The Green Bay Packers hold the 52nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a spot that has delivered a fascinating mix of talent over the last two decades. While not a first-round selection, the history of pick No. 52 shows it can be a valuable opportunity to land a core contributor or even a star.
Examining the last 20 players chosen at this spot reveals a compelling story for Packers fans. Roughly half develop into quality NFL players, with about a quarter becoming genuine hits. Notably, five have earned Pro Bowl honors, proving real impact is possible outside the top 50. The bust rate is relatively low, with only four clear misses among the evaluated group, and a solid streak from 2006-2016 produced six players who lasted over 100 career games.
For a team like Green Bay, this pick represents a key building block. It's a chance to add a dynamic playmaker or a reliable starter who can wear the green and gold with pride for years to come. Let's look at the recent history to see the caliber of athlete who has heard their name called at No. 52.
The 2025 pick, DE Oluwafemi Oladejo, saw his rookie season with the Titans cut short by injury after just six games. In 2024, the Colts selected the physically gifted WR Adonai Mitchell, who showed flashes but was traded to the Jets after an inconsistent start to his career.
Recent years have yielded more immediate success stories. The 2023 selection, RB Zach Charbonnet, quickly became a vital piece for the Seattle Seahawks, helping power their backfield to a Super Bowl victory with 21 career rushing touchdowns. The 2022 pick, WR George Pickens, developed into a dominant force for the Steelers, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2025 after amassing over 4,200 receiving yards before a trade to Dallas.
Looking further back, the 2021 pick, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, was a dynamic and fun-to-watch defender for Cleveland, making the Pro Bowl in 2023 before a neck injury sadly halted his career. The 2020 selection, RB Cam Akers, has been a durable contributor for the Rams, nearing 2,500 career scrimmage yards across 59 games.
The trend of solid contributors continues with 2019's TE Drew Sample, a reliable 62-game starter for Cincinnati, and 2018's DE Kemoko Turay, who showed early promise with 4.0 sacks as a rookie. The 2017 pick was quarterback DeShone Kizer, whose career serves as a reminder of the inherent risk in any draft selection.
For Packers faithful, this historical glance is a reminder that the 52nd pick is far from an afterthought. It's a slot that has produced championship contributors, Pro Bowlers, and long-term starters—exactly the kind of players who become fan favorites and help define a team's identity for seasons to come.