Green Bay Packers position-by-position roster preview of 2026 NFL draft
· Yahoo Sports
Understanding what Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers will or won't do during the 2026 NFL draft first requires knowing the roster -- both in terms of short-term stability and long-term viability. The Packers believe that good rosters are built long-term through the draft, but they also know the power of leaving room for rookies to come in and compete for snaps right away.
What is the short-term need at every position? And where do the Packers need to build out the depth chart long term with young competition?
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Here's a full position-by-position preview of the Packers entering the 2026 NFL draft:
Quarterback
On the roster: Jordan Love, under contract through 2028, Desmond Ridder, under contract through 2026 (unrestricted), Kyle McCord, under contract through 2026 (exclusive rights)
Short term need: Moderate. While Jordan Love is entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the Packers got a first-hand look at a backup's value over the last two seasons. Love missed time with injury during each season, and Malik Willis excelled coming off the bench -- helping the Packers win four different games and keeping the offense competitive in a few other big spots, especially late in 2025. Could Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord be thrown into a game in 2026 and do the same? Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022, has started 18 career NFL games, but he doesn't have the athletic ability or arm talent of Willis (few quarterbacks do, to be fair), and he was underwhelming as a full-time starter in Atlanta in 2023. McCord was a draft pick of the Eagles in 2025 but is a true wildcard given his inexperience and inability to stick in Philadelphia past his rookie season. Replacing a high-end backup like Willis will be nearly impossible, but that reality can't stop the Packers from trying -- both via the draft and the available veteran free agency market post-draft.
Long term need: Moderate. Love provides long-term stability in the starting role, but both Ridder and McCord will be free agents following the 2026 season. This could be the window for the Packers to take a quarterback to develop in 2026 with the intention of the player moving up into the backup role in 2027. Having only one quarterback under contract for 2027 increases the need.
Chances of drafting the position: Low to moderate. The Packers aren't necessarily desperate for a rookie quarterback. Young players need time to develop; the Packers need someone who could play in a pinch in 2026. More importantly, the Packers only have seven available draft picks, and this class of quarterbacks isn't swelling with attractive mid-to-late round options. Green Bay wants to be in the business of drafting quarterbacks every year, but that roster-building mantra will be tested again in 2026. It's certainly possible the Packers have a Day 3 quarterback they like and will strike if the opportunity is presented, but there's no guarantee given the team's lack of draft capital and the likely options.
Last QB drafted: Michael Pratt, seventh round, 2024
Running back
On the roster: Josh Jacobs (signed through 2027 season), MarShawn Lloyd (signed through 2027 season), Chris Brooks (signed through 2027 season), Pierre Strong Jr. (signed through 2026 season), Damien Martinez (signed through 2026 season)
Short term need: Low to moderate. Josh Jacobs is a bell-cow running back who can play all three downs, carry the ball 20 or more times per game and provide value as a receiver. Chris Brooks was re-signed as a do-everything backup who also contributes on special teams. The question mark is beyond Jacobs and Brooks. Who will be the third back? And possibly the No. 2 option after Emanuel Wilson departed in free agency? MarShawn Lloyd is filled with talent but can't be relied upon given his injury history, and both Strong and Martinez were practice squad players in 2025. There is room for a rookie to earn a role for the Packers in 2026, especially given Jacobs' age and usage history. Lloyd could change everything here if he is healthy and available as a third-year player.
Long term need: Moderate to high. Jacobs turned 28 years old in February, has over 2,000 career touches across seven NFL seasons and will have a cap number over $16 million in the final year of his deal in 2027. It's certainly possible this is the final year Jacobs is in Green Bay. But a long-term succession plan at running back is hard to see given Lloyd's disastrous first two seasons on the injury front. It's possible this is a roster problem for another day, but the Packers may be looking at a shakeup at running back as soon as next offseason.
Chances of drafting the position: Moderate. The Packers could use a Lloyd insurance plan and a possible role player behind Jacobs in 2026, and there's a fairly straightforward long-term need approaching as soon as 2027. There are more pressing roster needs entering the draft, and it's possible the Packers will go the veteran free agency route to address running back come next offseason, but the Packers have done plenty of pre-draft work at the position and could pounce if the right player is still on the board in the middle rounds.
Last RB drafted: MarShawn Lloyd, third round, 2024
Wide receiver
On the roster: Christian Watson (signed through 2026), Jayden Reed (signed through 2026), Matthew Golden (signed through 2028), Savion Williams (signed through 2028), Skyy Moore (signed through 2026), Bo Melton (signed through 2026), Jakobie Keeney-James (signed through 2026), Isaiah Neyor (signed through 2026), Will Sheppard (signed through 2026)
Short-term need: Low. Although the Packers lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded away Dontayvion Wicks, the receiver room remains well stocked entering 2026. Matthew Golden, a 2025 first-round pick, will ascend into a starting role, replacing Doubs. Savion Williams, a 2025 third-round pick, is the new No. 4 option, replacing Wicks. The Packers also signed Skyy Moore, who is expected to be the primary returner, and Bo Melton returns after moonlighting at corner in 2025. That's six guys who can play real snaps at receiver and are expected to be 53-man roster players. With Christian Watson as the vertical/big-play threat and Jayden Reed back to man the slot, the Packers have most roles covered at receiver in the short term.
Long-term need: Moderate. Only Golden and Williams are under contract past this season, but Watson is expected to get a new deal at some point this year, and Reed is another extension candidate. However, adding a rookie to the mix would reset the clock at receiver, providing a cheap, four-year contract and a player to develop behind the returning veterans. The Packers likely traded away Wicks in part to open up this possibility. Wicks, who was entering the final year of his deal, was unlikely to be re-signed. A draft pick provides long-term stability at a key position.
Chances of drafting the position: Moderate to high. Do the Packers have to draft a receiver? No, and extensions for Watson and Reed might lower the chances even more. But from a roster-building standpoint, a pick at receiver makes sense. Wicks was traded away, freeing a roster spot at receiver and opening the door for a hand-picked developmental player. And with another draft pick in tow via the trade, the Packers can afford to spend one on a "luxury" pick at receiver.
Last WR drafted: Savion Williams, third round, 2025
Tight end
On the roster: Tucker Kraft (signed through 2026 season), Luke Musgrave (signed through 2026 season), Josh Whyle (signed through 2026 season), Messiah Swinson (signed through 2026 season), Drake Dabney (signed through 2026 season)
Short term need: Low. Kraft will return from an ACL injury after breaking out as one of the NFL's elites at tight end in 2025, Musgrave is entering Year 4 in Green Bay and Whyle re-signed to give the Packers some versatility behind the top two. Once Kraft is 100 percent, he will handle most of the tight end duties as a receiver and blocker. However, Kraft is coming back from a significant injury, and Musgrave has been a disappointment as a former second-round pick while the position group as a whole lacks ideal depth, especially in terms of inline blocking options. John FitzPatrick, the third tight end for much of 2025, is unsigned and still recovering from a torn Achilles. A contract year breakout from Musgrave, while probably unlikely, would give the Packers a dominant pair at a key position in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Long term need: Moderate to high. The Packers do not have a tight end signed past the 2026 season, although Kraft is likely to get a big extension at some point this year. It's unclear if Musgrave is in the team's long term plans -- he flashes with big plays downfield but is an awkward athlete who does not add value as a blocker or on special teams. His first three years in Green Bay were a rollercoaster ride. Tight ends take a while to develop at the NFL level, so getting ahead of the long-term need might be smart for the Packers. A rookie draft pick would provide four years of a cheap contract at tight end.
Chances of drafting position: Moderate. While not blessing with volume of picks, the Packers could see the 2026 draft as an opportunity to begin developing a better blocking tight end or a better complementary fit with Tucker Kraft. And there's room on the roster for a rookie who could sit for a year behind Kraft and Musgrave or compete with Whyle for a role. Blocking and special teams ability/potential will be important factors if the Packers take a tight end in the draft.
Last tight end drafted: Tucker Kraft, third round, 2023
Offensive line
On the roster: Zach Tom (signed through 2029), Aaron Banks (signed through 2028), Sean Rhyan (signed through 2028), Jordan Morgan (signed through 2027), Anthony Belton (signed through 2029), Darian Kinnard (signed through 2026), Jacob Monk (signed through 2027), Travis Glover (signed through 2027), Donovan Jennings (signed through 2026), John Williams (signed through 2028), Karsten Barnhart (signed through 2026), Brant Banks (signed through 2026), Dalton Cooper (signed through 2026)
Short term need: Low to moderate. Every team in the NFL seeks more depth and competition along the offensive line in the short term. Your definition of the need here must start with an evaluation of the 2025 season, and if the new expected starters can improve the line overall. Injuries killed the Packers up front last season, so any kind of immediate bounce back must start with staying healthy. But even with Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins departing, the Packers have big investments made in five expected starters, including Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Sean Rhyan at center and Anthony Belton at right guard. Darian Kinnard returns as a capable guard/right tackle/inline tight end option, and the Packers have three recent draft picks ready to compete for backup roles (Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, John Williams).
Long term need: Low to moderate. The five expected starters for 2026 are all signed through at least 2027, so there is stability if all goes to plan. Then again, things rarely go to plan and often change fast in the NFL, and it's possible new starters could be needed at guard and center as soon as 2027. Always have contingency plans along the offensive line. Investing another draft pick -- potentially one with multi-position potential in the NFL -- would give the Packers another developmental insurance plan.
Chances of drafting position: Moderate to high. The Packers probably like their top six along the offensive line, but investing in the offensive line should be a yearly exercise. So much developmental is required for incoming draft picks. And the injury rate along the offensive line is 100 percent. Having developmental players in the pipeline to create lasting depth is incredibly valuable. With six picks on Day 3, the Packers are likely to exit with at least one pick of an offensive lineman.
Last OL drafted: John Williams, seventh round, 2025
Defensive tackle
On the roster: Devonte Wyatt (signed through 2026), Javon Hargrave (signed through 2027), Karl Brooks (signed through 2026), Warren Brinson (signed through 2028), Nazir Stackhouse (signed through 2026), Jonathan Ford (signed through 2026), Jordon Riley (signed through 2026), James Ester (signed through 2026), Jaden Crumedy (signed through 2026), Dante Barnett (signed through 2026), Anthony Campbell (signed through 2026)
Short term need: Moderate to high. While Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave and Karl Brooks provide three disruptive 3-technique types, the Packers don't have a roster-lock player at nose tackle -- a specific but important job in a 3-4 front. It's one of the roster's biggest short-term needs. Could the right rookie come in and play snaps right away? Most likely. Ideally, the Packers would use a mix of Wyatt, Hargrave, Brooks and Warren Brinson on the ends and have a two-gapping block eater inside. Unless the Packers believe Hargrave can play the nose, Nazir Stackhouse and Jonathan Ford are currently the top two options. Of all the position groups on the roster, interior defensive line is set up best for a rookie contributor.
Long term need: High. Wyatt and Brooks are entering contract years, and Hargrave's contract is set up to be a one-year-and-we'll-see deal. While Wyatt could get an extension, this position group needs more in terms of long-term stability. Adding one or even two rookie contracts to the mix makes a lot of roster-building sense.
Chances of drafting position: High. The Packers are overdue for a big investment in the interior defensive line. With an obvious need at nose tackle and long-term uncertainty across the defensive line, plus the depth of options at the top of the draft class, this appears to be a prime spot for the Packers to use a top pick on the position. The struggles to end last season and the switch to a 3-4 front make it possible that two picks are required to fortify the defensive line for 2026 and beyond. Green Bay had several of the top players in for pre-draft visits, increasing the chances of one becoming a Packers pick.
Last DT drafted: Warren Brinson, sixth round, 2025
Edge rusher
On the roster: Micah Parsons (signed through 2029), Lukas Van Ness (signed through 2026), Barryn Sorrell (signed through 2028), Collin Oliver (signed through 2028), Brenton Cox Jr. (signed through 2026), Arron Mosby (signed through 2026)
Short term need: Moderate to high. In Parsons and Van Ness, the Packers have two expected starters, and Sorrell, Oliver and Cox provide young, developing depth behind them. But Parsons will likely miss time to start 2026, Van Ness isn't a proven commodity after three seasons, and the Packers lost over 1,000 snaps from 2025 when Rashan Gary was traded to Dallas and Kingsley Enagbare signed a new deal in New York. If Parsons returns at full strength, Van Ness stays healthy and takes a step, and one of Sorrell, Oliver or Cox takes over as a capable rotational backup, the Packers will be in decent shape. But that's a lot of "ifs," and every team is hunting for more pass-rushers. The Packers have plenty of incentive to add to the edge rusher position ahead of 2026. A reinvestment usually follows big changes at a premium position.
Long term need: Moderate. Parsons is signed long term, Van Ness is likely to receive the fifth-year option (locking him in through 2027) and Sorrell and Oliver are on cheap, four-year rookie deals. This quartet provides a strong foundation. But as is the case at nearly every position, the development of young players will determine the position's long-term stability. Adding another talent via the draft (and another four-year rookie deal) increases the chances of having a strong set of edge rushers long term.
Chances of drafting position: Moderate. The Packers don't necessarily have to take an edge rusher, given who returns and the development expected of the young players behind Micah Parsons. But restocking the position after losing Gary and Enagbare feels inevitable. This position is too important and the depth is too unproven to sit idly in a draft class that appears to have many good options on Day 2 and Day 3.
Last edge rusher drafted: Collin Oliver, fifth round, 2025
Linebacker
On the roster: Edgerrin Cooper (signed through 2027), Zaire Franklin (signed through 2027), Isaiah McDuffie (signed through 2026), Ty'Ron Hopper (signed through 2027), Nick Niemann (signed through 2026), Kristian Welch (signed through 2026)
Short term need: Low. In the 3-4 base, the Packers have two expected starters in Cooper, the rising star of the group, and Franklin, a 2024 Pro Bowler who will replace Quay Walker. The short-term depth is good, even if Franklin is coming off a poor 2025 season. McDuffie has played a lot of football for the Packers, Hopper is entering Year 3 and Niemann and Welch provide legitimate special teams value. Unless the Packers have really soured on Hopper, it appears most of the 53-man roster spots at off-ball linebacker are already accounted for.
Long term need: Moderate. The Packers can get out of Franklin's deal as soon as 2027. McDuffie is entering a contract year. Hopper hasn't yet shown he can be a starter. Cooper provides a long-term foundational piece, but the position could be in for an overhaul as soon as next year. Besides Hopper, who is now entering Year 3, there is no developmental linebacker on the roster.
Chances of drafting position: Low to moderate. There is almost no short-term need, so the Packers could see linebacker as a roster concern for tomorrow. But if Franklin is truly viewed as a one-year patch, and the team doesn't believe in McDuffie or Hopper as a future starter, then linebacker becomes an intriguing option in this draft. To fill the long-term need, the Packers would have to take a prospect who they feel can start in 2027.
Last LB drafted: Ty'Ron Hopper, third round, 2024
Cornerback
On the roster: Keisean Nixon (signed through 2026), Carrington Valentine (signed through 2026), Benjamin St-Juste (signed through 2027), Kamal Hadden (signed through 2026), Jaylin Simpson (signed through 2026), Shemar Bartholomew (signed through 2026), Bo Melton is listed as a cornerback, but he didn't play a single snap there in 2025. He is a receiver moonlighting as an emergency corner until proven otherwise.
Short term need: Moderate to high. This all depends on your evaluation of Nixon and Valentine as starters. Nixon isn't a reliable No. 1 corner, while Valentine can't defend the run and is probably too inconsistent. Both really struggled down the stretch in 2025. St-Juste provides competition, and he appears to be a strong fit as a zone corner in Jonathan Gannon's scheme. But even one injury could create chaos because depth on the perimeter is non-existent. Javon Bullard will be the slot defender again in 2026, but the Packers don't have a great backup option there. It's hard to factor Belton into the equation because he didn't play any corner last season.
Long term need: High. There's arguably no position on the roster with a bigger long-term need than cornerback. The only player signed past 2026 is St-Juste, who will need to play well this season to stick around in Green Bay in 2027. Nixon and Valentine are both entering contract years, and there is little in terms of developmental depth behind them. Bullard might be the long-term option in the slot, but there's a good chance the Packers will need two new starters on the perimeter (plus accompanying depth) as soon as the 2027 season. A draft pick is desperately needed.
Chances of drafting position: Very good. There is a short-term need for competition and depth and a long-term need for starters. Given the depth chart and contract situations, the Packers are all but guaranteed to take at least one corner in the draft, and a double dip (or even triple dip) is possible if the board falls right. This position needs an upgrade for 2026 and stability past this year, and adding a couple of four-year rookie contracts from what looks like a talented pool of incoming corners is the best way to do it. The Packers not leaving the draft with at least one cornerback would be shocking.
Last CB drafted: Micah Robinson, seventh round, 2025
Safety
On the roster: Xavier McKinney (signed through 2027), Evan Williams (signed through 2027), Javon Bullard (signed through 2027), Kitan Oladapo (signed through 2027), Johnathan Baldwin (signed through 2026), Mark Perry (signed through 2026)
Short term need: Low. McKinney and Williams form one of the league's best starting duos, Bullard can move back from the slot and play safety whenever needed, and Oladapo is entering his third season after playing safety and the slot (although sparingly) during his first two seasons. The Packers did lose special teamer Zayne Anderson to Miami, and Bullard playing in the slot more might create an opportunity to add depth.
Long term need: Low. The top four at safety are signed through the 2027 season, and keeping the top three past 2027 is a realistic scenario.
Chances of drafting position: Low. Green Bay has done a little work on the safety class, and it's possible the Packers are looking for a developmental "big nickel" type to pair with the current safeties. A late Day 3 pick on a safety who could immediately contribute on special teams is another possibility.
Last S drafted: Kitan Oladapo, fifth round, 2024
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Green Bay Packers position-by-position roster preview of 2026 NFL draft