Packers see top prospects still on the board, but Draft Day 2 reality creates tension about who actually falls to their pick
Barring a trade up, the Packers will still have to wait 19 picks to finally make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s not only that the Green Bay Packers didn’t have a first-round pick. General manager Brian Gutekunst will also have to be patient on Day 2 of the draft. At the moment, there are many intriguing players left on the board — many of whom were perceived as first-round prospects.
The question for the Packers, though, is how many of them will still be there with the 52nd overall pick — and ultimately, if there’s someone worth trading up for.
Despite all the drama, Gutekunst doesn’t seem worried, because the first round didn’t bring the Packers many big surprises.
“It really kind of fell how we expected,” Gutekunst said. “There’s always a couple of things where you go a little higher or a little lower than expected, but I didn’t think there were any major surprises like there are at times. The board held up fairly well, kind of like we expected it to.”
Best players available on Day 2
Unlikely to get to No. 52
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — excellent player, but a knee injury and the long-term risk made him fall.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington — possession receiver, has traits the Packers tend to love.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — top DT for Dane Brugler, but has limitations as a pass rusher.
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois — young, powerful prospect. Should enter the rotational immediately.
Toss up
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon — doesn’t have much positional flexibility, but has the power and technique to start at guard right away.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia — another Georgia defender, he’s a great run defender.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech — not necessarily a Packers-y prospect, but a highly instinctive linebacker.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina — physical, but not polished cornerback. He’s only 20.
Good chances of being there
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State — top 30 visit, has a huge upside but needs a developmental curve.
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State — long cornerback with man coverage potential, but too grabby.
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State — classic and strong nose tackle without much pass-rush juice.
Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa — aggressive player with positional flexibility, but inconsistent play.
