Green Bay Packers Eyeing Offensive Guard Emmanuel Pregnon, Could Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Green Bay Packers have found themselves in a bit of a unique position. With no first-round pick this year due to the trade for Micah Parsons, Green Bay is in the unusual spot of needing to get creative in order to secure a top prospect. The Packers are currently scheduled to make their first pick at No. 52 overall in the second round, but there’s a growing buzz about a player they might be targeting—Oregon offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon.

Pregnon, a 6-foot-4, 316-pound offensive lineman, has steadily gained attention in the lead-up to the draft. While most analysts expect him to go in the early part of the second round, there’s speculation that he could be a late-first-round pick, depending on how the board shakes out. Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline reported that the Packers have been spending considerable time scouting Pregnon, attending his Pro Day in Oregon, and even conducting interviews with him. This heavy interest suggests that Green Bay could be quite enamored with Pregnon, but they would likely need to trade up from their current position to secure him.

The Packers have eight total draft picks, but only two of them are within the top 100—No. 52 and No. 84. While Green Bay’s front office has the resources to move up the board, the picks they have to work with aren’t considered high-value selections, especially for a prospect like Pregnon, who could go higher than No. 52 if there’s enough interest from other teams. If Pregnon starts to slide down the board, the Packers could pull the trigger on a trade to move up and grab the highly sought-after guard.

The offensive line has been a point of emphasis for Green Bay in recent years, and with concerns about depth and stability at the position, adding a player like Pregnon could provide a significant boost. Known for his strength and technique, Pregnon would be a welcome addition to the Packers’ offensive front, and the team may feel the pressure to act fast if they think he won’t be available when their pick rolls around.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has shown a willingness to make bold moves to target players he covets, and while it’s unclear whether Pregnon is truly at the top of Green Bay’s draft board, it’s clear that the team is doing its due diligence. The next few days leading up to the draft will tell us whether the Packers are prepared to be aggressive in their pursuit of Pregnon, or if they’ll focus on other areas of need as they approach their first pick.

With the NFL Draft set to begin on April 23, the Packers’ strategy will be closely watched, as their ability to make a move could have long-lasting implications on the future of their offensive line. If they do trade up for Pregnon, it will be a sign that Green Bay is committed to fortifying their front five and continuing to build around their foundational pieces. If not, the Packers will have to hope that they can find a suitable prospect at No. 52 or beyond to meet their needs.