2027 Pick'em

[El Guapo]

Pick two players that you think will take a big step forward this season: one rookie and one player, such as a Savion Williams, who you think will emerge for the Packers this season.

 

[Capitol 8805]

1) Rookie Chris McClellan I really hope he can contribute right away.
2) Warren Brinson I liked how he improved during his rookie season. Brinson played very well in the playoff game. He had a nice sack on Caleb Williams from an inside pass rush. Unfortunately he grazed William's face mask that resulted in a penalty and wiped out a great play.

 

[gopkrs]

Looking for Cisse to start.
Maybe wishful thinking but Collin Oliver

 

[tynimiller]

A rookie cannot take a big step forward IMO. Forward from what? Expectations placed upon rookies are just guesses...that I struggle with so I'll explain my reasoning for the rookie selection I chose is a step forward from my personal expectations for said player which again are about as worthless as can be since we have zero NFL experience to have their baseline to project steps forward.

Rookie Selected - Chris McClellan

McClellan was a good, not great, collegiate player...but man that length, that strength and that quickness in that build is not something found everywhere and I think he will flourish inside of that TJ Slaton type role - which is SO INCREDIBLY NEEDED. Many will likely look to the statlines only and fail to ever truly notice or judge his impact if he does as well as I envision.

Other Player - Benjamin St. Juste

Juste is one of our best pure coverage guys, but is facing that year where he falls or confirms last year was no fluke. With Nixon thinking he is a big dawg, Carrington struggling to use his hands and Cisse being a rookie....I'm thinking Juste locks in

 

[gopkrs]

I worry that McLellan is a rolly polly. I never was a giant fan of BJ Raji. And he didn't really last very long. Two good years imo. I hope McLellan is better.

 

[tynimiller]

I worry that McLellan is a rolly polly. I never was a giant fan of BJ Raji. And he didn't really last very long. Two good years imo. I hope McLellan is better.

Raji and McClellan are incredibly different body types and players. Have you watched or seen McClellan? Looks nothing build wise like Raji.

CM is over three inches taller and under 315 while Raji was nearly 340 out of college.

 

[gopkrs]

Raji and McClellan are incredibly different body types and players. Have you watched or seen McClellan? Looks nothing build wise like Raji.

CM is over three inches taller and under 315 while Raji was nearly 340 out of college.

Glad to hear it.

 

[OldSchool101]

2 Injury Prone
If Brenton Cox Jr stays healthy I think he’s due for productive season. He wouldn’t shock me to be a 3rd Edge and finish with 7-8 Sacks and more TFL’s.
Marshawn Lloyd would be injury Player #2 that could shock people. I don’t think he’s a green pea even though he’s barely played. His patience and humbleness is about to pay off. I think our opponent has discounted Marshawn and that’s going to be a bad mistake. If healthy he moves like a Bonafide Top 50 draft pick RB.

Rookies

McClellan seems to be fast out of the gate. It’s hard to tell until we get adequate sample and against quality competition, but I think he a legit Top 60’s-70’s splitting RD2-3 grade. A mini Tier behind Millet Jr. He has unusually strong and fast hands and enormous hands and that’s really ideal or advantageous inside at DT.

Jager Burton just moves seamlessly and he’s Farm Strong. He’s going to Start it’s not IF it’s when. Belton best pick up his game because they won’t hesitate to try Jager if Belton struggles. I don’t think Jager would ever give the Starting position back.

Obvious.

Edgerrin Cooper was misused schematically in 2025 and I know that’ll rub some folks but it’s just true. I think he’s due for a Bigtime and noticeable Jump in Year 3. First thing Gannon did was had him Pass Rushing. He’s too good to play on his heels imo.

Zaire Franklin.
Many people are sleeping on Z because of last season being a down year. I think his Ceiling is higher than Quay Walker. Q was a High Floor Medium ceiling and Z is medium floor high ceiling. He might be 1-dimensional but he owns that dimension. I agree either way his comment about himself being the perfect fit with Cooper.

 

[El Guapo]

A rookie cannot take a big step forward IMO. Forward from what? Expectations placed upon rookies are just guesses...that I struggle with so I'll explain my reasoning for the rookie selection I chose is a step forward from my personal expectations for said player which again are about as worthless as can be since we have zero NFL experience to have their baseline to project steps forward.

I think that you know the point here. Most football fans understand that rookies generally won't have much of an impact. Of course, every season there are rookies that step forward into the light (Puka Nacua is a great, recent example).

 

[El Guapo]

2) Warren Brinson I liked how he improved during his rookie season. Brinson played very well in the playoff game. He had a nice sack on Caleb Williams from an inside pass rush. Unfortunately he grazed William's face mask that resulted in a penalty and wiped out a great play.

I really like your take here. Brinson could be very good and should get the opportunity early.

 

[tynimiller]

I think that you know the point here. Most football fans understand that rookies generally won't have much of an impact. Of course, every season there are rookies that step forward into the light (Puka Nacua is a great, recent example).

I try to not read intent behind words as much as possible, especially if there is limited explanation is all. It comes from a line of work where I litigate or present cases for a living - which is much different than conversation style where intent often outweighs meaning.

 

[Heyjoe4]

A rookie cannot take a big step forward IMO. Forward from what? Expectations placed upon rookies are just guesses...that I struggle with so I'll explain my reasoning for the rookie selection I chose is a step forward from my personal expectations for said player which again are about as worthless as can be since we have zero NFL experience to have their baseline to project steps forward.

Rookie Selected - Chris McClellan

McClellan was a good, not great, collegiate player...but man that length, that strength and that quickness in that build is not something found everywhere and I think he will flourish inside of that TJ Slaton type role - which is SO INCREDIBLY NEEDED. Many will likely look to the statlines only and fail to ever truly notice or judge his impact if he does as well as I envision.

Other Player - Benjamin St. Juste

Juste is one of our best pure coverage guys, but is facing that year where he falls or confirms last year was no fluke. With Nixon thinking he is a big dawg, Carrington struggling to use his hands and Cisse being a rookie....I'm thinking Juste locks in

Agreed that Chris McLellan has a chance to be THE standout rookie for the Packers. It may be difficult to see this. I don't think enough people realized the impact Slaton made.

McLelellan has a great opportunity here to shine. The pass rush from the iDL has been weak, and that's probably being kind. He can help here with his athleticism and that no other iDLs on the roster are very good at getting after the QB.

I almost picked DDS, but Edge is kinda crowded even without Parsons. Even so, if LVN can't get his game going, there may be a chance for DDS. McLellan will have a chance at more snaps, and so is more likley to stand out.

Other player - Matthew Golden. This pick is pretty easy, maybe too easy. With Doubs and Wicks gone, Golden gets more targets. He catches everything and he has speed. How quickly he can develop his route running will determine his impact.

St. Juste was my second choice for the same reasons you mentioned. It's an average group of players. Cisse will help but he's a rookie. St. Juste is a vet and could very well come through big.

 

[Heyjoe4]

2 Injury Prone
If Brenton Cox Jr stays healthy I think he’s due for productive season. He wouldn’t shock me to be a 3rd Edge and finish with 7-8 Sacks and more TFL’s.
Marshawn Lloyd would be injury Player #2 that could shock people. I don’t think he’s a green pea even though he’s barely played. His patience and humbleness is about to pay off. I think our opponent has discounted Marshawn and that’s going to be a bad mistake. If healthy he moves like a Bonafide Top 50 draft pick RB.

Rookies

McClellan seems to be fast out of the gate. It’s hard to tell until we get adequate sample and against quality competition, but I think he a legit Top 60’s-70’s splitting RD2-3 grade. A mini Tier behind Millet Jr. He has unusually strong and fast hands and enormous hands and that’s really ideal or advantageous inside at DT.

Jager Burton just moves seamlessly and he’s Farm Strong. He’s going to Start it’s not IF it’s when. Belton best pick up his game because they won’t hesitate to try Jager if Belton struggles. I don’t think Jager would ever give the Starting position back.

Obvious.

Edgerrin Cooper was misused schematically in 2025 and I know that’ll rub some folks but it’s just true. I think he’s due for a Bigtime and noticeable Jump in Year 3. First thing Gannon did was had him Pass Rushing. He’s too good to play on his heels imo.

Zaire Franklin.
Many people are sleeping on Z because of last season being a down year. I think his Ceiling is higher than Quay Walker. Q was a High Floor Medium ceiling and Z is medium floor high ceiling. He might be 1-dimensional but he owns that dimension. I agree either way his comment about himself being the perfect fit with Cooper.

Cooper and Franklin are good choices. I think we'll see Cooper deployed differently with Gannon to take advnatage of all his skills.

As much as I liked Hafley, he was rigid in game planning. Cooper is too talented to be stuck in a pigeon hole. Along with Franklin and the other LBs, this should be a very good group this season.

 

[AmishMafia]

Rookie DL very rarely make impacts. Even guys drafted in the top 10 still take a year or two to become impactful. And as high draft picks, they are playing for poor teams that are likely talent deprived. The chance for a 3rd rounder to come in and contribute on a good team as a rookie is very slim.

Brandon Cisse is A true student of the game with great upside. But i can't see him being good right away. He will take a year or 2.

Jager Burton is a good bet, but i think he needs someone to get injured to Crack the starting lineup.

So, I am going with Trey Smack. He may not even make the team, but i think he will and have a positive impact on a few close games


Taking a step:



Jordan Morgan He is going to get a full off-season to concentrate on 1 position and it will make a difference. His physical similarities to Zach Tom are noteworthy. From what I can tell, he seems to have the same fire and drive to become better. I think he will make a big impact and represent a big upgrade over Walker. Word on the street is that Gute wanted him to be starting last year but let the coaches call the shots. With 3 thugs manning the middle of the OL:Banks, Rhyan, and Belton, Tom and Morgan should be able to concentrate on the edge rushers.



Lucas Van Ness Enough excuses with the injuries. He is completely healthy and looks faster and stronger in OTAs and he was already very fast and strong. With no Parsons, there is going to be a lot on his plate and I think he will rise to the occasion. I appreciate Parsons continually singling him out as an impending break out superstar. Parsons knows what one looks like and sees him every day.



Matthew Golden He looked very impressive as a rookie, continually getting open and when getting an opportunity, taking advantage. I think if Love looked his way more, he could have set some rookie receiver records for the Packers. But there were a lot of great targets and recievers that Love was probably just more comfortable with. With losing Doubs and Wicks, Golden is going to get more looks and could have a big season.





There are a lot of players who are likely going to be better this season. Cooper (sophomore slump over), Belton (offseason at RG), Rhyan (offseason at OC), Bullard (sophomore slump), Williams (sophomore slump), Banks (offseason of practice), Brooks (playing his natural position), and Lloyd (injury free) are the next list of ‘most likely’. You can rightfully argue that some of these players are already good and can’t ‘break out’. But I think these players may improve in a significant way and be even better. Which will make for a very entertaining and interesting season ahead with lots of possibilities.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Rookie DL very rarely make impacts. Even guys drafted in the top 10 still take a year or two to become impactful. And as high draft picks, they are playing for poor teams that are likely talent deprived. The chance for a 3rd rounder to come in and contribute on a good team as a rookie is very slim.

Brandon Cisse is A true student of the game with great upside. But i can't see him being good right away. He will take a year or 2.

Jager Burton is a good bet, but i think he needs someone to get injured to Crack the starting lineup.

So, I am going with Trey Smack. He may not even make the team, but i think he will and have a positive impact on a few close games


Taking a step:



Jordan Morgan He is going to get a full off-season to concentrate on 1 position and it will make a difference. His physical similarities to Zach Tom are noteworthy. From what I can tell, he seems to have the same fire and drive to become better. I think he will make a big impact and represent a big upgrade over Walker. Word on the street is that Gute wanted him to be starting last year but let the coaches call the shots. With 3 thugs manning the middle of the OL:Banks, Rhyan, and Belton, Tom and Morgan should be able to concentrate on the edge rushers.



Lucas Van Ness Enough excuses with the injuries. He is completely healthy and looks faster and stronger in OTAs and he was already very fast and strong. With no Parsons, there is going to be a lot on his plate and I think he will rise to the occasion. I appreciate Parsons continually singling him out as an impending break out superstar. Parsons knows what one looks like and sees him every day.



Matthew Golden He looked very impressive as a rookie, continually getting open and when getting an opportunity, taking advantage. I think if Love looked his way more, he could have set some rookie receiver records for the Packers. But there were a lot of great targets and recievers that Love was probably just more comfortable with. With losing Doubs and Wicks, Golden is going to get more looks and could have a big season.





There are a lot of players who are likely going to be better this season. Cooper (sophomore slump over), Belton (offseason at RG), Rhyan (offseason at OC), Bullard (sophomore slump), Williams (sophomore slump), Banks (offseason of practice), Brooks (playing his natural position), and Lloyd (injury free) are the next list of ‘most likely’. You can rightfully argue that some of these players are already good and can’t ‘break out’. But I think these players may improve in a significant way and be even better. Which will make for a very entertaining and interesting season ahead with lots of possibilities.

Well said. I think Morgan will have a great year now that he's playing his best position - LT. Shuffling him around in the iOL the lat two years didn't make sense. I understand the value of players playing multiple positions. Morgan just isn't one of those guys.

As far as LVN, yeah no more excuses. He has to take a big step this year or he'll be gone. That said, I think he will play better. With Parsons out about 5 weeks, LVN and others have a chance to prove themselves as invaluable to the defense. All they have to do is take up the challenge and deliver.

 

[tynimiller]

Rookies to me are kinda clear cut if we want to just place odds for one being a contributor or not....fact is if you aren't getting snaps you likely won't become a contributor and this is an odd year where truly four of our small class of 6 face a serious shot at snaps:

Most Likely to Least snap counts...

3rd Rounder Chris McClellan - All he has to do is likely out perform Nazir Stackhouse for that NT role in this defense and he will easily see 20-40% of defensive snaps this year. No rookie DL has had that type of near sure thing since likely Clark (Wyatt didn't walk into even such an opening).

2nd Rounder Brandon Cisse - He and DDS I think a serious argument could exist to be flipped...and if we were factoring in or attempting to predict injury Burton too but that's unfair to include as no way of knowing. Cisse is a high pedigree consensus Top 50 prospect in the draft class and to some a top 3 CB in the class. The fact is he likely won't start out the gate as I sense it is going to be Juste and Nixon out the gate...but I really think Cisse has the skills and if the speed of the game isn't too much he's going to be too much to be denied. I predict by years end it is Juste and Cisse setting up a strong finish and a strong future as both for my money will be the 2027 opening starters as well.

4th Rounder Dani Dennis-Sutton - Edge does have an open door of opportunity BUT it isn't as wide open as some think. LVN is a clear NFL level player, he's proven that much (debate worthy as to how good but NFL worthy for sure) and he will have one side as locked in. Cox and Sorrel have the inside track as both have actual NFL snaps...but DDS and Oliver will battle it out for roles until Parsons get back. If LVN does what I think he will...I suspect once Parsons is back all snaps beyond Parsons and LVN will plummet but not be

5th Rounder Jager Burton - Plain and simple if injury strikes in any of our interior three spots, Jager Burton is going to see significant playing time. As I called HERE , he out the gate will provide playing level ability at center and guard positions and appears to be confirming this - albeit VERY EARLY.

6th Rounder Trey Smack - Fact is kicker sees fewer than 200 snaps a year typically....so that is the only reason he is lower as any of the above likely will accumulate just as many....but his will matter more per snaps for sure as he touches the ball every time (or nearly) that he is in there. He just needs to this year not miss or very rarely miss XPs and be a 80% plus kicker in that 50+ yard range and 90% plus kicker in 40-50.

6th Rounder Domani Jackson - His route is ST or massive injury onslaught occurring. Domani has the pedigree, has seemed capable but has to regain his chops sort a speak. He can and I expect will be a solid teams guy though and that could be immensely valuable.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Rookies to me are kinda clear cut if we want to just place odds for one being a contributor or not....fact is if you aren't getting snaps you likely won't become a contributor and this is an odd year where truly four of our small class of 6 face a serious shot at snaps:

Most Likely to Least snap counts...

3rd Rounder Chris McClellan - All he has to do is likely out perform Nazir Stackhouse for that NT role in this defense and he will easily see 20-40% of defensive snaps this year. No rookie DL has had that type of near sure thing since likely Clark (Wyatt didn't walk into even such an opening).

2nd Rounder Brandon Cisse - He and DDS I think a serious argument could exist to be flipped...and if we were factoring in or attempting to predict injury Burton too but that's unfair to include as no way of knowing. Cisse is a high pedigree consensus Top 50 prospect in the draft class and to some a top 3 CB in the class. The fact is he likely won't start out the gate as I sense it is going to be Juste and Nixon out the gate...but I really think Cisse has the skills and if the speed of the game isn't too much he's going to be too much to be denied. I predict by years end it is Juste and Cisse setting up a strong finish and a strong future as both for my money will be the 2027 opening starters as well.

4th Rounder Dani Dennis-Sutton - Edge does have an open door of opportunity BUT it isn't as wide open as some think. LVN is a clear NFL level player, he's proven that much (debate worthy as to how good but NFL worthy for sure) and he will have one side as locked in. Cox and Sorrel have the inside track as both have actual NFL snaps...but DDS and Oliver will battle it out for roles until Parsons get back. If LVN does what I think he will...I suspect once Parsons is back all snaps beyond Parsons and LVN will plummet but not be

5th Rounder Jager Burton - Plain and simple if injury strikes in any of our interior three spots, Jager Burton is going to see significant playing time. As I called HERE , he out the gate will provide playing level ability at center and guard positions and appears to be confirming this - albeit VERY EARLY.

6th Rounder Trey Smack - Fact is kicker sees fewer than 200 snaps a year typically....so that is the only reason he is lower as any of the above likely will accumulate just as many....but his will matter more per snaps for sure as he touches the ball every time (or nearly) that he is in there. He just needs to this year not miss or very rarely miss XPs and be a 80% plus kicker in that 50+ yard range and 90% plus kicker in 40-50.

6th Rounder Domani Jackson - His route is ST or massive injury onslaught occurring. Domani has the pedigree, has seemed capable but has to regain his chops sort a speak. He can and I expect will be a solid teams guy though and that could be immensely valuable.

Yeah the set up is good for McLellan to see a good share of snaps as a rookie.

DDS will have a harder time, especially once Parsons returns. He'll have a window while Parsons is out, and how well he plays in the PS. I like him and would like to see what he can do. But even without Parsons, Edge is crowded.

I'd love it if the starting CBs at year end are St. Juste and Cisse. I think Cisse is only 20 y/o, so that's a nice set up for a long career if he can prove he belongs. I liked the pick and wish him well. St. Juste will likely perform well under a new system where quality CB play is needed. He certainly looks like he's built for the position, and agreed he was one of the top 3-5 CBs in this draft.