Packers emphasize defensive depth and create kicking competition while drafting only 6 players

Kicking competition

Smack was the only kicker drafted. He will compete with incumbent Brandon McManus, who signed a three-year, $15.3 million contract last year. “It’s a surreal feeling,” Smack said. “I’ve still got the shakes a little bit. I’m like, ‘Wow is this really happening right now?’ ” McManus missed two field goals and an extra-point attempt in Green Bay’s 31-27 wild-card playoff loss at Chicago. Green Bay also has Lucas Havrisik, who went 4 of 4 on field-goal attempts while filling in for an injured McManus last season. “Just like any other position, you can never have enough competition," coach Matt LaFleur said. Smack made 82.8% of his field-goal attempts at Florida and went 10 of 13 from at least 50 yards.

Another Penn State pass rusher

The selection of Dennis-Sutton had the apparent approval of Parsons, who also starred at Penn State. Parsons posted on Instagram a post Penn State released after the pick was made. Dennis-Sutton said he spoke with his new teammate a couple of times when Parsons visited Penn State’s campus. “Obviously he’s the best in the league and yeah, it’s really cool to be alongside him and get the opportunity to play for the Packers," Dennis-Sutton said. Dennis-Sutton had 23½ sacks at Penn State, including 8½ each of the past two years. Packers director of player personnel John Wojciechowski said he didn’t expect Dennis-Sutton to remain available in the fourth round. “It definitely leaves a chip on my shoulder,” Dennis-Sutton said.

Jager is versatile

Green Bay loves drafting versatile offensive linemen, and the Packers believe they’ve found another one in Burton. He made 47 total starts at three different positions (left guard, right guard and center). “I don’t really have a preference,” Burton said. “Just whatever is going to help the Packers win games.” Gutekunst has a history of finding quality offensive linemen on the final day of a draft. Zach Tom, a 2022 fourth-round pick, is Green Bay’s best offensive lineman. Rasheed Walker, a 2023 seventh-round selection, was a three-year starter at left tackle before leaving for Carolina in free agency. Jon Runyan Jr., a 2020 sixth-round selection, was a three-year starting guard for Green Bay before the New York Giants signed him away.

No QBs or RBs

Green Bay didn’t draft anyone who could back up Jordan Love at quarterback or Josh Jacobs at running back The Packers had one of the NFL's best backup quarterback situations in the NFL with Malik Willis, who filled in well enough to earn a three-year, $67.5 million contract from the Miami Dolphins. Joining Love on Green Bay’s roster this year are Kyle McCord and Desmond Ridder, who has an 8-10 record in 18 starts. Green Bay's running backs aside from Jacobs include Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, Damien Martinez and Pierre Strong Jr. Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick, has appeared in only one game because of injuries.

Jackson learns from Clinton-Dix

Jackson was the nation’s No. 5 prospect in his high school class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports, but he had an inconsistent college career that included stints at Southern California (2022-23) and Alabama (2024-25). He was benched for a stretch last season. Jackson said he took comfort from the advice of former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who played for the Packers from 2014-18. “He became a brother to me,” Jackson said. “He just pulled me aside and had real life conversations.” \\\_ AP NFL: