When it comes to building a sustainable contender in the NFL, few front offices have played the draft board better than the Green Bay Packers. And while first-round picks usually get the spotlight, it’s the late-round darts that often reveal just how sharp a general manager’s aim truly is. That’s where Brian Gutekunst has quietly made a name for himself - not just finding value in the shadows of the draft, but turning those long shots into foundational pieces or future assets.
Now, according to projections from OverTheCap.com, the Packers are expected to receive two compensatory picks in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft. These picks come as a result of losing center Josh Myers (Jets) and linebacker Eric Wilson (Vikings) in 2025 free agency. On the surface, two 7th-rounders might not move the needle for most fans - but in Green Bay, this front office has shown time and again that even the final rounds can yield real returns.
Take a look at the track record. In 2023, the Packers snagged Carrington Valentine out of Kentucky in the 7th round.
Since then, he’s missed just two games and has already piled up 30 career starts. Sure, there’s talk among fans and analysts about upgrading the position - and that’s fair - but for a player taken that late, Valentine has far outperformed expectations.
He’s been a steady presence in the secondary, and that kind of production from a Day 3 pick is a win every time.
Go back another year to 2022, when Green Bay used a 7th-rounder on Rasheed Walker, a tackle out of Penn State. Walker’s tenure in Green Bay may be coming to a close this offseason - he's set to hit free agency and is expected to cash in - but the return on investment here has already been felt.
Despite some uneven moments that drew frustration from the fanbase, Walker is only 26 and entering his prime. His next contract could be big enough to net the Packers a 3rd-round compensatory pick in 2027.
That’s turning a 7th-round flyer into a future top-100 selection - a savvy long-term play.
And it’s not just about draft picks turning into starters. Gutekunst has also used 7th-round capital to make meaningful trades.
One example: the deal with the Titans to acquire quarterback Malik Willis. That move raised some eyebrows at the time, but it’s aged well.
Willis has developed into a capable backup and, over the last two seasons, has shown enough to potentially earn a starting opportunity elsewhere in 2026. If he lands a decent contract, the Packers could be looking at another 3rd- or 4th-round compensatory pick next year.
That’s a big return for a low-risk swing.
What all this adds up to is a front office that understands how to maximize every asset - even the ones most teams overlook. Compensatory picks may not get the same fanfare as splashy free-agent signings or first-round draft buzz, but in Green Bay, they’ve become part of a reliable formula for roster building.
And remember: these picks aren’t just about who you draft. They’re also trade chips - currency that Gutekunst can use to maneuver the board, move up for a target, or stockpile more assets down the line.
So while two 7th-round compensatory selections might not make headlines, don’t be surprised if they end up playing a key role in the Packers’ 2026 offseason. In Green Bay, every dart counts - and Gutekunst knows exactly where to aim.