The Most Likely "Wildcard" Picks
Let's try to get out in front of it this time, right?
By Kalani Jones
If there’s one thing that Brian Gutekunst has proven, it’s to expect the unexpected. It happens every year. In each and every, the Packers go outside of the norm at least once. Think Ty’ron Hopper taken in the third round, when he was solidly believed to be a day three to undrafted guy. They took a second receiver, Savion Williams, in the third round of last year’s draft instead of a cornerback or defensive lineman. They took a quarterback in the first round, in a year with zero perceived need.
It goes on and on.
But if we accept that there is an extremely high chance that Gutey is going to hit the entire fanbase with a broadside on Friday or Saturday night, it becomes easier to try to find who that might be
Mike Washington Jr
At 6’1” 223 lbs, Washington is a behemoth of a running back that runs like a freight train. He was the temporary recipient of a 10.00 RAS, which has since been downgraded to a mere 9.88 (meaning he’s still in the 98th of athletes ever at running back). He’s not just a workout warrior however. Behind an offensive line that was disappointing at best at Arkansas, Washington led the entire SEC in 20+ yard runs, proving that he could perform against one of the highest levels of competition in college football. While there are still questions about his late college breakout and his fumbling issues, Washington is an ascending player who should thrive in the right system.
Washington was brought in by the team on a top 30 visit, proving that there is a definite level of interest from Green Bay. Honestly, this would be such a classic Gutey move: the kind that lays out the path for the future while simultaneously spelling doom for a player already on the roster.
Now, I love Josh Jacobs as much as anyone, but there’s an unfortunate truth to the fact that he isn’t getting any younger. He’s carried the ball 572 times over his time in Green Bay, his highest mark over his career. His contract might also become a bit of a sticking point next offseason. Combine that with Emmanuel Wilson leaving in free agency and Marshawn Lloyd’s general lack of availability, and it’s easy to see why the front office would probably prefer to take a running back this year. Washington checks all the boxes, from physical profile, to athletic thresholds, to production in college.
Sam Rousch
In a similar vein, tight end is a sneaky need for the Packers in this draft. Tucker Kraft, even coming off an ACL tear, will be receiving a massive extension with the team in the very near future (my guess would be as soon as he is physically cleared), but there are lots of questions behind him. Luke Musgrave has never progressed into the type of receiving threat that Green Bay envisioned when they selected him, and while Josh Whyle proved that he belonged on an NFL field, there isn’t much true upside there.
With the amount of two and three tight end sets that the league saw come into vogue last season, it would behoove the Packers to secure a proper running mate for Kraft over the near future. Matt LaFleur is the perfect coach to take advantage of the advantage that having multiple TEs gives you. I have a feeling that the Packers are going to lean hard into that trend, not only for the advantage that it can give you running, but to help out the O-Line on running downs. After Tucker Kraft went down in week nine with a torn ACL, LaFleur was forced to get creative with his run blocking (mostly via the usage of six offensive line formations), but I have a feeling he’d rather maintain versatility.
Roush gives the Packers everything they love in a tight end prospect. Namely: he’s big and athletic. As the proud owner of a 9.99 RAS, Roush is certain to have several suitors come draft time. He’s not just a pretty athletic score, however. At 6’6” 267 lbs, he’s got the ideal size to take maximum advantage of his athletic gifts. He’s also got my favorite trait in a tight end: zeal to block.
Ted Hurst
Honestly, there are a couple of wide receivers that could fit the bill for this article. There is Chris Brazzell, who also came to Green Bay on a top 30 visit. Bryce Lance is an ultra-athletic receiver who compares with Christian Watson in so many different ways. Germie Bernard is basically a Romeo Doubs clone. But it’s Hurst who I think is the most likely receiver selection in round two, if the Packers wanted to go in that direction.
Hurst has an exciting blend of size and speed, and the body of work in college to back it up. While participating in a lower level of competition at Georgia State, Hurst was still able to put on a show at the Senior Bowl and the Combine to show he belongs at the NFL level.
If the Packers take another receiver at some point in the draft, as looks increasingly likely, that player will probably get a developmental year before looking at earning real playing time in 2027. But if the Packers take a receiver with a high draft pick (such as Hurst), I’ll be extremely interested to see how the rotation of Golden-Williams-Rookie shakes out.
Kyle Louis
Louis is an interesting example of where modern NFL defenses might be going and what it might be asking out of its players in the near future. He’s a college linebacker, but at 6’0” 220 lbs, he’s probably destined for a hybrid Will-Nickel-Safety role in his NFL career. Luckily for him, he projects extremely well there.
His ability to live in pass coverage is so impressive. His versatility is endless, his coverage skills are refined, and his value could come as a pass down rotational piece for new defensive coordinator Johnathan Gannon.
If the Packers do take Louis, I think you could start to wonder about how much dime Gannon intends to employ, or what the team intends to do at the sudden logjam at the slot defender position. You could argue that there isn’t really much depth at nickel corner behind Javon Bullard, following the release of Nate Hobbs. Perhaps the team is a little more worried about that than they are letting on?
AJ Haulcy
There is a lot of the same conversation here as with Kyle Louis, but with so much more natural talent. Haulcy is an absolute baller, and a future starting nickel defender. He brings tough run support, but also zone coverage ability that is highly coveted. Just ask the Green Bay Packers, who spent one of their top 30 visits on him, despite an overflowing cup of talent already at safety.
With Louis, I think there is a bit of an argument that he brings a more unique skillset as a LB to the pass coverage unit. Haulcy is going to have a long and successful career in the NFL, in my opinion, but I think he’d be the most shocking selection on this entire list. But, and at the risk of bringing too fine a point to this, isn’t that what the Packers always do? If Haulcy is the top player on their board when pick 52 rolls around, they are at the very least going to have the conversation. If that conversation leads to them turning in the card with his name on it? I’m not sure what the collective reaction of the Packers-sphere would be, but I would at least be able to count on a damn fine group of slot defenders.
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Co-Owner of the thirteen time world champion Green Bay Packers. Sometimes I write about them. Follow me on Twitter at https://x.com/kjones_in_co and on Substack for film breakdowns!
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Comments (51)
PackEyedOptimist
April 20, 2026 at 06:08 am
I also believe that Gute is going to pick several players WAY before the consensus boards have them rated. I am completely okay with that...if he ends up being correct! I will definitely withhold judgement on draft day, because I have some VERY different opinions than the boards on a number of players this year.
For instance, I'm a huge fan of what DT (ex-LB) Zane Durant could bring to a stunting pass rush. Combined with Parsons, I think he could be a DEMON. I'm eager/curious to follow his career, as the "consensus" is he's too small--I think it isn't going to outweigh his benefits.
I also like Alabama's RB Jamarious "Jam" Miller way more than the consensus. I see a lot of Aaron Jones-like qualities, even though the consensus has him in the 250 range.
Both TEs Sam Roush and Dallen Bentley are crushes of mine; I won't be shocked if Gute picks either one earlier than expected.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2026 at 06:37 am
Very well stated! In my case, when I differ from the “experts”, I acknowledge it’s because I have way less info than they do. However, there are still plenty of cases where I was right and they were wrong. I’ve never kept “stats” on that, however. I’d imagine that confirmation bias clouds my recollection.
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 09:31 am
Roush, Bentley. Nowakowski or Kacmarek would make me very happy. I don’t tend to get individual crushes, but I do see a big need for true blocking talent to free up Kraft for more offensive use in part, but also because it’s what we ask of our 2nd TE 95% of the time and, Lewis aside, they have not been good at it.
At corner the need is players who can cover their man and play with their back to the QB. Fortunately there are a significant number of credible candidates in this draft. My hope is we don’t manage to fluff this CB draft in the way we managed with the DT laden one last year. That was a failure in that class that took some achieving. Missing appropriate CBs this year would be of a similar magnitude.
That leaves an NT with the ability to consistently disrupt on passing plays as well as playing the run and an OLB who can play the run but also have bend and fluid hips to provide a different attack than all but Parsons and stand in for him when he’s off the field. Oliver does offer that but is likely a pass down only player. The rest are strength and power and mostly linear rushers.
Unfortunately both NTs and rushers with those characteristics are rare in this draft (at least by our pick) and thus the choke points Gute must navigate if he is to win.
stockholder
April 20, 2026 at 06:27 am
Instead of that one prized pick
I believe we're going for a steal.
Such a short sighted focus if we do.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2026 at 06:37 am
Why do you think that?
egbertsouse
April 20, 2026 at 07:10 am
Gute is full of surprises because he learned at the feet of TT, the guy who thought it was smart to draft a basketball player in the second round.
GregC
April 20, 2026 at 07:13 am
Kalani doesn't say much about whether these would be 2nd or 3rd round picks, except when he speculates about AJ Haulcy being taken in the 2nd round. It's a big difference. I think I could live with most of them in the 3rd round, as long as the Packers are filling more urgent needs with the 2nd and 4th round picks. I am skeptical about the last two, Louis and Haulcy, as I don't like spending high picks on players without clear roles. I also hope that after decluttering the WR and OL situations, they don't immediately throw a wrench in the works by drafting a WR or OL in the second round. Wait till later to fill those positions, please--preferably 4th round or later.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 07:35 am
Stockholder, are you related to Yoda? Because some of your posts I can picture Yoda saying them the same way. That's not meant as an insult, because I love Star Wars.
Probably of the players above, Washington would be the biggest wildcard pick. I get the we need to plan ahead to replace Jacobs idea, but I think it would be a mistake to use our best pick on a guy that won't play much unless Jacobs gets hurt. Which is always a possibility especially if our OL struggles again in 2026. I wouldn't pick him early, in fact I like Nicholas Singleton better in the 5th round.
I really hope we don't use an early pick on a WR after just spending 2 picks on Day 1 & 2 just last year. That move would make no sense and take away our best chances to fill the biggest needs thru the draft. The first WR I would consider is Stribling-Ole Miss in the 4th round. He would be an almost perfect fit in GB and taking him @ #120 would mean GB can fill 2 needs with guys that could start at either Edge, CB or DT in rounds 2 & 3.
TE is more than a sneaky need as Kalani mentioned. Going into 2025 TE was a need because our backup, Musgrave, was either unavailable or just plain bad. And now with Kraft coming off an ACL tear, it is again a need to address. Sam Roush would not be a wildcard, he would be an upgrade over Musgrave because he is a better pass catcher and more importantly a great blocker. The only "wildcard" about him is where he will be picked, anywhere from #120 to #160.
An idea to maybe upgrade the TE position for what we need, a better blocking TE, came to me last night. I was reading a Cowboys article and they are not happy with Luke Schoonmaker-TE-Mich, who they drafted 16 picks after we picked Musgrave in 2023. Schoonmaker hasn't "blossomed" in Dallas as they hoped just as Musgrave hasn't with us. Maybe a "Change of scenery" trade would be painless for both teams and unlock some hidden potential. Schoonmaker was never a prolific pass catcher, but he is a really strong blocker which is what we need. Dallas is GB south now, Schoonmaker is TE3 for them so this could be a possibility. They both make the same $$$. Another big factor for GB would be Schoonmaker hasn't missed a game in 3 years, Musgrave has missed 16 games. I would be more thn OK to try this trade to fix a problem.
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2026 at 08:33 am
The Orange Tree Frogs make him think he's related to Yoda but the Doc said no more licking them!
PackEyedOptimist
April 20, 2026 at 08:40 am
"Instead of that one prized pick, believe we're going for a steal, I do."
--Stockyoda
Cheezehead72
April 20, 2026 at 08:51 am
I am no grammar teacher but I believe Yoda would say.
"Steal I believe we are going for."
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:10 am
You guys are awesome to run with this. And no downvotes either. a win-win for me.
But seriously, what do you think about my Schoonmaker for Musgrave trade? To me it's a painless move to get the blocking TE we need and he could easily be our TE2. Dallas sounds more than ready to move on because he is TE3 for them, and they have been bringing TEs in on 30 visits.
Schoonmaker hasn't missed any games, is a great blocker, and an underrated pass catcher. Might be a perfect, cheap upgrade for the Packers.
Cheezehead72
April 20, 2026 at 09:19 am
I would not be upset if they made that trade. I just do not think it will help the Packers much and not sure if we would keep him around more than a year. You failed to mention that Schoonmaker would have to learn a new offense and that it usually takes more than a year for a QB and TE to get on the same page.
Musgrave already knows the offense and with Kraft coming off injury we need TEs that can hit the ground running. Yes I know Musgrave hits the ground right after the catch but at least he is ready.
dobber
April 20, 2026 at 09:28 am
"Musgrave hits the ground right after the catch "
Only if he tries to run
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 09:39 am
Musgrave is not a TE. He’s a big WR. If we had a blocker to pair with Kraft (or in in his absence) then Musgrave or a similar type becomes a weapon if used in a Tonyan/Lazard type role. Musgrave is normally blocking, or at least intended to be, as are all of our TEs. Only Kraft and Lewis have ever earned credibility at that.
It’s just nonsensical to keep the pretense and a waste of Musgrave’s actual ability to contribute positively. Musgrave could actually be a decent player in a different O with a different play caller, which is why I’d trade him (move on from him) if I could and bring in a player who actually fits what we do.
This is an area where true self scouting would have highlighted the dichotomy before this year. "The greatest teacher, failure is,” or should be.
gsd3
April 20, 2026 at 09:24 am
I would be in favor of that. Would free up a draft pick to use elsewhere while addressing a need area.
YouAskedForThis
April 20, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Guessing the Cowboys have seen tape of Musgrave repeatedly falling down without contact.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 20, 2026 at 09:44 am
Begun it has.
LambeauPlain
April 20, 2026 at 09:12 am
Of Kalani's profiles, my choice would be Hurst. He has high character, work ethic, and a big brain. And so was his production resume in college.His speed is average a TE (4.7) but his RAS is excellent in agility and able to jump like a deer.
He's has a long successful bloodline of football player relatives (Merlin Olsen leads the list) and has what Gutey covets...great RAS, production and great character.
Could he make the 4th? He might. That's why I'd trade both 5th rounders to get another 4th where Gutey has done very well in the last several drafts.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 06:20 pm
Ron Burgandy had a big brain too.
stockholder
April 20, 2026 at 06:45 pm
“YOU MUST UNLEARN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
.” Fools also think alike, but they rarely have new ideas."
golfpacker61
April 21, 2026 at 06:21 pm
Ron Burgandy said "San Diego, which in German means, the whale's vagina."
Cheezehead72
April 20, 2026 at 07:50 am
I am holding that Gute will take a DT or CB in the second if there is one worth the 52nd pick. If not I see him trading down if he can get a good deal. After the first pick it will probably be the BAP. I could see him going with Washington or Rousch in the third unless he thinks he can get them in the 4th.
I do like Rousch because he is a blocking TE that will be good in the pass game. I like Washington except for the fumbles. I would hope the coaching staff could fix that issue.
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 09:45 am
Washington can’t block. Some suspect him of not relishing taking impact not initiating it as well. He’d be a mistake at least this year because he won’t play meaningfully until he’s proven that’s changed. Like Valentine and tackling, that may never happen. Regardless of his running ability, I would pass on him several times before reconsidering.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:55 am
It's too bad CW, we had an above average RB2 in Wilson. Even if he wasn't in our longterm plans, $2 million for 1 year is a steal. That's a bad self-induced injury there.
On the bright side we can easily pick up another vet RB after the draft to fill the void. The 2027 draft is where we should select our next RB, I have already been scoping them out and see a number of possibilities that won't need to be picked in the first or second rounds.
The only 2 draft RBs I would spend a pick on in 2026 are Singleton-Penn State or Adam Randall-Clemson, both after the 4th round.
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 10:12 am
We chose a protector over Wilson. That speaks very loudly to how LaFleur views potential RBs. Randall will go later, but he’s, while, willing, got a lot to learn in protection too (as well as reading defenses when running). He’s only just moved to the position and it shows. A pick for the future, later, potentially.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 20, 2026 at 09:50 am
Regardless of specific player, I think the position and type of Rousch makes a LOT of sense! I hate the idea of waving Emanuel Wilson and drafting a RB.
WD
April 20, 2026 at 03:26 pm
Kalani makes the strong case for both Williams and Rousch . We should target BOTH of those players and have the best offense in the division! Our running game was mediocre at best and stands to be even weaker if we do not upgrade. IF...IF Lloyd was healthy and ready to go it might be different. Unfortunately,no one seems to believe he will be healthy.
You have to love Rouch as he is one of the few larger good blocking TEs in the draft who can also run fast and catch. At near 270 lbs he is like an additional .OL. With him no need to add another WR in this draft. I would love to see some two TE lineups.
We can pick up a CB and nose tackle on day three. I say make Green Bays' offense great again!
Savage57
April 20, 2026 at 07:53 am
My hope is Jeff Caldwell falls. The same guy as Christian Watson, and who might be his replacement should 9 decide he's more valuable than the Packers agree this year.
But only if he's still around late.
Cheezehead72
April 20, 2026 at 08:24 am
Caldwell is projected as a 4th round pick. He has size and speed which are attributes that cannot be coached. I see him as a 4th or 5th rounder. So I am not sure what you meant by falling.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:27 am
Hey, you 2 are the first guys other than me that is on the Jeff Caldwell train. I am firmly against drafting a WR early, but Stribling in the 4th or Caldwell in the 5th would be great value.
Caldwell in particular is interesting and is almost a twin with Watson, only taller and even faster. I have no doubt we will re-sign Watson, but this off-season has really magnified how teams have to move on from players every year whether they like them or not. The salary caps forces the hand of teams every year, and Watson could be another casualty in 2 years, just as Parsons could be too. Caldwell could be an upgrade over Watson.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 20, 2026 at 09:52 am
6'5" 216# 4.31
Why isn't he going higher than 52?
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 10:16 am
MVS is a very close parallel in terms of long striding, stiffness, route tree, contested catching and hands/catching generally. MVS went in the 5th.
If you want that kind of player, Hykeem Williams (Colorado) is bigger (6’2”, 220), faster and more fluid and likely a UDFA. He has similar weaknesses on route and hand technique. Or just stick with Isiah Neyor at that size, with better all around athleticism (9.89 RAS and a 4.4 40) and better hands and physicality. Both Williams and Neyor have greater upside. None of them have a high floor.
dobber
April 20, 2026 at 08:20 am
My understanding is that Gannon has been a user of big nickel and hybrid sets/defenders. If true, my guess is that one of the Packers' first two picks will go there. I don't think that guy is currently on the roster.
PackEyedOptimist
April 20, 2026 at 08:38 am
I think the presence of a new Defensive Coordinator--especially one who may be running a very different defense--makes it VERY likely that the Packers will use their first two picks on defensive players who fit the new system.
I'm not convinced Gannon will want to run a traditional Nose Tackle out there; I have a hunch that he's going to use three guys who can rush AND play the run. More like three 5-techs.
With that in mind, I think he might be eyeing guys like Lee Hunter, DeMonte Capehart, and Deven Eastern along the way.
dobber
April 20, 2026 at 08:57 am
I have a suspicion that you're right: that instead of using a designated plugger, he'll rotate a series of bigger and longer 3T/5T types.
Brinson 6'5", 315
Hargrave 6'2", 310
Stackhouse 6'3", 330
Wyatt 6'3", 310
Ford 6'5", 340
Brooks goes 6'3", 300 and is the "small guy" in the room.
gsd3
April 20, 2026 at 09:29 am
I could see that as well. Hope not though. While Ford and Stackhouse have the size, they lack the talent. I could see TJ Slayton coming back if one isn't drafted.
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 09:58 am
Then we have not learned our lessons. That tends to lead to the same outcome repeating. One would think after the most brutal demolitions last year that fallacy would have no chance of being repeated.
“If no mistake you have made, losing you are. A different game you should play.”
SicSemperTyrannis
April 20, 2026 at 09:55 am
Interesting ideas!
With 8 picks I want to see:
2 CB
3 NT / DT / EDGE
3 OL / TE
Of course that won't happen. Winning fixes everything!
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2026 at 09:40 am
It's kind of hard to glean anything from his last year with the Cards. Budda Baker is listed at under 200 lbs but they moved him around a lot because he was all they had. My guess would be they're looking for players more like Oladapo's size(216 lbs) to play that dime LB spot but a lot of people are saying that and until we hear him speak it's all speculation.
LambeauPlain
April 20, 2026 at 08:32 am
Watching Washington's tape at Arkansas is really good and really bad.
With the ball in his hands he created tons of yards behind an average/below average OL (that might fit the Packers as their OL is average/below average too). He has tremendous wiggle, sets up his blockers well and makes decisive, quick cuts behind them. Then he hits the after burners and creates chunk plays. Big tough back (resembles James Starks) who keeps his legs moving until on the ground.
Where he is not good is in the pass game. He seems to have some receiving talent but nothing great. Last season JJ, Wilson and Brooks represented 20% of the teams receptions, 12% of receiving yards (only one receiving TD though) so the RBs do get a fair amount of targets. Washington has decent hands but ran really simple routes at Arkansas.
Where he is awful is pass pro. I mean he just stands in front of his blocking target and seems to expect the D player to run at him. They don't. Many just easily juke him, shed him like a rag doll, or run free to the QB. Here is where he is a terrible fit for the Packers and would be a 2 down back. Some say Arkansas did not ask him to be good at pass pro. Packers will. He's a far worse pass pro player than even Musgrave. Washington might get 25-50 snaps next season as a Packer. Good news he'd be coached by one of the best coaches on O in Ben Sirmans.
But far greater needs at CB, DL, Edge/OLB, OL.
gsd3
April 20, 2026 at 09:36 am
Kaelon Black would be a good #2 back. Nick Singleton would add an explosive element. Both could be there around pick #153. A 7th round guy would be Chip Trayanum. Solid at all phases. Think of Chris Brooks but better running the ball.
My favorite is Emmett Johnson. Likely a 4th round guy though. Very explosive.
LambeauPlain
April 20, 2026 at 09:44 am
I'd like to see Pierre Strong get a good shot this offseason.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 10:59 am
So would I L P. Strong was very good at running the ball, has good hands, and breakaway speed. I don't know how his blocking is but if I was him, I would spend a ton of time on it and maybe that's what it takes to get him on the field. Didn't he have a good pre-season last year?
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 11:26 am
Martinez is actually pretty decent as a between the tackles runner too. His weakness was protection. He’s a big back with good hands. If he has improved his protection, don’t overlook his upside. He was 5th round pick originally,
Strong is more an outside the tackles guy. I wished we would use him as that the couple of times he was active. We didn’t, which makes me think LaFleur didn’t trust him to protect, because he can definitely run and differently to any back not on IR.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:38 am
"Where he is awful is pass pro. I mean he just stands in front of his blocking target and seems to expect the D player to run at him. Here is where he is a terrible fit for the Packers and would be a 2 down back. Some say Arkansas did not ask him to be good at pass pro. Packers will. He's a far worse pass pro player than even Musgrave. Washington might get 25-50 snaps next season as a Packer. Good news he'd be coached by one of the best coaches on O in Ben Sirmans.
But far greater needs at CB, DL, Edge/OLB, OL."
Great post L P. Especially the last part. It is amazing how almost none of the draft RBs have blocking as a strength. I guess they are stars on their college teams and just aren't asked to do it, but Washington isn't used in the passing game at all, and that's a huge red flag for GB. If we want a RB so badly, then select Nicholas Singleton-Penn State, he is better anyway all the way around.
All of the mocks I have seen have Washington being picked around 60-70, which means GB selects him at #52 and throws away great chances @ Edge & CB, or we trade up from #84 which is almost as bad. Wasting early picks on someone who plays so little when an EDGE would start Day 1 is a bad move. We need RB for the future but we need Edge & CB more.
WD
April 20, 2026 at 03:06 pm
The case for Mike Williams was powerful and persuasive in the article.
Some experts on the panel would probably not like Gayle Sayers. He was not a good blocker.
Coldworld
April 20, 2026 at 09:08 am
To Dobber’s point earlier about Gannon bringing a new D, I can only say yes, but we’ve absolutely no idea of the details beyond the fact that it’s likely to be a 3:4 default. What he’s done/overseen in the past has varied enough to make it even more uncertain.
Unlike Dobber, I think we have players that can play big nickel. That means essentially an extra S in lieu of a LB. I also think Hopper’s ability to cover and background may result in him being an option as 3rd “S” along with Oladapo, in addition to Bullard of course.
In smaller sets, Nixon is a candidate to move inside and face the QB, obviously. Should they survive, Simpson and even St. Juste and Bartholemew are bigger and more robust tacklers. Hadden too if he is back.
What we need first and foremost is perimeter options in my opinion, I’d say more than one. We not only need to reestablish a pipeline, we need to create options now who can man cover (a need in quarters, if that indeed will be part of our identity. We currently have only Valentine and maybe St. Juste as a result of stocking up Hafley types.
Ideally we can draft starter-ready players, but that’s a long shot, what we need early at least capable situational perimeter coverage options to give Gannon genuine situational and opponent driven options.
LambeauPlain
April 20, 2026 at 09:18 am
I read Gannon has a penchant for using 3 Safeties. Your thought he might use a S as a hybrid DB/LB makes sense.
Kalani's review of Kyle Louis above would seem to fit the bill quite well and could attack two needs and get a twofer player...LB and box S.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:45 am
Give me Davison Igbinosun and Daylen Everette and I will be off the charts happy. They would play a lot in 2026 and be starters in 2027. Tacario Davis is another keeper in this draft, all 3 should fall between #84 & #120.
golfpacker61
April 20, 2026 at 09:42 am
Jaden Dugger-Louisiana, huge sleeper @ LB but started life as a big safety. An idea 2fer/3fer because he can also rush the passer @ 6'5 250 4.6 speed.