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New 7-round mock draft sees Packers trade for the cornerback they desperately need

Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette
Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette | Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Green Bay Packers are without a first-round pick for the first time since 1986. This is, of course, due to the acquisition of superstar edge Micah Parsons.

With seven draft picks in 2026, general manager Brian Gutekunst will have to work from the Packers' first selection at No. 52 onward and find talent that can produce for the Packers both immediately and in the future.

Based on what the Packers could use to build off of 2025, here is a mock draft of what the Packers could be going for in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Packers go all-out to fix defense in latest 7-round mock draft

Round 2 (52): Christen Miller, DL, Georgia

Interior defensive lineman Christen Miller makes a lot of sense for the Packers. At 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, Miller is a monstrous run defender. Although his pass-rush game is not yet developed, his exceptional run defense may be hard to overlook.

Miller does not have an official Relative Athletic Score to display his level of athleticism, which could be a potential flag for the Packers. However, given that the Packers are hosting Miller on an official pre-draft visit, it presumably shows their genuine interest in learning more about him. Additionally, it does not hurt that Miller is a Georgia Bulldog, given the Packers' recent interest in taking players from their program.

Green Bay does not have a lot of defensive line depth behind fellow Georgia product Devonte Wyatt, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury on Thanksgiving. After trading Colby Wooden, the Packers are stretched thin.

Given Miller's size, strength, and run-stuffing ability, he could already be off the board before the Packers even have the chance to pick him. However, if Miller is sitting there at No. 52, the Packers should be taking a long look at him.

Round 3 (84): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

It may come as a surprise that I am suggesting double-dipping on the interior defensive line with the Packers' first two selections, but it was apparent down the stretch of 2025 that help is needed.

Domonique Orange, nicknamed "Big Citrus", is more than just an awesome nickname. At 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, Orange is another big body in the middle of the field who can push offensive linemen back. Having just attended his pre-draft workout, the Packers clearly are keeping their eye on Orange, who could certainly fit in as a nose tackle in their defensive interior.

While Orange is not necessarily the most exciting player to watch, he gets the job done in the middle of the field. He showed off his athleticism with an impressive vertical (31.5 inches) on his way to gaining an (unofficial) 8.78/10 Relative Athletic Score.

Orange's athleticism, size, and strength make him an appealing piece for NFL defenses, who could use his tools to help stop the run. He may not be an every-down player, but he can certainly be an impactful one. Once again, there is no guarantee Orange makes it to pick 84, but adding Big Citrus to Green Bay could be in the cards. The team could rebuild its interior defensive line in just one night.

TRADE: Packers move up in a deal with the Seahawks

Round 3 (96): Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

Surprise! With the Seattle Seahawks having just four draft picks, they could be a potential trade candidate. In this mock trade, the Packers acquire pick No. 96 in exchange for picks 120, 201, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. While the exact compensation is difficult to predict, this deal gives the Seahawks more draft capital, while the Packers can step up to the podium and take a cornerback before Round 7 for the first time since 2021.

Cornerback Daylen Everette is another Georgia product who the Packers should be very interested in. At 21 years old, Everette is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, someone who truly fits the mold for what the Packers like in their cornerbacks.

If Brian Gutekunst didn't like him enough already, he has a 9.88/10 Relative Athletic Score and a 90.1 PFF grade when defending the run, two numbers that the Packers will love.

It is worth noting that Everette is not the best in man coverage, but certainly thrives in zone. Fortunately, the Packers mostly play zone coverage, and that is expected to continue under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

The Georgia corner also has great positioning skills and runs a quick 4.38 40-yard dash, but does lack ball skills at the catch point. While he can often be in a good position to make plays, he often lacks the finishing play that can be the difference between a reception and a pass breakup.

Round 5 (160): J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

Illinois product J.C. Davis is an intriguing fit for the Packers because of his experience and potential versatility. Davis started in 49 consecutive games over his four years in college, between his time at New Mexico and Illinois. Additionally, his 6-foot-4, 322-pound frame, tied in with his experience, could make him a versatile chess piece that Gutekunst and the Packers love to take advantage of.

Davis made the All-Big Ten first team for his services at Illinois, thanks to traits like his quickness, patient hands, and heavy hitting. However, there are certainly concerns with Davis as well. Issues with timing, posture, and balance will likely keep him from going higher than Day 3 in the NFL draft.

That said, the Packers have a ton of recent success with drafting Day 3 offensive line talents, and this pick would also give them some insurance along the offensive line.

Round 7 (236): Drew Stevens, K, Iowa

It is no secret that the Packers have a kicking problem, and quite frankly, they have had one ever since Mason Crosby retired. Brandon McManus struggled last season, and it would not be surprising to see the Packers use one of their two seventh-round picks to add competition.

Drew Stevens has a combination of accuracy and distance that could certainly translate to the NFL level. He also suggested that kicking in the Iowa conditions could help him in colder environments, which is perfect for Green Bay. The Packers have met virtually with Stevens, which shows potential interest.

Round 7 (255): J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia

After the departure of Emanuel Wilson, adding a running back to support Josh Jacobs should come as no surprise. Former third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd has been unable to stay on the field and has hardly taken any snaps for the Packers, so adding to the running back room in the seventh round provides some insurance.

J'Mari Taylor has good balance, is solid in pass protection, and can contribute in the receiving game. Taylor would be a change of pace from Jacobs' powerful play style. Although he is a smaller back at 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Taylor's combination of tools can be useful to the Packers out of the backfield, and as someone who could contribute on special teams.

Last season, Taylor had 1,315 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns for Virginia.

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