The Green Bay Packers are going into the 2026 NFL draft with only eight draft picks and plenty of roster needs to address after another promising season fell apart late. Despite three straight playoff appearances, the Packers haven’t finished higher than the No. 7 seed in the postseason field or advanced past the divisional round during the Jordan Love era. Without a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers will need to win Day 2 and 3 to find contributors and long-term foundational pieces in this year’s draft.
Can the Packers use the 2026 draft to finally get over the hump in the NFC?
Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview continues at offensive line:
On the roster
Short term need
Low to moderate. Every team in the NFL seeks more depth and competition along the offensive line in the short term. Your definition of the need here must start with an evaluation of the 2025 season, and if the new expected starters can improve the line overall. Injuries killed the Packers up front last season, so any kind of immediate bounce back must start with staying healthy. But even with Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins departing, the Packers have big investments made in five expected starters, including Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Sean Rhyan at center and Anthony Belton at right guard. Darian Kinnard returns as a capable guard/right tackle/inline tight end option, and the Packers have three recent draft picks ready to compete for backup roles (Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, John Williams).
Long term need
Low to moderate. The five expected starters for 2026 are all signed through at least 2027, so there is stability if all goes to plan. Then again, things rarely go to plan and often change fast in the NFL, and it’s possible new starters could be needed at guard and center as soon as 2027. Always have contingency plans along the offensive line. Investing another draft pick — potentially one with multi-position potential in the NFL — would give the Packers another developmental insurance plan.
Chances of drafting position
Moderate to high. The Packers probably like their top six along the offensive line, but investing in the offensive line should be a yearly exercise. So much developmental is required for incoming draft picks. And the injury rate along the offensive line is 100 percent. Having developmental players in the pipeline to create lasting depth is incredibly valuable. With six picks on Day 3, the Packers are likely to exit with at least one pick of an offensive lineman.
Depth of draft class
Strong. The draft class appears to be littered with Day 3 options for the Packers, who like specific types of offensive linemen in terms of size, athleticism, experience and versatility. For a team with five likely starters but needing competition, this class lines up nicely.
Potential options, OT
Potential options, G/C
Last offensive lineman drafted: John Williams, seventh round, 2025
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft preview: OL starters in place, but competition necessary
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
