The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a week away. The Green Bay Packers don’t pick until round two and currently hold the 52nd overall selection. This is the next in a series of articles looking at players the Packers may be interested in selecting in the early rounds of this year’s draft. The only players listed here are realistic possibilities for the Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to pick on day two of the draft or who fill specific needs for the team right now. Today we will examine defensive tackles. Here are five defensive tackles the Packers could select on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft. You can see our list of cornerbacks here.
Five Defensive Tackles the Packers Could Select on Day Two: The State of the Packers Defensive Tackles Entering the 2026 NFL Draft
The Packers will be switching to a 3-4 base defense this season under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. The Packers have Devonte Wyatt returning along with veterans Karl Brooks and Jonathan Ford and second-year men Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse. They also added veteran Javon Hargrave in free agency.
The team lacks a proven run-stuffing nose tackle and overall depth at the position. With Wyatt and Brooks set to be free agents after the coming season, starters for the long term are also needed.
So here is a list of possible defensive tackles the Packers may take early in the 2026 draft. They are not listed in any particular order. These are not the best available players but are players the Packers could take with one of their day two picks in the draft or if they trade up slightly to grab a particular player, they have their eye on.
Defensive Tackles the Packers Could Select on Day Two of the 2026 NFL Draft, Number One: Christen Miller, Georgia
Chris Miller is taller than the Packers typically prefer at defensive tackle at 6’6” and 327 pounds. He provides strong play against the run and occasionally pass rush productivity.
Miller remains one of the top ranked defensive tackles in this draft and may be taken earlier than the 52nd overall pick where the Packers are set to select. However, he would also give the Packers a defensive tackle who could probably step in and contribute immediately as a rookie, and there aren’t many players available in this year’s draft who fit that description.
He also has an injury history that may be a concern to the Packers with shoulder and knee injuries and had surgery on both body parts in college.
Miller would be a bit of a gamble, but he could pay off quickly for a team in win-now mode.
Number Two: Domonique Orange, Iowa State
At 6’2” and 322 pounds, Domonique Orange has the build for a typical nose tackle. Nicknamed “Big Citrus,” Orange has long arms and quick hands to stuff the run.
Orange won’t add much in the way of pass rush. He earned high grades against the run but won’t add much pressure on the quarterback. He also didn’t do the full athletic testing at the combine due to an injury, which may be a concern for the Packers.
He has struggled to keep his weight in check, but credits Iowa State and its culture with helping him stay at the desired weight. Most scouts view him as either a second or third round pick. The Packers would probably be more eager to snag him in the third round if possible.
Defensive Tackles the Packers Could Select on Day Two of the 2026 NFL Draft, Number Three: Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Lee Hunter fits the bill as an NFL nose tackle. At 6’3” and 318 pounds he has the size to play the position and uses good body positioning and technique. Hunter’s quickness gives him a good asset when it comes to fending off double teams and finding the ball carrier.
Hunter will occasionally put pressure on the quarterback but does this mostly with bull rushes. He needs to improve his pass rushing technique if he hopes to have an impact in the NFL. He also needs to concentrate on keeping his pad level lower, a bad habit which occasionally costs him at the line of scrimmage.
Hunter grades out as a second or third round pick according to most scouts. He did not go through the full range of athletic testing at the combine which may concern the Packers.
Number Four: Darrell Jackson, Jr. Florida State
Darrell Jackson has long arms and at 6’5” and 315 pounds may be a little taller than the Packers prefer their nose tackles. Jackson does a good job of occupying blockers and holding his ground at the point of attack. He has good strength at the point of attack and a nose for the ball.
He does need to improve his play recognition and has only average lateral movement. Scouts love his positive attitude in the locker room, and he has proven to be coachable. He needs to add to his moves when it comes to rushing the passer, but the potential appears to be there if he can add some moves to his repertoire.
Most scouts view Jackson as a third-round pick and some even think he could last to the early fourth round. His physical traits make him an intriguing option for the Packers even though he didn’t complete all of the tests at the combine due to a groin injury.
Defensive Tackles the Packers Could Select On Day Two of the 2026 NFL Draft, Number Five: Caleb Banks, Florida
Caleb Banks has one major issue that could keep the Packers from drafting him: his injury history. He has a history of foot injuries and that includes fracturing the fourth metatarsal bone in his left foot at the combine. He won’t be able to return to practice June, two months after the draft.
Banks can play multiple positions along the defensive line including nose and five-technique. At 6’6” and 327 pounds, he’s a little taller than the Packers typically like in their defensive tackles. His arms and hands are big, and he has a basketball background which helps him move quickly and with agility.
He has the ability to rush the passer and play the run, but he has to keep his pad level lower and stay healthy. If he can stay healthy, he may be one of the top defensive tackles in the draft. Are the Packers willing to take that chance?
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