1 Packers undrafted free agent who will make 2026 roster

After waiting until the second round to make their first pick, the Green Bay Packers opened the draft by selecting cornerback Brandon Cisse.

Subsequently, they used a sixth-round selection on kicker Trey Smack, signaling that the front office was willing to address various areas of the roster without feeling pressured to choose a running back or wide receiver early on.

Once the draft concluded, the focus shifted to the undrafted free agents and which of those players had a realistic chance of making the final cuts.

Among that group, Dillon Wade stands out as the most promising candidate.

Although he may not be the most exciting undrafted signing and lacks a captivating personal story, qualities that could apply to quarterback Kyron Drones or receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, Wade’s case is bolstered by something that NFL teams value more: usable offensive line depth with positional flexibility.

The Packers have a long history of finding at least one undrafted rookie who can secure a spot on the roster, and both local Packers coverage and the current roster dynamics suggest that Wade is the player most likely to continue that trend in 2026.

Packers On SI noted that the organization has had at least one undrafted rookie make the opening roster for 21 consecutive years, ranking Wade as the most likely candidate from this class to maintain that streak.

The easiest opening is not always the loudest one

Wide receivers typically garner more attention because their performances are easier to visualize during training camp.

A few impressive catches, a standout preseason stat line, and clips circulating online can all contribute to an undrafted free agent receiver appearing as a legitimate threat.

Sturdivant possesses enough size and speed to generate that kind of conversation, and Bill Huber ranked him second among Green Bay’s undrafted class in terms of roster odds.

Running back Jaden Nixon also has return ability and enough explosiveness to make training camp exciting, while edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly brings the kind of length that can help a rusher in the NFL. While these players offer real opportunities, their paths to making the roster are not that simple.

Wade, on the other hand, has a clearer path because offensive line positions typically require less drama to justify an additional roster spot, just a bit of uncertainty.

Green Bay certainly has that, as their post-draft roster reveals projected starters Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom, alongside a long list of developmental or reserve players, including Darian Kinnard, Travis Glover, fifth-round pick Jager Burton, Jacob Monk, Donovan Jennings, John Williams, Brant Banks, Dalton Cooper, Karsen Barnhart, Josh Gesky, Dillon Wade, and Dylan Barrett.

While there are many names, the roster is not yet settled.

Depth charts can appear sturdier than they feel, especially when coaches assess who can line up in multiple positions without disrupting the offense.

This is where Wade becomes more intriguing than a typical undrafted lineman.

Huber’s analysis of his resume was particularly clear in the post-draft wave.

Wade started 49 consecutive games over his final four college seasons, transitioning from left tackle to a mixed role and finally to left guard.

He also trained at the center independently for NFL preparation, which is significant because Green Bay has historically valued linemen who can comprehend the entire offensive line scheme rather than just their specific role.

Huber quoted Shrine Bowl director Eric Galko, who noted that Wade can mentally handle the center position and can articulate the responsibilities of all five offensive line spots during a play.

This commentary holds weight, as backup linemen often secure roster spots through trust more than potential, and if coaches believe a player can effectively play multiple positions and process their responsibilities quickly, justifying the inclusion of a sixth, seventh, or eighth lineman becomes much simpler.

Wade’s case is further strengthened by comparison to Josh Gesky, who is also a credible candidate.

Chris Schad argued that Gesky might possess the best chance among the Packers’ undrafted offensive linemen to stick around, primarily because he was a three-year starter at Illinois and garnered a draftable grade from some scouting circles.

However, the key difference lies in the range of outcomes.

Gesky appears to fit the mold of a guard who must win one specific type of battle, while Wade seems capable of surviving in several different contexts.

This variability is important in the competitive environment of training camp, and a pure guard may excel yet still miss the cut if the roster becomes crowded.

In contrast, a player like Wade, who can realistically contribute at left guard, right guard, emergency tackle, and possibly center, prompts the coaching staff to reconsider their final roster calculations.

The roster dynamics favor Wade

It’s clear why Huber prioritized Wade in his analysis.

Huber pointed out that the Green Bay Packers are down two offensive linemen after releasing Elgton Jenkins and allowing Rasheed Walker to leave in free agency, with only Jager Burton added through the draft.

However, this situation does not necessarily mean the roster is in trouble, but it indicates that the path for a versatile extra blocker is simpler than for most undrafted players in more glamorous positions.

Receivers face stiff competition, and running backs often need to excel on both special teams and offense.

Defensive linemen can show promise but may still be overshadowed by veteran players, and on the other hand, offensive linemen who can be relied upon for various assignments require competence and adaptability. Green Bay’s current roster provides Wade with both the opportunity and the rationale to make his case.

There’s another subtle advantage for him.

Although the Packers have drafted Burton, he doesn’t eliminate Wade’s chances, and in fact, he may enhance them.

The addition of one rookie on the line indicates that the front office recognized the need for more depth with genuine developmental potential.

With that realization, keeping a second rookie blocker becomes easier to justify, especially if that player offers more positional flexibility than the average undrafted free agent.

The same roster details that include Wade also highlight the uncertainty surrounding many of the depth options still vying for a spot, and this kind of unpredictability tends to favor linemen who can play multiple roles.

In this group, that combination outweighs attributes like straight-line speed, arm strength, or a catchy nickname. It’s typically how back-end roster spots are won.

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