The Green Bay Packers are about to embark on an historic version of their participation in the 2026 NFL Draft next week. It is, however, not an occurrence they would like to make a habit.
For the first time since 1986, the Packers will enter the annual player selection extravaganza without a first-round selection. Green Bay traded out of their top pick in 2008 and 2017.
If a closer look at those three draft classes is any indicator, Packers fans may breathe easier realizing the crop Green Bay received without a coveted top pick.
Green Bay’s 1986 draft did not garner much in regard to stability or long-standing success within the organization. With their fourth-round selection, however, the Packers picked a defensive player who would become the emotional leader of that unit.
Outside linebacker Tim Harris became the 84th overall pick in 1986. The Memphis University product contributed eight sacks in his rookie season, and his 19.5 sacks in 1989 earned him a Pro Bowl nod.
Harris spent five years in Titletown. His tenure included the breakthrough 1989 campaign when Green Bay went 10-6, their first winning record in a full season since 1978. He went on to play four years with the San Francisco 49ers, where he earned a Super Bowl ring in 1994. In 2022, the Packers enshrined Harris into their team’s Hall of Fame.
The 2008 draft will go down as one of the most remarkable in Green Bay history, especially without the benefit of a first-round choice. This draft class helped build the foundation for what would be the team’s last Super Bowl win in the 2010 season.
The Packers’ first selection, the 36th overall pick, was used on wide receiver Jordy Nelson out of Kansas State. All Nelson did during his nine years in green and gold was catch 550 receptions for 7848 yards and 69 touchdowns. One of his most memorable Green Bay moments happened during Super Bowl XLV, when his 29-yard touchdown reception opened the scoring in the Packers’ 31-25 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 140 receiving yards for the game led all players from either team.
In 2023, Green Bay immortalized Nelson by inducting him into their Hall of Fame.
Nelson joined a solid receiving corps that included veterans Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones. Along with having balls thrown to him by future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Nelson knew he would be able to learn from those around him to thrive.
“I was just trying to absorb everything,” he said. “One thing I always tried to do was never have to be told a second time. I wanted to be able to learn, if it was from their mistakes or what they did well, so (Rodgers) didn’t have to tell me again a couple years later.”
Not to be outdone by Nelson, two other 2008 draftees became standouts at their positions. Third-rounder Jermichael Finley, who scored 20 touchdowns as a Packer, manned the tight end position for six years before injuries shortened his career. Guard Josh Sitton, a fourth-round pick in 2008, was a mainstay on the Green Bay offensive line for eight years, earning Pro Bowl honors in three of them. Sitton was enshrined in the team’s Hall of Fame, along with Nelson, in 2023.
The third and final year the Packers did not hold a first-round pick was 2017. That class, which turned out to be mediocre at best, featured the likes of defensive backs Kevin King and Josh Jones. Green Bay’s fifth-round selection, however, will certainly see his bust displayed in the Packers Hall of Fame in the future.
From 2017-2023, running back Aaron Jones prowled behind Green Bay’s offensive line and became one of the most productive backs in team history. During his seven years, Jones rushed for 5,940 yards, caught 272 receptions for 2,076 more yards, and scored a total of 63 touchdowns.
Always a fan favorite, Jones left in 2024 to play for the hated Minnesota Vikings, much to the dismay of fans. With a heavy heart, Jones wrote his feelings about his love for Green Bay in The Players’ Tribune before the start of his Vikings tenure.
“That’s the biggest thing I want to write here, not just to the Packers organization but really to all of Green Bay. Thank you. It’s going to feel strange being on that visiting sideline for the first time, and being on the other side of this NFC North thing in general — but it’s ALL love, and it’s so much gratitude. Thanks for “betting” on me, riding with me, hashtagging for me, and everything else.”
Since taking over the Packers’ general manager position in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has seen almost every type of scenario on draft day. One that is new to him is what he faces this year: no first-round selection.
Just like any NFL team, Green Bay and Gutekunst have seen their share of first-round hits (Jordan Love, Jaire Alexander) and those who have not yet lived up to the hype (Lukas Van Ness). Where Gutekunst has made his bones is in the second and third days of the draft, selecting the likes of Edgerrin Cooper, Zach Tom, and Tucker Craft.
Past performances are not an indicator of future success. If Green Bay’s track record at finding value in the latter stages of the draft holds, however, Packer Backers should place their trust in Green Bay’s braintrust that 2026 will reap valuable rewards.
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