It's business as usual for general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers despite not having a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he and the rest of the club's front office are keeping their "ears open" in case an opportunity arises.
As the saying goes, stay ready so you don't have to get ready. The Packers haven't been idly sitting by after making the all-in blockbuster trade for superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons that got them here. They've done the due diligence on the prospects expected to be taken before their turn on the clock at No. 52 — just in case.
Packers fans might be asking themselves why the team is looking into guys who almost assuredly won't be available in the middle of Round 2. That feels like a waste of precious time and valuable resources. Nevertheless, Gutekunst didn't flinch when asked if Green Bay's equipped to move up for someone they're eyeing during his annual pre-draft press conference.
"I think we do," Gutekunst told reporters. "We're sitting at eight picks right now. ... I do feel like, if the right player were there, that we would be able to go get him."
Brian Gutekunst lays the groundwork for Packers 2026 NFL Draft shake-up
Judging from Gutekunst's comments, the world remains the Packers' oyster. Not having Day 1 selections this year or next won't prevent him from being proactive if the situation calls for it, as we've seen firsthand. After all, he's the one who mortgaged their future for Parsons (and admittedly has no regrets about it).
The Packers have done a fantastic job of stockpiling assets under Gutekunst, so his confidence is warranted. They've accrued additional mid-to-late-round choices, thanks to some wheeling and dealing and the league's compensatory pick formula. With that in mind, Green Bay can certainly climb the board as it deems fit.
Moreover, the Packers have an assortment of 2027 currency at their disposal, minus the second first-rounder they sent to the Dallas Cowboys for Parsons. This gives Gutekunst the flexibility to leapfrog rival squads if an incoming rookie they want is available. Yet, the question becomes which of their targets is Green Bay willing to put together a compelling outgoing package for?
Can San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson fall low enough for the Packers to strike, or has his stock soared too high? Is Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter too rich for Green Bay's blood? How about Texas A&M interior offensive lineman Chase Bisontis?
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