The Green Bay Packers are expected to invest in a running back during the upcoming draft, having met with three potential candidates. This aligns with their strategy of prioritizing positions based on pre-draft visits.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Prepare yourself for the Packers to make a move at running back next week.
I wrote last week about the Packersā pre-draft visits tipping their priorities a bit, and thatās still true. The picture has clarified since then: with 23 visits now reported, the Packers have touched base with five different cornerbacks. Usually when they meet with five or more players at a position, the Packers end up drafting someone at that spot. Thereās no need to pencil anything in; put a cornerback down with pen for next weekās draft.
But running back is in a three-way tie beyond that; the Packers have visited with three running backs, three wide receivers, and three defensive lineman, and it wouldnāt be a surprise to see them draft any or all of those positions, and I really think running back deserves to be among them.
Weāve discussed the unique position the Packers are in at wide receiver before: other than Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, everyone in the wide receiver room is a free agent after this year. They have to add bodies there, if only to have some kind of backfill in place. But running back isnāt much better off. Josh Jacobs should practically be considered a free agent for next year, MarShawn Lloyd has been an invisible man so far in his career, and while Chris Brooks is under contract for multiple years, I donāt think anyone, however big a fan of his you might be, is looking for a Brooks-led backfield in Green Bay.
That doesnāt add up to running back being a screaming, high-priority need, but they could use another prospect in the pipeline. They should add someone soon, and it might be as soon as next weekās draft.
The Packers had theoretical openings at receiver even before Wicks left due to their unique contract situation, but now the position looks like a priority.
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Q&A
Why do the Packers need to invest in a running back?
The Packers are looking to strengthen their running game, which has been identified as a priority based on their pre-draft visits.
How many running backs have the Packers met with before the draft?
The Packers have met with three running backs in preparation for the draft.
What positions are the Packers likely to draft in the upcoming draft?
In addition to running back, the Packers are likely to draft cornerbacks, wide receivers, and defensive linemen based on their pre-draft visits.
When is the Packers' next draft event scheduled?
The Packers' next draft event is scheduled for next week.
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