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Packers draft needs ranked by urgency as key positions face different levels of pressure entering 2026
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- Packers draft needs ranked by urgency as key positions face different levels of pressure entering 2026
Green Bay enters the draft with eight picks, and general manager Brian Gutekunst has to make some tough decisions about the future of the roster.
The Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 NFL Draft
with eight total picks
and significant roster decisions to make - both for the short- and long-term. General manager Brian Gutekunst will have to weigh if he will take multiple shots at some specific positions like he has done from time to time, or if he will take an all-around approach to address more issues with one class.
In this exercise, we want to discuss how pressing each need is. So, we scale every position from 1 to 10 - the higher the number, the more pressing the necessity to add players in the draft there.
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Quarterback: 3
The Packers have Jordan Love as a franchise quarterback , so naturally the backup spot isn't a huge priority. Since the final stretch of last season, the team also signed Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord as backup/developmental types, so getting another backup in the draft is a possibility, but not an obligation.
Running back: 5
The MarShawn Lloyd plan failed, and Josh Jacobs may or may not be on the roster a year from now depending on his production. The Packers allowed Emanuel Wilson to leave in free agency and prioritized Chris Brooks. Nonetheless, taking a backup running back with starting potential should be on the table - even if it's a Day 3 consideration.
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Wide receiver: 6
Receiver is a low-key long-term need, because Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are the only players at the position under contract beyond 2026. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed can realistically get extensions, but the Packers opened the door for another rookie receiver by trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
Tight end: 3
Another tight end would help in terms of depth and special teams, but the Packers will be fine at the position as long as Tucker Kraft stays healthy. Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle are viable backups, but the lack of a regular in-line blocker is a concern. John FitzPatrick had that role last year, but he tore his Achilles in December and hasn't re-signed.
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Offensive line: 8
The Packers have an established projected starting-five with Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom. But the only reliable backup on the roster is Darian Kinnard, so depth is a major need. More than that, Morgan and Belton are not necessarily long-term locks, Banks is an expensive free agent whose continuity in Green Bay depends on how he plays, and Rhyan signed a one-year-and-let's-see type of contract to return. With so many uncertainties, it makes total sense for the Packers to take multiple offensive linemen in the draft and create more competition.
Interior defensive line: 7
Over the past two offseasons, the Packers lost Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, and Colby Wooden on the interior of the defensive line for different circumstances. Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks are in contract year, and potential extensions for them are tricky. Javon Hargrave signed a two-year deal , but he's 33. So the team needs long-term answers, but also short-term depth - especially if it's a player who can rush the passer and play the run at the same time, something this group lacks.
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Edge defenders: 5
The Packers have a star in Micah Parsons and another solid - potentially high-end starter, depending on how he develops - in Lukas Van Ness. But after trading Rashan Gary and losing Kingsley Enagbare in free agency, the lack of depth is a concern. Gutekunst frequently mentions that you can never have too many pass-rushers, so taking some shots at a premium position is not only smart, but likely.
Linebacker: 3
Green Bay knew it would lose Quay Walker in free agency, but Gutekunst jumped ahead and traded for Zaire Franklin. With Edgerrin Cooper , that's the starting duo. The roster also has some decent depth options in Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper, plus special teamers in Nick Niemann and Kristian Welch. Maybe the Packers see value in adding more youngsters, but this shouldn't be a priority by any means.
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Cornerback: 9
In a vacuum, this is clearly the biggest need on the roster. The Packers did sign Benjamin St-Juste in free agency , but they also released Nate Hobbs. The boundary situation is better as a consequence, but the overall situation of the depth is questionable at best. Beyond St-Juste, there are only Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine with meaningful NFL experience, and both have expiring deals. The Packers haven't used a pick before the seventh round on a cornerback since 2021, and now is the time to make it.
Safety: 1
Green Bay overhauled the safety positions two years ago, and the plan couldn't have gone much better. The roster has an All-Pro in Xavier McKinney, a rising star in Evan Williams, and a reliable and versatile piece in Javon Bullard. Kitan Oladapo is a viable backup and solid special teamer, so the depth is also strong. Maybe the Packers want to add a specific player, but it won't be based on positional need.
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Specialists: 1
First of all, never draft kickers. In general, the Packers are comfortable at long snapper and punter with Matthew Orzech and Daniel Whelan, respectively, and the kicking competition will happen between Brandon McManus and Lukas Havrisik . If Green Bay decides to eventually add an external piece in the room, it's hard to imagine a scenario where that's a young player after the failed experiences with Anders Carlson and Brayden Narveson.
