
We have seen how the lack of that size/speed field stretcher neuters a LaFleur O during not only Watson’s absence but those of MVS before him. Robbing Peter to pay Paul seems pointless.
golfpacker61
April 09, 2026 at 07:33 am
" I don’t see a comparable draft prospect close to being ready to replace Watson this year." I have found multiple WRs that are similar, but I don't think we are replacing Watson. Wicks & Reed maybe.
Hey CW, 3 WRs I like in this draft are De'Zhaun Stribling-Ole Miss 6'2 200 4.36, he is a little shorter, almost as fast and has had really solid college production at both schools. Better hand than Watson had when he came to GB. Where he will go is all over the board, 3rd thru 5th rounds.
A WR closer to Watson is Eric McAlister-TCU 6'4 205 4.45, He is a bigtime deep threat having averaged over 18 YPC in his career and is supposed to be a freak athlete. He has some legal warts to overcome, but talent wise he is probably ahead of Watson. Maybe 6th or 7th so wouldn't require a premium pick.
The other is Jeff Caldwell-Cinn-bigger @ 6'5 215 4.31 40-he also averaged 18 YPC
My last one will be a 7th rounder or UFDA. J. Michael Sturdivant-UCLA 6'3 215 has run in mid 4.3s. Solid stats and he would be a priority UFDA.
PackEyedOptimist
April 08, 2026 at 09:22 am
Here are some "big picture thoughts" from someone who has been a draftnik for over 50 years:
1. Mock Draft sites are fun for playing GM, but they are always WAY off on quite a few players.
2. Great players who are injured rarely drop much these days (i.e. guys like Caleb Banks and Connor Lew will go higher than the Consensus Boards say).
3. CBs with high ceilings (but possibly not-great floors) go higher than expected. I think the CBs who are ranked as likely 2nd and 3rd rounders in this draft are all going to go 15-20 picks earlier than predicted.
4. EDGES are a lot like CBs, expect them to go earlier than predicted.
Some other thoughts:
I love the idea of taking a pair of DTs in the 5th and 7th rounds--personally I love Zane Durant and Jordan VanDenBurg there. Both are short, but athletic and high energy producers. Then we can use picks 2-3-4 on other positions, because the DTs in that range (Hunter, Orange, Jackson) are NOT good NFL prospects in my opinion. (I do like Corleone more than most people)
No one in this draft is a better backup QB prospect than Ridder and McCord.
I like several RBs in this draft, but I think it would be a mistake to spend a draft choice on one this year.
I think the Packers will take an OL-man with one of their first three picks, either a backup LOT or someone with the potential to start at C or LG in '27.
I think Gute will roll the dice on high-ceiling players in this draft, because we already have "good enough"/high-floor players at every position.
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 10:41 am
In my limited draft prep, I like VanDen Burg, too, later in the draft. I'm also less bullish on one-trick pony DTs (Orange, etc.) and think they'll slide. I like Jackson better than you seem to and his technical flaws are correctable, but he needs work. There are some "Johnathan Fords" later in the draft.
I agree that some of these guys who have grappled with injuries will probably still be scarfed up early. I'll be curious to see what happens with Harris because his measurables are remarkable but that injury (surgery post combine) and his legal history make him hard to judge.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 12:54 pm
It depends on the nature of the injuries. We and everyone passed on Joe Mixon, Landon Dickerson, Payton Wilson and Darnell Washington multiple times, just to name a few where the drop was for injury reasons not character or disappointing last college seasons. If the injury threatens a season or, worse, a brief career, players fall. How much is hard to predict, but sometimes significant.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 12:00 pm
This strategy leaves us highly exposed to risk of Zach Tom not recovering 100%. Even without that risk I place O line as a higher need than most here.
stockholder
April 08, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Why chase the rainbow, when the
pot of gold is at your feet. @52.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 02:46 pm
To draft a player with our highest pick that won't start or even play.
jannesbjornson
April 08, 2026 at 05:06 pm
PFN, No Trades
#52 Lee Hunter DT T-Tech he was available.
#84 Sam Roush TE Stanford
#120 Charlie Demming CB S.F. Austin
#160 Jake Slaughter C Florida
#201 Carver Willis OT Washington He will go higher
#236 Skyler Thomas S Oregon State
#255 Joe Fagnano QB UCONN
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Not to mention that Banks will need to be improved in '26 to come back in '27.
Not a lot of info on Tom's recovery except hand-wavey "he'll be ready for camp" stuff. You have to look hard just to find out when he had his surgery (late January). If he's healthy, he just might be the top backup at both C and LT. If Tom isn't ready, do they just slide Belton back to RT?
I'd argue that they need two OL in this draft. Only Kinnard on the roster in terms of playable OL depth at this point, and he's right-side only. That needs to change or they need to get really lucky with the carry-overs.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 12:33 pm
"3. CBs with high ceilings (but possibly not-great floors) go higher than expected. I think the CBs who are ranked as likely 2nd and 3rd rounders in this draft are all going to go 15-20 picks earlier than predicted.
4. EDGES are a lot like CBs, expect them to go earlier than predicted."
Yes PEO, this is exactly why GB should pick Edge and CB with their first 2 picks, and because we could get 2 immediate starters with those 2 selections. No to an early RB. Lets piss off Jacobs next year when we don't need him so much, and we can still get something for him.
"No one in this draft is a better backup QB prospect than Ridder and McCord." This constant flow of articles & podcasts that imply we have the worst backups known to man is nothing but Bull$hit! McCord by himself would be the #2 QB in this entire class. We will be above average at backup QB.
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 01:04 pm
"Yes PEO, this is exactly why GB should pick Edge and CB with their first 2 picks, and because we could get 2 immediate starters with those 2 selections."
I suspect we'll see a CB or edge player at 52 because they're money positions and the Packers need to work over those position groups, but there are so many ways this draft and the ensuing FA period can go--and so many position groups that need help--that I'm not really married to those positions on day 2.
Every position group (except maybe QB) needs to be worked over every 3 years, minimum. Some need attention every year (OL).
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 01:20 pm
There is no edge player I consider remotely likely to be available worth drafting at 52. Those often cited are not worth it. Trade back, pick a penetrative NT or a CB. That is where the value lies.
Yes, I think Gabe Jacas and Derrick Moore, essentially LVN burst and power type players, would be a huge mistake. We can do as well or, for us, better in rounds 4 or 5.
We need speed, bend and agility with enough mass to play the run adequately. We will be playing LVN and Sorrell, who will be power types. We do not need to burn our first pick on another.
splitpea1
April 08, 2026 at 10:47 am
CB Johnson would be great if he makes it that far. He's a perfect fit for Gannon. There will other CBs available if not though, and I would expect a double down. Just make sure they're boundary guys.
Hopefully the BPAs will align with our needs, because we sure need a quality nose tackle as well. The good news is that DT Christen Miller is scheduled for a visit, so at least we know he's on the Packers' radar (but we're certainly not alone). If he's unavailable, I like Jackson, Jr. over Orange. We need to start getting beyond the "space-eater" or giant bean bag mentality at this position.
Edge is a need as well, but another Gute clone in the early rounds makes me nervous. For what it's worth, I think Young might be the better selection over Dennis-Sutton.
Paying Van Ness $14 million is a stomach-churning thought. He hasn't produced no matter who his teammates on the line have been. Admit a mistake and move on. If he puts it together somewhere else, so be it.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 08, 2026 at 12:03 pm
LVN certainly produced last season, in limited snaps. Him recovering from ACL is less risky than Zach Tom recovering from his knee injury.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 05:28 pm
Do you mean Wyatt? If so he had a fractured left fibula and torn ligament in the ankle. I’d be more concerned with the potential for that to get complicated than Tom’s.
Tom’s injury was sufficiently minor that they tried to treat it with platelets and avoid surgery. That suggests a partial tear that is far less likely to be an issue than a full one or an ankle with collateral damage. Platelet treatment would be pointless for a serious tear. Both are reported to be in track for summer practice, for what that is worth.
golfpacker61
April 08, 2026 at 12:41 pm
I just read an article about all the medical issues Christian Miller has had, and GB could just be bringing him in to check medicals. Miller and Corleone could be way off our board soon.
Orange sure didn't produce much in the way of stats. He is a true NT but I would rather have production over potential. Same with Miller. If I was picking 1 early it might be McClellan-Missouri. Late pick would be Graves-Iowa.
LVN-A BIG NO to a $14 million extension. He has done nothing to warrant a raise.
dobber
April 08, 2026 at 12:52 pm
I wouldn't be surprised on LVN either way, but if I had to guess, they'll deny his option and try to get a year extension out of him with modest guarantees that keeps his '26 cap hit about the same, but doesn't blow up his '27 hit to close to the 5th year number.
Coldworld
April 08, 2026 at 05:43 pm
I’d be shocked if they take up his option. That will cost upwards of 15 million next year (cap and actual). He’s not justified that thus far, by some way. I’d not be surprised if they extend him on a much cheaper contract as a rotational run first player.
davekenya
April 09, 2026 at 07:19 pm
If the board falls in a way where Johnson is there at 52, it’s a "no-brainer" pick. He provides the speed the Packers lost in recent seasons and the ball skills they've been craving. However, Gute may need to trade up into the early second round to jump teams like the Jets or Giants if he really wants him - maybe offering their 4th rounder. But with so many needs, it's tough giving up any draft capital.