Packers draft preview: OL starters in place, but competition necessary

Short term need

Low to moderate. Every team in the NFL seeks more depth and competition along the offensive line in the short term. Your definition of the need here must start with an evaluation of the 2025 season, and if the new expected starters can improve the line overall. Injuries killed the Packers up front last season, so any kind of immediate bounce back must start with staying healthy. But even with Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins departing, the Packers have big investments made in five expected starters, including Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Sean Rhyan at center and Anthony Belton at right guard. Darian Kinnard returns as a capable guard/right tackle/inline tight end option, and the Packers have three recent draft picks ready to compete for backup roles (Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, John Williams).

Long term need

Low to moderate. The five expected starters for 2026 are all signed through at least 2027, so there is stability if all goes to plan. Then again, things rarely go to plan and often change fast in the NFL, and it's possible new starters could be needed at guard and center as soon as 2027. Always have contingency plans along the offensive line. Investing another draft pick -- potentially one with multi-position potential in the NFL -- would give the Packers another developmental insurance plan.

Chances of drafting position

Moderate to high. The Packers probably like their top six along the offensive line, but investing in the offensive line should be a yearly exercise. So much developmental is required for incoming draft picks. And the injury rate along the offensive line is 100 percent. Having developmental players in the pipeline to create lasting depth is incredibly valuable. With six picks on Day 3, the Packers are likely to exit with at least one pick of an offensive lineman.

Depth of draft class

Strong. The draft class appears to be littered with Day 3 options for the Packers, who like specific types of offensive linemen in terms of size, athleticism, experience and versatility. For a team with five likely starters but needing competition, this class lines up nicely.

Potential options, OT

• Brian Parker II - Duke (113)
• Austin Barber - Florida (122)
• Kage Casey - Boise State (126)
• Trey Zuhn III - Texas A&M (128)
• Diego Pounds - Ole Miss (157)
• J.C. Davis - Illinois (172)
• Drew Shelton - Penn State (196)
• Carver Willis - Washington (199)
• Logan Taylor - Boston College (207)
• Caden Barnett - Wyoming (249)
• Fernando Carmona - Arkansas (256)
• Enrique Cruz Jr. - Kansas (264)
• Ethan Onianwa - Ohio State (341)

Potential options, G/C

• Jake Slaughter - Florida (102)
• Jager Burton - Kentucky (158)
• Febechi Nwaiwu - Oklahoma (182)
• Pat Coogan - Indiana (201)
• Ar’maj Reed-Adams - Texas A&M (209)
• D.J. Campbell - Texas (280)
• Evan Beernsten - Northwestern (290)
• Josh Gesky - Illinois (310)
• Joshua Braun - Kentucky (312)
• James Brockermeyer - Miami (314)
• Tomac Rimac - Virginia Tech (349)

Last offensive lineman drafted: John Williams, seventh round, 2025

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft preview: OL starters in place, but competition necessary