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 finishes at safety:
On the roster
Short term need
Low. McKinney and Williams form one of the league’s best starting duos, Bullard can move back from the slot and play safety whenever needed, and Oladapo is entering his third season after playing safety and the slot (although sparingly) during his first two seasons. The Packers did lose special teamer Zayne Anderson to Miami, and Bullard playing in the slot more might create an opportunity to add depth.
Long term need
Low. The top four at safety are signed through the 2027 season, and keeping the top three past 2027 is a realistic scenario.
Chances of drafting position
Low. Green Bay has done a little work on the safety class, and it’s possible the Packers are looking for a developmental “big nickel” type to pair with the current safeties. A late Day 3 pick on a safety who could immediately contribute on special teams is another possibility.
Depth of draft class
Strong. The Packers don’t need to target a safety, but the class is filled with Packers types. There are good athletes who can run, play the slot and play deep. There’s a chance the Packers have a few safeties they really like in this class.
Potential options
Last safety drafted: Kitan Oladapo, fifth round, 2024
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft preview: Room to add a safety?
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
