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Packers load up on high-end defensive talent in 7-round mock draft that changes outlook in a big way
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- Packers load up on high-end defensive talent in 7-round mock draft that changes outlook in a big way
Green Bay would add impactful players at premium positions all around the board in this simulation, and that's exactly what the roster needs.
The Green Bay Packers
enter the 2026 NFL Draft with some needs, a desire to add premium players, but the lack of a first-round pick could limit what they can do. However, this mock draft created with the A to Z Sports draft simulator
is an enticing sequence to mix those factors.
With the first two picks, the Packers select an edge defender in Malachi Lawrence and a cornerback in Will Lee III
with a high ceiling, and some developmental players in Drew Shelton and Cole Payton.
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Packers' 7-round mock draft
Second round, Pick 52: Malachi Lawrence , EDGE, UCF
The Packers usually prefer heavier edges, but Lawrence's upside as a pass rusher is hard to find in the second round. The odd fronts will be back with force in Green Bay under Jonathan Gannon, so adding another bender to the mix makes sense - especially because they already have Lukas Van Ness as that heavy player who can move inside on passing downs.
Third round, Pick 84: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
Lee has been a frequent pick in Packers mocks due to his athleticism - and the team's obvious need at the position. We know the front office has at least some level of interest in his game, since he will be one of the Packers' pre-draft top 30 visits.
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Fourth round, Pick 120: Drew Shelton, T, Penn State
Shelton didn't play on the interior of the offensive line in college, but the Packers don't mind taking college left tackles to develop their positional versatility in their environment. He's fluid and mobile, even though his strength is a concern among scouts.
Fifth round, Pick 153: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
With the pick the Packers acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles last week by trading Dontayvion Wicks , the Packers draft his replacement in Josh Cameron, a 6-1, 218-pound powerful receiver. He has good contact and ability to generate yards after the catch, even though he isn't as great of a separator as Wicks is.
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Fifth round, Pick 160: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Payton has already been mentioned as a perfect match with the Packers because of his combination of high upside and the development required to make him a real NFL quarterback. Beyond his natural tools to become a full-time starter, he has the athleticism to impact the game from time to time even with Jordan Love active. His pocket presence is an issue, though, and the Packers would have work to polish his game.
Sixth round, Pick 201: DeMonte Capehart , DT, Clemson
Capehart is a sixth-year senior, so he has the experience to impact the roster right away. He's probably a part-time player only as a nose tackle, but that's enough in the sixth round especially considering what the Packers need at the position.
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Seventh round, Pick 236: Dae'Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
Tight ends usually take time to develop, and Wright is not different, but an upside like this in the seventh round is great value. He's a promising pass-catcher, even though his game is not fully developed as a blocker. He is a willing blocker, though, and has real room for improvement.
Seventh round, Pick 255: Dane Key , WR, Kentucky
Key is a 6-3, 210-pound receiver who's very Packers-y. He wasn't an overly productive college player and regressed in 2025 in terms of volume numbers, but Green Bay doesn't have a problem taking guys based on projections from previous years.
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