NBAInjury Update
Durant out for Game 1 vs. Lakers with knee inury
Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 against the Lakers due to a knee injury.
ESPN News1 min read
NFLPreview
Packers Prospects: 10 best linebacker fits in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL Draft features a strong linebacker class, prompting the Green Bay Packers to seek long-term solutions after Quay Walker's departure. The team's draft history shows a preference for athleticism and speed in linebacker selections.
Key points
- 2026 NFL Draft has a deep linebacker class
- Green Bay Packers need long-term linebacker solutions
- Packers prioritize athleticism and speed in linebacker picks
- Average linebacker size for Packers is 6-1 ¾, 238 pounds
- Average 40 time for Packers' linebackers is 4.67 seconds
Green Bay PackersQuay Walker
The linebacker class in the 2026 NFL Draft is a deep one, and having watched Quay Walker leave in free agency, the Green Bay Packers may be looking for more long-term pieces at that position.
Athleticism has become more and more important at linebacker in the modern NFL, and Green Bay has drafted accordingly by chasing premium athletes, particularly in the Brian Gutekunst era.
Including all of Gutekunst’s linebacker picks, as well as Ted Thompson’s in the first three rounds, the team’s average pick at linebacker has been 6-1 ¾, 238 pounds with 31 ⅞” arms. The floors have been 6-0 ⅜, 227 pounds and 30 ¼” arms.
Speed has been the most consistent trait among the Packers’ linebacker picks, with an average 40 time of 4.67, which ranks in the 74th percentile, and the worst time 4.79, which still ranks in the 44th percentile.
It has become even more of a priority in recent years. The average 40 time under Thompson was 4.74, compared to 4.56 since Gutekunst took over in 2018.
The 10-yard split has been even more of a high bar, with an average of 1.62 seconds representing a 74th percentile score and the low at 1.64 still ranking in the 62nd percentile. The average 10 time has improved from 1.64 to 1.59 between the Thompson and Gutekunst eras.
Trending towards even faster prospects is a reflection of where the league is going, with linebackers needing to cover every blade of grass.
It is no secret the Packers value athleticism generally, and it is no different at linebacker. The average 3-cone time has been 7.08 (76th percentile), while the shuttle time has been 4.31 (74th percentile) and the average broad jump 9-11(72nd percentile).
There are instances of Green Bay drafting players with poor scores in those areas, but explosion and agility and important factors, not just straight line speed.
Based on the kind of athletes the Packers have drafted, here are the best fits in the 2026 class, ranked between No. 30 and 350 on the consensus big board, along with their ranking:
- Jacob Rodriguez - Texas Tech (45)
Q&A
What are the top linebacker prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The article discusses the ten best linebacker fits for the Green Bay Packers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
How has Quay Walker's departure affected the Packers' linebacker needs?
Quay Walker's exit in free agency has created a need for the Packers to find long-term linebacker solutions.
What traits do the Packers prioritize in linebacker selections?
The Packers prioritize athleticism and speed, with an average 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds among their linebacker picks.
What is the average size of linebackers drafted by the Packers?
The average size of linebackers drafted by the Packers is 6-1 ¾ inches tall and 238 pounds.
