Packers draft preview: Depth required behind Tucker Kraft at TE?

Q: What are the Green Bay Packers' draft needs for 2026?

The Packers have several roster needs to address, particularly at tight end, as they look to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.

Q: How many draft picks do the Packers have in 2026?

The Packers have eight draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft.

Q: Why don't the Packers have a first-round pick in 2026?

The Packers do not have a first-round pick due to a trade involving Micah Parsons.

Q: What has been the Packers' playoff performance during the Jordan Love era?

During the Jordan Love era, the Packers have made three straight playoff appearances but have not advanced past the divisional round or finished higher than the No. 7 seed.

The Green Bay Packers are going into the 2026 NFL draft with only eight draft picks and plenty of roster needs to address after another promising season fell apart late. Despite three straight playoff appearances, the Packers haven't finished higher than the No. 7 seed in the postseason field or advanced past the divisional round during the Jordan Love era. Without a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers will need to win Day 2 and 3 to find contributors and long-term foundational pieces in this year's draft.

Can the Packers use the 2026 draft to finally get over the hump in the NFC?

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview continues at tight end:

On the roster

Tucker Kraft (signed through 2026 season)
Luke Musgrave (signed through 2026 season)
Josh Whyle (signed through 2026 season)
Messiah Swinson (signed through 2026 season)
Drake Dabney (signed through 2026 season)
McCallan Castles (signed through 2026 season)

Short term need

Low. Kraft will return from an ACL injury after breaking out as one of the NFL's elites at tight end in 2025, Musgrave is entering Year 4 in Green Bay and Whyle re-signed to give the Packers some versatility behind the top two. Once Kraft is 100 percent, he will handle most of the tight end duties as a receiver and blocker. However, Kraft is coming back from a significant injury, and Musgrave has been a disappointment as a former second-round pick while the position group as a whole lacks ideal depth, especially in terms of inline blocking options. John FitzPatrick, the third tight end for much of 2025, is unsigned and still recovering from a torn Achilles. A contract year breakout from Musgrave, while probably unlikely, would give the Packers a dominant pair at a key position in Matt LaFleur's offense.

Long term need

Moderate to high. The Packers do not have a tight end signed past the 2026 season, although Kraft is likely to get a big extension at some point this year. It's unclear if Musgrave is in the team's long term plans -- he flashes with big plays downfield but is an awkward athlete who does not add value as a blocker or on special teams. His first three years in Green Bay were a rollercoaster ride. Tight ends take a while to develop at the NFL level, so getting ahead of the long-term need might be smart for the Packers. A rookie draft pick would provide four years of a cheap contract at tight end.

Chances of drafting position

Moderate. While not blessing with volume of picks, the Packers could see the 2026 draft as an opportunity to begin developing a better blocking tight end or a better complementary fit with Tucker Kraft. And there's room on the roster for a rookie who could sit for a year behind Kraft and Musgrave or compete with Whyle for a role. Blocking and special teams ability/potential will be important factors if the Packers take a tight end in the draft.

Depth of draft class

Good. Not only does Dane Brugler of The Athletic have 30 tight ends with a draftable grade, but many fit what the Packers like in terms of size and athleticism. Green Bay is unlikely to take a tight end early, but the middle rounds should provide plenty of potential options.