Green Bay Packers Continue To Amass Draft Picks After Latest Trade

The Green Bay Packers just made a notable pre-draft move by trading veteran wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. By shipping out the 2023 fifth-round pick—who was entering the final year of his rookie contract—the front office opened up new opportunities for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This trade thins out a crowded receiver room and adds valuable draft capital to a team operating without a first-round selection.

Updated 2026 Green Bay Packers Draft Picks

By trading Wicks, Green Bay secured extra draft picks for both 2026 and 2027. For the 2026 draft, the team gains a vital fifth-round selection. General Manager Brian Gutekunst now heads into the draft with eight total picks, heavily weighted toward Day 3.

Here is the updated list of selections:

Second round, No. 52 overall
Third round, No. 84 overall
Fourth round, No. 120 overall
Fifth round, No. 153 overall (via Eagles)
Fifth round, No. 160 overall
Sixth round, No. 201 overall
Seventh round, No. 236 overall
Seventh round, No. 255 overall (compensatory)

Finding Value in the Middle Rounds

Even with the new fifth-round pick, the Packers still rank near the bottom of the league in total draft capital. Operating without a first-round pick means Gutekunst must maximize value on Day 2 and find hidden gems on Day 3. The addition of the 153rd overall pick gives the front office much-needed flexibility to maneuver, trade up, or simply take a swing on a developmental prospect.

2027 Draft Picks

This offseason, GM Brian Gutekunst has made one thing clear: he is valuing 2027 draft picks. The team let many players walk in free agency meaning they will net compensatory picks. There is a potential of four fourth-round picks in 2027: their own, one from the Rashan Gary trade, and two from losing Romeo Doubs and Malik Willis. The Willis one could get upgraded to a third if he starts the whole season.

While the team still will not have a first round pick in 2027 due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers are projected to have a whopping 11 picks. While many of them are day three, this gives Gutekunst the ability to move up and grab a player he really likes.

The State of the Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Moving Wicks changes the dynamic of the wide receiver room. With Romeo Doubs now in New England and Wicks in Philadelphia, the depth chart offers clarity for the top options.

Here is how the current receiver room looks:

Roster locks: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams
Near locks: Bo Melton, Skyy Moore
Practice squad returners: Jakobie Keeney-James, Isaiah Neyor, Will Sheppard

Core Locks and Expected Starters

Christian Watson and Matthew Golden project as the primary starters on the perimeter. Jayden Reed will handle the slot duties. This top trio boasts elite talent and immense upside. We expect a bounce-back year from Reed after an injury-riddled 2025, while Golden is primed for a massive step forward in his second season. Savion Williams, a 2025 third-round pick, provides rare versatility and rounds out the top four.

Fighting for a Roster Spot

The Packers recently signed Skyy Moore to a one-year deal. While he needs to earn his spot in training camp, his potential as a primary returner makes him a valuable asset. Bo Melton continues to be a trusted, position-versatile player who adds massive special teams value for head coach Matt LaFleur.

Why Drafting a Wide Receiver Makes Sense

You might look at the top four receivers and think the Packers are set. However, a closer look at the salary cap reveals a pressing need for long-term contractual stability.

Planning for the Future

As things stand, the Packers only have two wide receivers under contract for the 2027 season: Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. Trading Wicks removed a player who was likely leaving next offseason anyway, but it also reset the clock.

Drafting a rookie receiver now allows the Packers to secure a young talent on a cheap, four-year deal. Even if Moore and Melton make the final 53-man roster, a new rookie could easily slide in as a developmental No. 6 option. Expect the front office to use one of their eight picks to stabilize this position for the years to come.