The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. The Green Bay Packers enter this year with seven selections although they do not have a first-round pick. Here is a look at the Packers short-term and long-term needs on defense and special teams at each position heading into the draft.
Short-term needs are for the 2026 season whether they are for starters or for depth at a given position. Long-term needs are designed to add future starters, to add depth and to replace players who may be retiring, becoming free agents or released for cap reasons in the future.
Packers 2026 Draft Needs on Defense, Defensive Line: Short Term Need, Moderately High
The Packers have an elite edge rusher in Micah Parsons but there are questions after that. GM Brian Gutekunst traded Rashan Gary while Kingsley Enagbare signed with the Jets as a free agent. The Packers are counting on former first round pick Lukas Van Ness to take over as the starter. There are questions about who will start opposite Van Ness until Parsons returns from injury. Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Arron Mosby are on the roster, and all have shown flashes, but none has an established resume as a starter
Devonte Wyatt will play this season on his fifth-year option. He gives the Packers some pass rush from the interior of the defensive line. Newly signed Javon Hargrave will also do that. Karl Brooks provides depth along with Warren Brinson. Nazir Stackhouse is presently the only true nose tackle on the roster and another run stopping defensive tackle/nose tackle remains a very big need right now.
Long Term Need: Moderately High
For the second straight year, Wyatt enters the final year of his contract as does Brooks. So, the defensive tackle need for the long-term is high.
At defensive end, a lot will depend on what happens to Van Ness. The Packers could pick up his fifth-year option or sign him to a long-term extension. If they don’t, the need at defensive end goes up unless the younger players on the roster show they are ready for larger roles.
Packers 2026 Draft Needs on Defense, Linebacker: Short Term Need, Moderately Low
Quay Walker left in free agency and will be replaced by Zaire Franklin. Edgerrin Cooper should have a larger role in 2026 and hopefully can make more big plays like he did in his rookie campaign. Isaiah McDuffie provides leadership and experience. The Packers hope they can see more from former third-round pick, Ty’Ron Hopper as he enters his third NFL season.
Long Term Need: Moderate
McDuffie will be playing on the final year of his contract, so the Packers either need to re-sign him or find a replacement by 2027.
If Cooper continues to play well and Hopper takes on a bigger role, the team has a nice combination of speed, athleticism and depth. Even if Franklin plays well, he’ll turn 30 in July, and the team needs to think about an eventual replacement. A little more depth would be a big help for the Packers.
Packers 2026 Draft Needs on Defense, Cornerback: Short Term Need, High
The Packers lack a legitimate number one cover corner. Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon return with Nixon being the de facto CB1, but he’s too inconsistent to truly fill that role. Valentine needs to improve his tackling. He will likely be challenged be free agent addition Benjamin St-Juste.
Javon Bullard provides the Packers with strong play in the slot and Nixon can also play there if needed.
Depth at cornerback remains a major concern heading into the draft.
Long Term Need: Moderately High
More depth is needed here. Valentine enters the final year of his rookie contract so Gutekunst has to determine whether he’s worth signing to a second deal. Nixon will also need a new contract for 2027 if he’s going to remain in Green Bay, but his age and inconsistency make that less likely.
The Packers need both short-term depth and long-term top talent at this position.
NFL teams consider cornerback a premium position, so the team is always looking to add players here.
Packers 2026 Draft Needs on Defense, Safety: Short Term Need, Low
Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams give the Packers one of the best starting duos in the league. Bullard can also step in and play safety.
Kitan Oladapo provides depth although a little more depth couldn’t hurt.
Long Term Need: Moderately Low
All of the primary players at safety are signed beyond 2026, so really, depth and special teams contributions are what Gutekunst would look for if he adds a player here. The Packers could add a safety, but it would not be a high priority in this year’s draft.
Packers 2026 Draft Needs on Special Teams: Short Term Need, Moderate
Veteran kicker Brandon McManus will return after a shaky season that featured some mid-season injuries. He also missed key kicks in the playoff loss to Chicago. Lucas Havrisik replaced McManus when he was injured and will return to challenge him in training camp. He set a Packers record for the longest field goal but had a few missed extra points in his third game.
Punter Daniel Whelan led the NFL in punting average which is quite an accomplishment when you play half your games at Lambeau Field. He also did a good job holding for field goals and extra points.
Matt Orzech is the only long snapper on the roster right now and his job appears to be safe.
The Packers signed Skyy Moore to take over as their return specialist. That was a major need prior to his signing since the Pack ranked dead last in punt return average last season and the kick returns were only average.
The team needs to improve their coverage and blocking on punt and kick returns.
Long Term Need: N/A
It’s tough to determine long-term needs at special teams as this is a position because there usually is a lot of turnover at the position on a year-by-year basis. Special teams needs are addressed on a more immediate basis.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
Check out our YouTube channel here
