Here’s an interesting question going into training camp: Which Green Bay Packers rookie do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026? To me, there are probably three potential answers.
The first two are fairly similar. If there’s any competition in camp for starting roles, it’s on the defensive line or at cornerback.
On the defensive line, the assumption is that Devonte Wyatt will be a starting defensive end in the Packers’ new 3-4 defense. Javon Hargrave has played both end and nose tackle in the past,
so the question is really which position he will play, rather than if he will start. That third defensive line spot could go to a multitude of candidates, though, including rookie third-round pick Chris McClellan from Missouri.
Cornerback is a similar story where it’s assumed that Keisean Nixon will be a starter (and safety Javon Bullard will be the starter in the slot). The other outside cornerback job should go to one of Carrington Valentine, free agent signing Benjamin St-Juste or rookie second-round pick Brandon Cisse.
The last player I think will be a popular answer is kicker Trey Smack, who the Packers traded up for in the sixth round. Smack had a little bit of an up-and-down spring, but Green Bay thought enough of him to make him the only drafted kicker in the 2026 class and released Brandon McManus shortly after his selection.
Which rookie do you expect the most from this year? Let us know in the comments section.
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