The Green Bay Packers’ 2026 draft strategy is coming into sharp focus, with the franchise positioned for a pivotal defensive overhaul despite the absence of a first-round selection. A detailed seven-round projection reveals a clear intent to bolster the trenches and secondary, headlined by two potential day-one impact players acquired with their earliest picks. This mock draft, constructed from a comprehensive analysis of team needs and prospect evaluations, outlines a path for General Manager Brian Gutekunst to infuse young talent into a roster facing significant offseason questions.
With their first selection at 52nd overall, the Packers are projected to address a looming need at edge rusher by selecting Romelo Height out of Texas Tech. The dynamic pass rusher, coming off a transformative senior season with 10 sacks and 62 pressures, presents undeniable value at the top of the second round. His explosive tape and proven production could offer an immediate solution opposite Lukas Van Ness, especially with the future of veteran Rashan Gary creating long-term uncertainty along the defensive front.
The defensive theme continues emphatically in the third round at pick 84, where Green Bay is forecasted to select Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III. Lee’s combination of size, instincts, and proven ball skills—28 pass breakups over his collegiate career—makes him a prime candidate to compete for a starting role as a rookie. This selection directly addresses a secondary that experienced volatility last season and may see further departures in free agency, signaling a commitment to rebuilding the defensive backfield with young, physical talent.
In the fourth round, the projection turns to the interior defensive line with the selection of Oklahoma’s Grayson Halton at 120th overall. Halton, whose stock is reportedly rising after a strong Senior Bowl performance, would provide crucial depth behind starters Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. His ability to disrupt from the interior would help fortify a run defense that showed vulnerability last season, offering a high-value pick for a player who could develop into a rotational mainstay.
The fifth round sees a potential steal in Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun at pick 158. While playing in a talented Buckeyes secondary, Igbinosun allowed a mere 167 yards in coverage across 14 games last season. His technical proficiency and competitive profile suggest a high floor, providing the Packers with yet another promising young defensive back to develop, creating a potentially formidable long-term duo with Will Lee III.
Addressing the linebacker corps, the mock draft selects Oregon’s Bryce Becker with the 200th pick in the sixth round. Becker is characterized as a classic tackling machine and instinctive leader whose on-field production may outweigh his athletic testing metrics. With the contract status of Quay Walker creating future uncertainty, Becker represents a developmental prospect who could contribute on special teams immediately while competing for defensive snaps in a room that includes Edgerrin Cooper.
The final round begins with an offensive selection, targeting Nebraska offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett at pick 247. Standing at 6’6” and 325 pounds, Pritchett offers a massive frame and collegiate starting experience. He is viewed as a developmental prospect who can provide essential depth on an offensive line that may see reshuffling along the edges, offering a long-term project for offensive line coach Luke Butkus to mold.
With the 254th pick, the Packers are projected to select Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, addressing the backup position behind Jordan Love. Green possesses prototypical size, mobility, and arm talent, drawing comparisons to a more athletic version of Love himself. This move would replenish the quarterback room with a high-upside prospect, providing a new developmental project after the expected departure of Malik Willis in free agency.
The draft concludes by staying in-state with the 257th overall pick, selecting Wisconsin edge rusher Mason Reager. The local product recorded five sacks for the Badgers last season and would add further youth and competition to the defensive front. This final pick underscores a draft philosophy heavily weighted toward defensive reinforcement, aiming to build a unit capable of sustaining a championship contention window around the ascending Jordan Love.
This seven-round blueprint results in a haul of eight new players, with six selections dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. The strategy clearly prioritizes pass rush, cornerback depth, and defensive line reinforcements early, while using late-round capital to add a developmental offensive tackle and a quarterback for the future. The success of this class would hinge on the immediate contributions of Height and Lee, alongside the long-term development of mid-round picks like Halton and Igbinosun. For a Packers team looking to take the next step, this mock draft outlines a path to a stronger, deeper, and more dynamic defense for the 2026 campaign and beyond.
