Breaking down Packers roster before 2026 NFL draft

The departure of Wilson in free agency and the unreliability of Lloyd after two pro seasons opens the door for the Packers to reinvest in a running back through the draft, especially given Josh Jacobs' age and contract status past 2026. There is room for a rookie contributor and/or future starter.

Wide receiver

• On the roster: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, Jakobie Keeney-James, Will Sheppard, Isaiah Neyor
• Added: Moore (signed to one-year deal)
• Lost: Romeo Doubs (NE), Dontayvion Wicks (traded to PHI)
• Unsigned: None

Doubs' leaving in free agency freed up Golden to be a starter and full-time player in 2026, while trading Wicks -- who was unlikely to be re-signed past next year -- opened up an opportunity for the Packers to take a receiver in this year's draft. Green Bay hosted several receivers on pre-draft visits, so the stage could be set for a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick at receiver.

Tight end

• On the roster: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle, Messiah Swinson, Drake Dabney
• Added: None
• Lost: McCallan Castles (released)
• Unsigned: John FitzPatrick

There isn't a tight end signed past 2026, although Kraft is likely to receive a lucrative extension at some point in 2026. Musgrave's future in Green Bay is far less certain, so adding long-term stability behind Kraft is possible in this year's draft.

Offensive line

• On the roster: Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Zach Tom, Darian Kinnard, Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, Dalton Cooper, Brant Banks, Karsen Barnhart
• Added: None
• Lost: Rasheed Walker (CAR), Elgton Jenkins (released, CLE)
• Unsigned: Lecitus Smith

Despite losing two starters, the Packers still have five starters in place, with Morgan replacing Walker at left tackle and Rhyan replacing Jenkins at center. Depth and competition behind the starters could still be improved, and the Packers should have a contingency plan in place in case things go sideways at guard or center. A draft pick with interior versatility makes sense at any point in the draft.

Interior defensive line

• On the roster: Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, Jonathan Ford, Jordon Riley, James Ester, Jaden Crumedy, Dante Barnett, Anthony Campbell
• Added: Hargrave (signed to two-year deal)
• Lost: Colby Wooden (traded to IND)
• Unsigned: None

Nose tackle looks like the biggest hole on the roster, especially with the switch to a 3-4 coming. Stackhouse and Ford are unlikely starting options. Finding a big guy who can play on the nose in the base is a likely priority in this draft, but the Packers could also be on the hunt for another 3-tech disruptor. This is a position where Green Bay could double up.

Edge rusher

• On the roster: Micah Parsons, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr, Arron Mosby
• Added: None
• Lost: Rashan Gary (traded to DAL), Kingsley Enagbare (NYJ)
• Unsigned: None

Losing Gary and Enagbare, who played over 1,000 snaps combined last season, opens up opportunities for young players and gives the Packers freedom to make a big investment if the right player is available. You can never have enough edge rushers.

Linebacker

• On the roster: Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch
• Added: Franklin (traded with IND)
• Lost: Quay Walker (LV), Jamon Johnson (released)
• Unsigned: None

Functionally, swapping Walker for Franklin doesn't change much. The top six here is probably good enough to start the regular season, although Franklin's deal is set up to be one-year-and-we'll-see, and Hopper hasn't developed into a starter yet.

Cornerback

• On the roster: Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Javon Bullard (slot), Benjamin St-Juste, Kamal Hadden, Shemar Bartholomew, Jaylin Simpson
• Added: St-Juste (signed to two-year deal)
• Lost: Nate Hobbs (released, SF)
• Unsigned: Trevon Diggs

St-Juste provides competition on the perimeter and special teams value but does little to affect the long-term question marks. Nixon and Valentine are both entering contract years. The Packers are likely to draft at least one cornerback, and a double dip is possible. A rookie could play right away even though the Packers retained all three starters from 2025.

Safety

• On the roster: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo, Johnathan Baldwin, Mark Perry
• Added: None
• Lost: Zayne Anderson (MIA)
• Unsigned: None

It's possible Bullard playing in the slot and Anderson departing in free agency could convince the Packers an investment is needed at safety, but this is a low-need position.

Special teams

• On the roster: Brandon McManus (K), Daniel Whelan (P), Matt Orzech (LS), Lucas Havrisik (K)
• Added: None
• Lost: None
• Unsigned: None

No need at punter or long snapper, and it looks like McManus will battle Havrisik at kicker this summer. A draft pick doesn't look likely, although adding competition at kicker after the draft is possible.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers: Breaking down roster before the 2026 NFL draft