The Green Bay Packers, long spectators in the early-round mock draft conversation, have finally been projected to secure a game-changing talent deep in the second round. In ESPN’s newly released two-round 2026 NFL mock draft, analyst Matt Miller has the franchise selecting Georgia defensive tackle Kristen Miller with the 52nd overall pick, a move being hailed as a potential heist for a team with glaring defensive needs.
This projection arrives as a welcome inclusion for a Packers organization currently lacking a first-round selection. The focus immediately shifts to value, and Miller represents a significant surplus. Widely regarded as a top-30 overall prospect on many expert big boards, his slide to the middle of the second round is attributed more to positional devaluation than a lack of skill, presenting Green Bay with a prime opportunity.
The selection directly addresses one of the team’s most critical vulnerabilities. The interior defensive line, particularly after the trade of veteran stalwart Kenny Clark, has been a point of major concern. The unit’s fragility was exposed last season when an injury to Devonte Wyatt catastrophically weakened the run defense and interior pass rush, a lesson the front office cannot ignore.
Kristen Miller’s collegiate profile suggests he is precisely the remedy. A dominant nose tackle prospect with impressive gap-shooting ability, he anchored a formidable Georgia defense. His 2025 season statistics—23 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 16 pressures—only tell part of the story. His true value is crystallized in a stellar 88.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, underscoring his potential as an immediate impact player against the run.
His skill set is built on a foundation of explosive traits. Scouts highlight his lightning-quick first step and the violent, active hands he employs to disengage from blockers. These attributes translate directly to disrupting offensive schemes in the backfield, a quality the Packers desperately need to reintroduce to their defensive identity.
The pick is not without its questions, primarily regarding his pass-rush production at the collegiate level. While his bull rush is a potent weapon, developing a more diverse set of counter moves will be crucial for his success on all three downs in the NFL. However, for a team gashed on the ground in critical moments last season, his primary function as a chaotic run-stopper fills the most urgent void.
Other notable prospects remained available at pick 52 in this simulation, adding context to the decision. Miami cornerback Keonte Scott, a physical and productive defender, would have addressed another top need. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, an elite coverage prospect, presented an intriguing option given the uncertain contractual future of Quay Walker. Even Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, a dynamic playmaker, was on the board as a pure value selection.
Yet, the choice of Miller underscores a disciplined approach to team building, prioritizing a glaring, game-altering need over luxury. Securing a player of his caliber and projected top-tier talent at a premium defensive position so late in the draft represents a masterclass in value extraction. For a Packers front office under pressure to fortify its defense, this mock draft scenario offers a blueprint for an absolute steal that could reshape the line of scrimmage for years to come.
The coming draft will be a defining moment for General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who holds eight total selections to rebuild a roster on the cusp of contention. While mock drafts are speculative, the vision of Kristen Miller wearing green and gold highlights a clear and compelling path to addressing the team’s most fundamental weakness. If the board falls in a similar fashion come draft day, Green Bay will have secured a cornerstone defender, turning a period of anxious waiting into a decisive victory.
