3 hidden draft gems for the Packers to keep on the radar in the 2026 class
Over the past four years, nobody in the NFL has had more total draft picks than the Green Bay Packers. But the team won’t have first-round picks in each of the next two years after trading for edge defender Micah Parsons. Therefore, this exercise that’s already a tradition for us here at A to Z […]
Over the past four years, nobody in the NFL has had more total draft picks than the Green Bay Packers. But the team won’t have first-round picks in each of the next two years after trading for edge defender Micah Parsons. Therefore, this exercise that’s already a tradition for us here at A to Z Sports becomes even more impactful for Green Bay. The idea is to find hidden draft gems for the Packers, players who are outside of the top 100 in the consensus big board, but could be valuable additions to the roster throughout their rookie deals.
The past lists had guys like safety Evan Williams, offensive lineman Brandon Coleman, and edge defender Josaiah Stewart.
OL Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
Zuhn is a highly athletic, versatile offensive lineman — and this is music to Brian Gutekunst’s ears. He’s probably tall to play at center, but he did that at Texas A&M at a good level. Last season, he had 650 snaps at left tackle and 126 at center, giving up only 10 pressures, and throughout his college career he also had some snaps at right tackle and as a sixth offensive lineman.
In terms of style, he reminds us of JC Tretter, a player expected to move inside in the NFL but who could play tackle eventually. Most of his weaknesses as a prospect, including his range in pass protection, can be mitigated with a move to center.
CB Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina
Dixon transferred to North Carolina under Bill Belichick this past season, and the alignment versatility is a calling card. He can play inside and outside, and even being frequently used as a blitzer. He had 19 pass breakups over three college seasons — the first two ones at Washington.
His strength to play the run is notable, he can also be aggressive and fight for the ball in 50/50 plays — in 2025, he finished the season with five PBUs in 26 targets. As a tackler, Dixon can be up and down against receivers after the catch.
DT Jordan van den Berg, Georgia Tech
Van den Berg is an insanely athletic interior defensive lineman with a 10.0 RAS. Even though he’s not too tall or heavy, his speed and explosiveness jump off the tape as well. He can play both 3-tech and 1-tech, which would help the Packers eating some nose tackle snaps.
Even though he’s more effective as a run-stopper, the 23-year-old has developed as a pass rusher as well — he went from 11 pressures in 2024 to 29 in 2025, for instance. Last season, Jordan van den Berg also had 21 tackles, 18 stops, and three sacks. The Packers hosted him on a top-30 visit.
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