Breaking: The 2025-26 College Football Playoffs move into the second round, and scouts are turning their attention to potential Green Bay Packers targets for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Packers reinforced their draft strategy last year by selecting three players who competed in the 2024-25 CFP, including two from Texas and one from Georgia. As the playoff field narrows, Green Bay’s evaluators are weighing a new wave of names, wiht several Texas Tech standouts rising to the forefront of draft chatter. No. 4-seeded Ohio State is set to face oregon in the upcoming matchup, adding more context to the playoff narrative and the draft horizon for NFL teams.
Lee Hunter, Defensive Tackle
Table of Contents
- 1. Lee Hunter, Defensive Tackle
- 2. Brice Pollock,Cornerback
- 3. A.J. Holmes, Defensive Tackle
- 4. Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker
- 5. Terrance Carter Jr., tight End
- 6. Sheridan Wilson, Center
- 7. Averages 2.3 scrambles per game with a 58% success rate.
- 8. Top Texas Tech Playoff Standouts on Packers’ Radar
- 9. Packers’ Draft Radar: Position‑by‑Position Analysis
- 10. 1. Quarterback – Michael Miller
- 11. 2. Cornerback – javon Brown
- 12. 3. Defensive Tackle – Tyler Hawkins
- 13. 4.Running Back – Khalil Rodriguez
- 14. 5. Offensive Tackle – Ethan Ward
- 15. Key Traits Packers Value in Texas Tech prospects
- 16. Comparative Draft Charts (Packers vs. Other Teams)
- 17. Practical Tips for Packers Scouting Staff
- 18. Real‑World Example: Ethan Ward’s Transition to the NFL
- 19. Benefits of Adding Texas Tech Talent to Green Bay’s Roster
Hunter, a transfer from UCF, brings substantial mass and interior disruption. He’s not merely a bulky presence; he uses heavy hands to disengage and plays with consistent leverage, helping clog running lanes.through the playoffs, he has tallied 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 26 pressures and 18 run stops. His contribution is amplified by texas Tech’s top-ranked run defense, with Hunter playing a central role in that success.
Brice Pollock,Cornerback
Pollock,a Mississippi State transfer,has shown lockdown ability with five interceptions and six pass deflections. A physical corner with advanced ball skills and rapid reaction time, Pollock moves with smooth recovery and can mirror receivers in a variety of coverages. If he declares for 2026, he could attract Day 2 or early Day 3 attention for teams seeking help at cornerback.
A.J. Holmes, Defensive Tackle
Holmes is a dependable run defender for Texas tech. While not as large as Hunter, he anchors the interior and remains stout at contact points, controlling his gap. Across the season, he has produced nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 35 pressures and 20 run stops, contributing to the Red Raiders’ overall run-stopping efficiency.
Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker
Rodriguez arrived at Texas Tech after starting at Virginia, transitioning from offense to linebacker and becoming a force near the ball. He is an instinctive defender who consistently finds himself around impactful plays. He enters the playoffs with 11 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, six pass deflections, seven forced fumbles and 64 run stops.
Terrance Carter Jr., tight End
Carter is not primarily valued for run-blocking prowess. Instead, he stands out as an agile option in space, capable of creating mismatches and extending plays after the catch, with 344 receiving yards this season. He profiles as a moveable blocker who can contribute as an athletic option in the passing game.
Sheridan Wilson, Center
Wilson has started 26 games at center over the past two seasons, delivering a spotless sack-free run and allowing 15 pressures. If he chooses to enter the NFL Draft,he could appeal to teams targeting Day 3 depth at the center position,bringing experienced snap accuracy and consistency to interior line play.
| Prospect | Position | School / Background | Key Stats / attributes | Draft Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Hunter | DT | texas Tech (Transfer from UCF) | 8.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 26 pressures, 18 run stops; integral to No. 1 run defense | Projected early-to-mid rounds based on interior disruption |
| Brice Pollock | CB | Mississippi State (Transfer from MSU) | 5 interceptions, 6 pass deflections; elite ball skills and quickness | Day 2 to early Day 3 range if he declares |
| A.J.Holmes | DT | Texas Tech (Transfer from Houston) | 9 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 35 pressures, 20 run stops | Day 3 depth contributor with starter-ready traits |
| Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech (from Virginia) | 11 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INTs, 6 PDs, 7 forced fumbles, 64 run stops | Day 2/3 potential given versatility and playmaking |
| Terrance Carter Jr. | TE | Texas Tech | 344 yards after catch; effective in space, strong on move-blocking | Non-blocking emphasis; late-round athletic upside |
| Sheridan Wilson | C | Texas Tech | 26 starts; 0 sacks allowed; 15 pressures | Day 3 target for interior line depth |
As the playoff picture tightens, scouts will monitor post-season workouts and game tape to gauge fit with the Packers’ evolving needs. The emphasis remains on adding versatile interior linemen, reliable pass defenders, and playmakers who can impact multiple facets of the game.
What should Green Bay prioritize in the 2026 draft after this CFP showcase? Which of these prospects would you target as a Day 2 pick, and why?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below. Do you prefer a high-upside edge, a shutdown corner, or a flexible inside weapon to complement the Packers’ offense and defense?
Averages 2.3 scrambles per game with a 58% success rate.
Why the Packers Are Targeting Texas Tech in the 2026 Draft
- High‑Powered Offense: Texas Tech’s “Air Raid” system produces college quarterbacks with strong pocket presence and quick decision‑making—traits the Packers prioritize in a modern NFL offense.
- Defensive Playmakers: The Red Raiders’ defensive line consistently ranks in the top 20 for sacks and tackles for loss, giving Green Bay a pool of pass‑rushers who can thrive in a 3‑4 scheme.
- Big‑Game Experiance: Texas Tech’s appearance in the 2025 Texas Bowl and multiple Big 12 Championship games has given it’s players postseason exposure, mirroring the pressure of NFL playoff atmospheres.
Top Texas Tech Playoff Standouts on Packers’ Radar
| Player | Position | 2025 Season Highlights | NFL Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Miller | QB | 4,712 passing yards, 39 TDs, 9 INTs; 68.5% completion rate; led Texas Tech to a 10‑3 record and a Texas Bowl victory | 2nd‑round QB with dual‑threat upside |
| Javon Brown | CB | 12 PBUs, 1 interception return TD, 4.9 YDS/ATT in coverage; named First‑Team All‑Big 12 | 3rd‑round corner with strong man‑coverage skills |
| Tyler Hawkins | DT | 12.5 sacks, 22 TFLs, 4 forced fumbles; Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year | Late‑round defensive tackle who can rotate in a 4‑3 front |
| Khalil rodriguez | RB | 1,298 rushing yards, 14 TDs; 6.3 YPC; 3 receptions for 45 YDS in the bowl game | 4th‑round power back, excellent in short‑yardage situations |
| Ethan Ward | OL (LT) | 1,025 pass‑block snaps allowed zero sacks; 90% PFF grade; anchored a line that allowed only 20 sacks all season | 1st‑round left tackle, immediate starter potential |
All statistics are sourced from the official texas Tech athletics reports and the 2025 NCAA official statistics database.
Packers’ Draft Radar: Position‑by‑Position Analysis
1. Quarterback – Michael Miller
- Arm Strength & Accuracy: Consistently hits 20‑yard targets at 73% efficiency.
- Mobility: 5.6 seconds in the 40‑yard dash; averages 2.3 scrambles per game with a 58% success rate.
- Fit for Green Bay: Ability to execute Aaron Rodgers‑style deep passes while extending plays with his feet matches the Packers’ transitional offensive philosophy.
2. Cornerback – javon Brown
- Coverage Skills: 48% passer rating allowed when targeted; excels in press‑man technique.
- ball Skills: 2 interceptions and 1 pick‑six in the bowl game, showcasing play‑making ability.
- Packers Value: Provides a versatile option for both outside and slot coverage, crucial for a secondary that wants to stay aggressive against high‑tempo offenses.
3. Defensive Tackle – Tyler Hawkins
- Pass‑Rush Production: 12.5 sacks from the interior—a rare stat for a DT, indicating a disruptive edge‑rusher.
- Run Defense: 5.2 YDS/ATT allowed on the ground; strong anchoring against double teams.
- Scheme Compatibility: Can slide between the 3‑4 and 4‑3 looks,giving Green Bay flexibility in defensive packages.
4.Running Back – Khalil Rodriguez
- Explosiveness: 6.3 YPC and 28 touches in the bowl game, delivering clutch yardage in tight games.
- Versatility: 14 receiving yards per game on 3.1 targets,useful for screen and check‑down concepts.
- Packers Fit: Ideal for a power‑run first down and short‑yardage goal‑line situation, complementing AJ Dillon’s big‑body style.
5. Offensive Tackle – Ethan Ward
- Pass‑Protection: Zero sacks allowed on over 1,000 pass‑block snaps; graded 90%+ by PFF.
- Run Blocking: Contributed to a team rushing average of 197 YPG, opening lanes for the RB corps.
- Immediate Impact: Demonstrates ready‑to‑play readiness, reducing the typical developmental timeline for rookie tackles.
Key Traits Packers Value in Texas Tech prospects
- High Football IQ – Players thrive in a complex, high‑tempo offensive system, indicating quick learning curves.
- Durability – Average of 12 regular‑season starts over the last three years, showing resilience against a grueling Big 12 schedule.
- Competitive Edge – Participation in bowl games and conference championships mirrors NFL playoff intensity.
- Adaptability – Success in both spread offense and multiple defensive fronts highlights versatility—critical for Green Bay’s hybrid schemes.
Comparative Draft Charts (Packers vs. Other Teams)
| Position | Packers Target Rank | Other Teams Targeting | Average Draft Position (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | 2nd highest | Broncos, Bills | 29‑34 |
| CB | 3rd highest | Panthers, Seahawks | 71‑78 |
| DT | 4th highest | Steelers, Vikings | 102‑110 |
| RB | 5th highest | Dolphins, Jets | 115‑122 |
| LT | 1st highest | 49ers, Rams | 23‑27 |
Data compiled from ESPN’s 2026 Draft Tracker and Pro Football Focus (PFF) scouting reports.
Practical Tips for Packers Scouting Staff
- Leverage Bowl Film: Focus on the Texas Bowl’s final 30 minutes where pressure situations expose true talent.
- Run Position‑Specific Drills: Use simulated Green Bay playbook scenarios to assess adaptability—e.g., test Miller’s ability to execute zone reads against a 3‑4 defense.
- Conduct In‑Person Interviews: Gauge leadership and locker‑room presence, especially for Ward and Hawkins, who will be expected to mentor younger linemen.
- Cross‑Reference Physical Metrics: Verify combine/Pro Day numbers (e.g., Miller’s 4.62 sec 40‑yard dash) with on‑field production to avoid over‑valuation of raw athleticism.
Real‑World Example: Ethan Ward’s Transition to the NFL
- 2024 pro Day: Posted a 5.98 second 3‑cone drill—ranking 3rd among all 2024 offensive tackles.
- 2025 Season: Started every game at left tackle; allowed zero sacks.
- Packers Projection: expected to compete for the starting left tackle spot within his rookie year, based on historic success of Red Raider linemen (e.g., Laquon Treadwell’s rapid integration in 2016).
Benefits of Adding Texas Tech Talent to Green Bay’s Roster
- Immediate Depth: Players like Ward and Hawkins can fill starting roles without a lengthy apprenticeship.
- Strategic Fit: Miller’s dual‑threat ability aligns with the packers’ emphasis on a balanced passing and running attack.
- long‑Term Value: High draft picks from a proven college system tend to yield above‑average WAR (Wins Above Replacement) during the first three NFL seasons.
