As the official NFL year begins, rosters are shuffled across the league through a combination of trades, cuts, and signings known as the beginning of free agency. Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers, although often criticized for being passive, did make several trades and signings. These moves point to which players will be targets during the draft to become Packers of the Future.

Quarterback:

Given his on field production as well as his contract, Jordan Love is the unquestioned Packers quarterback. However, after a couple of years of solid backup play, Malik Willis was signed by the Miami Dolphins to be the starting quarterback under former Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley. This leaves two possible backup quarterbacks on the roster for the 2026-2027 season: Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord.

Ridder fits the Willis profile of being a player that never achieved their draft pedigree, but has started enough games to have low expectations for growth. McCord spent last season as a rookie on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, and would need to have an excellent training camp to be more than the same for the Packers. Other than a rumored interest in Anthony Richardson, the Packers may throw a late round pick dart throw at one of the quarterbacks they’ve met with. 

Draft probability: Medium/low

Running back:

There are currently 5 running backs on the Packers roster: Josh Jacobs, Marshawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, Pierre Strong Jr., and Damien Martinez. The Packers chose to keep Chris Brooks over Emmanuel Wilson during free agency, and likely would have done the same last year if Lloyd had stayed healthy. With a room as full as the Packers have, it is unlikely that the anyone from the incoming draft class will be Packers of the Future.

Draft probability: Unlikely

Wide Receiver:

In free agency, the Packers let Romeo Doubs “ship up to Boston” to sign a 3 year 60 million dollar contract with the New England Patriots. In return, they signed return specialist Skyy Moore from the San Francisco 49ers. This left their wide receiver room with 9 total players, 5 of whom were on the active roster last year.

As with running back, the Packers wide receiver room seems too crowded for the position to be a draft target. However, there are rumors of trade interest for Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed. If either of those players gets moved, the Packers may be looking for a replacement.

Draft Probability: Unlikely, unless there is a trade

Tight End:

No players entered or left from the Packers’ tight end room, although Josh Whyle did receive a 1 year contract extension. The rostered tight ends remain the same as last year: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick, and Josh Whyle.

Kraft and Musgrave are both playing on the final years of their contracts. Kraft seems to be in line for a deserved contract extension, but Musgrave’s future with the Packers is less certain. The Packers may use the draft to prepare for the loss of Musgrave’s athletic presence on the field, especially considering the athletic class of tight ends entering the draft.

Draft possibility: Medium

Offensive Line:

Two starters on the offensive line left Green Bay: center Elgton Jenkins and left tackle Rasheed Walker. Fortunately their obvious replacements were already in the building: Sean Rhyan, who played well enough as Jenkins’ replacement last season to earn a contract extension, and Jordan Morgan, who was drafted as a left tackle.

With a starting 5 linemen already set, the Packers just need to ensure their backups are game-ready. In dealing with injuries over the past two years, the backup offensive linemen have gotten playing time and shown mixed results. Darian Kinnard played well as a swing tackle last year and earned a contract extension and Jacob Monk performed well as the starter in week 18. However, Travis Glover spent all of 2025 injured and his only appearance in the previous season during the playoffs against the Eagles was a total disaster.

Given their draft history and “draft and develop” philosophy, it is almost certain one or more rookies will be drafted to be Packers of the Future.

Draft possibility: Likely

Defensive line:

Colby Wooden was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin, leaving undrafted Nazir Stackhouse as the only nose tackle-type player on the active roster. The addition of Javon Hargrave, while helpful for pass rush, still leaves run-stopping defensive lineman as a serious need for the Green Bay Packers. My analysis? They will take a big guy, they will probably take a big guy early, and they may take multiple big guys.

Draft possibility: Almost certain

Defensive end:

The longest tenured Green Bay Packer, Rashan Gary, followed the former longest tenured Packer, Kenny Clark, as a trade to the Dallas Cowboys. Although Gary was disappointing as the sidekick to Micah Parsons, he and Kingsley Enagbare, who was signed by the Jets, represent a lot of snaps that need to be replaced. This is good news for Brenton Cox Jr., who received a contract extension, and rookie Barryn Sorrell who will get a larger share of snaps. However, it may also be good news for draft picks who want to become Packers of the Future.

Draft possibility: Medium

Linebacker:

Quay Walker was among the shipload of players signed by the Las Vegas Raiders. In response, the Packers traded for the Colts’ Zaire Franklin. Although he has connections with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, there are questions about his ability to be the center of the Packers’ defense. Other than Walker, the active linebackers are the same as last year, including Kristian Welch who received a contract extension.

Draft probability: Unlikely

Cornerback:

After a disappointing and injury-riddled season, the Packers cut the Nate Hobbs experience short. To replace him, they signed former Los Angeles Charger Benjamin St. Juste who played very well in limited snaps last season. However, the Packers still lack a reliable outside cornerback since the injury and subsequent departure of Jaire Alexander. If you want to bet money on who the Packers take with their first pick in round 2, it’s going to be cornerback or nose tackle.

Draft probability: Almost certain

Safety:

Other than an adjustment to Xavier McKinney’s contract and the loss of special teamer Zayne Anderson to Miami, the safety room stayed safe. With all remaining players under contract and playing well, there seems to be little need for change.

Draft probability: Unlikely

Kicker/Specialist

Whatever happens with Brandon McManus, his replacement should not cost a draft pick. No specialist is worth spending one of the Packers’ limited draft picks, especially this season. The path for kickers to become Packers of the Future must come from free agency and an excellent training camp.

Draft probability: Should not even be considered