The Packers have concluded their Spring OTA’s and minicamp, which means the next time they take the field is the end of July. When they do, where will the 2026 rookies find themselves in terms of seeing the field once the season starts?
While we only have a few unpadded practices to go by, there does appear to be a clear pecking order for Green Bays latest additions. Below we’re going to rank the six drafted rookies in order of expected playtime from most to least.
Day 1 Starter:
Trey Smack – K
It was a messy few practices for Smack to start off his Packers career. One day with multiple misses (wind was apparently a factor) and then a miss to cap off the 2-minute drills run on the last day of mini camp.
That being said I’m not ready to hit the panic button. Up and downs are common for rookies and kicking at Lambeau is very different then kicking at Florida, just ask Packers legend Ryan Longwell.
While it’s possible he gets outperformed by Lucas Havrisik to such an extent that he doesn’t make the team, GM Brian Gutekunst rarely gives up on draft picks early. As it currently stands I expect Smack to be the Packers starting kicker this fall.
The Classic Packers Midround Gem:
- Jager Burton – G/C
While the two players I’ll list below may see the field more earlier, I think Burton could entrench himself as a long time starter by the midway point of the season.
Currently the Packers guard spots are held by Aaron Banks, a high priced FA who’s first year was marred by injury. While he played better in the second half of ’25, he doesn’t have a long history of exemplary play. On the other side is Anthony Belton, a rookie last year converted from tackle, he too didn’t do much to impress last year.
Burton has played both sides already in OTA’s and camp with the starters. Given what’s in front of him it wouldn’t be a stunning development for him to grab one of those spots and not let go.
Rotational Players:
- Brandon Cisse – CB
- Chris McClellan – DT
- Dani Dennis-Sutton – EDGE
I have these ranked in the order I believe they will see the field. Cisse hasn’t cracked the starting lineup yet, and may not initially, but Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are not good enough to keep him off the field long term.
McClellan and DDS will both be part of the rotation early, but I suspect Sutton will lose play time once Parsons returns and Green Bay likes to rotate their defensive tackles so McClellan may see the field less just by virtue of that.
The Packers Don’t Cut Draft Picks Year 1:
Domani Jackson – CB
Barring a stunning performance in training camp Jacksons only likely path to playtime is on special teams. While he may find a niche for himself there, its far more likely he finds himself on the inactive list more often than not. A trip to the practice squad would also be on the table.
