Categorizing Packers' roster needs entering 2026 NFL draft

Defensive end: Gone are Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare, who played almost 1,200 combined snaps on the edge last season, and Micah Parsons is recovering from ACL surgery and likely to miss time to start the 2026 season. While the Packers have Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver returning, this position could use another investment via the draft. You can never have enough pass-rushers, and Van Ness, Sorrell and Oliver are each a variant of unknown at this point in their development.

Running back: Emanuel Wilson departed in free agency, and MarShawn Lloyd is a massive question mark after two injury-plagued seasons. Throw in the fact that Josh Jacobs has over 2,000 career touches in the NFL and an uncertain contact situation past the 2026 season, and running back becomes a position where the Packers could see fit to add competition and depth with a draft pick. A rookie would have a chance to be a legitimate backup option behind Jacobs in 2026 and a future starter as soon as 2027.

Offensive line: Both offensive tackle and the interior offensive line qualify here. The Packers have invested big (via dollars or draft capital) in their five expected starters, but competition and long-term depth planning is always a priority along the offensive line, and nothing is fully settled at guard or center past 2026. Finding a versatile, multi-position player in the draft could make for a valuable contingency plan.

Need positional depth/competition

These are positions where competition down the depth chart might be required.

Wide receiver: The Packers lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded away Dontayvion Wicks, but their departures were made possible by the long-term planning done a year prior. Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are now expected to slide into more prominent roles during Year 2 seasons. While Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are entering contract years, both are prime extension candidates. The addition of Skyy Moore provides a veteran option down the depth chart, and Bo Melton -- despite a position change to corner -- still only played receiver last season. Still, the Packers could use depth and the stability of a new, four-year rookie contract at receiver. Don't be surprised if the Packers take another swing in the middle rounds.

Tight end: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle will all enter contract years in 2026. While Kraft is almost certain to get a new deal, the depth behind him is a long-term concern the Packers might address via the draft this year. Adding a blocking type with receiving potential is a possible path.

Linebacker: The Packers swapped Quay Walker for Zaire Franklin at linebacker. With Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch and Jamon Johnson on the roster, linebacker looks mostly set, especially in a 3-4 front. Franklin's contract and Hopper's slow development does provide an opportunity for long-term planning here, however.

Quarterback: With Malik Willis now in Miami, only Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord are on the roster behind Jordan Love. Is this the draft class to invest in a long-term backup plan? Or will the Packers look at veteran free agency following the draft, when comp picks are no longer in question? Green Bay is in a win-now window and would probably prefer the veteran option.

No clear need

These are positions that don't have an obvious short- or long-term need.

Safety: This isn't to say the Packers couldn't attempt to upgrade at safety, especially with Javon Bullard now playing in the slot, but this position remains rock solid. Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams are an excellent starting duo, Bullard has the flexibility to play deep and Kitan Oladapo is entering his third season as a slot/safety combo. The Packers did lose Zayne Anderson, so there might be room for a special teams type at safety.

Kicker/punter: Daniel Whelan emerged as one of the NFL's best punters in 2025, and the Packers backed Brandon McManus over and over again despite some injury issues and late-season struggles. There really is no "long term" discussion of the kicker position; you either have one for the upcoming season or don't. For better or worse, McManus appears to be the guy for 2026.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft: Categorizing roster needs entering 2026 draft