The Green Bay Packers made headlines during the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting kicker Trey Smack from Florida with the final pick of the sixth round. Smack was the first kicker off the board this year, hinting at a potential shake-up in the team's kicking strategy.
Why it matters: The Packers' decision to draft a kicker reflects their need for improvement in that position. With Trey Smack's impressive college stats, he is expected to challenge incumbent Brandon McManus for the starting role.
Smack set a school record at Florida by making 10 kicks of 50 yards or more during his collegiate career.
His selection indicates that the Packers are serious about upgrading their kicking game after a disappointing 2025 season.
Brandon McManus, previously seen as the starter, now faces increased competition for his job.
Driving the news: On April 25, 2026, the Packers traded two seventh-round picks to secure the final pick in the sixth round, which they used to select Smack. This strategic move demonstrates the team's commitment to improving their special teams.
Smack's selection comes after a season where McManus struggled, ranking 24th among kickers with an 80.0% field goal percentage.
McManus missed two field goals and an extra point in a playoff loss to Chicago, raising questions about his reliability.
Coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the importance of competition at all positions, particularly in scoring roles.
The big picture: The Packers' choice to draft a kicker is a bold statement, especially after signing McManus to a three-year, $15.3 million deal just a year prior. This indicates a shift in priorities for the franchise.
Smack's college performance includes 53 of 64 field goals made (82.8%) and 100 of 101 extra points over his last three years.
He demonstrated strong leg power, going 10 of 13 on attempts beyond 50 yards, with a career long of 56 yards.
Such statistics suggest that Smack could be a reliable option for the Packers moving forward.
What they're saying: Trey Smack expressed his excitement about being drafted, saying, "It’s a surreal feeling. I still got the shakes a little bit. I’m like wow is this really happening right now? It’s an amazing feeling." His enthusiasm reflects the significance of this opportunity.
LaFleur praised the scouting department for their efforts in identifying Smack, stating, "Obviously Trey was the highest-rated kicker we had on our board."
LaFleur also recognized the importance of having competition in all positions, especially for scoring roles.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Smack will perform in training camp and the upcoming season.
By the numbers: Smack's statistics from his time at Florida reveal his potential impact on the Packers' offense.
He achieved an impressive 82.8% field goal accuracy rate and converted 99% of his extra points.
His ability to kick from long distances, including a 56-yard career-long, adds a new dimension to the Packers' offensive strategy.
In comparison, McManus's disappointing 2025 season saw him make only 80.0% of his field goals.
What's next: As the offseason progresses, the Packers' training camp, where Smack will compete for the starting kicker position against McManus.
Smack’s performance in practice will be closely monitored, especially his ability to handle pressure situations.
Fans can expect to see how the Packers integrate Smack into their game plans during preseason matches.
With a new kicker in the mix, the Packers are looking to solidify their special teams as they aim for a successful 2026 season.
This draft marks a turning point for the Packers as they look to improve their scoring capabilities and address past shortcomings in their kicking game. With Trey Smack on board, the team is hopeful for a more reliable performance in the upcoming season.