Learner. Teacher. Speaker. Author. Mentor. Interdisciplinarian. Christian. Tweets my own. Exec. Dir. Center for Biblical Integration, Liberty University
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Articles by Mark Eckel
2026 NFL Preview
2026 NFL Preview If you follow the NFL closely, you probably know the Denver Broncos have been to eight Super Bowls, tied for the second most of any team and behind only New England’s 11 appearances. What you may not know is that in the Broncos eight Super Bowls, they have faced eight different opponents — New York (loss), Dallas (loss), Washington (loss), Green Bay (win), Carolina (win), Atlanta (win), San Francisco (loss) and Seattle (loss). Why does this matter for the 2026 NFL season?
Decisions, decisions: Who will Packers keep, cut and IR?
Matt LaFleur fully anticipates Josh Jacobs being on the roster. (Photo: Todd Rosenberg, Getty) By Mark Eckel Give the LaFleur brothers one thing, they put on a good show. NFL preseason games, especially the final one, are usually hard to watch. They're important for a handful of players and the coaches and GM who have to decide on the final roster spots. But they're generally boring. That wasn't the case in Friday night's LaFleur Bowl.
Packers nearing final decisions on roster
Tyrod Taylor is trying to hold on to the QB2 job. (Photo: David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel In a few days, depending on when you're reading this, the Packers will pare their roster down from 90 to 53. For the most part most of the decisions have been made. Look at any of the 53-man guesses around the media sites and about 50 of the same names appear. It's those final spots that still need to be addressed.
Packers may have solved two of their biggest problems
Kamal Hadden looked good in preseason debut. (Photo: Nic Antaya, Getty) By Mark Eckel Two problems that plagued the Green Bay Packers almost all of the 2025 season have become strengths so far in the 2026 preseason. Poor kicking, or at least inconsistent kicking, and the lack of a return game, cost the Packers in their second-place in the division, and third overall wild-card season.
Eckel: Can Kyle McCord be the Packers QB2?
Kyle McCord in camp with the Eagles last summer. (Photo: Getty, Getty) By Mark Eckel One down. One to go? It didn't take Kyle McCord long to dispose of Kyren Drones in the alleged battle for the Green Bay Packers No. 3/practice squad quarterback. McCord, after an impressive performance in the team's preseason opener in Pittsburgh, saw the team send Drones, an undrafted rookie from Virginia Tech packing.
Eckel: Instant take-aways from Packers preseason loss to Pittsburgh
Kicker Trey Smart had a nice NFL debut. (Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel There wasn't a lot of good to come out of the Green Bay Packers first preseason game — a 28-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let's start with the obvious — rookie kicker Trey Smack, the team's sixth-round pick out of Florida, was perfect. Smack made three field goals, actually four, and two were from 58 yards out.
Packers preseason: What to watch in opener vs. Steelers
Aaron Rodgers may see some time Thursday night. (Photo: Sam Greene, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel A league that makes very few mistakes when it comes to marketing its product, messed up this one. When the NFL put together its preseason schedule and had the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Green Bay Packers, the game should have been at Lambeau Field. It didn't. Thursday night's preseason opener instead will be in Pittsburgh.
Packers 53-man roster: A look at the locks and the longshots
Luke Musgrave's health has him on the bubble. (Photo: Getty) By Mark Eckel Training camp enters its second week, the preseason opener is in less than two weeks and before you know it the season will open for the Green Bay Packers in Minnesota. So now is the time for a look at who has the best chances to stick on the 53-man roster.
Good & Evil
In Daniel Mahoney’s book The Persistence of the Ideological Lie, his introduction minces no words: The Ideological Lie, as Solzhenitsyn calls it, was born when modern revolutionaries turned the age-old distinction between good and evil upside down. In the name of progress, evil was called goodness, and goodness in the form of wise restraint was labeled evil, backward, racist, colonialist, and sexist. Marxism, Socialism, Progressivism, and wokeism have all repeated this central conceit.
Eckel: The most intriguing battles at Packers training camp
Can rookie Jager Burton win a job on the OL? (Photo: Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images, Getty) By Mark Eckel There is always a surprise. And there will probably be one again this summer. When the Green Bay Packers open their 2026 training camp Wednesday there aren't many jobs, especially starting jobs, on the line. Or at least that's the mainstream thought. There will be some battles to watch. Here are the most intriguing ones. Jager Burton vs.
Eckel: 5 players on defense to watch at Packers training camp
Brenton Cox gets pressure on Drew Lock (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel Training camp opens July 29. The first preseason game will be in Pittsburgh, Aug. 13. And the regular season opens exactly one month later in Minnesota. There are plenty of decisions to be made and questions to be answered by the Green Bay Packers between now and then. For now here are five players (on defense) I'll be watching closely.
Eckel: 5 players on offense to watch at Packers training camp
Eckel: 5 players on offense to watch at Packers training camp There are questions to be answered and camp is the time to do it. Kyle McCord in camp with the Eagles last summer. (Photo: Getty, Getty) By Mark Eckel Training camp opens July 29. The first preseason game will be in Pittsburgh, Aug. 13. And the regular season opens exactly one month later in Minnesota.
Will Tucker Kraft become the best tight end in Packers history?
Things might be looking up for Tucker Kraft very soon. (Photo: Jacob Morley, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel Some time between now and the end of the season the Green Bay Packers are going to make Tucker Kraft the highest paid tight end in team history. And they should. Because Kraft might just become the best tight end in Packers history.
Packers Class of 2024 can make a difference in 2026
By Mark Eckel This is the year when the Green Bay Packers find out if their 2024 draft class is one of the best, if not the best, of Brian Gutekunst's classes or a major disappointment. Four players from that class are expected to be starters and major contributors, while as many as five others could serve in key backup roles. Let's start at the top.
How will the Packers replace Micah Parsons to start the 2026 season?
Brenton Cox gets pressure on Drew Lock (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel There isn't one player on the Green Bay Packers who is going to replace All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Players like Parsons don't fall out of trees they cost two first-round draft picks and a good veteran player. Parsons is going to miss at least the first four games of the 2026 regular season as he rehabs a torn ACL he suffered last season in Denver. There are thoughts he could miss as many as the first eight games.
My Ode to America
I LOVE MY COUNTRY. “I” means this is my experience. “Love” means the same thing as it does with members of my family. My affection continues, no matter what. My love is a loyalty, a commitment. We don’t always agree. But I will give my life for theirs. “My” means this is where I was born. Like anyone living anywhere who roots for their country’s team during the Olympic Games or World Cup, I chant “U.S.A., U.S.A.!” without reserve.
2026 Eagles Season Preview
The New Look Birds If you were disappointed in the Eagles 2025 season, especially the ending, don’t worry, the sequel is going to look a lot different. When the Eagles open training camp at the end of July, a lot of familiar faces both on the field and on the sidelines will be missing. The team’s top wide receiver, best assistant coach and a couple of mainstays on defense are all gone. This is a different Eagles team with significant changes on offense, defense and the coaching staff.
A look at Jonathan Gannon's defense vs. opposing QBs
Jared Goff is brought down by Micah Parsons. (Photo: Tork Mason, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel One of the criticisms, even from his biggest supporters, of Jonathan Gannon when he was defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles was he beat up bad quarterbacks and got beat by the good ones. While the same could probably be said for most coordinators, which is why some QBs are considered bad and others good, is the criticism of Gannon now the Green Bay Packers coordinator valid?
Did the Packers get the next Chris Jacke, Mason Crosby or another Anders Carlson?
Trey Smack (Photo: Angelina Alcantar / USA TODAY NETWORK, Getty) By Mark Eckel Late on Day 3 on the NFL draft the Green Bay Packers traded both of their seventh-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth-round pick to select Florida kicker Trey Smack. It's the third time the Packers have used a sixth-round draft pick on a kicker. Back in 1989 they selected Chris Jacke, out of UTEP, in the sixth round. In 2007 they drafted Mason Crosby, out of Colorado, in the sixth round.
If Packers are to take the next step these 3 areas must improve
Carrington Valentine has to get better or get benched. (Photo: Kevin Sabitus, Getty) By Mark Eckel If the Green Bay Packers want to put the "Title'' back in "Titletown'' they need to get better in three different areas. And to their credit they made offseason moves to do just that. In case you haven't been paying attention the Packers haven't gone to a Super Bowl since the 2010 season. They haven't gone to a NFC Championship Game since 2020. They haven't even won the NFC North since 2021.
Josh Sweat would complete the Jonathan Gannon trifecta for the Packers
Josh Sweat sacks Dak Prescott (Photo: Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel Can the Green Bay Packers hit the Jonathan Gannon trifecta? Two players — defensive lineman Javon Hargrave and linebacker Zaire Franklin — specifically mentioned the new Packers defensive coordinator upon their arrival in Green Bay. Can a third player who played for Gannon be on the way?
It's time for the Packers No. 1 picks to play like it
Things might be looking up for Lukas Van Ness (Photo: Jacob Morely, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel Because of the trade for Micah Parsons the Green Bay Packers did not have a first-round pick in this past NFL draft and will not have one in the 2027 draft, either. What the Packers do have is three No. 1 picks who need to play like No. 1 picks if the team is going to be more than a one-and-done wild-card team.
It's now or never for Luke Musgrave with the Packers
Luke Musgrave (Photo: Getty) By Mark Eckel If you haven't already, don't give up on Luke Musgrave just yet. Musgrave, a second-round pick of the Packers in 2023, will go into the final year of his rookie contract this season and most feel his final year as a Packer. This is as much as a make of break season as a player gets. Certainly the former Oregon State tight end has not lived up to his draft status.
Who should the Packers extend and when should they do it?
Tucker Kraft and Christian Watson lead the way. Things might be looking up for Tucker Kraft very soon. (Photo: Jacob Morley, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did what he does in free agency, the NFL draft and even added a few post-draft additions. There may be a tweak here or a running back there over the next few months. For the most part Gutekunst and his personnel department can take it easy. Now it's time for Russ Ball to get to work.
A quick look at the 11 newest Packers
Javon Hargrave had his best season as an Eagle under DC Jon Gannon. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel Unless there is a late addition, which is always possible, or a surprise subtraction, which is doubtful, the Packers will have 11 new players on their 53-man roster for the 2026 season. That number could increase if the team keeps alive its streak of having at least one undrafted rookie on the team.
Scientists in Christian History
Science is helped by history. Give me a minute to explain. After discovering the third law of planetary motion, Johannes Kepler prayed, “Sun, moon, and planets glorify Him in your ineffable language! Celestial harmonies, all ye who comprehend His marvelous works, praise Him. And thou, my soul, praise thy Creator! It is by Him and in Him that all exists.
Who will emerge as Packers RB2?
Could the Packers trade for James Conner? (Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty) By Mark Eckel Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has already checked off most of the to-do items on his offseason list. Sign and draft a cornerback, check. Sign and draft a defensive lineman, check. Clear out a crowded wide receiver room, check. Sign a duel returnman, check. Get competition at kicker, check. Add some depth on the offensive line, check. Get a veteran presence at linebacker, check.
The Lie | MarkEckel.com
Nothing has changed. Give me a minute to explain. Corruption comes from the lie in Genesis 3:4-5, “The serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of the forbidden fruit, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” In the English text it is easy to make five observations.
2026 NFL draft: What scouts think of Packers picks
Chris McClellan (Photo: Kylie Daniel, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel This was as interesting as it was an untypical draft for the Packers. Using only six of a scheduled eight picks, GM Brian Gutekunst and his staff filled as many needs as they could while also selecting what was likely the top player on their board. Five of the six players drafted came out of the Southeast Conference, while the other was from the Big 10. There were no non Power 4 schools involved or lower level schools.
“I Made My Professor Cry”
When people ask you about your day, you can say, “I made my professor cry.” It was workshop day in my Writing for Cultural Engagement class. “Workshopping” one’s writing means that you read aloud to the class your draft of a soon-to-be-submitted assignment. Students and professors then make productive comments about shifts and changes that might be helpful. Last week we were hearing satire and Substack student work.
2026 NFL draft: Who's left for the Packers on Day 3?
Penn State's Kaytron Allen (10) and Nick Singleton (13) (Photo: Grace Brennan, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel After addressing their two biggest needs — cornerback and defensive tackle — on Day 2 of the NFL draft the Green Bay Packers head into Day 3 looking for depth. Unless they make another trade the Packers go into Saturday's Day 3 with five picks, one in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds and two in the seventh. The apparent needs for depth are at running back and across the offensive line.
2026 NFL draft: A lot of CBs still available as Packers sit at No. 52
Tennessee's Colton Hood (14) and Jermod McCoy (20) (Photo: Tennessee Athletics) By Mark Eckel If Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff were hoping to see cornerbacks fall to them in the second round of the NFL draft they got their wish. Only two cornerbacks were taken in Thursday night's first round of the draft. LSU's Monsoor Delane went No. 6 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs, who traded up with Cleveland to select him.
Out of the Barrel of a Gun
Who will be in charge? Give me a minute to explain. “Who is the number one god?” In the 1996 movie The Island of Dr. Moreau, the beast people revolt against the godlike scientist, taking over the island. In fits of rage, the beast people, once controlled by electric shocks, now rule. Done with Dr. Moreau’s tyrannical law, the beast people are now left to consider the question, “Who is the number one god?” If Moreau’s law is gone, the beasts could now make their own; but which beast would decide?
2026 NFL draft: Look for pass rushers to go early and often
The question is which one goes No. 2 overall. VIP Arvell Reese (Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire, Getty) By Mark Eckel After the Las Vegas Raiders take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the NFL draft, it's going to get interesting Thursday night in Pittsburgh. To read this full article and more, subscribe now — SALE:60% off first year Get access to this article and all of the in-depth coverage from the 247Sports Network with this special offer.
Make Your Voice Memorable
The delivery of any kind of oral presentation is unique. Singing our national anthem happens all the time. However, Whitney Houston’s 1991 Super Bowl performance surpasses all others. Wartime addresses are essential for their time and place. Yet some transcend the moment, such as Gary Oldman giving Winston Churchill’s “we will fight on the beaches” speech in the movie The Darkest Hour.
2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State's McDonald tops the defensive tackles
It's a group with potential but not many sure things. VIP Kayden McDonald (Photo: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire, Getty) By Mark Eckel Buddy Ryan, who knew a thing or two about defense, was asked once when he was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles about rookies making an immediate contribution. To read this full article and more, subscribe now — SALE:60% off first year Get access to this article and all of the in-depth coverage from the 247Sports Network with this special offer.
2026 NFL draft: The offensive line may be the strength of the draft
2026 NFL draft: The offensive line may be the strength of the draft There should be at least seven offensive linemen taken in the first round. Penn State's Vega Ioane is the best interior linemen in the draft. (Photo: Grace Brennan-Lions247) By Mark Eckel In a draft as shallow as it gets when it comes to offensive skill positions, there is some depth on the offensive line.
2026 NFL draft: It's not a good year for quarterbacks or receivers
Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 pick (Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty) By Mark Eckel If you're a NFL team hoping the draft can boost your passing game either though the quarterback or the wide receiver position you have come to the wrong draft. At quarterback there is Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion Fernando Mendoza, of Indiana and . . . "That's it,'' a long-time personnel man said. "And I'm not even that crazy about (Mendoza). He's good, but he's not game changing.
2026 NFL Draft | JerseyMan Magazine
2026 NFL Draft Lane Johnson, the Eagles All-Pro right tackle, contemplated retirement after the disappointing end to, and for him, an injury-marred 2025 season. The fact that Jeff Stoutland, the only position coach Johnson has ever known in the NFL, was no longer his coach may have played on his mind as well. Johnson, after much thought, decided to return for a 14th NFL season.
Cultural Suicide
Take the blue pill. Destroy reality. Give me a minute to explain. Richard Weaver’s book Ideas Have Consequences has reverberated through my life every time I read it. You don’t need to scan any further than the introduction to see Weaver’s concern: men have dismissed transcendence, universal ideals, logic, realism, objective truth, and original sin. Some want to take down the original pillars of Western culture set upon these biblical truths which is a recipe for cultural suicide.
Eckel: Ranking the best Packers drafts
Aaron Rodgers makes the 2005 draft one of the best. (Photo: Nic Antaya, USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel When you get a Hall of Fame quarterback near the bottom of the first round it's a pretty good draft. That's what the Green Bay Packers and Ted Thompson did in 2005, thus making that draft the best the Packers have had over the past 30 years.
Study Speed | MarkEckel.com
Life goes fast. So, slow down. Give me a minute to explain. After guest preaching at a church, a lady was discussing my sermon with me. “How long did it take you to put that sermon together?” I smiled. I said, “About three years.” I went on to explain some ideas take a long time to grow. That bit of memory struck me recently as I reflected on study speed in the university.
What can the Packers expect at pick No. 52?
The Packers wouldn't mind another Greg Jennings at No. 52. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel If history is an indicator the Green Bay Packers do not have a good chance to get an impact player with the 52nd pick of the NFL draft. If Packers history is taken into consideration then the team just might get a star with that 52nd pick in next month's draft.
Ranking the Packers needs from cornerback to safety
There are still some holes to be filled through trades, singings or the draft. Keisean Nixon (25) (Photo: Quinn Harris, Getty) By Mark Eckel There are still a few free agents available and more will become available in time. Another trade, or two, could be in the works as well. And, of course, there is the NFL draft where the Green Bay Packers currently have seven selections. All three of those avenues could fill the remaining needs on the Packers roster. What needs?
Biblical Mindset
Last week I spoke about institutionalized thinking. I said our biggest problems are often not a single law or regulation, but rather the institutionalized mindset that prevents sensible changes from occurring. Since I’m a professor, “institutional mindset” is a concern when it comes to curricula. Administrative responsibilities protect the borders of finance and organization.
Eckel: Thoughts on the Packers offseason (so far)
Brenton Cox could be around the QB a lot in 2026 (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel It's been a newsworthy offseason for the Green Bay Packers and it's far from over. There are still more decisions to be made on both sides of the ball and special teams. Still enough has happened to make me think. Here's what I've been thinking. I think Jordan Love's backup quarterback is already on the roster.
Did the Packers find another Desmond Howard?
(Photo: USA TODAY Sports) By Mark Eckel Could there be a little feeling of deja vu around Lombardi Ave. in Green Bay this week? Tuesday the Packers signed free agent wide receiver/returnman Skyy Moore to a one-year contract. Moore came into the league as a highly-regarded prospect out of Western Michigan and was a second-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
Institutionalization | MarkEckel.com
I am tired of rigid thinking. Give me a minute to explain. Our biggest public problems are often not just a single law or regulation, but rather the institutionalized mindset that prevents sensible changes from happening. You and I know a thing or two about “institutionalization.” Institutions are important. I esteem them as necessary structures for order. Find my essay on the subject in the notes at the end of this video. But it is the suffix ending that gets institutions and their people in trouble.
Where are Packers top free agents going to land?
Where will Quay Walker play in 2026? (Photo: Jacob Morley, 247Sports) By Mark Eckel Free agency begins March 11 and by March 12 at least four Packers could be playing somewhere else. Quarterback Malik Willis, left tackle Rasheed Walker, wide receiver Romeo Doubs and linebacker Quay Walker are all but gone once the free agent market opens. Offensive lineman Sean Rhyan and defensive end Kinglesy Engabare may have also played their final game as a Packer.
St. Vincent | MarkEckel.com
My job on earth. Give me a minute to explain. Bill Murray stars in the movie Vincent. Murray plays a world-weary character who befriends a young boy. At the end of the film the young man praises Murray’s character for his friendly care. St. Vincent teaches us that listening and loving are the best responses we can give to anyone.
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