The Green Bay Packers just wrapped up their three-day minicamp in preparation for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, practicing on the third and final day in full cadence for the first time in recent years. The Packers are clearly all-in for 2026 as they await the returns of EDGE Micah Parsons and TE Tucker Kraft.
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that this will be the final team-wide mandatory minicamp and that rookies will be the only ones appearing on the practice field next week. This recent mincamp offered fans and experts their best look yet at starters preparing for another campaign, rookies looking to make an immediate impacts, and sleepers who could break out in the upcoming season.
All eyes have been on incoming DB Brandon Cisse who the Packers selected with their first pick in the draft (RD2, PK52). Players like DE Lukas Van Ness and WR Matthew Golden have been turning heads with their stern improvements and are expected to take a big leap this season while veteran additions LB Zaire Franklin and DT Javon Hargrave are settling into their new roles as leaders on the defense.
Still, two players in particular have caught the attention of those watching this offseason and could be poised to break out in 2026. Thanks to heated positional battles and untimely injuries, both LB Ty'Ron Hopper and C Jager Burton could play an important role as sleepers on this Packers' roster.
LB Ty'Ron Hopper shows great promise.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper (59) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
With Micah Parsons and Lukas Van Ness lining up as edge-rushing backers in Jonathan Gannon's base 3-4 defense, Packers' breakout linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will man the middle alongside incoming Zaire Franklin from the Colts. It's been noted that Franklin will wear the green dot on defense as the signal caller, but he'll certainly have to lean on established backers Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie in adjusting to the new scheme.
LB Ty'Ron Hopper sits right behind Cooper on the depth chart and given the eye test, the two share extremely similar physical builds and similar abilities on the field. Hopper is listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds which makes him the biggest LB alongside Cooper and he's showing great movement and physicality early in minicamp.
Hopper also notably secured an interception during Green Bay's 31-27 loss to Chicago in last year's NFC Wild Card, adding two total tackles to his immediate impact on the game. Don't be surprised if Hopper is able to see added reps in Jonathan Gannon's new defense it's likely he'll constantly be rotating through his linebacker to keep the second level fresh. Hopper could be one of those players that benefits if he's able to make the most of his opportunities.
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C Jager Burton could be the next man up.
Kentucky offensive lineman Jager Burton (OL10) during the NFL Scouting Combine
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There's no question that the offensive line is one of the more difficult aspects for rookies from college to grow accustomed to at the pro level. However, the Green Bay Packers have never been bashful in developing lineman within their system over the long run and they believe they've found something special in their 2026 selection from Kentucky, center Jager Burton.
Burton was selected 153rd overall by the Packers after starting 51 career games (47 consecutively) at Kentucky from 2021-2025. Not only was Burton the Wildcats' most consistent center in recent memory, but they were able to plug him in at both guard spots without much hesitation or drop-off in performance.
While the Packers' front line is mostly set and veteran Sean Rhyan recently re-signed to play center, it's worth noting Rhyan switched from guard to center during the 2025 season. Burton is a true center, doing it at the highest level in college, but it's clear the Packers value versatility above all when it comes to their offensive line.
Furthermore, there's no denying the Packers have had injury issues with their line as Zach Tom continues to make his return, so there's never any hurt in adding additional depth to one of the more volatile positions on the field. Given his versatility and strong showing during minicamp thus far, don't at all be surprised if Jager Burton is able to appear in several spots on Green Bay's offensive line throughout the 2026 season.
The Green Bay Packers just wrapped up their three-day minicamp in preparation for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, practicing on the third and final day in full cadence for the first time in recent years. The Packers are clearly all-in for 2026 as they await the returns of EDGE Micah Parsons and TE Tucker Kraft.