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Green Bay Packers Draft: Linebacker Discussion
TL;DR
The Green Bay Packers are considering linebacker options for the 2026 draft, especially after losing Quay Walker to free agency. They currently have a mix of veterans and young players in their linebacker room.
Key points
- Packers have a crowded linebacker room
- Quay Walker signed with the Las Vegas Raiders
- Zaire Franklin traded from the Colts to replace Walker
- Top draft prospects include Sonny Styles and C.J. Allen
- Packers interested in undrafted free agents Jaden Dugger and T.J. Quinn
Green Bay Packers
Packers Linebacker Depth Chart
- Zaire Franklin
- Edgerrin Cooper
- Isaiah McDuffie
- Ty’Ron Hopper
- Nick Niemann
- Kristian Welch
- Jamon Johnson The big news at the position this offseason was that the Packers allowed starting Mike linebacker Quay Walker to hit free agency, where he signed with the . In return, should be rewarded with a fifth-round compensatory draft pick in 2027. To replace Walker, the Packers traded nose tackle , who was on the final year of his rookie contract, for Zaire Franklin, who had been starting at Mike for the . Franklin is now on a two-year contract with Green Bay and is expected to start next to Edgerrin Cooper in the team’s new 3-4 defense. When the Packers have run a 3-4 defense in the past, the team has typically only rostered an average of four off-ball linebackers. With Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper returning, they seem to make the most sense as the team’s backups at the position. With that being said, Nick Niemann and Kristian Welch are veteran special teams aces, and Jamon Johnson was one of the team’s bigger undrafted free agent signings from the 2026 class, so there is opportunity for a fifth linebacker to make the team, depending on what happens this summer.
Q&A
What linebacker positions are currently filled on the Green Bay Packers roster?
The Packers' linebacker positions are filled by Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch, and Jamon Johnson.
Who did the Packers lose in free agency and how will it affect their draft strategy?
The Packers lost starting Mike linebacker Quay Walker to the Las Vegas Raiders, which may prompt them to draft another linebacker to strengthen their roster.
What are the top linebacker prospects for the Packers in the upcoming draft?
Top linebacker prospects include Sonny Styles from Ohio State, C.J. Allen from Georgia, and Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech.
Which undrafted free agent linebackers have the Packers shown interest in?
The Packers have shown interest in undrafted free agents Jaden Dugger from Louisiana and T.J. Quinn from Louisville.
