Notebook: Breaking down the past week of Wisconsinās spring ball practices
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.
The Green Bay Packers have a history of drafting players who visit before the draft, with 26 pre-draft visitors identified this year. A recent mock draft simulation utilized this visitor list to predict potential picks for the upcoming draft.
The relationship between pre-draft visitors and the Green Bay Packers is now well-established in the Brian Gutekunst era. Year after year, a handful of visitors -- of which every team gets 30 before a draft -- ends up becoming a Packers draft pick or undrafted free agent signing. And year after year, the Packers eventually sign a few more visitors from prior draft classes. Visits allow for more complete picture of a player, and the Packers clearly feel comfortable adding a player when every box is checked.
Visitors were the foundation of our latest mock draft simulation. In this seven-round mock draft, we leaned on the consensus draft board and the reported visitor list -- which now totals 26 -- to guide the process.
Will the Packers draft only visitors next week? No, but the process provided some clues on which visitors might be good fits during each round of the process.
Here's how it played out:
Christen Miller, a pre-draft visitor and the No. 46 overall player on the consensus board, was picked right before No. 52. The consolation prize was Hunter, the No. 49 player. Both Miller and Hunter could fill a fairly large hole on the Packers defensive line. The next highest ranked visitors on the consensus board were Chris Brazzell, a receiver ranked No. 55, and A.J. Haulcy, a safety ranked No. 56. Hunter didn't test well pre-draft, but he was an All-American for Texas Tech in 2025 and is seen by most analysts as a fit at nose tackle in the NFL.
With Romello Height and Mike Washington Jr. off the board, the pick ended up being Hurst, a prime box-checker for the Packers at receiver. Is receiver a third round need? Probably not, but this wouldn't be a shocking pick if Hurst is somehow still on the board. He's big and fast, with Romeo Doubs-like ability in traffic and elite athleticism. Keep the cupboard full for Jordan Love. Kaleb Proctor was lingering here, too.
The Packers need corners, and while the board didn't fall right early, everything fell into place in the middle rounds. Don't be surprised if the Packers take at least two corners in this draft. In terms of fit, Lee and Demmings both make sense in terms of length and athleticism. Both played a lot of snaps on the perimeter and found the ball a lot at the college level, too. Depth and competition acquired.
Running back is a sneaky need, and Black looks like one of the best fits as a do-everything player who could contribute in all phases right away. Just about every year, a mid-round pick at running back becomes a quality starter in the NFL. Maybe Black is that guy from the 2026 class.
After the fifth round, every pick becomes a low-probability dart throw. So why not target elite athletes and hope for the best? van den Berg, Heldman and Gesky all fit as big players with elite movement ability. van den Berg and Heldman were both excellent in their final season, and Gesky is an experienced guard from the Big Ten. Of these three, you hope one is a hit who gives you value over a four-year rookie deal.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers mock draft: All pre-draft visitors edition
This year, the Packers have identified 26 pre-draft visitors.
Pre-draft visits help the Packers evaluate players more thoroughly, often leading to selections or signings from this group.
No, while the Packers consider pre-draft visitors, they may also draft players who did not visit.
The mock draft simulation suggests potential picks based on the consensus draft board and the list of pre-draft visitors.
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.

Millwall's Alex Neil tells players to have 'zero fear' in promotion race.

Damon Jones plans to plead guilty in NBA gambling scandal involving LeBron and Davis.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva discuss Michael Carrick's potential as Manchester United's permanent manager. Despite his good performance as a temporary replacement, Carrick's future remains uncertain.
Big Ten announces first-ever volleyball tournament in 2026!
Former Auburn EDGE Amaris Williams sidelined for 2026 season due to torn ACL.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.