2026 Draft Prospects Thread

[tynimiller]

Because that’s what I wrote. Round 2

It wouldn't be foolish for them to pick him there, but a TON of them would have been foolish to let him get there. I am honestly not opposed to someone grabbing him Day1 that is how much I believe in him.

 

[OldSchool101]

It wouldn't be foolish for them to pick him there, but a TON of them would have been foolish to let him get there. I am honestly not opposed to someone grabbing him Day1 that is how much I believe in him.

I see. Could be I have no idea.
I was using him as an example because he’s a consensus Round 3 pick, so his testing is off the charts and I several of you guys speak highly of him. Off top of my head I’m thinking #52 could be a little Rich, but listen it’s the NFL. Look at what happened to DK Metcalf. That guy should’ve NEVER slid like that.

A couple things I think are limiting Hurst. He has a high level of drops across his final 2 seasons at Georgia State. He does have questions on contested catches for a guy his size and at same time he gets a high score for “hands” which is highly contradictory. His blocking is substandard at Sunbelt competition and that physical aspect won’t get easier against Pros. I saw 2 scouts who said there’s some concern he loses steam towards game end. He’s got lots of positives, but he does have a few ? So he’s not a complete WR. Imo to make Day 1 you really need to be all around stellar. That’s just my opinion. I’ll watch some tape on him he looks like a Packer type though. They obviously wouldn’t be looking unless they thought he was a realistic chance at top 50 or later imo.

 

[Heyjoe4]

We actually went that road in 2023 I think it was with Reed, so it’s not inconceivable.

Thanks. I didn't know that about the Reed pick. Just one more reason it's so hard to call the draft with much accuracy. There's some consensus, especially in the early rounds (1 and 2) on who will get drafted. Who that is and what team will select them is a bit of a crap shoot. Although the #1 overall pick and team are usually pretty easy to call.

 

[Heyjoe4]

It wouldn't be foolish for them to pick him there, but a TON of them would have been foolish to let him get there. I am honestly not opposed to someone grabbing him Day1 that is how much I believe in him.

I didn't know who Hurst was until he was brought up on this forum. If he somehow manages to drop to #52, it seems a lock Gluten would take him. Now that I know more about him, I just don't see him dropping that far.

Regardless, a WR at #52 isn't out of the question. Watson, Kraft and Reed will all be coming up on second contracts, and I don't think the Packers can keep them all. In this scenario, Reed is the odd man out, much the same as Doubs was this offseason.

With a QB as good as Love, best to give him weapons at WR and TE. If they are on rookie deals, so much the better.

 

[thequick12]

I kinda like what we did attaining Reed. We did 2 mini trade backs (5 spots) and gained a 5th (Wicks) 6th Rounder (Brooks). I think in 2023 GB felt similarly about Reed. Probably too early to draft at #45 overall and little too aggressive, but likely he’s gone before 32 picks later RD3.

Ive been doing that in mocks to get Lance while picking up a couple extra 4th round picks. A round just like the 2nd in which gutey has a history of success

 

[thequick12]

I honestly hope Watson is never used again by GB to run the football.

Why? Im assuming risk of injury

Dude is electric with the ball in his hands on an end around. Keeps the defense honest and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field

 

[thequick12]

I like Hurst too and Im pretty confident he will in fact be available at 52. Had he played at Georgia instead of Georgia State he definitely wouldn't be

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

IF I have the pick and I'm Gutey Keionte Scott CB Miami is the call. Long and fast. Anything else can be coached and taught

 

[tynimiller]

IF I have the pick and I'm Gutey Keionte Scott CB Miami is the call. Long and fast. Anything else can be coached and taught

He is a slot, I love him as a prospect but not a fit - unless Gute and Co has the plan of Bull moving back to safety and us letting X walk after this year.

 

[tynimiller]

Three Tyni has listed as "don't answer trade calls - don't think about it - run the card in" guys at 52 that are out of most top 20 player lists:


Chris Johnson CB San Diego State - Everyone knows Julian Neal to me is the guy I want us to add, but admittedly 52 may be too rich. Johnson however IMO has ZERO business getting out of day 1. The only, and I mean ONLY trait that isn't just a massive green light about him is arm length - but put on the film and you'd never know....his speed makes plays, his short range explosion and twitch makes plays, his hips are loose and footwork is rock solid. One of THE best zone corners this last year but also one of the best at man too (just not as high). That's where Johnson rises above for me essentially every outside corner in this draft. He I think might very well become one of the best man and best zone corner. IF he somehow makes it past Day1 I'm fine if I hear gute is draining 2027 draft picks to move up for him honestly.

Keldric Faulk ED Auburn - This dude doesn't turn 21 until September...has two incredibly productive years with 2023 that was solid for as young as he was. Excellent against the run with insane body measurables 34.38 inch arms, nearly 10 inch hands, 6'5' and 276 that moves like a swift TE at that body type...just insane. The clouds are his ceiling in truth. ZERO reason IMO he sees Day2.

Christen Miller DT Georgia - Look...the stats are immpeccable, the grades also....film I'll be honest at times he doesn't look special, but I think at times it is more to do with how easy he makes things look vs. him not being as good as the numbers indicate. I would really like a full athletic profile, and GB likely might have some more of course but this 6'3' 321lb dude would instantly make our run defense better the second his name is announced. I just hesitate to say this, but to me Miller is the epitome of a guy that is going to make the team better, but not with the flashiness or noticeable play that many fans will notice and we quickly better get used to hearing that Gute wasted our first pick in about a year or two...when in actuality that will be very far from the truth.

 

[DoURant]

Three Tyni has listed as "don't answer trade calls - don't think about it - run the card in" guys at 52 that are out of most top 20 player lists:


Chris Johnson CB San Diego State - Everyone knows Julian Neal to me is the guy I want us to add, but admittedly 52 may be too rich. Johnson however IMO has ZERO business getting out of day 1. The only, and I mean ONLY trait that isn't just a massive green light about him is arm length - but put on the film and you'd never know....his speed makes plays, his short range explosion and twitch makes plays, his hips are loose and footwork is rock solid. One of THE best zone corners this last year but also one of the best at man too (just not as high). That's where Johnson rises above for me essentially every outside corner in this draft. He I think might very well become one of the best man and best zone corner. IF he somehow makes it past Day1 I'm fine if I hear gute is draining 2027 draft picks to move up for him honestly.

Keldric Faulk ED Auburn - This dude doesn't turn 21 until September...has two incredibly productive years with 2023 that was solid for as young as he was. Excellent against the run with insane body measurables 34.38 inch arms, nearly 10 inch hands, 6'5' and 276 that moves like a swift TE at that body type...just insane. The clouds are his ceiling in truth. ZERO reason IMO he sees Day2.

Christen Miller DT Georgia - Look...the stats are immpeccable, the grades also....film I'll be honest at times he doesn't look special, but I think at times it is more to do with how easy he makes things look vs. him not being as good as the numbers indicate. I would really like a full athletic profile, and GB likely might have some more of course but this 6'3' 321lb dude would instantly make our run defense better the second his name is announced. I just hesitate to say this, but to me Miller is the epitome of a guy that is going to make the team better, but not with the flashiness or noticeable play that many fans will notice and we quickly better get used to hearing that Gute wasted our first pick in about a year or two...when in actuality that will be very far from the truth.

Love Johnson, if he somehow makes it to #52 I would be ecstatic, the #1 guy I want in the 2nd Rd. That being said, I feel Miller has the best chance to make it to our pick, out of these 3 prospects.

 

[OldSchool101]

What’s interesting is both DT Hunter and Miller have been Jockying (for lack of better term) for draft position. In quite a few Mocks I’ve done in recent months and also various sites they were often gone by our first selection. Now more recently I’ve seen 1 or the other or both there at #52 which I thought was unusual. I don’t think it’s so much that they dropped, as it was a group of other prospects were risers and bumped them.

Miller Jr fits almost perfectly with everything Gute likes about a player. First he’s positionally sound. He’s more versatile than Lee Hunter as Miller Jr can play NT or can slide to 3T. Hunter is closer to exclusively a NT type with very little ability to rush the passer past a Bull Rush. I saw 2 Scouts mention if a DL coach can refine Millers’ hand usage and add to his Pass Rush arsenal? He’s an easy 3 Down player and could be a real treat from this class. Covington is just the guy to help imo. Not to mention he’d be around other Georgia players who understand his history and can inspire him. Brinson, Wyatt, Stack etc.
Miller Jr is also the more athletic of the 2 players (vs. Hunter) We know how Gute loves his RAS guys.

We know how Gute adores the Georgia D players and Miller was the Nucleus of that DL group. IMO Miller would be a near immediate fit and would display his elite Run stop ability very quickly and decisively. That to me was our weakness last year and he’s our most realistic attempt at stability inside. No Miller isn’t a pure Blue Chip player without typical risk, but instead 2 Rounds you very likely won’t find a better option that fits GB. I wouldn’t even be opposed to a mini move up (using a future 5th) because I think he’s an immediate upgrade.

 

[Schultz]

Why? Im assuming risk of injury

Dude is electric with the ball in his hands on an end around. Keeps the defense honest and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field

Your assumption is correct. He has been hurt multiple times running jet sweeps in the past.

 

[OldSchool101]

If we get Christen Miller Jr using #52 in some capacity? (Trade or natural) Not only is our DL better than 2025, but the entire draft for Green Bay is on course to be a Winner. I said that about Kraft and I jumped a foot off the ground when drafted him. Not just because I picked RD and player in our contest, but because you just had this gut feeling he’s going to be really good at minimum (high floor) In the same way many in here really liked Edgerrin Cooper also. Miller is THAT guy this draft. High floor DT that has a dynamic ceiling dependent on his position Coach and Scheme fit.

 

[tynimiller]

Love Johnson, if he somehow makes it to #52 I would be ecstatic, the #1 guy I want in the 2nd Rd. That being said, I feel Miller has the best chance to make it to our pick, out of these 3 prospects.

Yup, out of those three for sure Miller has best bet.

 

[tynimiller]

If we get Christen Miller Jr using #52 in some capacity? (Trade or natural) Not only is our DL better than 2025, but the entire draft for Green Bay is on course to be a Winner. I said that about Kraft and I jumped a foot off the ground when drafted him. Not just because I picked RD and player in our contest, but because you just had this gut feeling he’s going to be really good at minimum (high floor) In the same way many in here really liked Edgerrin Cooper also. Miller is THAT guy this draft. High floor DT that has a dynamic ceiling dependent on his position Coach and Scheme fit.

I told a buddy...after day 1 closes Chris Johnson is moving to get regardless of capital it likely takes.

Miller I am willing to say the same if say we hit pick 40 or so and he is still there.

Both are phenemonal prospects, but even better fits with our needs.

 

[OldSchool101]

I told a buddy...after day 1 closes Chris Johnson is moving to get regardless of capital it likely takes.

Miller I am willing to say the same if say we hit pick 40 or so and he is still there.

Both are phenemonal prospects, but even better fits with our needs.

I’d have zero problem trading up to
#47 Colts and possibly #45 or #44 Jets or Baltimore. Also that leapfrogs Detroit and Minnesota who sit at #50 and #49. The last thing we need is not only losing those prospects but also watching our nemesis draft them.

I’m guessing to get to #45 we’re probably talking what? A pair of 5th Rounders from 2026,2027 + #52 or a RD4 + #52 straight up?

 

[Heyjoe4]

I like Hurst too and Im pretty confident he will in fact be available at 52. Had he played at Georgia instead of Georgia State he definitely wouldn't be

Thanks quick. Is Lance also a WR? What makes him special? Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Your assumption is correct. He has been hurt multiple times running jet sweeps in the past.

Risk of injury shouldn't be a huge factor when a talented and fast WR is used in an end around. Given Watosn's injury history, it's tempting to keep him away from plays that carry higher risk of injury.

It seems like he has solved his soft-tissue (hamstring) injury problem. If he wants to be used and paid as an elite WR, he has to be available for all of the offensive plays in the playbook. "Risk of injury" is just an excuse and not a very good one.

IMO the Packers have been terrible in recent years running end arounds, whether it's Watson, Reed, Golden, or any other player. I'm not sure why - maybe they are making it easier for defenses to read. But "end around" just hasn't worked in GB. They don't run many screens either, kinda puzzling.

 

[gopkrs]

Risk of injury shouldn't be a huge factor when a talented and fast WR is used in an end around. Given Watosn's injury history, it's tempting to keep him away from plays that carry higher risk of injury.

It seems like he has solved his soft-tissue (hamstring) injury problem. If he wants to be used and paid as an elite WR, he has to be available for all of the offensive plays in the playbook. "Risk of injury" is just an excuse and not a very good one.

IMO the Packers have been terrible in recent years running end arounds, whether it's Watson, Reed, Golden, or any other player. I'm not sure why - maybe they are making it easier for defenses to read. But "end around" just hasn't worked in GB. They don't run many screens either, kinda puzzling.

Have to disagree that risk of injury is just an excuse. I don't think Watson is built fot those end around plays and defenders get there in a hurry with very bad intent. He is too valuable as a receiver imho. Also, somebody said a speedy receiver in the draft has a history of getting hurt on that play. Not worth the risk. If LaFleur just has to do it; use Williams or a RB lined up in the slot. To me, it's not a necessary play to have in your arsenal. But I definitely agree that they should practice and get better at screens. Screens are all about deception and timing with receiver, decoy, QB and OL blockers all up for oscars. If each cannot do that; you may as well put that play in the trash bin as well. And here the coaches really have to coach imho.

 

[Schultz]

I remember when GB arguably was the best screen team in the league.

 

[OldSchool101]

Have to disagree that risk of injury is just an excuse. I don't think Watson is built fot those end around plays and defenders get there in a hurry with very bad intent. He is too valuable as a receiver imho. Also, somebody said a speedy receiver in the draft has a history of getting hurt on that play. Not worth the risk. If LaFleur just has to do it; use Williams or a RB lined up in the slot. To me, it's not a necessary play to have in your arsenal. But I definitely agree that they should practice and get better at screens. Screens are all about deception and timing with receiver, decoy, QB and OL blockers all up for oscars. If each cannot do that; you may as well put that play in the trash bin as well. And here the coaches really have to coach imho.

Yes inthink that’s partly why they drafted Savion. Hes a really good weapon out of the backfield that is a little more physical finisher, and even Savion is smart enough ti use some Finesse in avoiding a head on collision. He’ll juke or spin first option. No offense to Reed but we need to limit his crashing into a LB etc. I saw a highlight of his where he came around the edge and hit his typical 10 yards. But the 206lb String Safety came full tilt and Reed bravely lowered his pad but imo lost that exchange and got bounced into the sideline. Guys like Kraft or Savion can gain momentum and lower a shoulder and that extra 30-70lbs makes a huge difference on those collisions.

Now I’m not anti tackling or anti-collision. I just you mitigate those to a point with a 190lb Slot or a taller player like Watson. Use it in key game winning drives or maybe playoffs etc. We get a little too Cutsie but I’ve also noticed we’ve reeled back on those awful screens for .5 yard.

 

[thequick12]

Thanks quick. Is Lance also a WR? What makes him special? Any info is greatly appreciated.

*Ted Hurst official visit with Packers*

Yep, Lance is a Wr...actually trey Lance brother and a fellow north Dakota state alum like Christian Watson. Like Watson, played for packers new wr coach.

To me, what makes him special are a lot of the same things that make Christian Watson special. Size, speed, explosiveness. He can run all the routes, is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, both run or pass. He was way more productive than Watson in the same offense. I just think he'd be a really nice fit alongside Watson and Golden. As would Hurst, Chris Brazzel II all 3 likely ro go in the 2nd round. A late round guy in a similar mode is Jeff Caldwell

 

[Heyjoe4]

Have to disagree that risk of injury is just an excuse. I don't think Watson is built fot those end around plays and defenders get there in a hurry with very bad intent. He is too valuable as a receiver imho. Also, somebody said a speedy receiver in the draft has a history of getting hurt on that play. Not worth the risk. If LaFleur just has to do it; use Williams or a RB lined up in the slot. To me, it's not a necessary play to have in your arsenal. But I definitely agree that they should practice and get better at screens. Screens are all about deception and timing with receiver, decoy, QB and OL blockers all up for oscars. If each cannot do that; you may as well put that play in the trash bin as well. And here the coaches really have to coach imho.

Yeah you make a good argument for not using Watson on end arounds, and/or severely limiting the times the play is used at all.

The Lombardi Packers were excellent at running screens. I don't see them enough with these Packers. It takes practice and commitment, and can be very effective when executed properly.

 

[Heyjoe4]

*Ted Hurst official visit with Packers*

Yep, Lance is a Wr...actually trey Lance brother and a fellow north Dakota state alum like Christian Watson. Like Watson, played for packers new wr coach.

To me, what makes him special are a lot of the same things that make Christian Watson special. Size, speed, explosiveness. He can run all the routes, is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, both run or pass. He was way more productive than Watson in the same offense. I just think he'd be a really nice fit alongside Watson and Golden. As would Hurst, Chris Brazzel II all 3 likely ro go in the 2nd round. A late round guy in a similar mode is Jeff Caldwell

Thanks for the addl info Quick. I didn't know that WR Lance is brothers with Trey L. Let's hope that WR Lance follows a different career path than his brother......

It's interesting to think about drafting a WR at #52. Gluten has been plugging holes at iDL and CB with FA and a trade, I think. the draft is approaching and he has other ways to improve the team. Certainly the CB group needs a makeover - this just may not be the year.

If so, it's important to make sure the offense is rock solid. The side benefit of drafting a WR in round 2 is cap-related.