The Green Bay Packers' methodical pre-draft process is in full swing at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, and a new name has surfaced as a potential target for General Manager Brian Gutekunst's war room. According to multiple recent reports, the Packers are set to host University of New Mexico running back and electrifying return specialist Damon Bankston for one of their coveted top-30 pre-draft visits.
This news, while part of the standard due diligence all NFL teams perform this time of year, carries significant weight for the Packers organization at a fascinating crossroads. Bankston isn't just another late-round running back prospect; he is a certified game-breaker in the kick return game, having returned two kickoffs for touchdowns during his collegiate career. In an offseason where the NFL's new kickoff rule has dominated strategy sessions, Green Bay's interest in a player with Bankston's specific skill set is a clear sign of prioritizing special teams explosiveness.
Under NFL rules, each club is permitted to host up to 30 draft-eligible players for official visits at their facility. These visits allow for deeper medical evaluations, interviews, and on-site testing that go beyond what is done at the Combine and pro days. Bankston's inclusion on that elite shortlist indicates that Green Bay's scouts and front office have identified him as a player worthy of an extra layer of scrutiny. He represents a particular archetype: a potential dual-threat weapon who could contribute on offense while potentially solving a persistent issue on special teams.
Who is Damon Bankston?
While casual fans may not be familiar with the New Mexico Lobos product, his college tape tells a compelling story. Bankston was a workhorse for the Lobos, amassing over 2,800 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns across his collegiate career. He possesses a compact and powerful build that often translates well to the NFL, showing a knack for running through contact and gaining tough yards. His production as a traditional runner alone would likely earn him a late-round or priority undrafted free agent grade from many teams.
But it's the second line on his resume that makes this pre-draft visit particularly intriguing. Bankston's two kickoff return touchdowns are no fluke; they are evidence of elite-level vision, burst, and open-field agility. In today's college game, where touchbacks are increasingly common, scoring twice on kickoff returns is a notable achievement. It speaks to a player with the rare combination of courage to field the ball in traffic and the explosive athleticism to turn a schematic advantage into six points. For a Packers return unit that has searched for consistent, dynamic playmaking for years, Bankston's profile is undoubtedly attractive.
The Kickoff Revolution and Green Bay's Need
The context of the 2026 offseason cannot be overstated. The NFL's adoption of a new kickoff format--modeled after the XFL's successful revival of the play--has fundamentally changed the calculus for roster construction. The play is designed to bring kickoff returns back as high-speed, game-changing plays, with more returns expected and a greater emphasis on blocking schemes, lane discipline, and, crucially, the returner's decision-making and explosiveness.
Green Bay's approach to the return game in recent seasons has seen a revolving door of players. They have tried wide receivers, defensive backs, and running backs in the return roles, with mixed results. The lack of a designated, feared return man has left points and hidden yardage on the field. The new rule amplifies the value of a specialist. A great returner is no longer just a luxury for good field position; he can be a weekly weapon that flips field position and provides a direct path to the end zone.
By hosting Bankston, Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur are signaling serious intent to weaponize special teams. They aren't just looking for a safe pair of hands; they are proactively scouting for a player who can score. This is a forward-thinking move that aligns perfectly with the league's shifting landscape.
Roster Fit and Draft Strategy
Where would Bankston fit on the 2026 Packers? The running back room currently features Josh Jacobs as the established bell-cow, with young players like MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson competing for roles. Bankston would not be drafted to challenge for the RB1 spot. Instead, his path to a roster spot would be carved through special teams. He could serve as the primary kickoff returner from Day One while providing depth at running back. His physical running style could also make him a candidate for core special teams coverage units, a must for any back-end roster player.
This is where the top-30 visit becomes critical. The Packers' staff will want to gauge his football IQ, his understanding of NFL running schemes, and, most importantly, his willingness and passion for the often-unglamorous work of special teams. They will put him through rigorous film sessions to evaluate how he processes the new kickoff formation. Does he have the instinct to find the crease? Does he understand when to take risks versus when to take a touchback? These intangible questions can only be answered through in-person evaluation.
From a draft capital perspective, Bankston projects as a Day 3 selection, likely in the sixth or seventh round, or even as a high-priority undrafted free agent target. The Packers have historically found good value in those rounds, and using a late pick on a player who can immediately elevate a third of the game--special teams--is smart strategy. It's a classic "traits and role" pick: investing in elite athletic ability for a specific, high-value job.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Philosophy?
This reported visit may be a single data point but connects to a broader narrative about the Packers' offseason. After years of sometimes frustrating special teams play, the organization has placed an increased emphasis on improvement in that phase. Bringing in a specialist like Bankston, even for a visit, shows commitment to exploring every avenue to get better.
It also reflects a modern understanding of roster building. In a league where margins for victory are razor-thin, having a player who can single-handedly win a game on a kickoff return is a massive advantage. It provides explosiveness and surprise that the Packers have largely lacked. Bankston represents the potential for that "home run" threat every time the opposing kicker tees up the ball.
Of course, a pre-draft visit is far from a guarantee of selection. It is an important step in the evaluation process, one of many. The Packers will host other players with return skills, and their final draft board will be shaped by multiple factors. However, simply inviting Damon Bankston to Green Bay confirms that his unique talent has registered on their radar. In the new NFL, where kickoff returns are king again, a player who has proven he can take it the distance will always get a long, hard look.
As the draft draws closer, all eyes will be on how the Packers allocate their resources. If they ultimately select a player like Bankston, it will be a clear statement: in Green Bay, special teams matter, and game-breaking speed is always welcome.
