It was a quiet night for the Green Bay Packers at the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Brian Gutekunst, known for his willingness to be aggressive and move around the board, resisted the urge to trade into the first round. The most notable action for the Packers on Thursday was the decision to stand pat, and now the franchise is scheduled to make its first selection at No. 52 overall in the second round.
That move -- or rather, the lack of a move -- says a lot about how Gutekunst and his scouting department view this draft class. The Packers entered the first round with a clear philosophy: they would only trade up for the right player at the right price. When that opportunity didn't materialize, they trusted the depth of the board.
Now, as the league resets for Day 2, the focus shifts to who might still be available when the Packers go on the clock. According to a report from The New York Times, two of the most intriguing names currently projected to land in the Packers' range are edge rushers: Bowling Green's Cashius Howell and Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas.
Let's break down why these two pass rushers, along with a handful of other prospects, could be the key to Green Bay's draft board on Friday night.
The Philosophy: Why Gutekunst Stood Pat
Before diving into the prospects, it's worth understanding the context of the Packers' position. Gutekunst has been one of the more aggressive general managers in the league when it comes to moving up for a player he loves. He traded up for Jordan Love, for Rashan Gary, for Christian Watson, and for Quay Walker. When Gutekunst sees a difference-maker, he goes and gets him.
So, why stay put at No. 52?
The simplest explanation is value. In a draft class that many analysts have described as deep but lacking elite top-end talent, the Packers likely felt that the players available in the late first round weren't significantly better than what they could get early in the second. By holding onto their Day 2 picks -- including selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds -- they give themselves the flexibility to address multiple needs.
The Packers have holes. They need pass rush depth. They could use help in the secondary. They need a long-term answer at right guard. And there's always the possibility of adding a playmaker at wide receiver. By not trading up, Gutekunst kept the entire board open for Friday night.
Cashius Howell: The Small-School Pass Rusher with Big-Time Production
One name that has been buzzing in draft circles is Cashius Howell of Bowling Green. Howell may not be a household name like some of the top prospects, but his production and athletic profile make him one of the most intriguing edge rushers in this class.
Howell transferred from Buffalo to Bowling Green, where he exploded onto the scene. In 2025, he recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, consistently winning with a combination of burst, bend, and relentless motor. He has the kind of get-off that makes offensive coordinators draw up extra protection schemes, and his ability to turn the corner quickly is reminiscent of a smaller, quicker type of rusher.
For the Packers, Howell fits a specific need. Green Bay has a star in Rashan Gary, but the depth behind him has been a concern. Lukas Van Ness has shown flashes but hasn't fully developed into the consistent threat the team hoped for when they drafted him in the first round. Kingsley Enagbare is a solid rotational piece, but the Packers are always looking to add speed off the edge.
Howell would immediately compete for the third edge rusher role. He might not be a three-down player right away, but his natural pass-rushing ability is a skill that defensive coordinators covet. He's the kind of player who can make an impact on third down from Day 1.
The question with Howell is the competition level. Playing at Bowling Green means he didn't face elite offensive tackles every week. But when he's faced top-tier competition -- like in the MAC Championship game or in bowl practices -- his traits have stood out. Scouts who love him point to his ability to win with his first step and his relentless chase from the backside.
If he's still on the board at No. 52, Howell represents a high-upside pick who could develop into a double-digit sack guy in the NFL.
R Mason Thomas: The Explosive Oklahoma Project
Another edge rusher who fits the Packers' mold is R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma. Thomas is a different kind of prospect than Howell. While Howell is a pure speed rusher, Thomas is a more explosive, versatile athlete who can win in multiple ways.
Thomas has been a productive player for the Sooners, totaling 8.5 sacks in 2025 and showing the ability to rush from both a two-point and a three-point stance. He has a naturally explosive first step and a powerful frame that allows him to convert speed to power effectively. He's not the bendiest rusher in the class, but he makes up for it with raw power and a non-stop motor.
For the Packers, Thomas offers a different dimension. He could potentially add weight and play as a 5-technique defensive end in base downs, then slide inside to rush the passer on third down. That versatility is something the Packers value highly. In Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme, having players who can create chaos from multiple alignments is a premium commodity.
Thomas also brings a reputation as a high-character player. He was a team captain at Oklahoma and is known for his work ethic and leadership in the locker room. In a locker room already established by veterans like Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark, adding a player with Thomas's intangibles could be a home run.
The concern with Thomas is his consistency. He can be dominant on one snap, then disappear for a stretch. That's partly a product of Oklahoma's scheme, but it's also something that coaches will want to address. Still, at No. 52, Thomas's ceiling is well worth the risk.
Other Names to Watch
While Howell and Thomas are the headliners from the New York Times report, the Packers could have their pick of several other quality prospects at No. 52.
If the Packers want to address the offensive line, there are a few interior linemen who could be available. With this draft class being deep at guard, Gutekunst might find a long-term starter at right guard -- a position that has been a revolving door since the departure of a certain Pro Bowler. A player like Ohio State's interior mauler or a versatile tackle-guard hybrid from a major program could be tempting.
If the Packers want to add a weapon for Jordan Love, the wide receiver class after the first round is solid but not spectacular. However, there are some intriguing options who fit the Packers' preference for big, athletic receivers who can win contested catches.
The secondary is another area that could be addressed. Eric Stokes is a free agent after this season, and Jaire Alexander, while still elite, isn't getting any younger. A cornerback with press-man coverage skills could be a target.
What This Means for the Packers' Draft
For a team that has built its roster through the draft under Gutekunst, Friday night feels like a pivotal moment. The Packers have a roster that is good enough to compete for a playoff spot but not quite good enough to be considered a Super Bowl favorite. Adding an impact player at No. 52 -- whether it's an edge rusher like Howell or Thomas, or an offensive lineman, or a cornerback -- could go a long way toward closing that gap.
Gutekunst's decision to hold on Thursday night shows that he trusts the process. He trusts his board. And he trusts that one of these players will be there at No. 52.
For Packers fans, the wait is almost over. When the second round kicks off, the names Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas are going to be prominent in conversations -- and for good reason.
These are the kind of players who can make a draft class memorable. Not the flashy first-round pick, but the second-rounder who turns into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. That's what Gutekunst is chasing.
The board is set. The Packers are on the clock. Now it's time to see who they think is the best available.