2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[Heyjoe4]

Another reason why generally speaking, I’d rather have a pair of 77 (76+78)overall picks than one singular 50 overall.

Yeah I agree. It seems that outside the top 15-20 guys picked, it gets a whole lot harder to hit on a guy who can play now. And even the top 15-20 guys can be iffy when it comes to "immediate impact" ability.

Would I trade #52 for #76 and #78? Yeah, probably, as the depth of talent/value isn't much different between those three spots, and it seems like this class is pretty well stocked at Edge and iDL, two need areas for GB. It depends on whether Gluten has a guy(s) he really likes at #52. In that case he'll use the pick, I think.

Poker posted about an Edge guy from Penn State - Dennis-Sutton. That guy looks really good and if he's there at #52 I'm sure gluten will draft him. Gotta remember that without Parsons, GB doesn't have much in the way of a pass rush from current DEs on the team. (I would so much like to see LVN have a HUGE year......)

Anyway, Edge is not out of the question at #52. My guess is that Gluten grabs a CB there, but again, depends on the value/need trade off and which players are high on Gluten's board, and available at #52.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Yes, if at 52 someone wants to move up I suspect Gute doe. And he would be smart to do so if the draft goes as I see it.

CBs fact is hit rate plummets after day 1 with not much difference between day2 and early day 3…unless Cisse or Johnson falls there is no reason to maybe stretch picking a CB there like Igninosun if you could trade back and say grab Julian Neal and later Prysock or even later Masses instead.

I’m similarly fearful the real strong DT prospects that Green Bay would want will be gone too…see above reference but plug names like instead of reaching for Big Citrus you double later with Kaleb Proctor and Demonte or even later Jordan Van De Berg or whatever his name is - freak RAS guy.

WR could play out same do you reach for a guy when trade back and maybe land a TE like Raridon and a WR like the kid from Ole Miss we had in or even later the freak speed kid Caldwell

The prime section of CB and DL is picks 75-150… if Gute can turn 52 into two picks within that or pick very close to 75 and just out of 150 HE NEEDS TO DO IT

Matter of fact my final mock prediction is likely going to have a trade back because all signs point to that OR us drafting an OL or Edge because that will be best available (or Brazzel)

Agree with you and Poker that if Gluten can trade #52 for two picks between 75 and 150, go for it. Not sure what a #52 is worth based on Jimmy Johnson's chart. But as you note, there is good value at CB/DL from 75-150. Reaching for a CB at #52 based on need...... That's just not Gluten's style.

 

[OldSchool101]

Gotta remember that without Parsons, GB doesn't have much in the way of a pass rush from current DEs on the team.

Hey @Heyjoe4. Before I respond to this let me just offer that I’m totally 100% on board that Edge is still a premium position. Just look at the contracts out there.

I do think GB has several players on board that are probably getter than we give them credit. One is Brenton Cox Jr., he actually produces favorable data that he’s a dynamic difference maker. Not surprising he was formidable at Georgia before switching programs, winning praise of his Coach. That doesn’t happen by accident, Georgia doesn’t onboard D slouches, as we all know.

I’ll display in separate post below to avoid a long run on post…

 

[OldSchool101]

I’m going to only use games Cox Jr played in where he’s logged 25% ++ D snaps in a game. Imo that’s a reasonable threshold to expect favorable impact. I’m not going to hold a guys feet to the fire in a game where he gets 8 snaps. Hopefully that’s a logical argument.

Also a disclaimer that I am NOT expecting a direct extrapolation of his data across 17 + games and 100% D snaps. We are all smart enough to know he was fresh and got a higher % of Pass Rush snaps. So there’s that. Yet if he’s used situationally across 17 games I WOULD expect similar extrapolation.

Cox Jr 2024-2025
9 games
(excluding 2 contest under <10 snaps)
17 Tackles (10 Solo)
1 missed Tackle
6 TFL
10 QB hits
5 QB knockdowns
12 QB Pressures
5 Sacks

17 game rotational pace
32 Tackles (19 Solo)
2 missed tackles (Very Good 5.9%)
11 TFL (HOF TFL pace 35.3%)
19 QB hits
9 QB knock downs
22 Pressures
9 Sacks

That’s “A Grade” rotational stuff. It’s arguably the best rotational pass rusher since Rashan Gary Rookie.

 

[tynimiller]

I’m going to only use games Cox Jr played in where he’s logged 25% ++ D snaps in a game. Imo that’s a reasonable threshold to expect favorable impact. I’m not going to hold a guys feet to the fire in a game where he gets 8 snaps. Hopefully that’s a logical argument.

Also a disclaimer that I am NOT expecting a direct extrapolation of his data across 17 + games and 100% D snaps. We are all smart enough to know he was fresh and got a higher % of Pass Rush snaps. So there’s that. Yet if he’s used situationally across 17 games I WOULD expect similar extrapolation.

Cox Jr 2024-2025
9 games
(excluding 2 contest under <10 snaps)
17 Tackles (10 Solo)
1 missed Tackle
6 TFL
10 QB hits
5 QB knockdowns
12 QB Pressures
5 Sacks

17 game rotational pace
32 Tackles (19 Solo)
2 missed tackles (Very Good 5.9%)
11 TFL (HOF TFL pace 35.3%)
19 QB hits
9 QB knock downs
22 Pressures
9 Sacks

That’s “A Grade” rotational stuff. It’s arguably the best rotational pass rusher since Rashan Gary Rookie.

To expound on this, yes Cox in limited snaps has produced, and GB is in a position with him and Sorrell (who also very limited produced) that they have to decide how much do they want to bet on the fact that they can hold on to such production or not drop off when facing increased load.

 

[OldSchool101]

To expound on this, yes Cox in limited snaps has produced, and GB is in a position with him and Sorrell (who also very limited produced) that they have to decide how much do they want to bet on the fact that they can hold on to such production or not drop off when facing increased load.

Exactly. and it might just be he’s best served AS a rotational guy. There’s a place for those types.

My primary concern is health. If Cox Jr stays healthy, I’m 100% convinced he doesn’t “disappear” and I’ve seen just large enough sample to say his bottom is a very good rotational guy that can maybe fill out starter in case of injury at average level. Meaning he might not WOW us but he’s not going to embarrass us either.

 

[OldSchool101]

The other player that Matt said he thought was more a designated Pass Rusher is our 2025 RD5 Colin Oliver. I think many see RD5 and it turns them off a little. 2025 was a very strong DL class in the middle draft area and it’s why I believe we took a pair.
Again same story, Colin had injury concerns stemming from College but he’s a player that brings exceptional traits that transfer. Speed, Magnet to the ball, disruptive, instincts. There’s zero question had he finished 2024 on his 2 game start trajectory (that like Cox Jr, was a continuation of his previous season high level contributions) he would’ve been squarely in contention for a Top 100-125 type prospect in a STRONG D class pool. Oliver also started fast in College by garnering immediate accolades and attention the second he got on that field. I didn’t like that they moved him around to LB in College, that backed him up imo, but Colin still was very effective. Just not his ideal role, but it did show he’s capable of impact at wherever they put him.

The only reason I wouldn’t put Oliver as Top 100 is he’s not ideal size. He’s sort of in between sized but smaller for a Pass Rusher. It’ll take someone really smart to figure out how to best use him. He’s the quintessential prospect that Scouts talk about when they say “he’s going to have to fit and be used in the correct role or he’ll fail”

 

[tynimiller]

Exactly. and it might just be he’s best served AS a rotational guy. There’s a place for those types.

My primary concern is health. If Cox Jr stays healthy, I’m 100% convinced he doesn’t “disappear” and I’ve seen just large enough sample to say his bottom is a very good rotational guy that can maybe fill out starter in case of injury at average level. Meaning he might not WOW us but he’s not going to embarrass us either.

Had a buddy ask do I at least think we have someone that will produce and be the new Kingsley Enagbare....I do strongly believe Sorrell or Cox will be, not both but betting man says one will be. The question is if they can replace Gary and Enagbare out the gate while Parsons recoups....Gary delivered next to no pressures but he still played the run very well and did manipulate pocket with his strength still at a level that isn't below average.

I'm betting we still add a veteran low cost NT and/or edge maybe both.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Yeah I agree. It seems that outside the top 15-20 guys picked, it gets a whole lot harder to hit on a guy who can play now. And even the top 15-20 guys can be iffy when it comes to "immediate impact" ability.

Would I trade #52 for #76 and #78? Yeah, probably, as the depth of talent/value isn't much different between those three spots, and it seems like this class is pretty well stocked at Edge and iDL, two need areas for GB. It depends on whether Gluten has a guy(s) he really likes at #52. In that case he'll use the pick, I think.

Poker posted about an Edge guy from Penn State - Dennis-Sutton. That guy looks really good and if he's there at #52 I'm sure gluten will draft him. Gotta remember that without Parsons, GB doesn't have much in the way of a pass rush from current DEs on the team. (I would so much like to see LVN have a HUGE year......)

Anyway, Edge is not out of the question at #52. My guess is that Gluten grabs a CB there, but again, depends on the value/need trade off and which players are high on Gluten's board, and available at #52.

Moving back 24 spots out of the 2nd round, should net more than a late round 3rd. Imo.

When ever GB moves up, we pay an arm and a leg usually.

 

[Schultz]

According to the Rich Hill trade chart the Packers would win that trade by 11 points. The word on the street is this year is a trade back type of draft. Which could mean the teams trading back get a little less value. If none of their top guys are on the board at 52 JAX is the team I hope is interested. Give up #52 for #81 & #88. GB would lose this trade by 7 points. That may be the price you have to pay this year.

 

[Magooch]

Kind of two sides of the same coin, but I am also hearing a lot of chatter suggesting that you might see a lot of movement (particularly early) just because this draft class is seen as a bit "light" and so teams are allegedly of the mind that moving up may be cheaper than usual.

But yeah, of course, as you said....if it costs less for the team moving up then it nets less for the team moving down.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Kind of two sides of the same coin, but I am also hearing a lot of chatter suggesting that you might see a lot of movement (particularly early) just because this draft class is seen as a bit "light" and so teams are allegedly of the mind that moving up may be cheaper than usual.

But yeah, of course, as you said....if it costs less for the team moving up then it nets less for the team moving down.

One thing I would almost bet the farm on, Gute won't be moving up into round 1.

I don't even plan on watching the draft Thursday night. 3+ hrs to hear 32 names called, with none of them becoming Packer players.

 

[DoURant]

I don't even plan on watching the draft Thursday night. 3+ hrs to hear 32 names called, with none of them becoming Packer players.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[Pkrjones]

According to the Rich Hill trade chart the Packers would win that trade by 11 points. The word on the street is this year is a trade back type of draft. Which could mean the teams trading back get a little less value. If none of their top guys are on the board at 52 JAX is the team I hope is interested. Give up #52 for #81 & #88. GB would lose this trade by 7 points. That may be the price you have to pay this year.

Those 7-8 points would mean GB should also, then, push for a 5/6 swap... GB's 6 for Jax's 5. No reason NOT to make it relatively equal when round-swaps are so common.

 

[tynimiller]

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Just for this I hope we trade into it (not really though....that'd be insanely ignorant mismanagement of resources).

 

[DoURant]

Just for this I hope we trade into it (not really though....that'd be insanely ignorant mismanagement of resources).

I live for the draft every year, I will be watching every pick, once again, doesn't matter to me if we don't have a pick. I agree, I hope we don't trade into the 1st.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

One thing I would almost be the farm on, Gute won't be moving up into round 1.

I don't even plan on watching the draft Thursday night. 3+ hrs to hear 32 names called, with none of them becoming Packer players.

I was thinking we might have a player trade that might net is a 1st.... Doubs, and wicks gone, it would be risky to trade a wr away..... The idea of watson, reed, Golden, Kraft, and jacobs backing them up? Sounds unstoppable if you ask me....

Still have solid depth behind them.... Savion williams being the one who I honestly hate to see on the bench...

GB also developes WRs better than anyone in the league imo. Right in line with our QB program. They take time, but we are basically batting 1.000% on day one and 2 WRs the last 25 years.....

That said..... Watson and Reed are both going to be expensive. Trading one that we will lose in free agency the following year, for a 1st round pick. Would not be a horrible decision imo. When I look at it as a transfer of talent from one position of strength to another of weakness. It's not unthinkable....

Now I agree that the goal is to field the best team we can. Love to Watson, reed, Golden, Kraft, is that best team.....

But we don't have any depth on the oline. Our CBs are one injury away from being in trouble already too. That 1st round pick could get is a true blue chip nose tackle, or another edge of we don't think LVN is going to take our offer.

Or we trade that 1st rounder down a couple times and add some depth at multiple positions?

Fact is. That 3rd #1 caliber wr isn't going to do anything, if the oline can't protect love. Or if we can't stop the run and get the good running teams off the field....

Something to think about.

If I was a team looking at WR in the 1st round. And reed is available. That's a no brainer. I'd take the young proven turn key #1 wr.

Watson and Savion on the outside, with golden moving around slicing and dicing nickel backs.... That works too

 

[OldSchool101]

I live for the draft every year, I will be watching every pick, once again, doesn't matter to me if we don't have a pick. I agree, I hope we don't trade into the 1st.

I doubt that we’d go that high. It’s very costly from #52. We almost did it with Watson but that’s different because we had a pair of 50’s picks and really needed a future WR1.

Brian did allude to what I’ve talked about recently per Spofford. We likely have 11 total draft selections in 2027 and he’s not afraid to consider that. For me, it’s a little lopsided between drafts and I’d push 1 2027 mid rounder into this draft IF we can move up in RD2,3,4,5. Similar to our Evan Williams type move. IMO there’s a nice sweet spot in that 50-150 area.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I doubt that we’d go that high. It’s very costly from #52. We almost did it with Watson but that’s different because we had a pair of 50’s picks and really needed a future WR1.

Brian did allude to what I’ve talked about recently per Spofford. We likely have 11 total draft selections in 2027 and he’s not afraid to consider that. For me, it’s a little lopsided between drafts and I’d push 1 2027 mid rounder into this draft IF we can move up in RD2,3,4,5. Similar to our Evan Williams type move. IMO there’s a nice sweet spot in that 50-150 area.

3-5round is prime time for quality, future starter potential, interior offensive and defensive linemen....

We need multiple of both imo.

The CBs I'd rather plug in a veteran. I don't want some mid round rookie thrown into the fire when Nixon or vale time get hurt. With the whole team depending on them..... That's too big of a question mark to bet the entire 2026 season on. Imo

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The CBs I'd rather plug in a veteran. I don't want some mid round rookie thrown into the fire when Nixon or vale time get hurt. With the whole team depending on them..... That's too big of a question mark to bet the entire 2026 season on. Imo

That is kind of how I feel about most positions and rookies. Teams expecting to instantly fill a non-special teams, starting position with a rookie, especially one chosen after round 2, are fooling themselves. While a rookie might contribute, I would rather see them take a redshirt year, with minimal snaps and lots of learning.

Occasionally you strike gold and get a rookie who jumps the learning curve and plays like a veteran, I just wouldn't depend on that happening if I were the Packers. The good news, Gute has filled all the starting positions with Vets. So now he has to find rookies with a lot of future potential and can play that depth piece. DL, EDGE and CB are the thinnest of the Packers depth. One might throw in OL too, but I think Gute is going to be throwing a lot of draft resources, once again, at the defense.

 

[Schultz]

I was thinking we might have a player trade that might net is a 1st.... Doubs, and wicks gone, it would be risky to trade a wr away..... The idea of watson, reed, Golden, Kraft, and jacobs backing them up? Sounds unstoppable if you ask me....

Still have solid depth behind them.... Savion williams being the one who I honestly hate to see on the bench...

GB also developes WRs better than anyone in the league imo. Right in line with our QB program. They take time, but we are basically batting 1.000% on day one and 2 WRs the last 25 years.....

That said..... Watson and Reed are both going to be expensive. Trading one that we will lose in free agency the following year, for a 1st round pick. Would not be a horrible decision imo. When I look at it as a transfer of talent from one position of strength to another of weakness. It's not unthinkable....

Now I agree that the goal is to field the best team we can. Love to Watson, reed, Golden, Kraft, is that best team.....

But we don't have any depth on the oline. Our CBs are one injury away from being in trouble already too. That 1st round pick could get is a true blue chip nose tackle, or another edge of we don't think LVN is going to take our offer.

Or we trade that 1st rounder down a couple times and add some depth at multiple positions?

Fact is. That 3rd #1 caliber wr isn't going to do anything, if the oline can't protect love. Or if we can't stop the run and get the good running teams off the field....

Something to think about.

If I was a team looking at WR in the 1st round. And reed is available. That's a no brainer. I'd take the young proven turn key #1 wr.

Watson and Savion on the outside, with golden moving around slicing and dicing nickel backs.... That works too

IMO there isn't a team in the league that would trade a 1st round pick for Reed. I am not even sure you could get a late 1st rounder for Watson. Also, IMO Savion is basically a gadget play WR at this point. As I have stated previously IMO Sky offers close to nothing as a WR. I do believe Golden is poised to take a step up with the extra playing time he should get after the Wicks trade. IMO there is not one single position group on this team that I have confidence in their depth. Hopefully I am singing a different tune a month or so from now.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

That is kind of how I feel about most positions and rookies. Teams expecting to instantly fill a non-special teams, starting position with a rookie, especially one chosen after round 2, are fooling themselves. While a rookie might contribute, I would rather see them take a redshirt year, with minimal snaps and lots of learning.

Occasionally you strike gold and get a rookie who jumps the learning curve and plays like a veteran, I just wouldn't depend on that happening if I were the Packers. The good news, Gute has filled all the starting positions with Vets. So now he has to find rookies with a lot of future potential and can play that depth piece. DL, EDGE and CB are the thinnest of the Packers depth. One might throw in OL too, but I think Gute is going to be throwing a lot of draft resources, once again, at the defense.

So true.
There are some positions and jobs that a rookie can go in and perform. I mean you can find yourself a big run stopper or run blocker on day 3 of the draft. But he usually grades low on pass blocking, or pass rushing..... Serviceable but also a liability... But serviceable.

Some of the harder positions like CB and WR is different. CBs can be outclassed and dominated with few opportunities to compensate for the liability, out in the open field.... Getting burned. And rookie wars not being where they are supposed to be, derails the entire schemes.

IMO there isn't a team in the league that would trade a 1st round pick for Reed. I am not even sure you could get a late 1st rounder for Watson. Also, IMO Savion is basically a gadget play WR at this point. As I have stated previously IMO Sky offers close to nothing as a WR. I do believe Golden is poised to take a step up with the extra playing time he should get after the Wicks trade. IMO there is not one single position group on this team that I have confidence in their depth. Hopefully I am singing a different tune a month or so from now.

You may be right. But I thing GB has earned the respect from the league as the youngest team for a while. Reed was our #1 wr in 2024. And would've been again in 2025 if he didn't break his collar bone on that super human catch(not sure if he held on? I think he did).... I mean. That catch is a resume in itself. Lol.

A proven commodity. Entering his first real contractu. Will be a bargain as far as league averages for #1wrs, I'm sure. With the potential to absolutely light up if fed the ball properly..... Miami maybe? They have two 1st round picks. #11, and #30 via trading jalen waddle to denver..... They also have 7 picks in the top 100.... They're stacked. And building.

I bet they'd give that #30 for reed..... All things considered.

 

[gopkrs]

IMO there isn't a team in the league that would trade a 1st round pick for Reed. I am not even sure you could get a late 1st rounder for Watson. Also, IMO Savion is basically a gadget play WR at this point. As I have stated previously IMO Sky offers close to nothing as a WR. I do believe Golden is poised to take a step up with the extra playing time he should get after the Wicks trade. IMO there is not one single position group on this team that I have confidence in their depth. Hopefully I am singing a different tune a month or so from now.

It's kinda why I'd like to get a couple of quality O Linemen. That maybe even can start. Like center. Because if we don't have backups there; I can't see us going anywhere if there are injuries. Whereas a real good O Line and we can really move the ball imho. 2027 is looking really good with maybe some cash and a bunch of picks. I'd hate to mess that up in any way. But a good signing now and we'll still have that for 27.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

IMO there isn't a team in the league that would trade a 1st round pick for Reed. I am not even sure you could get a late 1st rounder for Watson. Also, IMO Savion is basically a gadget play WR at this point. As I have stated previously IMO Sky offers close to nothing as a WR. I do believe Golden is poised to take a step up with the extra playing time he should get after the Wicks trade. IMO there is not one single position group on this team that I have confidence in their depth. Hopefully I am singing a different tune a month or so from now.

Agree. Nobody is giving up a first round pick for just Watson. Now if the Packers coupled their 2nd round pick with him, they could probably get a 1st, but it wouldn't get them far enough down in the 1st round to pay off. however, IMO you don't trade a quality starter and a #52 pick to draft a rookie who most likely won't be a year 1 impact.

Reed was our #1 wr in 2024. And would've been again in 2025 if he didn't break his collar bone on that super human catch(not sure if he held on? I think he did).... I mean. That catch is a resume in itself. Lol.

A proven commodity. Entering his first real contractu. Will be a bargain as far as league averages for #1wrs, I'm sure. With the potential to absolutely light up if fed the ball properly..... Miami maybe? They have two 1st round picks. #11, and #30 via trading jalen waddle to denver..... They also have 7 picks in the top 100.... They're stacked. And building.

I bet they'd give that #30 for reed..... All things considered.

Reed is definitely a wild card. Golden and him are a bit similar, so I don't know if he is in the Packers future plans. That said, if he is, then now would be the time to extend him. I don't typically say that about players, but I think if he stays healthy in 2026, his market price is at its lowest right now. If he has a really solid 2026, because of Golden, the Packers may not be able to justify paying him market price.

The Packers have some real decisions to make at WR in the coming 8 months, it will be interesting to see what they do. There is a good chance we see their plan start unfolding during this draft.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

It's kinda why I'd like to get a couple of quality O Linemen. That maybe even can start. Like center. Because if we don't have backups there; I can't see us going anywhere if there are injuries. Whereas a real good O Line and we can really move the ball imho. 2027 is looking really good with maybe some cash and a bunch of picks. I'd hate to mess that up in any way. But a good signing now and we'll still have that for 27.

While I love a strong OL, I don't think the Packers current OL is their weakness. I look at some of the teams that have gone all the way in past seasons and they did it with a really strong D-Line. This has been a weakness of the Packers for many seasons, I really would love to see them improve the DL.