Breaking down the Green Bay Packers draft picks, team needs and 2026 NFL mock draft projections, including Lee Hunter.
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The Green Bay Packers got off to a terrific start last season, but it all unraveled in the final month. A 9-3-1 record turned into four straight losses to close the regular season, along with the loss of star pass-rusher Micah Parsons to injury. Another trip to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed quickly ended in a one-and-done appearance.
To the chagrin of many fans and apparently several players, Matt LaFleur signed a multi-year contract extension to remain the team’s head coach this offseason, while GM Brian Gutekunst was also retained. The coaching staff will feature a new defensive coordinator, with former Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon stepping into that role.
The Packers will be unable to improve their roster in the first round of the draft after sending their pick to Dallas in the trade for Parsons. As a result, the process of addressing key needs will begin in the latter portion of Round 2.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Green Bay Packers NFL Draft picks, team needs and second-round mock drafts.
Green Bay Packers Draft Picks | 2026 NFL Draft
| Round | Pick | From |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 52 | |
| 3 | 84 | |
| 4 | 120 | |
| 5 | 153 | via ATL |
| 5 | 160 | |
| 6 | 201 | |
| 7 | 236 | |
| 7 | 255 | Compensatory |
Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs
Cornerback
Improving the secondary at the cornerback position should be one of the Packers’ top priorities in the draft. Green Bay ranked just 18th in completion percentage allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season. While Benjamin St.-Juste was among the free agency acquisitions, Nate Hobbs departed. Keisean Nixon remains a less-than-desirable top option on the depth chart at the position.
Defensive Tackle
The arrival of Jonathan Gannon means that the Packers will also have a new defensive scheme. The transition to a 3-4 front would be aided by the addition of a run stopper in the middle of the defensive line. Signing Javon Hargrave in free agency gives Green Bay another big body on the interior along with 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt. However, the Packers would be wise to secure an additional option in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Offensive Line
The Packers have utilized a lot of late-round draft capital on the offensive line in recent years. However, depth behind the starters across the board remains a real concern. Based on the current depth chart, one injury could spell major trouble up front. This might not be the most pressing Green Bay Packers NFL Draft need on paper, but it might be wise to spring for a lineman early, given all of the great players available at the position in this year’s class.
Other Packers Draft Needs
- Wide Receiver
- Running Back
- EDGE
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Packers to approach their first draft pick.
Packers Mock Drafts | Second-Round Picks
Here are three Green Bay Packers mock drafts for the second round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network. Who do draft pundits think the Packers will select with their first selection at No. 52 overall?
No. 52 | Packers NFL Draft Pick
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech | ESPN
If the decision to prioritize a massive run-stopper is made, Lee Hunter certainly fits the mold. After three years at UCF, Hunter was part of the vaunted Texas Tech defensive front in his senior season. He totaled 31 tackles for loss over the past three seasons, and has the size, power and lateral mobility to clog gaps in the middle, whether he is playing in an odd or even front. Some mocks even have him being a first-round pick.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State | CBS
One of the major appeals to Chris Johnson as a prospect is that he can be plugged into multiple defensive schemes. He was a disciplined cover corner throughout his college career and rarely, if ever, got overly handsy with receivers. Sound footwork and technique are big reasons for why this was the case. While he struggles at times to cover bigger wideouts, he would be a welcome addition to the current secondary if selected in the Green Bay Packers NFL Draft.
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma | NFL Network
While Gracen Halton is a quick and nimble rusher compared to many defensive linemen, he is a bit undersized. Thus, landing in the right defensive scheme will be critical to his success at the NFL level. Halton has excellent footwork, agility and body control to slip off blocks, but his leverage and lack of size might be concerns when it comes to the Packers’ specific need of a run-stopper.
