The Green Bay Packers have ignited speculation of a major draft-day maneuver following the trade of wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. The team acquired future draft capital, leading to intense rumors they are positioning themselves to aggressively target a top defensive prospect.
Late Friday, General Manager Brian Gutekunst sent Wicks to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection. Analysts viewed the move as solid value for a player in a crowded receiver room unlikely to receive a long-term contract extension.
This transaction brings the Packers’ total to eight picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. However, the league-wide belief is that Gutekunst did not make this deal in a vacuum. The additional future capital is now viewed as potential ammunition for a significant trade-up during the draft.
All signs point toward the Packers targeting San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, a player repeatedly connected to the team throughout the pre-draft process. Multiple reports confirm strong interest from Green Bay’s scouting department, with the team having conducted formal interviews and a recent Zoom session with the standout defender.
Cornerback remains the Packers’ most glaring positional need. Johnson’s profile as a versatile, scheme-fit defender who excels in zone coverage but is also capable in man aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s system. His collegiate production is staggering, having allowed a quarterback rating below 20 and just 185 yards in coverage during the 2025 season.
NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler ranks Johnson as the third-best cornerback in the class, noting some teams have an extremely high grade on him. This elevates the likelihood Johnson could be selected late in the first round or very early in the second, potentially out of Green Bay’s reach at pick 52.
This is where the Wicks trade becomes critical. Speculation from analysts, including Ross Uglem, suggests a potential package: moving up from pick 52 by bundling the newly acquired fifth-rounder and a future fourth-round pick to secure Johnson if he slides into the early 40s. The move would address their biggest need with a player they covet.
The trade also coincides with a series of notable pre-draft visits to Green Bay, adding layers to their strategy. The team hosted Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzle II, a dynamic day-two prospect with elite size and speed reminiscent of a “Randy Moss light,” according to analysts.
While wide receiver is not a primary need, Brazzle represents a potential luxury pick if he falls and the team seeks to replenish depth following the Wicks departure. His production in a talented Tennessee offense, with over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, demonstrates his capability as a primary target.
In a more puzzling development, the Packers also conducted a top-30 visit with LSU safety AJ Hollie. The visit is considered confusing given the perceived depth at safety, with starters Xavier McKinney, Jalen Williams, and nickel Javon Bullard under contract.
However, the contracts for all three of those key defensive backs expire after the 2027 season. The visit with Hollie, an All-American known for his ball production, tackling, and leadership, could signal the front office’s intent to plan for the future and add insurance at the position.
The confluence of events—trading a receiver for future picks, intense interest in a top cornerback, and hosting visits with both a luxury offensive weapon and a developmental safety—paints a picture of a team preparing for multiple scenarios. The clear focal point, however, remains the secondary.
Gutekunst has a history of aggressive draft-day trades to secure his targeted players. The accumulation of future assets from the Wicks deal provides him with the flexibility to be aggressive once again. If Chris Johnson is on the board as the second round begins, the Packers now have the capital to go get him.
The entire league will be watching to see if the pieces Green Bay just assembled are indeed the building blocks for a blockbuster move. The answer will come when the draft commences, with the Packers poised to potentially shake up the second round in pursuit of their next defensive cornerstone.
Fan reaction is already pouring in, with many urging the front office to make the aggressive play for Johnson. The debate now centers on whether the team should use its resources to leapfrog other teams for an immediate starter or stay put and address multiple needs across the roster.
One thing is certain: the Green Bay Packers are not finished. The trade of Dontayvion Wicks was the first domino to fall. What comes next could define their draft and shape their defense for years to come.
