The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the 2026 season with one of the NFL's most talented and youngest rosters. Fresh off a year where players like Tucker Kraft broke out in a big way, the Packers are once again poised to see new stars emerge. Here are four players on the roster who could be primed for a breakthrough season.
Jordan Morgan – Offensive Lineman
Drafted 25th overall in 2024, Morgan has yet to make a major splash through his first two seasons. He logged just 186 offensive snaps as a rookie and earned below-average marks over 749 snaps last year. The main culprit? A constant shuffle along the line. Morgan was deployed at left and right tackle, as well as both guard spots, giving him little chance to settle into one position. That changes in 2026. Now projected to start at left tackle, Morgan has spent the entire offseason focusing on that role. If he can bring the same steady presence as Rasheed Walker once did, Packers fans could see a completely different player this fall.
Trey Smack – Kicker
When a general manager like Brian Gutekunst trades multiple seventh-round picks to move up for a kicker, it’s worth paying attention. Trey Smack has already turned heads at rookie camp, and his arrival forced the Packers to release veteran Brandon McManus just months after paying him a $1 million roster bonus. That kind of confidence from the front office speaks volumes. With endorsements from kicking legend Matt Stover, Smack is expected to make an immediate impact. He’s not just a rookie—he’s a potential fan favorite from day one.
Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver
Some saw Golden’s limited rookie snaps as a red flag, but in Green Bay’s deep receiver room, patience is a virtue. The Packers have a history of developing pass-catchers over time, and Golden’s raw talent is undeniable. With a full offseason under his belt and a clearer path to targets in 2026, he could be the next name to emerge from this young, dynamic offense. Don’t sleep on him as a sleeper breakout candidate.
Edgerrin Cooper – Linebacker
While not mentioned in the original breakdown, Cooper is another name to watch. As part of a revamped Packers defense, he brings speed and instincts that could make him a disruptive force. If he earns a starting role, his ability to cover ground and make plays in the backfield could turn him into a household name by season’s end.
With youth, talent, and opportunity all aligning, the Packers are set for another wave of breakout performances. Whether it’s a lineman finally finding his home or a rookie kicker stealing the show, 2026 is shaping up to be a season of new stars in Green Bay.