The Green Bay Packers find themselves in an interesting position entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The team lacks a first-round pick this year and next after the trade for Micah Parsons last season. GM Brian Gutekunst understands his team has many areas of need to fill this offseason if they hope to be true contenders for a Super Bowl. So, will he look to make a trade to improve the team’s draft class? And if he does, are the Packers more likely to trade up or trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Are the Packers More Likely to Trade Up or Trade Back: The History Under Gutekunst
One thing is clear when looking back at Gutekunst’s draft record: he’s not afraid to make trades in the draft, both to move up and to move back. In fact, he’s done both in the same draft.
Some examples include his very first draft in 2018. The Packers started that year with the 14th overall selection and traded back with the Saints for the 27th pick in that year’s draft and 2019 first-round pick.
Then, in the same round, he traded with the Seahawks to move back up to the 18th spot and used that pick to select cornerback Jaire Alexander.
In 2019, Gutekunst traded up to grab safety Darnell Savage with his second pick in the first round. The following year in 2020, he moved up four spots to make sure he got quarterback Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick.
This was not only true in the first round. In 2022, Gute traded up to grab the first pick in the second round of the draft so he could select wide receiver Christian Watson. Gutekunst watches how the board unfolds, analyzes his team’s needs and resources and makes decisive moves to try to best meet them.
Reasons to Trade Up
So why would Gutekunst decide to move up in the draft? Keep in mind, the Packers don’t pick until the 52nd overall selection, so Gutekunst could just move up a few picks in the second round or attempt to get into the first round depending on how the draft board unfolds.
The Packers biggest needs include positions with a limited supply of players the Packers would usually consider picking based on size, athletic testing and their play on the field.
For example, cornerback remains a primary area of need for the Packers. There are only a small number of players who fit the Packers criteria and are worthy of being selected in the late first round through the mid-second round. If there is only one player left on the board, Gutekunst may feel compelled to trade up and grab that player knowing if he doesn’t, there won’t be a cornerback who can make an impact on the team in this draft.
Gutekunst remains more likely to trade up for players at a premium position. That includes cornerback, edge rusher and offensive tackle. A rare commodity like a pass rushing defensive tackle could also fit this description this year.
Are the Packers More Likely to Trade Up or Trade Back: Reasons to Trade Back
Gutekunst could also be compelled to trade back if the draft board breaks in a different way. If the Packers are up at 52 and there are several players who they view as roughly equal on their board, Gutekunst could trade back a few spots knowing he can still guarantee himself a chance to draft one of the players in that tier. He would also be adding more picks in either this year’s draft or next year’s, depending on the specifics of the trade.
One thing Gutekunst believes is that there is an advantage to accumulating picks. That gives him more opportunities to pick a player who eventually develops into a successful pro. The more shots you have at the dartboard, the more likely you are to hit at least one bullseye.
Having extra picks also gives Gutekunst more ammunition to make future trades if he wants to move up and select a particular player.
One thing is certain: Gutekunst isn’t afraid to make trades in any round of the draft. Packers fans must remain on their toes when watching as things could change at any moment. We’ll see if the Packers move up, move back or stand pat, in this year’s draft.
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