Ty'Ron Hopper has a big training camp ahead of him. Despite appearing in every game in his two NFL seasons, the former 91st overall pick out of Missouri hasn't made much of a dent in the Green Bay Packers' linebacker rotation. In 2026, Hopper is unlikely to see increased opportunities.
Counterintuitively, that makes summer camp all the more important. Hopper can't expect many chances to impress during the season. He must make a strong impression now to remind the Packers that he deserves consideration in the future.
If he does that, a real opportunity could materialize. Isaiah McDuffie's two-year extension expires after this season. The Packers could even decide to move on from Zaire Franklin next season. Hopper could be the next man up, but it all starts with maximizing any and all chances he gets before then.
Clock is ticking on Ty'Ron Hopper's place in Packers' rotation
Next year may be too late. Hopper himself only has two years remaining on his rookie deal. If he is still on the team next summer, it will be one. General manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the defensive scouting department may have moved on at that point, looking to add in free agency or the draft rather than bank on a leap forward from Hopper.
The now, then, is critical. Hopper figures to be the fourth linebacker this season behind Edgerrin Cooper and Franklin as starters and McDuffie as the lead backup. The Packers will stick to two inside linebackers in most defensive sets. At times, Cooper will be the only one out there playing the mike.
Barring multiple significant injuries, snaps will be at a premium. Over his first two, Hopper has played only 144 defensive snaps (126 last year). He has been primarily a special teams player.
After this season, however, the Packers will need a third ILB if McDuffie leaves in free agency. Depending on how Franklin looks in his age-30 season, his future could be uncertain. Another down year like his 2025 Colts campaign, and the linebacker rotation will be wide open.
Admittedly, Hopper is facing an uphill battle either way. How much would Brian Gutekunst and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon even take from a strong summer camp followed by a handful of regular-season snaps?
Well, maybe a lot if it's all they have to go on. The other thing to consider is that it could earn Hopper extra reps if someone does get hurt and the Packers have to promote someone on the depth chart. There's something there. Hopper just has to show it more often.
Even in his limited opportunities, he graded out better than Quay Walker last season, particularly in pass coverage. When Walker was hurt, Hopper pounced on a pair of starts in his place. He has higher draft stock than McDuffie, a former sixth-rounder. Hopper is the type of player who could play out his rookie deal, then return to the Packers on a relatively cheap contract, provided he shows them enough in the meantime.
If he does, Green Bay might be less inclined to replace him ahead of next season via the draft or a veteran free-agent signing. Cooper, McDuffie, and Hopper could realistically be their top three in 2027.
To keep his Packers future alive, Hopper has to showcase the requisite tangible and intangible qualities to carve out a place in the mix, whether as an eventual starter or a depth piece. With OTAs beginning later this month, there's no time to waste.
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