2026 Draft Prospects Thread

[milani]

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.

A lot of them were precipated on 2 RBs in the backfield.

 

[Heyjoe4]

A lot of them were precipated on 2 RBs in the backfield.

Help me out Milani - how does a formation with 2 RBs in the backfield affect an end around? Use the RBs as blockers? That seems like a way to give away the play call. Not sure, lemme know what you're thinking. Thanks!

 

[milani]

Help me out Milani - how does a formation with 2 RBs in the backfield affect an end around? Use the RBs as blockers? That seems like a way to give away the play call. Not sure, lemme know what you're thinking. Thanks!

Screens. That is where the difference enters. Holmgren, RB, FB, ran excellent screens. The second back is a second option. Who gets the pass? Who becomes the blocker? Or who becomes the decoy? Linemen have to pull. A back can be in motion, can lineup in the eye, or split.
Lombardi used misdirection, but rarely an end around. Defenses knew Lombardi wanted to run the ball either by the sweep or the quick opener. The screen or the swing pass acted as an alternative ploy against heavy box run defenses. In the 1962 Championship it moved the ball because it was way too windy to throw strikes downfield. All of Lombardi's backs were good blockers or they would not be on his team.
And if you watch the formations, even on 3rd and 10 or 3rd and 15 they still used 2 in the backfield.
Nowadays, they go empty backfield or just a single back to block or pan to the flat so they can lineup with 3 or 4 wideouts. In Lombardi's time the second back was almost automatically a receiver on passing downs, running wheel routes or flying down in between the safeties.
And Lombardi used the halfback option pass off that formation because teams anticipated a sweep. He used it not only with Paul Hornung but with Tom Moore, Elijah Pitts, and Earl Gros. In 1967 he could not use it because of all the RB injuries and new players.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Screens. That is where the difference enters. Holmgren, RB, FB, ran excellent screens. The second back is a second option. Who gets the pass? Who becomes the blocker? Or who becomes the decoy? Linemen have to pull. A back can be in motion, can lineup in the eye, or split.
Lombardi used misdirection, but rarely an end around. Defenses knew Lombardi wanted to run the ball either by the sweep or the quick opener. The screen or the swing pass acted as an alternative ploy against heavy box run defenses. In the 1962 Championship it moved the ball because it was way too windy to throw strikes downfield. All of Lombardi's backs were good blockers or they would not be on his team.
And if you watch the formations, even on 3rd and 10 or 3rd and 15 they still used 2 in the backfield.
Nowadays, they go empty backfield or just a single back to block or pan to the flat so they can lineup with 3 or 4 wideouts. In Lombardi's time the second back was almost automatically a receiver on passing downs, running wheel routes or flying down in between the safeties.
And Lombardi used the halfback option pass off that formation because teams anticipated a sweep. He used it not only with Paul Hornung but with Tom Moore, Elijah Pitts, and Earl Gros. In 1967 he could not use it because of all the RB injuries and new players.

Thanks Milani, makes sense. I love the screen play, but I love that from the two RB set, there are more options than a pure end around. Half back is more or less extinct in today's NFL. Even so, TEs can play that role so the play can still be run. this also emphasizes the need for RBs playing like receivers.

I think the last Packer HB who was any good was John Kuhn. Hell he may have been their last HB.

 

[milani]

Thanks Milani, makes sense. I love the screen play, but I love that from the two RB set, there are more options than a pure end around. Half back is more or less extinct in today's NFL. Even so, TEs can play that role so the play can still be run. this also emphasizes the need for RBs playing like receivers.

I think the last Packer HB who was any good was John Kuhn. Hell he may have been their last HB.

A team that still executes the screen very well in old style fashion is the 49ers. They use CMC with the FB often and defenses have to be aware of all the options.

 

[Heyjoe4]

A team that still executes the screen very well in old style fashion is the 49ers. They use CMC with the FB often and defenses have to be aware of all the options.

And there isn't a better RB I can think of to execute a screen than CMC. If not for his injury history, he'd be the consensus pick for best RB in the NFL. The guy does incredible things when he has the ball.

 

[thequick12]

Another player I think would fit in on this team very well despite not being at a position of obvious need...

Anthony Hill Jr 6' 2 238 LB Texas
4.51 40
1.58 10 yard split
37" vertical
21 reps

17 sacks over his college career
4 in 2025, 8 in 2024, 5 in 2023

Having him next to Edgerrin Cooper gives you two guys that can effect the qb and cover from the inside. Parsons and Van Ness on the outside and the aforementioned two on the inside is a ridiculous group of athletes that could control a lot of games

Also just heard him speak on NFL radio and he sounds like a Packer guy to me. Loves ball, watching tape and is a fan of Cooper

If hes available at 52 you gotta think about him too. This, as the case most years would be a great time to have 2 second rounders.

At this point id be all for trading Jayden Reed or Dontayvion Wicks to add an additional 2nd rounder. Grab Hill Jr and one of the wrs (Lance, Hurst, Brazzell)

 

[OldSchool101]

Another player I think would fit in on this team very well despite not being at a position of obvious need...

Anthony Hill Jr 6' 2 238 LB Texas
4.51 40
1.58 10 yard split
37" vertical
21 reps

17 sacks over his college career
4 in 2025, 8 in 2024, 5 in 2023

Having him next to Edgerrin Cooper gives you two guys that can effect the qb and cover from the inside. Parsons and Van Ness on the outside and the aforementioned two on the inside is a ridiculous group of athletes that could control a lot of games

Also just heard him speak on NFL radio and he sounds like a Packer guy to me. Loves ball, watching tape and is a fan of Cooper

If hes available at 52 you gotta think about him too. This, as the case most years would be a great time to have 2 second rounders.

At this point id be all for trading Jayden Reed or Dontayvion Wicks to add an additional 2nd rounder. Grab Hill Jr and one of the wrs (Lance, Hurst, Brazzell)

So far I think Brian displayed his thought process through visits. He looking hard at RB (but will still likely only draft 1) or DL or CB. I’d guess there’s a 75% he doubles up at CB or DL (Edge and DT etc).

Personally I’d consider trading an 2027 selection to acquire and extra Day3 selection now. Meaning attempting to trade a 2027 RD4 for a RD5 selection later this month. We’ve done really well in that RD5 area historically.

 

[thequick12]

So far I think Brian displayed his thought process through visits. He looking hard at RB (but will still likely only draft 1) or DL or CB. I’d guess there’s a 75% he doubles up at CB or DL (Edge and DT etc).

Personally I’d consider trading an 2027 selection to acquire and extra Day3 selection now. Meaning attempting to trade a 2027 RD4 for a RD5 selection later this month. We’ve done really well in that RD5 area historically.

Dontayvion Wicks just traded to Eagles for a 2026 5th and 2027 6th. Wicks got a 1 year 12.5 million contract extension

I agree with you I could see 2 cbs and 2 DTs drafted. I also think 1 rb and 1 wr. That leaves 2 more picks barring a trade down or trade up. I think 1 of those will be ol. The other could be a lb or edge rusher etc

Im definitely a best player available guy. I cant find the sense in passing on a guy you know is gonna be really good for a guy youre not sure about becas of position

 

[OldSchool101]

Dontayvion Wicks just traded to Eagles for a 2026 5th and 2027 6th. Wicks got a 1 year 12.5 million contract extension

I agree with you I could see 2 cbs and 2 DTs drafted. I also think 1 rb and 1 wr. That leaves 2 more picks barring a trade down or trade up. I think 1 of those will be ol. The other could be a lb or edge rusher etc

Im definitely a best player available guy. I cant find the sense in passing on a guy you know is gonna be really good for a guy youre not sure about becas of position

Thank You for letting me know this. Thats an Amazing Deal! We purchased Wicks with #159 and now get either one of #153 or #178 kicked back in a couple weeks!
PLUS we recoup our RD6 selection that we had traded away in 2027

Amazing job Brian!!

 

[OldSchool101]

We’re now up to 8 selections again in 2026.

RD2
RD3
RD4
RD5, RD5
RD6
RD7, RD7

Then in the 2027 Draft we’re projecting a thick 11 selections.

RD2
RD3, RD3
RD4, RD4, RD4
RD5, RD5
RD6, RD6
RD7!

 

[thequick12]

I believe its #153

 

[milani]

Thank You for letting me know this. Thats an Amazing Deal! We purchased Wicks with #159 and now get either one of #153 or #178 kicked back in a couple weeks!
PLUS we recoup our RD6 selection that we had traded away in 2027

Amazing job Brian!!

That is why this is kind of a " transition " year. The roster will have more than a handful of new faces. Have to wonder who the rest will be. Big adjustments, some growing pains. But it appears we are lining up for 2027.

 

[OldSchool101]

That is why this is kind of a " transition " year. The roster will have more than a handful of new faces. Have to wonder who the rest will be. Big adjustments, some growing pains. But it appears we are lining up for 2027.

I’m beginning to see that. From a pure Roster perspective it has the feel that GB is pushing up the volume of draft picks. While it’s true we don’t have a RD1 selection this year or next, we suddenly have 19 selections (projected) across this April and next

I somehow Can’t help but wonder if we are reformatting our Rooms in order to fit our top players better. Likely due to Coordinator changes requiring some schematic changes. (Such as away from a 4-3 D.

Also for the first time in forever GB is already turning over rocks looking for Special Teams upgrades. Very quickly Brian grabbed Skyy Moore. During visits he’s scoping pure KR options also. We also brought back Niemann and Welch, who are both good on Teams, but who in the past did very little outside of that role. It’s a very deliberate focus on injecting talent into those areas.

I’m not going to coin it a “rebuild” just yet, because in a rebuild you most often trade higher graded players for higher draft picks. The old “Firesale” terminology. Here we are more in a middle financial “reformat” and trading our more leaning “financially obsolete” players. They are players that aren’t necessarily bad, but they will likely demand more $ than their production warrants. So it’s a financial “reformat” if you will.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Another player I think would fit in on this team very well despite not being at a position of obvious need...

Anthony Hill Jr 6' 2 238 LB Texas
4.51 40
1.58 10 yard split
37" vertical
21 reps

17 sacks over his college career
4 in 2025, 8 in 2024, 5 in 2023

Having him next to Edgerrin Cooper gives you two guys that can effect the qb and cover from the inside. Parsons and Van Ness on the outside and the aforementioned two on the inside is a ridiculous group of athletes that could control a lot of games

Also just heard him speak on NFL radio and he sounds like a Packer guy to me. Loves ball, watching tape and is a fan of Cooper

If hes available at 52 you gotta think about him too. This, as the case most years would be a great time to have 2 second rounders.

At this point id be all for trading Jayden Reed or Dontayvion Wicks to add an additional 2nd rounder. Grab Hill Jr and one of the wrs (Lance, Hurst, Brazzell)

Thanks Quick. A guy to watch for sure. I love the Texas pedigree.

I don't know where he projects in the draft. 17 sacks is amazing for a LB over three years. His height is worrisome.

As for trading Reed, I'm not there. I wanna see a real season out of Golden to assess what he has, and would like Watson to show he can stay healthy. I'd be ok trading Wicks if they can move up and get a guy they want.

And I like the idea of grabbing either Hurst or Lance, but that would use the #52 pick. Not easy drafting w/o a first rounder, but that was certainly worth it to get Parsons.

Good stuff Quick, thanks.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That is why this is kind of a " transition " year. The roster will have more than a handful of new faces. Have to wonder who the rest will be. Big adjustments, some growing pains. But it appears we are lining up for 2027.

Yeah based on Gluten's actions in FA, standing pat at CB (so far) - and one JAG CB and Hargrave, solid iDL), and picking up comp picks, I'd say 2027 is the year when we can realistically expect a serious run at a SB.

I'd certainly be happy if it happened this year, and it certainly could. And Gluten has the draft ahead of him, picking up cap-casualty vets, and trades.

 

[OldSchool101]

2026 will be as much about staying healthy. I thought had GB just had Parsons and maybe Tom? Last year we we’d go toe to toe with Seattle. I think logically I’d give Seattle the Nod, but mainly because they went healthy. Give me Kraft, Tom, Parsons and Wyatt and we’d give Seattle a run for their $$.

Gotta get back to OL playing Top 10. Get 2-3 good adds from these draft picks. Extend Watson and grab 1 more solid depth veteran either at OL or DE we’re sitting pretty.

#47 DT Christian Miller #52, 27-RD4

#78 WR, Bryce Lance (#84, #201)

#120 CB, Will Lee III

#153 OC, Parker Brailsford

#160 TE, Nate Boerkircher

#220 RB, J’Mari Taylor (RD7+RD7)

 

[milani]

2026 will be as much about staying healthy. I thought had GB just had Parsons and maybe Tom? Last year we we’d go toe to toe with Seattle. I think logically I’d give Seattle the Nod, but mainly because they went healthy. Give me Kraft, Tom, Parsons and Wyatt and we’d give Seattle a run for their $$.

Gotta get back to OL playing Top 10. Get 2-3 good adds from these draft picks. Extend Watson and grab 1 more solid depth veteran either at OL or DE we’re sitting pretty.

#47 DT Christian Miller #52, 27-RD4

#78 WR, Bryce Lance (#84, #201)

#120 CB, Will Lee III

#153 OC, Parker Brailsford

#160 TE, Nate Boerkircher

#220 RB, J’Mari Taylor (RD7+RD7)

Had we remained healthy we would have won the division and seeded higher. But I think the dent in the armor was that the Rams had the Seahawks beaten in the regular season and let the OT game get away. I felt that despite Stafford and Nacua that the Pack matched up better against the Rams than the Seahawks. And the Rams-Bears matchup was very much like the 3 Packer-Bear matchups. The big difference is that the Rams ST won its game whereas ours found ways to botch them up.

 

[OldSchool101]

Had we remained healthy we would have won the division and seeded higher. But I think the dent in the armor was that the Rams had the Seahawks beaten in the regular season and let the OT game get away. I felt that despite Stafford and Nacua that the Pack matched up better against the Rams than the Seahawks. And the Rams-Bears matchup was very much like the 3 Packer-Bear matchups. The big difference is that the Rams ST won its game whereas ours found ways to botch them up.

Sounds about right

 

[tynimiller]

Keeping this prospect related - had some message me over the weekend if this Wicks trade changes anything in my opinion for the draft? In short no, but it does impact it perhaps in thought of player or players targeted.

Wicks is an excellent outside wideout that simply put wasn't part of our future plans hence the trade...and his reps for sure will need replaced. Losing two of our main outside snap takers is significant but Golden is more than ready, and deep reserve guys like Savion and Melton also around and Reed (of course slot guy) can motion outside for sure some.

That said yes, this could change the type of WR we look to, there are some awesome prospects of various levels...I'll attempt to share my WR clusters at various levels that I think Packer fans should familiarize themselves with for various reasons.

 

[milani]

Keeping this prospect related - had some message me over the weekend if this Wicks trade changes anything in my opinion for the draft? In short no, but it does impact it perhaps in thought of player or players targeted.

Wicks is an excellent outside wideout that simply put wasn't part of our future plans hence the trade...and his reps for sure will need replaced. Losing two of our main outside snap takers is significant but Golden is more than ready, and deep reserve guys like Savion and Melton also around and Reed (of course slot guy) can motion outside for sure some.

That said yes, this could change the type of WR we look to, there are some awesome prospects of various levels...I'll attempt to share my WR clusters at various levels that I think Packer fans should familiarize themselves with for various reasons.

How good do you thing Savion and Melton are? So far I have not seen anything that indicates they are spectacular. I hope you won't be disappointed. Many thought Amari had good potential here as well. And he proved to be a bust.

 

[tynimiller]

How good do you thing Savion and Melton are? So far I have not seen anything that indicates they are spectacular. I hope you won't be disappointed. Many thought Amari had good potential here as well. And he proved to be a bust.

Melton is at this point what he is, a developmental but experienced depth piece. As your 4th or 5th he's fine. Savion I like but folks have to recall what system he was in while in college, very athletic and deadly guy with the ball in his hands is proven - if the game slows down for him more and he refines his footwork/route running again he's fine as your 4th level type guy.

Green Bay isn't going to want either of those guys to pick up Wicks level outside play IMO...Golden and IMO a guy not yet here will do majority of that.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II visiting Green Bay. I see this guy as a 2nd rounder and a stud at that. Smoke screen by the Packers or would they really draft him if he is there at 52?

 

[OldSchool101]

Eli Heidenreich is a Standout athlete from PA. Excelled first in Baseball but took to Football like a charm. He comes from a lesser American Conference, and it’s a good thing. If he logged over 3,000 yards in 3 years in any Power 4 School he’d be an easy Top 100 player. I call him a poor man’s Christian McCaffrey. Soft hands and explosive with razor sharp cuts. He’s a Bik shave under 6’0 and 200lb, yet plays a shave over that size. One of his knocks is his shorter arms (29.75”) but anyone underestimating that as a flaw will be watching him score a TD from behind him. His hands are Elite in ball protection, allowing just 1 fumble across 3 college seasons.

His speed translates immediately to the NFL. (4.44 40 time) He broke his programs single game record by catching 8 balls for 243 yards and 3 TD’s. He also broke Navy’s career TD record in process. Then went on to break the Navy Receiving record against South Florida. A record that had stood since 1967.

He’s teetering between early RD6 and Priority Undrafted from most accounts I’ve seen. I’d put him squarely as a RD6 prospect because of his ability to play Pass or Run, you almost wouldn’t know his natural position because he’s just a dynamic all around athlete. I’d take a chance on him by RD6 or Jump at the chance with our #236 pick.

Coin flip he carves out a good performer on a regular Teams role (coverage units) or valuable backup piece at either RB or WR. Outside shot as a good quality regular rotation role at RB/WR. Similar to recent Melton or Taylor but bigger play impact mix.

PS. Packer Type. Highly respected Team Captain

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Melton is at this point what he is, a developmental but experienced depth piece. As your 4th or 5th he's fine.

"Developmental" in his 5th year in the NFL, isn't a good sign. I get trying to convert him to a CB, but that didn't seem to take. Unless he shows a sudden improvement at WR, I wouldn't want to have Bo as our #4 WR and honestly, his days in the NFL or at least as a Packer, may be numbered.