The 2026 NFL Draft is about a month away and the Green Bay Packers have seven picks this season although they do not have a pick in the first round after the trade for Micah Parsons last year. While we don’t know yet who GM Brian Gutekunst will add to the roster in April, we do know some of his tendencies and what he looks for when drafting. Here are five things to expect from the Green Bay Packers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Five Things to Expect from the Packers at the 2026 NFL Draft, Number One: RAS Matters
The Packers have always placed a high value on RAS or relative athletic score under Gutekunst, especially during the first two days of the draft. RAS measures the athletic ability of a player against the other players at the same position. It includes height, weight, 40-yard dash time, agility drills and other factors depending on the position.
The Packers value pure athletic ability and believe the coaching staff can teach those athletes the finer points of the game.
Players like Rashan Gary, Christian Watson, and Lukas Van Ness all scored highly on RAS and became Packers. A poor RAS score will all but take a player off the Packers draft board, especially in the early rounds. Gute prefers players with scores of 9.0 or above, so take this into consideration when projecting who the Pack may be looking to add.
Number Two: Multiple Players at Positions of Need
Gutekunst likes to take multiple players at the same position in the same draft when there is an area of need. He has also added free agents at the same position during the same offseason. Gute figures the more darts he throws at the dartboard, the more chances he has of hitting at least one bullseye.
Last year, the Packers selected wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round and followed that up with Savion Williams in the third round.
The Pack doubled down on linebackers in 2024, adding Edgerrin Cooper in the second round and Ty’Ron Hopper in the third.
Gutekunst also selected two safeties two years ago when he added Javon Bullard and Evan Williams in round two and round four respectively.
He will address needs this year and don’t be surprised if he adds multiple interior offensive linemen, defensive tackles or cornerbacks.
Five Things to Expect from the Packers at the 2026 NFL Draft, Number Three: Versatile Offensive Linemen
There are certain positions where the Packers like to have versatility, and offensive line tops the list. Gutekunst has favored players like Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom who can play any of the five positions along the line. Both of them started at multiple positions during their college careers.
The Packers also like to draft offensive tackles with shorter arms and move them to guard or center. Sean Rhyan played tackle in college, was initially moved to guard in the NFL and ended last season as the team’s starting center. Meanwhile, former first round pick Jordan Morgan cross trained at tackle and guard but appears to now be the favorite to take over at left tackle.
Look for the Pack to select at least two offensive linemen, with at least one on day three. Versatile players are usually valued by Gutekunst and the Packers.
Number Four: Adding a Quarterback
Gutekunst mentioned that the team will look to add developmental quarterbacks in the later rounds of the draft. It may not happen every year, but this year it appears more likely.
After Malik Willis left in free agency, Desmond Ridder is the only backup quarterback on the roster with NFL experience. Look for the Packers to take a late-round flier on a quarterback who they may ultimately stash on the practice squad this season. And that doesn’t mean the team won’t look to add a more experienced backup before the season starts to compete with Ridder.
Five Things to Expect from the Packers at the 2026 NFL Draft, Number Five: Will Not Having a Number One Pick Change the Approach?
Since the Packers don’t have a first-round pick, they will likely be a bit more conservative with their second and third-round selections this season.
Don’t look for Gutekunst to gamble on a player who doesn’t fit the team’s usual requirements for size, speed, or athleticism on day two.
When you don’t have a first-round pick, you cannot afford to miss on your second or third rounders if you want to add players who can help this team win now and in the near future.
This will be an interesting draft and an important draft for the Packers.
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