The Green Bay Packers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as it was part of the package sent to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for Micah Parsons. Leading up to the draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst opened up about possibly trading up for a higher pick.
Green Bay is not scheduled to be on the clock until pick No. 52 in the second round. However, Gutekunst, who turns 53 in July, claims that the Packers do have some wiggle room to trade up if needed, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Because the Packers are in line to receive numerous compensatory picks in 2027, the front office can afford to deal away some picks next year to move up in 2026.
“Brian Gutekunst says he has flexibility to move up in second round, especially with Packers expected to receive bounty of compensatory picks coming in 2027,” reported Wood. “‘I do feel like if the right player were there,’ said Gutekunst, ‘we’d be able to go get him.’”
The Packers’ general manager also admitted that waiting until pick No. 52 is a long time to make a selection, per Wood. But Gutekunst admits that patience could be key for the organization’s future. Not having to give away draft capital in 2027 could give the franchise a plethora of draft picks a year from now.
“It’s always hard watching good players come off the board, particularly guys we get to know,” said Gutekunst… “If we end up waiting 51 picks before we pick, that’ll be a long time. Hopefully I’ll have the patience to do that.”
Regardless, Gutekunst and the Packers are not going to do anything different once the first round kicks off on Thursday, per Wood. The front office will maintain its process regardless of how things play out.
“Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says he’ll follow normal process for this draft, which is very much not a normal draft without a first-round pick,” reported Wood. “That includes scouting department discussing each pick as it’s made Thursday, knowing it impacts what to expect Friday.”
While the Packers have to maneuver the draft without a first-round selection, Gutekunst has no regrets giving that pick away to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons, according to Wood. Brian Gutekunst is overall happy with having the three-time First-Team All-Pro on the roster.
“The player we got with that pick, I’m good with,” admitted Gutekunst.
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